Your Guide to the Best Things to Do in Mexico City

Must-Visit Landmarks, Thriving Art Scene, Delicious Street Food, Day Trips, and Vibrant Nightlife

Mexico City, or CDMX as it's known to locals, is an electric place buzzing with the energy and diversity of its rich cultural history.

With a population of over 21 million people, it's the largest city in North America and is home to some of the world's most famous landmarks, museums, and restaurants. This unique intersection of history, culture, food, and nightlife offers a never-ending well of activities and sights to see.

Our Mexico City in a Day Tour is one of the top things to do in Mexico City, as it gives you access and insight into the city’s most famous landmarks. From Templo Mayor to the Metropolitan Cathedral, a local historian will guide you through architectural marvels and hip neighborhoods, ensuring you leave CDMX with a complete understanding of its culture and history.

It’s nearly impossible to create a singular list of the best things to do in CDMX, but we’ll try – here are our expert picks for must-do activities to make the most of your time in Mexico City.

Visit the Historic Center of Mexico City

Located in the heart of Mexico City, the Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The Zocalo, the main square, is one of the largest public squares in the world and is flanked by stunning colonial-era buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace.

One of the best things about CDMX is the fact that you’ll find a beautiful combination of modern architecture alongside ancient structures – just like the Templo Mayor. This ancient Aztec temple was discovered in Mexico City, and it hosted the most important ceremonial and ritual Aztec customs.

Our Historic Center Tour is perfect for first-timers and return visitors alike, as you will have the chance to discover the Historic Center of Mexico City with a local expert on our three-hour introductory tour.

Learn About Mexico City Architecture

For visitors who can’t get enough of Mexico City’s impressive architecture (or those looking to deepen their knowledge of this historic city), Context offers a Mexico City Architecture Tour.

You’ll meet your expert guide in Condesa, one of the first parts of Mexico City’s expansion in the early twentieth century and known for its nationalistic Art Deco buildings, built when Mexico was fighting for an identity on the global stage.

You’ll see impressive examples of Francisco J. Serrano’s and Ernesto Buenrostro’s structures (built during the 1930s and ’40s), along with the outdoor theatre named in honor of Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 visit. Your guide will discuss the area’s growth during the height of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema as well as the shock effect of recent earthquakes.

After leaving the swanky Condesa, you’ll continue to its grittier cousin, Roma. Originally renowned for its French Art Noveau architecture, it only recently has been rediscovered as a destination worth exploring, due in part to a host of creative, entrepreneurial minds who gave rise to its unique character. You’ll visit the gourmet Roma Market for a beverage and break to discuss the politics, economics, and lifestyle trends making Mexico City the attractive metropolis we see today.

Your expert will spotlight must-see spots along Alvaro Obregon and Parque Rio de Janeiro. Then, if time permits, you might make it to the oldest part of the neighborhood, La Romita, a town-within-the-city that during the colonial era was an indigenous settlement complete with a 16th-century church.

Explore the Art Scene in Mexico City

When you visit Mexico City, you’ll see why so many artists and artisans creatively flourish in the city. The thriving art scene in CDMX features a wealth of museums and galleries to explore, all offering unique and thought-provoking works that embody the powerful artistic energy that flows through the city.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes is one of the city's most famous landmarks and features murals by Mexican artists Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House, showcases the life and work of the famous Mexican artist. You can also check out the Museo Soumaya, which houses an extensive art collection, including works by Rodin and Van Gogh.

Don’t miss Mexico’s top museum, the National Museum of Anthropology. Context offers an expert-led guided tour of the National Museum of Anthropology. The museum is known as a safeguard of the legacy of indigenous Mexico, and it contains some of the country’s most vital artifacts, such as the magnificent Stone of the Sun (perhaps better known as the Aztec calendar stone). Our three-hour tour takes you on the incredible journey of examining a vast collection of pre-Hispanic relics and gaining a deeper understanding of their modern relevance.

Indulge in the Mexican Street Food

What better place to experience amazing street food than Mexico City? Savor some of the city’s most famous dishes, like tacos al pastor, tamales, and elote (grilled corn).

Adventurous eaters can branch out into more interesting options, such as chapulines (grasshoppers) or huitlacoche (corn fungus). You can find street vendors all over the city, but some of the best spots are in the neighborhoods of Condesa, Roma, and Coyoacan. Don't forget to cool down with a michelada, a Mexican beer cocktail that's perfect for hot days.

