The 20 Finest Issues to Do in Mexico Metropolis (Up to date 2024)

Posted: 2/19/24 | February nineteenth, 2024

Mexico Metropolis is the fifth largest metropolis on the planet, a sprawling metropolis the place historical past and tradition converge in a dynamic tapestry of brilliant colours, various cuisines, and vigorous districts.

I adore it right here. I’ve been a handful of instances and by no means get bored with exploring and consuming my means across the metropolis. I all the time have an incredible time. In actual fact, I like town a lot I even ran excursions right here (and each single particular person I confirmed round was blown away). Nobody hates this place.

Unsurprisingly, in a metropolis so massive and with such an extended historical past, there’s a ton to see and do right here, from visiting world-class museums to feasting at tiny taco stands to exploring offbeat neighborhoods. You would simply spend per week right here and never even scratch the floor.

Listed below are what I believe are finest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis in an effort to have enjoyable and actually get to know town and tradition in your journey to this vibrant capital!

 

1. Take a Strolling Tour

Strolling excursions are a superb technique to be taught a vacation spot’s historical past and keep away from lacking any must-see stops. I all the time begin my journeys off with at the very least one strolling tour because it’s one of the best ways to get the lay of the land and join with an area information that may reply all of your questions.

Estación Mexico Free Excursions and the Monkey Expertise each have a free historic downtown tour that may present you what town has to supply. The previous additionally provides 4 different free excursions of various neighborhoods too. Despite the fact that the excursions are technically free, all the time keep in mind to tip your information on the finish!

For extra strolling tour suggestions (together with paid choices), try this publish.

2. Go to the Museo Nacional de Antropología

Discovered inside Chapultepec Park, this world-class anthropology museum is the most important museum in Mexico (it’s additionally essentially the most visited, receiving over two million friends per yr). Since 1964, it has housed the most important world assortment of sculptures, jewels, and artifacts from historical Mexican civilizations. The totally different time durations are grouped into complete (and large) exhibition halls with bilingual data indicators, so remember to give your self ample time to discover all of it. There’s a gorgeous courtyard within the heart the place you possibly can sit and people-watch for a bit.

Av. P.º de la Reforma s/n, +52 (55) 5553-6266, mna.inah.gob.mx. Open Tues-Solar 9am-6pm. Tickets are 95 MXN. Guided excursions of the highlights begin at 375 MXN (consists of admission).

3. Tour Frida Kahlo’s Home

Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera are two of the most important names in Mexican artwork. Frida was significantly well-known for her portraits and self-portraits. A tour of their previous dwelling (“Casa Azul”) is a worthwhile expertise to see the place and the way she lived, in addition to a few of her unique paintings. It’s a very attention-grabbing home with a gorgeous backyard and many details about her life. The residence additionally hosts quite a lot of creative workshops month-to-month, so try the schedule in case you’re .

This guided tour of Coyoacán (the encompassing neighborhood) features a ticket to the museum, which you’ll go to at your individual tempo after studying in regards to the space during which the 2 artists lived and labored.

Londres 247, Del Carmen, +52 55 5554 5999, museofridakahlo.org.mx. Open Tues-Solar 10am-6pm (Wednesdays at 11am-6pm). Tickets are 250 MXN (270 MXN on the weekends). You need to purchase your tickets properly upfront (at the very least a month out), as a result of they’re in extremely excessive demand.

4. Attend a Lucha Libre

Mexican “free wrestling” is a favourite nationwide pastime. Extraordinarily entertaining and inexpensive, lucha libre takes the game to a complete new degree. Seize a beer or a shot of tequila, and no matter you do, don’t look away throughout a match as something can — and can — occur. (Don’t carry your digital camera although, as you’ll be pressured to test it on the door.)

Area México and Area Coliseo are the principle locations to see a match. Common seating tickets could be as little as 56 MXN (don’t purchase from scalpers, as a result of the police are all the time round and also you’ll get in bother). Search for a taquilla (ticket sales space) signal to make certain that you’re paying the fitting worth.

Guided experiences, like this lucha libre expertise, are additionally out there. Through the match, you’ll take pleasure in a mezcal tasting and munch on chips and guacamole, and on the finish, you’ll depart along with your very personal lucha libre masks.

