Things To Do
in Mexico City
Mexico City is a sprawling capital rich in history, culture, and cuisine. Perched high on the central plateau, it blends ancient ruins with modern neighborhoods. Its museums, markets, and restaurants offer a dynamic sense of place that rewards curiosity.
The city can feel exhilarating and overwhelming, but its warmth and energy make it unforgettable.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at the Zócalo, Mexico City’s grand main square, where you can admire the imposing National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral under the soft morning light. Wander through the ancient ruins of the Templo Mayor just steps away and imagine the vibrant heart of the Aztec empire. Grab a freshly made tamal from a local vendor to fuel your exploration.
Head to the Palacio de Bellas Artes to marvel at its striking architecture and colorful murals by Diego Rivera. Meander down Calle Madero, popping into traditional shops and stopping for a comforting bowl of pozole at a nearby eatery. Pause in the Jardín Centenario for a moment of calm amid the urban buzz.
As dusk falls, sample street food in the historic center, from elote dressed in crema and cheese to tacos al pastor sizzling on the grill. Listen to the melodies of mariachi bands gathering around the Zócalo and consider joining locals in an impromptu dance. Cap off the night with a cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the illuminated cityscape.
Stroll along the shaded paths of Bosque de Chapultepec, the sprawling urban park, and watch joggers and families enjoying the green oasis. Visit the Castillo de Chapultepec perched atop the hill for panoramic views and a tour of the opulent former imperial residence. Savor a coffee and pan dulce at a café near the fountain before moving on.
Spend the afternoon immersed in art and history at the National Museum of Anthropology, exploring its renowned collection of indigenous artifacts. Continue to the Museo Tamayo for contemporary works or the Museo de Arte Moderno to see modern Mexican painting. Rest on a park bench by the lake and feed the friendly pigeons.
Enjoy a leisurely paddleboat ride on the park’s tranquil lake as lanterns begin to glow. Dine on gourmet Mexican cuisine at a nearby restaurant in Polanco, sampling innovative dishes that fuse tradition with modern flair. Finish with a walk along Reforma Avenue to admire its illuminated monuments and sculptures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🗺️Museum entry or sightseeing | $6-20 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $2-5 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short distance) | $5-12 |
| 🎬Cinema ticket | $4-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich culture and history
- World-class museums and cuisine
- Vibrant neighborhoods with walkable streets
- Excellent transit and metro network
- High altitude can affect some travelers
- Air quality varies by season
- Heavy traffic during peak hours
- Some tourist areas may have pickpockets
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
Places to Visit in Mexico City
Visit one of these nice places.
Beaux-Arts façade with striking interior architecture and stained glass; ideal for dramatic portraits and architectural shots.
Central square with impressive historic buildings, offering grand silhouettes and sunset views.
Colorful colonial streets and the blue house exterior provide vivid, authentic backdrops.
Bright trajinera boats and canal scenery perfect for sunset photography and lively street scenes.
Food in Mexico City
Mexico City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pork tacos cooked on a vertical spit with pineapple, commonly found at taquerías throughout the city.
Must-Try!
Poblano peppers stuffed with picadillo and topped with a walnut sauce, a seasonal favorite often found in September and October.
A hearty hominy stew with pork or chicken, garnished with cabbage, onions, and lime; widely available at mercados and restaurants.
Rich sauce made from chilies, spices, and chocolate served over turkey or chicken; widely available in traditional eateries.
Oval masa cakes stuffed with cheese, fava beans, or chicharrón, often topped with salsas and cilantro at markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A market known for gourmet ingredients, prepared foods, and specialty products from across Mexico and beyond.
One of the city’s largest traditional markets offering fresh produce, grains, spices, and street eats.
Tostadas, quesadillas, elotes and esquites from stalls throughout Roma, Condesa, and Centro offer quick, delicious bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly hola or buenos días. Use por favor and gracias; formal introductions are appreciated in business or older social circles.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; speak softly and respect sacred spaces; photography may be restricted in some areas.
Safety
Tipping in Mexico City
Ensure a smooth experience
In most restaurants, a tip of 10–20% is customary if service is not included. For taxis and street vendors, rounding up is appreciated.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and hotels; cash is useful at markets and for street vendors; contactless payments are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures and blooming trees; crowds begin building toward summer; carry a light layer for cool mornings.
Warm to hot days with frequent afternoon showers; humidity is common; plan outdoor activities earlier in the day.
Milder weather with lower humidity; rain can occur; great time for outdoor terraces and markets.
Cool mornings and evenings; many clear days; festive events and night markets appear during December.
Mexico City at Night
Hiking in Mexico City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A volcanic park about 1.5 to 2 hours from the city with crater lakes and several trails.
Mountain range with challenging hikes and spectacular views; check volcán activity and permits.
Forest trails near the city suitable for day hikes and easy to moderate routes.
Airports
How to reach Mexico City by plane.
Main international airport for the city; connected to the metro and taxi services; many international and domestic flights.
Smaller airport located about 60 miles west of the city; serves few international flights and car rental options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A diverse mix of long-term residents and families across the city’s many neighborhoods.
Tourists from around the world; many speak English in tourist areas.
Large student population from numerous universities in and around the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the country; watch a Liga MX match or follow local teams in bars.
Mexico has a strong boxing tradition with events regularly held in city venues.
Baseball has a solid following and local leagues have games around the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mexico City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes can be adapted; look for nopales, huitlacoche, mushrooms, and fresh vegetable plates. In markets, rely on produce and grains; in restaurants, ask for vegetarian options or customize sauces to avoid meat stock.