Things to Do in Mexico City
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Mexico City

50 curated spots from Mexico City itineraries

Activities & Attractions

30 curated experiences

Museo Nacional de Antropología
Do
morning

Museo Nacional de Antropología

See the city’s essential archaeology and anthropology collection, including the iconic Mexica stone sculpture.

2h 30m · $5-10
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Do
afternoon

Palacio de Bellas Artes

Admire the art nouveau facade, Diego Rivera mural inside, and grand interiors—excellent architecture and art.

1h 30m · $5 or Free Sundays
Bosque de Chapultepec
Do
morning

Bosque de Chapultepec

Hike trails, spot monkeys (wildlife); modern paths.

1h 30m · Free
Parque México
Do
morning

Parque México

Take a relaxed morning walk under the trees and see one of the city’s most pleasant residential parks.

1h · Free
Xochimilco Canals
Do
morning

Xochimilco Canals

Book a daytime trajinera ride, bring snacks and drinks if allowed, and expect music, floating vendors, and colorful scenery.

2h 30m · $20-$40 per person
Chapultepec Castle
Do
afternoon

Chapultepec Castle

Visit for city views, historic rooms, and a scenic walk up through the park.

2h · $5-$10 per person
Chapultepec Park & Anthropology Museum
Do
afternoon

Chapultepec Park & Anthropology Museum

Hike easy forest trails by the lake for nature, then explore the National Museum of Anthropology's Aztec exhibits.

3h · $6 entry
Frida Kahlo Museum
Do
afternoon

Frida Kahlo Museum

Visit the Casa Azul and its gardens, ideally with tickets secured in advance.

1h 30m · $15-25
Mercado de San Juan
Do
afternoon

Mercado de San Juan

Gourmet food market; sample cheeses, meats.

1h 15m · $15
Museo Frida Kahlo
Do
afternoon

Museo Frida Kahlo

Tour Frida's vibrant home with gardens, art, and personal artifacts (book tickets ahead).

1h 30m · $25
Polanco Avenue Shopping
Do
afternoon

Polanco Avenue Shopping

Stroll Avenida Presidente Masaryk for luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and artisanal Mexican design stores.

2h · $200+ or Free to browse
Roma Norte Street Walk
Do
afternoon

Roma Norte Street Walk

Wander the tree-lined blocks, browse small shops, and let yourself drift between cafés, galleries, and side streets.

1h 30m · Free
Templo Mayor Museum
Do
afternoon

Templo Mayor Museum

Explore the Aztec archaeological site and museum next to the Zócalo.

2h · $5-10
Xochimilco Trajinera Ride
Do
afternoon

Xochimilco Trajinera Ride

Private trajinera boat ride on canals with mariachi bands, floating bars, and tropical gardens—Mexico's 'beach' experience.

2h 30m · $100-200 for private boat
Zócalo & Metropolitan Cathedral
Do
morning

Zócalo & Metropolitan Cathedral

Wander the massive square, visit the grand cathedral, and watch the flag ceremony if timed right.

1h 30m · Free
Zócalo and Metropolitan Cathedral
Do
morning

Zócalo and Metropolitan Cathedral

Walk the main square, step inside the cathedral, and take in the scale of the city's historic center.

1h 30m · Free
Alameda Central Evening Stroll
Do
evening

Alameda Central Evening Stroll

Finish with a gentle walk around the park and nearby illuminated streets.

45m · Free
Alameda Central Park
Do
morning

Alameda Central Park

Gardens, wildlife squirrels; relaxed stroll.

1h · Free
Alameda Park & Palacio Bellas Artes
Do
afternoon

Alameda Park & Palacio Bellas Artes

Art Nouveau exterior, murals inside; park greenery.

1h 30m · $5 entry
Arena México Lucha Libre Night
Do
evening

Arena México Lucha Libre Night

Catch an evening wrestling show (usually Tuesday, Friday, or Sunday); buy good mid-range seats and go with a small tour or Uber there and back.

2h 30m · $15-35
Avenida Amsterdam & Parque México
Do
late afternoon

Avenida Amsterdam & Parque México

Leisurely walk the leafy oval avenue and park's water features for urban nature unwind.

1h · Free
Avenida Amsterdam loop
Do
evening

Avenida Amsterdam loop

Use the late afternoon for a gentle free-explore loop around cafés, boutiques, and residential streets.

1h 30m · Free
Avenida Presidente Masaryk Shopping Walk
Do
afternoon

Avenida Presidente Masaryk Shopping Walk

Browse flagship shops and polished storefronts on one of the city’s best-known shopping streets.

1h 30m · Free to browse
Balmori Roofbar
Do
night

Balmori Roofbar

Start the evening with drinks in a relaxed rooftop setting.

1h 30m · $15-30
Baltra Bar
Do
night

Baltra Bar

Cap the night with one of the city’s best-known cocktail bars.

