Vibrant, monumental, and thrilling. Mexico Metropolis boasts quite a few historic websites, scrumptious conventional meals, and infinite issues to do. The capital metropolis of Mexico is simple to entry and extremely inexpensive.
There are various issues to do in Mexico Metropolis, however above all, it’s a metropolis of surprises.
Whereas it’s identified worldwide for its monumental city sprawl and troubles with air pollution, what typically will get ignored of the story are the town’s beautiful parks, pleasant folks, easy-to-use metro system, and quirky highlights — like being dwelling to the one fortress in North America that ever housed precise sovereigns.
Finest Issues To Do in Mexico Metropolis
There are various places to visit in Mexico, with Mexico Metropolis being a best choice. Even in case you simply have a couple of days in the city, you’ll be capable of see and do lots. It’s one of many extra attention-grabbing cities to go to and I loved my keep right here.
Listed below are 25 thrilling and distinctive issues to do in Mexico Metropolis that you just gained’t wish to miss.
1. Go to the Zocalo
There’s no higher place to start out a visit to Mexico Metropolis than within the Zocalo, the town’s principal sq. and the guts of the Centro Historico neighborhood.
What you discover within the Zocalo will rely upon when you visit Mexico. After I travelled to Mexico Metropolis in December, I used to be greeted with a large Christmas tree and an ice skating rink, however no matter whenever you go, you’re assured to search out the Zocalo teeming with folks.
For an inexpensive and informative tour across the Zocalo and the remainder of Mexico Metropolis’s historic zone, try this highly-rated walking tour.
2. Test Out the Metropolitan Cathedral
One of many first belongings you’ll discover within the Zocalo is the Metropolitan Cathedral, which dominates the sq. and instantly attracts the attention.
This tour takes you to the Metropolitan Cathedral and lots of different websites with a pleasant and knowledgable information who will assist carry these points of interest to life with tales, historical past and humor.
Click Here to study extra about this tour together with a go to to the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Opulent on the surface and gilded in gold on the within, the Metropolitan Cathedral is (unsurprisingly) paying homage to the cathedrals in Spain.
Going inside is certainly a should, and in case your Spanish is robust sufficient to take heed to a tour within the language, undoubtedly think about taking a rooftop tour of the cathedral. The tour will permit you not solely to admire the attractive rooftops however to see the Zocalo from above.
The cathedral is open from 8am – 8pm, and is free to enter. There’s a small further cost to go to the rooftop. A go to right here is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Mexico Metropolis.
3. Step Again in Time at Templo Mayor
Everybody is aware of about Teotihuacan (and you need to undoubtedly add it to your record of issues to do in Mexico Metropolis!), however you don’t want to go outdoors the town middle to admire Aztec ruins.
Templo Mayor is without doubt one of the coolest Mexico Metropolis points of interest and through this fun walking tour, you’ll be given detailed explanations about this attraction and lots of extra across the historic middle of Mexico Metropolis. Click Here to study extra in regards to the tour.
What we now name Mexico Metropolis was as soon as known as Tenochtitlan by the Aztecs, and because the fashionable Mexico Metropolis, Tenochtitlan was the capital metropolis and the middle of their society.
Templo Mayor was destroyed by the Spanish as a way to make room for the Metropolitan Cathedral that now sits subsequent door to the ruins. It was a central non secular level for Aztec society and made up of two temples that sat side-by-side.
At present, it’s fascinating to stroll among the many ruins of the Aztec temples, particularly as you may see the passage of time by trying up on the Metropolitan Cathedral and listen to the hustle and bustle of contemporary Mexico Metropolis past the complicated partitions.
Templo Mayor is open from 9am – 6pm day by day besides Mondays, and prices 70 pesos ($3.75) to enter.
4. Go to the Nationwide Palace
The seat of Mexico Metropolis’s authorities has sat on the positioning of the National Palace relationship again to the Aztecs. Actually, a lot of the trendy palace is constructed from supplies that have been beforehand a part of the previous palace utilized by Moctezuma II.
Dramatic historical past apart, there’s one more reason to go to the Nationwide Palace when you’re in Mexico Metropolis. The palace homes a number of murals by well-known artist Diego Rivera that depict the historical past of Mexico in vivid element.
