Top 25 Must-Experience Activities in Mexico City

Upon the establishment of Mexico City by the Spanish in the 16th century, it was constructed atop Tenochtitlan, the heart of the Aztec Empire. Within the Historic Centre of the city, grand Baroque structures made from repurposed pre-Columbian stone stand, alongside the excavated ruins of Templo Mayor, located adjacent to the cathedral and National Palace.

This encapsulates the essence of Mexico City as a blend of European and indigenous heritage, prominently represented by the artworks of Frida Kahlo, a native of the city, and the enchanting murals created by her spouse, Diego Rivera.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes showcases pre-Columbian designs intermixed with Art Deco influences. For those seeking a deeper dive into these historical origins, a visit to the National Anthropology Museum and the monumental site of Teotihuacan, located just outside the city limits, is highly recommended.

Let us delve into the top activities to engage in while visiting Mexico City:

1. National Anthropology Museum

A remarkable venue for those eager to explore Mexico’s pre-Columbian civilizations, the National Anthropology Museum boasts a wealth of artifacts and anthropological displays that traverse thousands of years.

This museum offers more than a historical insight; it embodies the foundation of contemporary Mexican identity and pays homage to its indigenous populations.

You will encounter extensive exhibits featuring artifacts (including reliefs, sculptures, murals, and more) from every pre-Hispanic civilization across Mexican territory, notably the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs.

Do not leave without witnessing the internationally renowned Aztec Sun Stone, an intricately carved calendar stone weighing 20 tons, prominently featuring the sun god Tonatiuh.

The museum further serves as a portal to investigate Tenochtitlan, the Aztec metropolis dismantled by the Spanish in the construction of the modern capital.

2. Frida Kahlo Museum

Commonly recognized as Casa Azul due to its striking cobalt-blue walls, the Frida Kahlo Museum served as the residence of one of Mexico’s preeminent artists.

Born in this building located in the Coyoacán district, Kahlo lived here, shared the space with her husband Diego Rivera, and ultimately passed away in an upper-floor room in 1954.

While some exhibits are housed in glass cases, the residence has largely retained its 1950s appearance, consisting of a diverse collection of items, including traditional Mexican culinary utensils, pre-Columbian artifacts, art from Diego Rivera, Paul Klee, and José María Velasco, as well as “Judas” papier-mâché figures utilized in traditional Mexican festivities.

On the upper floor, you will find Kahlo’s light-filled studio and the room where she spent her final moments.

Admission is complimentary on Sundays. On other days, consider securing tickets online to circumvent lengthy queues that can extend down the street.

3. Chapultepec Castle

Perched atop the rocky Chapultepec Hill within the eponymous forest, the opulent Chapultepec Castle was initiated in 1783 and is the only castle in the Americas that dates back to the era of New Spain.

This Mexican equivalent of Versailles features formal gardens and breathtaking views of the city from its terraces. Initially a summer retreat for the Viceroy, the castle later became the seat for Emperor Maximilian I following the revolution. Over the past 240 years, it has also served as an observatory and military academy, and today it houses the National History Museum, filled with weapons, murals, maps, and artifacts like the Imperial Coach.

You can take a self-guided journey through the castle’s interiors, adorned with stained glass, damask wallpaper, portraits, musical instruments, and furnishings from the royal and imperial eras.

4. Bosque de Chapultepec

The sprawling Bosque de Chapultepec, spanning 686 hectares, ranks among the largest urban parks globally.

This green sanctuary existed well before the Spanish arrival, serving as a refuge for the Aztec rulers of Tenochtitlan.

Within the park, visitors can enjoy attractions such as the Chapultepec Zoo, the Rufino Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum, and indeed the National Anthropology Museum.

Recreational activities abound, including picnicking and boating on Lago de Chapultepec.

Botany enthusiasts might strive to identify the park’s oldest trees, the Moctezuma Cypresses, which are as ancient as 700 years and bear names like “The Sergeant” and “The Sentinel.”

5. Paseo de la Reforma

This broad avenue, which traverses diagonally through the city’s core, was established in the 1860s and drew inspiration from the grand boulevards popular in Europe at the time.

The thoroughfare is bordered by embassies, skyscrapers, and occasional vendors serving tacos and tortas.

For tourists, there is no superior introduction to Mexico City, as Paseo de la Reforma will guide you through Bosque de Chapultepec, passing in front of the National Anthropology Museum.

Notable landmarks along the route include two significant monuments integral to Mexican national identity: the Monumento a la Revolución, the tallest triumphal arch globally, built in phases during the first half of the 20th century, and the breathtaking Angel of Independence, perched atop a 45-metre column, erected in 1910 to commemorate the centennial of Mexico’s War of Independence.