1h 30m · $15-30
Cantina Tenampa Evening Experience in Plaza Garibaldi
Do
evening

Cantina Tenampa Evening Experience in Plaza Garibaldi

After dinner in Condesa, head to this legendary cantina (30 min transit via metro Line 2 toward Bellas Artes, exit at Bellas Artes) for an evening of tequila tasting, traditional food (try the Botana Tenampa platter), mariachi bands, and local culture. Arrive after 7 PM when the energy peaks. This is where locals sing ranchero songs and make new friends.

2h · $30-50 per person (including drinks and food)
Casa de Toño
Do
morning

Casa de Toño

Spend the morning in the neighborhood around Frida Kahlo’s area and the plazas, using the streets as the attraction as much as the museums.

1h 30m · Free
Casa Jacaranda Cooking Class
Do
late afternoon

Casa Jacaranda Cooking Class

Join a hands-on Mexican cooking class and learn a few dishes you can actually recreate at home.

3h · $70-120
Casa Luis Barragán
Do
afternoon

Casa Luis Barragán

Visit this architectural landmark for its quiet interiors, strong color, and controlled light.

1h 30m · $15-25
Chapultepec Castle & Forest Walk
Do
morning

Chapultepec Castle & Forest Walk

Walk up to the hilltop castle for sweeping city views and historic interiors, then wander down through Bosque de Chapultepec’s paths and lake.[4]

2h 30m · $4-8 (castle entry) or Free to enjoy park

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Contramar
Eat
afternoon

Contramar

Seafood-focused with tuna tostadas and tuna cheek in a breezy, tropical-chic space.

1h 30m · $80-120 per person
Panadería Rosetta
Eat
morning

Panadería Rosetta

Beloved bakery-café; try the guava roll, cardamom bun, and good espresso.

1h · $10-20 per person
El Cardenal
Eat
morning

El Cardenal

Classic Mexican breakfast spot; order chilaquiles verdes and fresh juices.

1h 15m · $25-35 per person
Lalo!
Eat
morning

Lalo!

Casual, modern spot with long communal tables—order the chilaquiles or French toast and a flat white.

1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Pujol
Eat
evening

Pujol

World-renowned modern Mexican tasting menu with tropical ingredients like mole and heirloom corn.

3h · $180-250 per person
Taqueria Orinoco
Eat
evening

Taqueria Orinoco

Street-style tacos al pastor and suadero with fresh salsas in lively atmosphere.

1h · $10-15 per person
Café de Tacuba
Eat
morning

Café de Tacuba

Classic breakfast spot for chilaquiles, huevos, and coffee in a historic setting.

1h · $15-25 per person
Azul Histórico
Eat
afternoon

Azul Histórico

Upscale regional Mexican cuisine served under a lantern-lit courtyard filled with trees; try the moles and tortilla soup.

1h 30m · $25-35 per person
Lardo
Eat
morning

Lardo

Bright corner restaurant with excellent egg dishes, pastries, and coffee, popular with locals and expats.

1h 15m · $12-20 per person
Mercado de Coyoacán
Eat
afternoon

Mercado de Coyoacán

Try quesadillas, tostadas, or fresh juices; order from stalls that look busy and clean, and keep it simple.

1h 15m · $8-$15 per person
Mercado Roma
Eat
afternoon

Mercado Roma

Trendy food hall with multiple vendors; share tacos, tortas, and small plates, and finish with ice cream or churros.

1h 30m · $15-25 per person
Quintonil
Eat
midday

Quintonil

If you prefer lunch over dinner, reserve this high-end meal for a memorable final-day indulgence.

2h · $80+ per person
Cafe de Tacuba
Eat
morning

Cafe de Tacuba

Have a classic breakfast of enfrijoladas, chilaquiles, or sweet bread in a traditional setting.

1h · $10-25 per person
Café Nin
Eat
morning

Café Nin

Try the pastries, eggs, and good coffee in a bright, stylish space; come early afternoon if you sleep in.

1h · $10-$20 per person
Corazón de Maguey
Eat
evening

Corazón de Maguey

Enjoy a sit-down dinner with mezcal and regional Mexican dishes.

1h 30m · $25-40 per person
El Huequito
Eat
afternoon

El Huequito

Tacos al pastor invention spot.

1h · $20-35 per person
El Parnita
Eat
evening

El Parnita

Casual upscale taqueria with inventive tacos and lively vibe.

1h 30m · $50-80 per person
Licorería Limantour
Eat
evening

Licorería Limantour

Arrive later for cocktails and small plates; if you want a full dinner, eat beforehand and come for drinks after.

1h 30m · $15-$30 per person
Los Danzantes
Eat
afternoon

Los Danzantes

After Xochimilco, have a seated lunch with modern Mexican dishes and a calm patio atmosphere.

1h 30m · $20-$40 per person
Los Danzantes Coyoacán
Eat
evening

Los Danzantes Coyoacán

Courtyard restaurant with modern Mexican cuisine and mezcal, right on the square.

2h · $30-45 per person

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