The Nationwide Palace is free to enter and is open from 9am – 5pm, day by day besides Monday. Discover it on the map, here.
You may as well join this cool walking tour and the primary cease on it’s The Nationwide Palace. Along with your educated information, you’ll get a significantly better understanding of the palace and different historic websites in Mexico Metropolis.
Click here to study extra about this tour together with The Nationwide Palace.
5. Spend a day at Teotihuacan
When travelling to Mexico, you gained’t wish to miss the traditional metropolis of Teotihuacan, which is greatest identified within the English-speaking world by the nickname that the Aztecs gave it: The Metropolis of the Gods.
In the event you do head out to the ruins, don’t miss this incredible Hot Air Balloon Tour over Teotihuacan. That is undoubtedly the good strategy to see the ruins.
Alternatively, you may join this small group tour to Teotihuacan, the Guadalupe Shrine, & Tlatelolco. The 9-hour tour consists of transport, a information and lunch. Click Here to study extra.
Fastidiously laid out, mysterious to behold, and dotted with a number of pyramids, Teotihuacan is to not be ignored on any record of issues to do in Mexico. A go to right here is an easy day trip from Mexico City and is a must-do when you have the time.
Go to to admire the archaeological ruins and history, to marvel on the structure, or just climb a pyramid. The Pyramid of the Solar and the Pyramid of the Moon can each be climbed, although put together your self for the warmth and problem!
My favourite a part of Teotihuacan is a chunk of its historical past — or relatively, a lacking piece of its historical past. Although right now we affiliate the town with the Aztecs, it was constructed a full thousand years earlier than the Aztecs ever bought their palms on it.
As for who built it within the first place… properly, that continues to be a thriller.
Teotihuacan is definitely reached through buses leaving from the Autobuses del Norte station in Mexico Metropolis. The bus journey takes about an hour every approach. The complicated is open day by day from 9am – 5pm, and prices 70 pesos ($3.75) to enter.
Nevertheless, one of the simplest ways to go to is to join a tour which incorporates transport, entrance price, and a information. This manner, you gained’t must kind out your transportation and you’ll study what you’re taking a look at!
A go to right here is definitely one of many high things to do in Mexico as a complete, and is without doubt one of the top Mexico City tours. Discover out extra in regards to the Teotihuacan excursions here, or see our put up about how to visit Teotihuacan.
6. Wander By means of Chapultepec Park
Protecting practically 1700 acres and housing all the things from museums to a fortress to the world’s friendliest squirrels, Chapultepec Park is a shady, inexperienced oasis that’s the excellent spot to retreat from the densely populated city areas that encompass it in Mexico Metropolis.
Many standard sights and funky issues to do in CDMX are situated inside the large park, together with Chapultepec Fortress and the Anthropology Museum.
The primary cease on this fun walking tour is Chapultepec Park and it additionally visits different websites within the metropolis like Altar a la Patria, and
Museo Nacional de Antropologia.
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7. Soak in Views of Mexico Metropolis
Situated inside Chapultepec Park, Chapultepec Fortress boasts the curious designation of being the one fortress in North America that was ever lived in by precise sovereigns.
Although the fortress itself is fairly in its approach (to me, it has fairly a contemporary really feel, although development started within the final 18th century), it’s the views which might be the true showstopper.
Set on the high of Chapultepec Hill, you may stand on the grounds of the fortress and admire the vast swath of inexperienced that’s Chapultepec Park, plus you’ll get superb views of the skyline of Mexico Metropolis, skyscrapers and all, that stand up past the bushes. Chapultepec Fortress prices 59 pesos ($3.15) to enter.
This tour takes that each one in and rather more. Click here to e book.
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8. Go to the Anthropology Museum
Usually touted as the most effective museum in Mexico Metropolis, the Anthropology Museum holds the triple risk of being set in a beautiful location (Chapultepec Park), impeccably designed with fascinating structure, and stuffed to the brim with fascinating displays.
The ultimate cease on this tour (additionally listed above) is the Anthropology Museum and presents an incredible introduction to the museum’s structure and displays. Click Here to study extra in regards to the tour.
Centered on pre-Columbian civilizations in what’s right now fashionable Mexico and the southwest United States, go to the Anthropology Museum to get a style of what Mexico was like earlier than the Europeans ever arrived.