6. Palacio de Bellas Artes

Emblematic of Mexico’s cultural landscape, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is a striking Historicist and Art Nouveau edifice positioned on the eastern edge of the Alameda Central park.

Although construction commenced in 1904, it faced delays until the early 30s, leading to an interior that predominantly showcases Art Deco design while incorporating pre-Hispanic motifs, such as Maya Chaac masks on lighting fixtures and serpent motifs on window arches.

To fully appreciate the auditorium’s grandeur—featuring an extraordinary glass curtain designed by Tiffany—you should attend a performance, preferably by the Ballet Folklórico de México.

During typical days, visitors can access the first floor to view murals by Diego Rivera.

7. Coyoacán

The southern district of Coyoacán existed as an independent community prior to 1857 and continues to exude a small-town atmosphere.

In the 20th century, it gained prominence as the residence of noteworthy figures such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Leon Trotsky, the latter of whom sought asylum following petitions by Kahlo and Rivera to the government.

A hub of counterculture, Coyoacán retains its association with artistic and bohemian lifestyles.

The historic core of Coyoacán reveals a picturesque arrangement of squares and parks interconnected by cobblestone pathways.

Here, you can explore arts and crafts markets while savoring a variety of street food.

The central square, Plaza Hidalgo, offers shade beneath Indian laurel and palm trees while featuring formally designed gardens bordered by low hedges.

Nearby, at Plaza del Centenario, look for the bronze sculpture of two coyotes, which references Coyoacán’s name, translating to “place of Coyotes” in Nahuatl.

8. Historic Centre

The Historic Centre of Mexico City is constructed on the remnants of Tenochtitlan, once an island and the capital of the Aztec civilization.

This site fell to siege in 1521 by the Spanish, who then razed it entirely after conquering.

The lake surrounding Tenochtitlan was drained, contributing to the soft soil under present-day Mexico City.

Notably, many structures in the Historic Centre occupy sites once significant to pre-Columbian inhabitants; for example, the Cathedral is erected atop the ruins of the principal Aztec temple, and the National Palace occupies the historical grounds of Aztec ruler Moctezuma’s palace.

Recognized as a World Heritage Site, the Historic Centre teems with Baroque and Historicist architecture, including churches and palaces (Iturbide, Correos, Inquisición, Arzobispado), many of which house museums.

9. Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)

Once the ceremonial heart of Tenochtitlan, Zócalo now serves as the principal square of Mexico City.

Its vastness is difficult to articulate; it ranks as the second largest city plaza globally, following Red Square in Moscow.

To the north lies the Cathedral of Mexico City, while the eastern perimeter features the National Palace, both central to the narrative ahead.

Just as ceremonies of the indigenous Mexica were conducted in Zócalo long before Spanish arrival, it now represents Mexico City’s primary gathering point for celebrations, such as Mexican Independence Day (El Grito on the night of September 15), Corpus Christi, and Holy Week.

Within the square’s metro station, scale models illustrate Zócalo’s appearance prior to conquest and its evolution over five centuries.

10. National Palace

Occupying the entirety of the eastern boundary of Zócalo, the National Palace features the iconic balcony from where the president delivers the Grito de Dolores in tribute to Mexican independence.

As you stand before this monumental complex, originally constructed in the 16th century for the conquistador Hernán Cortés, it is intriguing to note that some sections have been built using stones from Moctezuma II’s Aztec palace that previously occupied this site.

Be sure to traverse through the central portal to discover the botanical garden and Grand Courtyard.

Ascending the steps leads to mesmerizing murals by Diego Rivera, which detail the nation’s history.

11. Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral

The Cathedral was erected over the ruins of the sacred precinct associated with the Templo Mayor, constructed incrementally from 1573 to 1813. The architectural design was conceived by the Spanish architect Claudio de Arciniega, reflecting influences from Late Gothic churches in Spain.

Spanning 6,732 square meters, it ranks as the 28th largest religious structure in the world.

The protracted construction period has resulted in a blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical.

Inside, discerning visitors could spend hours exploring the 16 chapels, the pair of 18th-century organs, the magnificent Gothic and Renaissance sacristy, as well as the opulent Altars of the Kings and of Forgiveness.

12. Calle Madero

Calle Madero is a pedestrianized thoroughfare extending east to west between the Torre Latinoamericana and Plaza de la Constitución, blending retail shops with historic mansions and churches.

This street was only designated pedestrian-only in the early 2010s, a change that was initially met with skepticism but has since been embraced.

Noteworthy sites include the Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles), constructed in 1793 and adorned with blue and white tiles crafted in Puebla.

Additionally, the Church of Francisco presents a richly sculpted Baroque façade dating back to the 17th century, representing the last remnant of a Franciscan monastery.

The Jesuit Temple of San Felipe Neri, originating from the 1500s, displays architecture that combines the subtlety of the Baroque style from the 1600s with the more elaborate ornamentation of the following century.

13. Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

As Mexico’s national shrine, this site ranks among the most frequented destinations for Catholic worship globally.

Located in Marian Square of the Americas near Tepeyac Hill, it is said to be the location where Juan Diego, the first indigenous saint in the Americas, witnessed Marian apparitions four times in December 1531. The square comprises two basilicas.

The older basilica dates back to 1709 but required replacement in the mid-1970s due to sinking issues, recently reopening following foundation repairs.

The newly consecrated basilica, circular in design with a 100-meter diameter, accommodates 10,000 worshippers.

This circular configuration ensures all visitors receive a clear view of the Virgin’s image, while the revered relic is Juan Diego’s cloak, which survived a bombing of the previous basilica in 1921.

14. Xochimilco

Located south of Mexico City, Xochimilco is recognized for its UNESCO World Heritage-designated canal system.

The canals have historical significance and have served as transport routes for goods for centuries, dating back to Xochimilco’s origin as a pre-Columbian city.

Presently, a trip on a flat-bottomed trajinera provides a quintessential, albeit touristy, experience.

These colorful boats glide past chinampas (floating gardens), many of which are cultivated with vegetables and flowers.

After approximately an hour on the water, you might encounter the eerie Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls), an unsettling location adorned with hundreds of dolls hanging from the trees.

15. Museo Dolores Olmedo

In the year 1962, the businesswoman and philanthropist Dolores Olmedo acquired a 16th-century hacienda in Xochimilco, which she subsequently transformed into a museum.

She generously donated her extensive art collection, consisting of over 6,000 pre-Columbian figurines alongside numerous paintings by influential 20th-century artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Angelina Beloff, as well as installation art by Francisco Guevara.

A newly inaugurated wing showcases Olmedo’s personal belongings, including porcelain and intricately carved ivory pieces.

The grounds of the hacienda delight visitors with meticulously curated gardens and free-roaming peafowl.

The museum also includes a small menagerie featuring ducks, geese, and Xoloitzcuintlis (Mexican hairless dogs).

16. Murales de Diego Rivera

The frescoes crafted by the 20th-century artist Diego Rivera continue to significantly influence Mexico City’s cultural identity.

As the husband of Frida Kahlo, Rivera was an extraordinary talent in his own right and excelled at mural painting.

There are four notable murals to seek out:

Start at the museum dedicated to showcasing one of his murals, Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Central Park, located at the Museo Mural Diego Rivera.

Additionally, an expansive mural depicting the nation’s history can be found in the National Palace, painted between 1929 and 1935. Another striking mural is positioned in the courtyard of the Secretaría de Educación Pública, depicting rural life in Mexico.

Lastly, at Palacio de Bellas Artes, there is a mural museum featuring a version of a mural originally painted for New York’s Rockefeller Center that was destroyed in 1934 due to its strong communist references.

17. Ciudad Universitaria

Constructed in the southern region of the Coyoacán borough for the National Autonomous University of Mexico during the 1950s, Ciudad Universitaria attained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2007. At its time of construction, it represented the largest architectural endeavor in the country since the Aztec period.

This site is not simply a space for academia; it has become a cherished refuge for residents seeking leisurely outdoor experiences amid its gardens and courtyards.

As you navigate its meandering paths and admire the extensive public art installations, you will be walking atop lava rock from an eruption of volcano Xitle in the 2nd century AD, with the pavement and various walls hewn from its dark stone.

Be sure to visit the sculptural spaces hosting contemporary art, alongside the remarkable murals adorning the Rectorate Tower and Central Library, created by renowned 20th-century artists David Alfaro Siqueiros and Juan O’Gorman, respectively.

18. Museo Soumaya

The most visited art museum in Mexico, Museo Soumaya was founded by Carlos Slim, the wealthiest individual in the country, and relocated to an architecturally striking building covered with hexagonal metal tiles on Plaza Carso in 2011. Originally established in the early 1990s, it is named in memory of Slim’s late wife, Soumaya Domit, who passed away in 1999. The museum boasts an expansive and diverse art collection, spanning 3,000 years.

It features Mexican paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries, Pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican sculptures, and European artworks from various eras, including pieces by Murillo, El Greco, Tintoretto, van Gogh, Monet, Matisse, Miró, and Picasso.

Slim owns over 100 works by Rodin, many of which are on display at the museum, as well as a collection of sculptures by Dalí.

19. Torre Latinoamericana

Situated at the intersection of Eje Central and Calle Madero, Torre Latinoamericana has been a steadfast feature of Mexico City since 1956. At a height of 204 meters, including its spire, it was the tallest structure in Latin America when completed.

Given the constant seismic activity in the area, the tower was ingeniously constructed with a steel frame and deep foundations that penetrate the soft soil underneath.