Area México: Dr. Lavista 189, +52 55 5588 0266, cmll.com/arenas/arena-mexico. Reveals on Fridays at 8:30pm, Sundays at 5pm, and Tuesdays at 7:30pm

Area Coliseo: República de Perú 77, +52 55 5588 0266, cmll.com/arenas/arena-coliseo. Reveals on Saturday nights at 7:30pm.

5. Day Journey to Teotihuacán

If you happen to do solely at some point journey out of city, make it this one. Teotihuacán was an historical Mesoamerican metropolis situated about 50 kilometers (30 miles) northeast of present-day Mexico Metropolis. At its top (150-450 CE), it was one of many largest and most influential hubs within the pre-Columbian Americas, with a inhabitants estimated to be over 100,000. It’s identified for its spectacular city structure and pyramids, together with the Avenue of the Lifeless, the Pyramid of the Solar, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl).

I’ve been a number of instances and might’t advocate it sufficient (particularly in case you’re a historical past buff). We took our tour teams right here and everybody all the time had an incredible time.

You may both do the day journey your self (there are many buses) or go on a guided tour that additionally stops on the Guadalupe Basilica, an necessary pilgrimage web site. Both means, don’t overlook to carry sunscreen, because the solar is punishing, and there’s little to no shade.

Admission to the pyramids is 80 MXN, whereas a full-day tour together with transportation and an area information is 540 MXN.

6. Peruse the Mercados

Mexico Metropolis boasts a kaleidoscope of bustling markets, every with its personal distinctive appeal. Among the many most well-known is Mercado de la Merced, a sprawling market hailed as the most important on the town. Positioned east of the Zócalo, it’s primarily targeted on meals, with vibrant shows of fruits, greens, meats, and spices.

One other iconic market is Mercado Roma, a recent gastronomic hub that showcases town’s culinary variety by way of gourmand treats and artisanal merchandise. For one thing a bit totally different, Mercado Jamaica is a gorgeous flower market, filled with vibrant colours and fragrances. And for distinctive souvenirs, head to La Ciudadela, an artisan market which boasts an in depth assortment of conventional textiles and handicrafts.

Lastly, Mercado de Sonora stands out for its mystical ambiance, famend for catering to non secular and esoteric wants, providing every little thing from conventional herbs and potions to ritualistic artifacts. There’s actually a marketplace for every little thing in Mexico Metropolis!

If you happen to don’t need to discover by yourself, you possibly can be a part of a guided tour that visits each Mercado de la Merced and Mercado de Sonora, together with many stops to pattern plenty of genuine native treats Tickets are round 1,100 MXN.

7. Take a Meals Tour

Conventional Mexican delicacies is so culturally wealthy and distinct (and scrumptious) that UNESCO has included it on its Intangible Cultural Heritage record. Whilst you can definitely go on a self-led taco tour, you gained’t be taught practically as a lot as you’d by taking a meals tour, a superb technique to get a crash course on native delicacies.

My pal Anais runs Devoured Excursions, providing in-depth excursions into the meals scene of CMDX, with 5 totally different four-hour choices to select from. On every tour, you’ll meet an area “tastemaker,” an professional of their craft who shares the method behind Mexican gastronomic traditions like making mouthwatering tacos or crafting beautiful mezcal cocktails. Excursions begin at 1,625 MXN.

If you happen to simply need to eat all of the tacos (who doesn’t), be a part of Sabores Mexico Meals Excursions on its Tacos & Mezcal Night time Meals Tour. You’ll take pleasure in tacos at a mixture of conventional and modern taquerias and finish your evening sampling within the first mezcal bar in Mexico Metropolis.

8. Pattern Mezcal

I like mezcal. It’s is a conventional Mexican distilled spirit, crafted from agave, that’s famend for its smoky taste and complexity. I’ve discovered a ton about it over the course of my visits to Mexico, however I’m all the time trying to attempt new flavors and dive deeper into the distilling course of.