The Anthropology Museum is open from 9am – 7pm day by day besides Monday. There’s a 70 peso ($3.75) entrance price. Even in case you’re not into museums, don’t miss this one. It’s one of many high issues to do in Mexico Metropolis for good cause. Discover it on the map here.
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9. See the Independence Angel
Inbuilt 1910 as a celebration of the centennial of Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain, the golden independence angel is without doubt one of the most acknowledged symbols in Mexico Metropolis.
You may go to the angel for an up-close look on Paseo de la Reforma (the statue is positioned on a roundabout in the course of the road), however you can too catch a glimpse from the veranda of Chapultepec Fortress and admire it from above.
☞ Are you planning to go to different locations in your Mexico travels? Take a look at our articles: Things To Do in Cancun (together with concepts for issues to do away from the seaside), Things To Do in Playa del Carmen, Things To Do in Cozumel – Mexico’s High Island and Things To Do in Tulum.
Additionally, take a look on the superior things to do in Puerto Vallarta, La Paz, Cabo San Lucas and San Cristobal de las Casas.
10. Embrace Your Inside Vacationer at Xochimilco
Unapologetically touristy and over-the-top amusing, visiting Xochimilco is without doubt one of the enjoyable issues to do in Mexico Metropolis with pals.
Xochimilco is roofed in canals that serve one principal goal right now: carting consuming vacationers round in colourful boats whereas they let unfastened and have a superb time.
Rent a ship, pack a cooler of snacks and drinks, or simply decide some up on the best way.
Be warned that the distributors onsite will cost predictably excessive costs given the world’s vacationer standing. Seize some pals, and also you’ll be capable of relax and have a pleasant time in Xochimilco.
You may attain Xochimilco through public transportation by taking the Tren Ligero, which runs all the best way to Xochimilco. The Tren Ligero could be picked up on the finish of the Blue Line 2, on the Tasqueña station.
A journey up and down the river on a shared boat runs about 40 pesos ($2.14) per individual, or you may lease a whole boat with a bunch for about 350 pesos ($18.70) /hour. You may as well join a tour, which takes in different sights of the town, gives transportation, plus the Xochimilco boat journey.
11. Take a look at the Soumaya Museum
Focusing nearly solely on European and Central American artwork, the Soumaya Museum in Mexico Metropolis is distinct for a couple of causes.
Its spectacular 66,000 piece assortment was donated solely by one man (Carlos Slim), the constructing itself is weird and worthy of photographing, and admission is all the time free.
One of the best ways to see the museum is with an skilled information. This highly-rated tour features a pleasant information who will assist carry the museum to life by way of tales and historical past. Click on Right here to study extra in regards to the tour.
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12. Go to The Palacio de Bellas Artes
Although it’s dwelling to Mexico’s premier nice arts assortment and usually hosts operas and theatre performances, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is primarily identified for one factor: the constructing’s spectacular and delightful facade. This is without doubt one of the most lovely issues to see in Mexico Metropolis for certain.
Although I extremely advocate stepping inside and admiring the artwork, undoubtedly plan on being distracted on the palace’s exterior for a bit.
The Palacio de Bellas Artes is open from 10am – 6pm day by day aside from Monday. This walking tour with a information takes within the palace as properly.
13. Stroll By means of Alameda Central
Situated proper subsequent door to the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Alameda Central is a ravishing, shaded park, excellent for strolling round or resting on a bench within the shade.
Alameda Central is impeccably and purposely laid out, and because it was based in 1592, additionally boasts the excellence of being the oldest public park within the Americas!
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14. Admire Mexico Metropolis From Above
The commentary deck of Torre Latinoamericana is dwelling to the most effective view of Mexico Metropolis. It’s on high of this tower that I used to be first capable of totally respect the sheer measurement of the sprawl that makes up Mexico Metropolis.
Positively be sure to add this to your list of issues to do in Mexico Metropolis — even with solely a few days in Mexico City, it’s a must-do when you’re there.
The Torre Latinoamericana is open day by day from 9am – 10pm. You may get your entrance ticket here.
15. Go to the Home of Tiles
Constructed as a palace within the 18th-century, right now the House of Tiles is a restaurant and is understood for its facade which is roofed solely in tiles from Puebla on three sides.