Looking for some guidance on the best places to indulge? Take our Savoring Mexico City: Roma Food Tour. Led by a local chef or food critic, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a curated selection of Mexico’s traditional and experimental dishes.

Take a Day Trip to Teotihuacan Pyramids

Teotihuacan is a far cry from the busy urban streets of Mexico City – this ancient Mesoamerican city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to some of the largest pyramids in the world.

Visitors can marvel at the world-famous Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, along with the Great Compound with the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, while exploring this well-preserved city. Though you can no longer climb to the top of the pyramids, you can still enjoy beautiful murals, extensive residential complexes, and a walk down the Avenue of the Dead, lined with smaller pyramids, platforms, and other structures.

Remember to bring water, sunscreen, and snacks, and wear comfortable shoes!

Enjoy the Nightlife in Mexico City

When the sun goes down, the nightlife kicks off in Mexico City. Visit the trendy neighborhoods of Condesa and Roma for craft cocktails and live music or head to the Zona Rosa for a more traditional night out. Travelers looking for an upscale experience with a view should head to one of the city’s rooftop bars for an elegant and unforgettable night out.

Looking for an evening that’s part sport, part theater? Look no further than Lucha Libre, a unique and entertaining form of Mexican wrestling. Travelers looking for interesting things to do in Mexico City should certainly put Lucha Libre on their list.

You can also enjoy two distinctly Mexican experiences – tequila and Mariachi – on our Night Tour in Mexico City.

Free Things to Do in Mexico City

Mexico City is a vibrant city with a rich cultural history, and there are plenty of things to see and do that won't break the bank. Here are some free activities to add to your itinerary:

• Visit the Chapultepec Castle: Located in the heart of Chapultepec Park, the castle is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and architecture. You can explore the castle's many rooms and galleries and enjoy city views from the rooftop terrace.
• Take a stroll through Chapultepec Park: The largest park in Mexico City, Chapultepec Park is a beautiful green space that's perfect for a picnic or a relaxing afternoon.
• Explore the street art: Mexico City is known for its vibrant street art scene, and you can see some of the city's best murals and graffiti in the neighborhoods of Roma, Condesa, and La Merced.
• Visit the Zocalo: The main square in Mexico City, the Zocalo is one of the biggest public plazas in the world. You can see the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral, and enjoy the lively street performers and vendors.
• Check out the markets: Mexico City is home to many bustling markets, where you can find everything from fresh produce and handmade crafts to vintage clothing and antiques. Some of the best markets to explore include the Mercado de la Merced, the Mercado de San Juan, and the Mercado de Coyoacan.

Mexico City Local Tips and Tricks

We asked our insiders for their best tips and strategies to create an amazing Mexico City vacation. Here’s what they said:

Plan ahead

Research the neighborhoods and areas you want to visit, as the city is quite large and can be overwhelming. Consider staying in a centrally located area, such as Roma or Condesa, to be close to many of the city's top attractions.

Prepare for the Mexico City Altitude

Adjusting to the altitude of Mexico City is important to avoid altitude sickness, which can cause symptoms like headache, nausea, and fatigue. One way to prepare is to arrive a few days early and gradually acclimate to the altitude by taking it easy and drinking plenty of water. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine can also help.

It's also a good idea to pack warm clothing, as the high altitude in CDMX can cause temperatures to vary throughout the day. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it's important to consult with your doctor before traveling to higher altitudes.

Budget your time wisely

There's so much to see and do in Mexico City, so it's important to prioritize your activities. Consider booking tours or activities in advance to save time and ensure you take advantage of all must-see destinations.

Try the local cuisine

You won’t fully experience Mexico City culture if you don’t take advantage of the mouth-watering food. From street vendors to upscale restaurants, there’s something for every palate (and budget!) – so take some time to eat your way through the city.

Plan Your Visit to Mexico City

Visiting Mexico City offers a chance to immerse yourself in a rich and storied culture. There’s something for everyone in CDMX – from architecturally significant landmarks to fun, exciting nightlife. Context’s guided tours of Mexico City are a great way to have an expert plan part of your itinerary for you – we’ll take care of the details, and you can just show up ready for an awesome day.

For more opportunities to learn about a host of topics, like museums, art, literature, and more, check out Context Learning.

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