If you wish to attempt mezcal and be taught extra about it, some distinctive locations to pattern it embody La Mezcaloteca (a bar/library the place you are able to do a tasting of 5 mezcals) and La Clandestina in Condesa (with 25 mezcals from everywhere in the nation)

On the Museum of Tequila and Mezcal close to Plaza Garibaldi, educated guides will lead you thru the intricate strategy of manufacturing, from harvest to distillation. You’ll additionally get to pattern kinds of mezcal alongside totally different tequilas, so you possibly can recognize the variations between Mexico’s primary two spirits. A ticket that features tastings prices 340 MXN.

9. Float Alongside the Xochimilco Canals

Whereas the Xochimilco Canals are notorious for his or her celebration boats, full with bottomless drinks, a kayak tour is a enjoyable and totally different technique to discover the enchanting waterways of this UNESCO World Heritage Website. On this tour, led by a educated native information, you’ll paddle by way of the colourful floating gardens, generally known as chinampas, witness the vigorous ambiance of conventional trajineras (colourful boats), and recognize the scenic fantastic thing about the environment. All of the whereas, you’ll get insights into the historical past and significance of Xochimilco and its canals. This was one other actually well-liked a part of our excursions and one thing most vacationers don’t expertise.

If you happen to’re an early riser, you possibly can even go for a dawn tour, throughout which you’ll get the waterways nearly to your self. Excursions begin at 890 MXN.

10. Admire the View from Torre Latinoamericana

Torre Latinoamericana is an iconic skyscraper within the coronary heart of Mexico Metropolis. Accomplished in 1956, it was as soon as the tallest constructing in Latin America. Designed by architect Augusto H. Álvarez, the tower rises 183 meters (600 toes) and consists of 44 flooring. (It has resisted quite a few earthquakes, because of its progressive design that includes a stabilizing core.)

The tower provides panoramic views from its commentary deck, giving an excellent perspective on simply how huge town is. It prices 200 MXN to go to the commentary ground (get advance tickets right here), however in case you go to the bar on the ground slightly below, you’ll get the identical view for the worth of a drink.

Francisco I. Madero Avenue 1, +52 55 5518 7423, miradorlatino.com. Open each day 9am-10pm. Tickets are 200 MXN.

11. Wander the Zócalo

The Zócalo is the guts of Mexico Metropolis’s historic heart. This huge sq. accommodates the ruins of Templo Mayor (the traditional Aztec temple complicated), the Palacio Nacional (the president’s official residence), and La Catedral Metropolitana (constructed by the Spanish upon conquest of the world).

Initially the principle ceremonial heart within the historical Aztec metropolis of Tenochtitlán (situated the place Mexico Metropolis now stands), the Templo Mayor was destroyed to make room for the cathedral in 1521. In actual fact, the very stones that made up the temple have been used to create the cathedral. Now you can view historical artifacts uncovered from the location, rediscovered within the Nineteen Seventies, on the Museo del Templo Mayor (95 MXN to enter the museum and archaeological web site).

While you’re performed, head over to admire the beautiful Spanish colonial structure of the La Catedral Metropolitana. This Sixteenth-century constructing dominates the northern half of the Zócalo and is free to enter. Inside, it’s extremely ornate, with a ground that’s noticeably tilted because of the perpetual sinking of town (because of its building on a lake and swamp).

12. Loosen up in Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec means “Hill of the Grasshopper” in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. Spanning 686 hectares (1,700 acres), this park within the coronary heart of Mexico Metropolis is the second largest city park in Latin America (the most important is in Santiago, Chile). It’s one of many world’s most visited too, not solely by guests however locals, who like to arrange store grilling and picnicking on Sundays. You too can hire a rowboat or paddleboat and exit on Chapultepec Lake. Every time I need to simply chill out and absorb the solar, that is the place I am going.

Along with the numerous paths to walk, Chapultepec is dwelling to a zoo and several other necessary museums, together with the Museum of Anthropology (talked about earlier) and Chapultepec Fortress (see under).

The park is split into three sections. Part 1 homes many of the museums and is open Tuesday-Sunday 5am-6pm. Sections 2 and three are open 24/7, although like many metropolis parks, it’s doubtless not the perfect thought to stroll by way of it alone after darkish.