Blue and white and delightful to {photograph}, the Home of Tiles is price a cease whether or not or not you intend to eat there. The outside alone (plus its shut proximity to the Torre Latinoamericana) is sufficient of a cause to go to.
16. Devour Some Avenue Meals
No journey to Mexico Metropolis can be full with out loads of avenue meals. And, in case you’re backpacking Mexico on a price range, you’ll undoubtedly eat your justifiable share of it – which is an efficient factor!
Mexico Metropolis is understood for its vibrant avenue meals scene, and also you’ll discover all the things from freshly fried potato chips to tamales accessible from tiny stalls that can beckon you with every sizzle of the stovetop.
My private favorite avenue food in Mexico Metropolis is tacos al pastor.
Made from meat much like a Turkish kebab or Greek gyro (tacos al pastor have been truly invented by Lebanese immigrants to Mexico that introduced shawarma with them), these cheap and scrumptious tacos are usually served up on corn tortillas and topped with chopped crimson onions and lime juice.
Sampling native meals is certainly the most effective issues to do in Mexico Metropolis. In the event you’d relatively head out on a meals tour with a neighborhood who is aware of the most effective spots, click here.
Consuming avenue meals is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Mexico metropolis within the morning, afternoon or at night…mainly, anytime!
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17. Stroll By means of Roma & Condesa
In the event you’re searching for fashionable cafes and cups of espresso galore, you want to add visiting Roma & Condesa to your record of issues to do in Mexico Metropolis (in actual fact, you would possibly even wish to pick a hotel that is in that area).
These neighborhoods are identified for his or her hipster vibe, a plethora of cafes, tree-lined streets, and wonderful espresso. There are various enjoyable things to do at night in Mexico City within the Roma and Condesa areas.
For digital nomads living in Mexico City, these two neighbourhoods supply nice lodging, many cafes, coworking areas, and all of the facilities a distant employee may wish. Plus, there are some great rooftop bars here!
Take a look at our guide to where to stay in Mexico City, and our record of the best Condesa Airbnbs.
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18. Take a look at Frida Kahlo’s Home
In the event you’re a fan of the historical past of Frida Kahlo or her husband Diego Rivera, don’t miss a visit to the Frida Kahlo house when you’re in Mexico Metropolis!
Also referred to as “The Blue Home”, the house tells the story of Frida Kahlo (she lived there most of her life, together with her childhood), and although not a lot of her artwork is on show right here, her historical past is. You will discover it here on the map, and ensure to book your entry tickets ahead of time.
19. Go to the Dwelling of Leon Trotsky
Only a brief stroll away from Frida Kahlo’s home sits the previous dwelling of Leon Trotsky, the place he lived, was assassinated, and the place his ashes (together with these of his spouse) at the moment are interred.
Although the house-turned-museum is small, it gives a glance inside the private lifetime of Leon Trotsky. A go to right here is without doubt one of the extra offbeat issues to do in Mexico Metropolis.
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20. Go to The Witchcraft Market
On the lookout for a market expertise that goes past fruits, greens, and souvenirs?
Head to the Mercado de Sonora – also referred to as the witchcraft market. A visit here is without doubt one of the bizarre issues to do in Mexico Metropolis you gained’t wish to miss out on.
Whereas typical wares can be found right here, so are all method of products related to spells and rituals meant to change your world by way of witchcraft. A number of religions are represented out there, together with Voodoo. This market tour with a information takes on this Sonora Market plus the bustling La Merced Market as properly. Book your spot here.
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21. Peruse The Books at Cafebreria el Pendulo
One half bookstore, one half cafe, Cafebreria el Pendulo is a must-see for e book lovers visiting Mexico Metropolis.
Embellished with residing crops, the store manages to really feel pristine, fashionable, and in addition just a little bit wild all on the identical time. Come to take pleasure in a cup of espresso, learn a e book, or each. In the event you’re questioning what to do in Mexico Metropolis for a relaxed, chilled-out afternoon, that is it.
22. Have a Fabulous Meal at Pujol
In spite of everything the road meals you may have (hopefully) been consuming in Mexico Metropolis, undoubtedly think about mixing it up and getting into the wrong way for dinner one evening.