Remarkably, less than a year after its erection, it endured a devastating earthquake, followed by another powerful quake in 1985 that brought down many neighboring buildings.

Part-owned by Carlos Slim, the tower has featured in Alejandro Iñárritu’s film Amores Perros and the James Bond film, Spectre.

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Historic Centre and the mountains and volcanoes enveloping the city from the observation deck.

20. Luis Barragán House and Studio

Situated in the Tacubaya neighborhood, adjacent to the southwestern edge of Bosque de Chapultepec, the UNESCO-listed house and studio created by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Luis Barragán was completed in the 1940s.

Barragán resided and worked here until his death in 1988, using the space to constantly innovate and experiment with design concepts.

From the street, the concrete façade appears austere, while the layout surrounds a lush courtyard garden that is entirely obscured from outside view.

This structure is a vital example of Mexican modern architecture, also featuring artworks collected by Barragán from both Mexican and international artists, including Miguel Covarrubias, Diego Rivera, Jesús Reyes Ferreira, José Clemente Orozco, and Picasso.

21. Teotihuacan

The extraordinary Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacan is conveniently located nearby and merits a visit.

At its zenith in the 1st century, Teotihuacan was the largest urban settlement in the Americas and the sixth largest globally.

The city features residential sectors, temples, a palace, and two remarkably preserved pyramids.

The astronomically aligned Avenue of the Dead, extending 2.5 kilometers, bisects the city, starting in the north with the Pyramid of the Moon and bordered by breathtaking ceremonial architecture.

The highlight along this path is the Pyramid of the Sun, which ranks as the third largest pyramid in the world, rising 65 meters high and extending 220 meters long.

The photo opportunities here are exceptional, and if you wish to learn more about the complex configuration of Teotihuacan’s monuments, consider taking a guided tour.

22. Museo del Templo Mayor

In the vicinity of Mexico City’s Historic Centre, you will discover an excellent archaeological museum adjacent to the cathedral, near the site of Tenochtitlan’s main temple.

This institution, established in 1987, was designed to present the findings from excavations conducted during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Conceived by renowned architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, the museum is intentionally understated to harmonize with the colonial architecture surrounding Zócalo.

Visitors can explore the excavated ruins via footbridges outside and navigate through eight themed exhibition halls featuring artifacts such as stone masks, jewelry, flint blades, figurines, sculptures, and ceremonial stones.

These exhibitions elucidate various aspects of Aztec civilization, encompassing trade, agricultural advancements, deities, religious practices, and sacrificial rites.

23. Museo de Arte Popular

This folk art museum, inaugurated in 2006 in the Historic Centre, advocates traditional Mexican crafts such as pottery, basketry, textiles, glassmaking, piñatas, and alebrijes (colorful sculptures of mythical creatures). These artifacts vary in age and origin and are categorized within five themed galleries.

The museum traces the evolution of Mexican art and popular culture while also presenting everyday objects, liturgical art, and items with perceived spiritual significance.

The Museum sponsors Noche de Alebrijes, an event during which whimsical depictions of mythical creatures are constructed on a grand scale and paraded around Zócalo.

Some floats from the parade can be viewed on the ground floor of the museum.

24. Día de los Muertos

The Day of the Dead, celebrated around November 2nd, is a well-known observance that merges Western customs (All Saints’ Day) with pre-Hispanic spiritual traditions.

The practice of honoring the deceased has long been part of the culture, although it has occasionally been overshadowed by Halloween.

Intriguingly, in 2015, coinciding with the release of the James Bond film Spectre, a fictional parade in Mexico City was depicted, prompting the city to organize its own procession—an event that has quickly transformed into a significant celebration.

The procession in 2017 along Paseo de la Reforma intrigued an audience of 300,000, bringing together a cast of thousands.

Common themes in the celebration include the skull, often worn as delicately adorned masks or painted onto the faces of women impersonating La Calavera Catrina (the Dapper Skeleton).

25. Street Food

To adequately explore Mexico City’s street food culture, an entire article would barely scratch the surface, given its ranking among the world’s finest.

Nevertheless, certain essentials are beneficial to know.

Generally, street food is best suited for breakfast and dinner.

In the morning, tamales, which consist of steamed masa (maize flour dough) pockets, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, are filled with fruit or cheese.

As the day progresses, tacos served in small maize tortillas offer a myriad of fillings, such as carnitas (slow-cooked pork), chorizo, al pastor (skewered meat), or barbacoa (pit-roasted meat), enhanced with combinations of onions, cilantro, salsas, and green onions.

Other popular selections span a variety of choices, including tortas (sandwiches with numerous fillings) and quesadillas (fried tortillas filled with cheese, various meats, salsas, or mushrooms). The diversity in Mexican street food appears virtually infinite.