13. Go to Castillo de Chapultepec

The one fort in North America to deal with monarchs, Chapultepec Fortress was in-built 1725 as a big manor home for the viceroy (the Spanish colonial administrator). Deserted in the course of the Mexican Struggle of Independence in 1810, it later turned the residence of Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota in 1864, in the course of the Second Mexican Empire (1864–67).

Immediately, you possibly can go to the fort and meander by way of the magnificently adorned interval rooms, manicured gardens, and terraces providing spectacular panoramas. The fort can be dwelling to the Museo Nacional de Historia (see under), which tells the story of Mexico from the time of Tenochtitlán to the Mexican Revolution.

Bosque de Chapultepec, Part I, +52 55 5256 5464, mnh.inah.gob.mx. Open Tues-Solar 9am-5pm. Admission 95 MXN.

14. Take a look at the artwork and historical past museums

There are various museums and galleries in Mexico Metropolis. Worthwhile ones embody the next:

• Palacio de Bellas Artes (Effective Artwork Museum): This spectacular Artwork Nouveau constructing with an Artwork Deco inside is an enormous cultural heart that hosts performing arts occasions. Its varied galleries embody murals by Diego Rivera and rotating non permanent exhibitions. Additionally it is dwelling to the Museum of Structure.
• Museo Nacional de Historia (Nationwide Historical past Museum): This museum, situated in Chapultepec Fortress, tells the historical past of Mexico over 12 everlasting exhibition halls.
• Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Trendy Artwork): Positioned inside Chapultepec Park, this museum focuses on trendy Mexican artwork. Its most well-known piece is Frida Kahlo’s The Two Fridas.
• MUAC (College Museum of Modern Artwork of UNAM): This artwork museum on the college’s grounds additionally focuses on modern Mexican artwork, with video and sound installations, work, drawings, and extra.
• Museo Nacional de Arte (Nationwide Artwork Museum): Mexican artwork from the mid-Sixteenth century to the mid-Twentieth century is split into three primary time durations (colonial, post-independence, and post-revolution).
• Museo de Arte Well-liked (Folks Artwork Museum): This museum’s assortment of Mexican people artwork and handicrafts options conventional textiles, pottery, glass, piñatas, and alebrijes (brightly coloured sculptures of fantastical creatures).
• Reminiscence and Tolerance Museum: This newer museum tells the historical past of genocides and crimes towards humanity, with a piece selling tolerance and inclusion of all teams of individuals.
• Tamayo Museum: Born out of the non-public assortment of artist Rufino Tamayo, this museum concentrates on Twentieth-century worldwide artwork (particularly of the avant-garde selection).

Ticket costs range, however typically vary from free to 100 MXN.

15. Tour a Megalibrary

The Biblioteca Vasconcelos, situated within the Buenavista neighborhood, is a temple to books, also known as a “megalibrary.” The biggest library in all the nation, it opened in 2006, covers an unimaginable 38,000 sq. meters (409,000 sq. toes), and homes over 600,000 books.

However the actual draw for the customer is just not within the assortment (which, although massive, isn’t significantly noteworthy) however the constructing itself. The structure is beautiful, that includes clear partitions, six deliberately mismatched flooring, and sculptures by outstanding artists. It additionally has a concentrate on sustainability, with rainwater assortment barrels on the roof, home windows designed to mild virtually all the inside naturally (but with out harming the books), and a inexperienced roof lined in crops that preserve the constructing cool.

Don’t miss popping across the again to walk by way of the quiet and spacious backyard stuffed with bushes, shrubs, and herbaceous crops. Admission is free.

16. Marvel on the Soumaya Museum

Housing 66,000 items of Central American and European artwork, the Soumaya Museum shows works not solely by Mexican artists equivalent to Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo but in addition by well-known masters equivalent to Botticelli, Dalí, and Rodin. The museum was donated and constructed by one of many world’s richest males, Carlos Slim Helú (a Mexican enterprise magnate). The Soumaya is a surprising piece of artwork by itself, as it’s lined in 16,000 hexagonal aluminum tiles that sparkle within the daylight. It’s thought-about essentially the most stunning trendy constructing in Mexico Metropolis. Admission is free.

Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. +52 55 1103 9800, www.museosoumaya.org/. Open each day, 10:30am-6:30pm. Free entry.

17. Escape to the UNAM Botanical Backyard

If you happen to’re in search of a short lived escape from the hustle and bustle of Mexico Metropolis, look no additional than the Botanical Backyard on the Nationwide Autonomous College of Mexico (UNAM). Rooted in Aztec traditions that valued gardens for each medicinal and decorative functions, this sanctuary additionally emphasizes conservation and environmental schooling. It’s located round lava formations from the Xitle volcano eruption, and the paths meander by way of naturally shaped grottoes and previous waterfalls and ponds teeming with koi and turtles.

The crops you possibly can admire right here embody the world’s most various cactus assortment, with 800 totally different varieties; there’s additionally an orchidarium and a medicinal backyard. That is additionally a habitat for wildlife: preserve a watch out for woodpeckers, owls, hummingbirds, rattlesnakes, lizards, and the Pedregal tarantula, a species unique to this small space of Mexico Metropolis.

College Metropolis, Coyoacán. +52 56 22 90 63. www.ib.unam.mx/ib/jb/. Open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, Saturdays from 9am-3pm. Admission is free.

18. Stroll Round Roma and Condesa

Roma and Condesa, two adjoining neighborhoods within the coronary heart of Mexico Metropolis, are value spending a while exploring (they’re additionally among the finest neighborhoods to remain in). They bleed into one another a bit, as each have leafy, tree-lined avenues, stylish boutiques, and an eclectic array of cafés, eating places, bars, and mezcalerías.

Roma is famend for its bohemian ambiance, European-inspired structure, and colourful avenue artwork. Condesa is a little more laid-back, high-class, and refined, that includes Artwork Deco buildings and many sidewalk cafés. Parque México and Parque España are iconic inexperienced areas that divide the 2 neighborhoods and are good locations to take a seat and people-watch for a bit.

19. Go to a Pueblo Mágico

The pueblos mágicos (magical cities) are cities and villages that the Mexican authorities has acknowledged for his or her cultural, historic, and pure significance. To be so designated, a spot should meet particular standards, together with having historic and cultural richness and distinctive structure, traditions, and folklore. These cities typically characteristic well-preserved colonial structure, vigorous cultural traditions, and a welcoming ambiance.

Whereas they’re scattered all throughout the nation, there’s one situated simply over an hour from Mexico Metropolis: Tepotzotlán.

Identified for its stunning colonial structure, cobblestone streets, vibrant murals, and hikes to sacred websites within the surrounding mountains, it makes for a enjoyable day journey, or in case you have the time, even an in a single day. There are buses that go to Tepotzotlán from Taxqueña (Mexico Metropolis’s southern bus station) each half-hour. A ticket is 184 MXN.

20. Offbeat Issues to Do in Mexico Metropolis

There are many unconventional issues to see and do this numerous guests don’t expertise. Listed below are a number of options of a few of my favorites:

• Palacio de Correos de México: This stunning publish workplace is an interesting mixture of architectural types, together with Artwork Nouveau, Artwork Deco, Gothic Revival, and others. There’s a free museum on the bottom ground that includes varied components of the publish workplace’s historical past, together with an enormous mural made fully of stamps!
• Ballet Folklórico de México: This famend folk-dance ensemble showcases conventional Mexican dance and music. Their everlasting house is the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the place tickets begin at 1,200 MXN.
• Museo del Objeto del Objeto (Museum of the Object of the Object): This quirky museum is devoted to on a regular basis objects, showcasing the evolution of design and client tradition in Mexico. Free admission.
• Museo del Chocolate: Be taught in regards to the significance and cultivation of cacao all through Mexico’s historical past. There’s additionally an hooked up café, the place you possibly can pattern goodies in loads of totally different types. Museum admission is 80 MXN.

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Mexico Metropolis is likely one of the world’s biggest metropolises. From iconic landmarks just like the historic Zócalo and the majestic Teotihuacán pyramids to the colourful markets, various neighborhoods, and thriving culinary scene, it’s completely charming. Regardless of how lengthy you’ve right here, this stuff to do will preserve you busy and guarantee that you’ve got an incredible go to.