Pujol is one in every of Mexico Metropolis’s high eating places, and although it’s not cheap by Mexico Metropolis requirements, it’s well worth the cash contemplating it’s listed as one of many World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
23. Step Contained in the Publish Workplace
Mexico Metropolis’s Palacio Postal (also referred to as its Fundamental Publish Workplace) is understood for a couple of issues: its unimaginable magnificence, its distinctive structure, and the truth that – even by way of a few sizable earthquakes – it has operated repeatedly for greater than 100 years.
Step inside to completely respect the pedestrian, on a regular basis enterprise of a put up workplace set towards a gilded, golden inside that looks like it could be higher fitted to a palace than for one thing as mundane as sorting mail. Don’t miss this walking tour which takes within the Publish Workplace as properly.
24. Watch a Lucha Libre Match
Whether or not you want wrestling or not, an evening of Lucha Libre ought to be excessive atop your record of issues to do in Mexico Metropolis. It’s an vital a part of the tradition, and the luchadores certain placed on a tremendous present!
The most effective place to see a match is within the capital on the Area Mexico on Tuesday and Friday nights, in addition to on Sunday afternoons. Fridays are essentially the most thrilling matches, as a result of, properly, it’s the weekend!
Click here to e book a tour to an evening of Lucha Libre, together with tequila, ringside seating, a Lucha libre masks, transportation, and information! This is without doubt one of the extra loopy issues to do in Mexico Metropolis, don’t miss it.
25. Discover the Markets
Mexico Metropolis is dwelling to many markets which might be stuffed with locals going out their day, buying items for the week. From the butchers and bakers to the produce distributors, these markets generally is a one-stop store.
For vacationers, visiting the markets may give you a glimpse into the on a regular basis lifetime of a Mexican, and generally is a very attention-grabbing expertise. You may as well buy some gadgets for the day, or in case you’re living in Mexico, for the week.
La Merced is without doubt one of the metropolis’s most bustling, native, and hectic markets. However, that’s what makes it so superb! Join this walking tour to find this unimaginable market, which incorporates meals tastings alongside the best way.
Issues To Do in Mexico Metropolis: FAQs
Listed below are solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting Mexico Metropolis’s high sights and points of interest.
Mexico Metropolis is understood for being one of many oldest and largest cities within the Americas. It’s a populous metropolis with infinite cultural points of interest, world-famous eating places, and high museums.
Per week in Mexico Metropolis can be preferrred, a few days is doable. Nevertheless, many individuals go to on only a weekend and also you’ll nonetheless be capable of see the primary sights. With per week, you’d be capable of add on some nice day journeys to see the Frido Khalo Home, the unimaginable ruins of Teotihuacan and Xochimilco. Town is so large and there are such a lot of issues to see and do in Mexico Metropolis that you possibly can spend a month and nonetheless have extra to see.
Mexico Metropolis is price a go to on any journey to Mexico. It’s a buzzing metropolis with many museums to see, markets to go to, structure to admire, and fabulous meals to feast on. It doesn’t matter what you’re thinking about, you’ll discover it right here.
As one of many largest cities within the Americas, there is crime in Mexico City. Maintain your wits about you, particularly at evening, and stick with tourist-friendly areas (La Condesa, Roma, Polanco, Reforma, Santa Maria La Ribera, Coyoacán, and the Centro Histórico). It’s suggested to keep away from the Ciudad Neza, Iztapalapa, Doctores and Tepito districts. Act as you’ll in any main metropolis on this planet, and try to be nice.
The must-see issues in Mexico Metropolis are: the Zocalo, Bellas Artes, Metropolitan Cathedral, Nationwide Palace and Anthropology Museum. Most of those could be visited on a strolling tour in a day.
In Conclusion
As you may see, Mexico Metropolis is a spot you possibly can spend some time…there’s simply one thing in regards to the thrilling vibe right here that can have you ever coming again for extra.
Though a bit intimidating at first resulting from its measurement, you’ll quickly notice that the town is definitely fairly manageable. With improbable eating choices, fantastic structure, historical websites, and a vibrant ambiance, give your self a minimum of 5 days to take pleasure in all that Mexico Metropolis has to supply.
Photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
