Are you about to go to Mexico City or, as the locals would say, Ciudad de Mexico? Let me show you some of our favorite places in this huge cosmopolitan city. These are the 12 things to do in and around Mexico City, we really enjoyed.
Why should you visit Mexico City?
For many travelers, Mexico City is just a destination to fly in when they’re about to explore the rest of Mexico or catch a flight to Guatemala. There is much more to see in this mega city than you might think! And you can get to Guatemala by bus later. We did it. Twice.
Mexico City is full of culture, amazing (vegan!) food, nice architecture, and museums. So far, it was our favorite city in Latin America after almost one and a half years of traveling around. Make sure not to miss these activities in CDMX.
Tip: Check out our public transportation in Mexico City guide to learn all the important information about the option, prices etc. And if you still don’t know where to stay, check out our neighborhood and safety guide for Mexico City!
12 TOP things to do in Mexico City
As you might know, we’re not the kind of travelers who need to do and see everything. Therefore, this might not be the most comprehensive guide for Mexico City you’ll find. But it’s a selection of really fun and interesting things to do.
1. Stroll through the downtown
Do I even need to mention this? The downtown of Mexico City is really beautiful. Make sure not to miss the main square. The official name is Plaza de la Constitucion, but everybody calls it Zocalo.
It’s not just the main square of Mexico City, but also the second biggest square in the world. You’ll find the beautiful metropolitan cathedral here, the national palace, and some governmental and commercial buildings.
You should also check out the blue-tiled house Casa de Los Azujelos and Palacio de Bellas Artes, or Museo Nacional de Arte (more about the latest two soon).
2. Museo Nacional de Antropología
Everybody told us we can’t miss the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. It’s the most visited museum in Mexico, where you’ll find the most extensive collection of ancient Mexican art and archeological and anthropological objects from the Precolumbian times.
Well, they were right. It’s so beautiful and full of information about the history of Mexico and its people. It’s massive, so make sure to have enough time and energy for the visit.
3. Bosque de Chapultepec
Chapultepec forest is one of the most beautiful city parks I’ve ever been to. It’s pretty huge and you’ll have no problem spending the whole day. Moreover, it’s not just about strolling the park, but also about visiting one of the 9 museums (for instance the National Museum of Anthropology), a castle, lakes, or even a zoo.
4. Ciclovia Paseo de la Reforma on Sunday
Paseo de la Reforma is best on Sundays – there are no cars! It’s actually a very Latin American thing. In the big cities, some of the main streets are closed on Sundays for runners, walkers, and cyclists. It’s called ciclovia and I wish we’d start to do this in Europe as well!
5. Angel of Independence
The Angel of Independence is a victory column on a roundabout on the Paseo de la Reforma, so make sure not to miss it while you enjoy your Sunday run. It was under construction while we stayed in Mexico City, but still, it was worth the visit – the whole modern neighborhood is pretty cool.
6. Museo Nacional de Arte
Filip visited this museum while I was getting a new tattoo in CDMX (btw. if you’re up to getting a new tattoo in traditional style, Gises is the one to go to!).
Anyhow, the museum is located in a beautiful building and you’ll find a collection of Mexican art. Mostly from the time between the second half of 19. and the first half of 20. century, including some pieces of Diego Rivera.
7. Palacio de Bellas Artes
The Palace of Fine Arts is beautiful from the outside and very interesting from the inside. Again, you can admire the murals of Diego Rivera and other famous muralists of his time. Also, the entrance is free on Sundays.
Tip: Make sure to stroll the Alameda park and grab roasted corn with lemon and chili.
8. Soumaya Museum
Another place that is just as interesting inside as outside. The modern mirrored building is super cool and when you get inside, you can admire an extensive collection of Rodin sculptures and paintings by Van Gogh, Matisse, and Monet.
In the end, there is one good reason to go to Polanco!
9. The house of Frida Kahlo aka Casa Azul
If you’re a fan of Frida Kahlo, you probably want to visit the beautiful Casa Azul. There are not many of her paintings, most of the rooms focus on artifacts from her home, her personal life, and her relationship with Diego Rivera.
Maybe visit it even if you’re not a fan of her since the house and its garden are beautiful for anybody! Definitely reserve your tickets ahead of time, since the time slots tend to sell out.
10. Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo
Another place for Frida and Diego fans would be their house and studio. There is not so much to see inside. However, the architecture of the building is pretty cool. If you’ve seen the Frida movie with Salma Hayek, you don’t want to miss it.
11. Day trip to Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city about 40 km from Mexico City. The Pyramid of the Moon is over 43 m tall and the Pyramid of the Sun is even taller – over 70 m! The best part is that you can visit Teotihuacan without a tour. You’ll find the full guide on how to do it in a separate article.
12. Eat authentic vegan tacos in CDMX
This is, no doubt, my favorite thing to do in Mexico City. I ate SO many amazing vegan tacos over there and kept thinking about those even after more than a year.
If you’re vegan or vegetarian and you always thought you won’t be able to taste the famous tacos al pastor, Mexico City will prove you wrong. So make sure to check our favorite restaurants and cafés in Mexico City!
Enjoy your travels and let us know what your favorite activity in Mexico City was!
Love, Lea
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