Discover the vibrant heart of Mexico with a visit to its captivating capital, Mexico City. Boasting a rich tapestry of history, culture and a phenomenal food scene, this vibrant metropolis is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored.
With so much to explore in this buzzing city, putting together an itinerary can seem a daunting task. In this guide, I share the best 8 things to see in Mexico City to make it as easy as possible for you to plan an unforgettable trip to this unique destination.
Discover the best things to do and see in Mexico City and plan the most incredible trip to the largest capital in North America.
Zócalo, also called Plaza de la Constitución, is Mexico City’s vibrant central square and the heart of its historic district. It houses the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral, the oldest and largest cathedral in Latin America.
You will find fascinating remnants of an ancient civilisation at Zócalo Mayor as it is the site of the original Aztec City of Tenochtitlan. Beyond its famous landmarks, the square hosts daytime events and festivals.
Come nightfall, Zócalo transforms into a vibrant hub of activity, with many concerts taking place. The illuminated architecture creates a captivating backdrop as locals and visitors gather to enjoy live music, cultural performances, and the enchanting atmosphere that defines evenings in Mexico City.
Investigate the colourful museum of Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico’s greatest and most highly respected artists. The painter is particularly renowned for her self-portraits, vibrant colours and forward–thinking portrayal of female experiences.
While the building now serves as the Frida Kahlo Museum, it is also the artist’s birthplace, where she spent her childhood, her marital home and ultimately, her place of death. Following her passing, her husband, Diego Rivera, donated the property and its contents so it could be transformed into a museum in her honour.
Also known as Casa Azul, the vibrant house is a cobalt-blue colour and bright red, green and yellow accents on its doors and window frames. Here you will find many of Frida Kahlo’s greatest works, along with personal belongings and documents.
Offering a touching and fascinating insight into the life of such a legendary artist, visiting the museum is certainly one of the best things to do in Mexico City. The site is a highly sought-after attraction, so I would advise you to book tickets in advance. Otherwise, you will run the risk of missing out on one of the most cool things to do in Mexico City.
Visit the Teotihuacan Pyramids to explore the fascinating remains of a once-flourishing pre-Columbian city. The site lies an hour north of the centre of Mexico City and is not to be missed during your stay.
The pyramids trace back to about 200 BCE and are an incredible spectacle to behold. Wander along the main path, known as The Avenue of the Dead, before reaching the site’s largest temple: The Sun Pyramid. You can climb the incredible monument for a panoramic vista over the ruins below.
You can reach the Teotihuacan Pyramids by catching a bus from the city’s northern terminal. However, opting for a guided tour not only simplifies the journey a lot easier but also enriches the experience. Knowledgeable guides will accompany you through this ancient marvel, offering insights that enhance your understanding of the site.
As such an extraordinary and unique attraction, the Teotihuacan Pyramids are definitely one of the best things to see near Mexico City.
Do not forget you are staying in one of the foodie capitals of the world! Make sure to allocate some time to uncovering the spectacular gastronomic scene. During my visit, I took a taco tour led by a local. It provided a fantastic deep dive into the exceptional traditional cuisine on offer in the city.
A local expert led me to fantastic off-the-beaten-track eateries throughout the city where I tasted the most incredible freshly made tacos. Taking a food tour is the perfect way to get a flavour of the city.
In addition to sampling carefully chosen traditional dishes, the tour also grants the opportunity to navigate the city under the guidance of a local insider. For this reason, I highly recommend embarking on a food tour early in your trip.
By doing so, you can immediately delve into the world of extraordinary traditional food, explore the city through the eyes of a local and simultaneously become more familiar with the destination.
The Templo Mayor Museum is one of the best things to see in Mexico City. Once the epicentre of the Aztec Empire, it is a fascinating site home to ancient temples and ruins and is located right in the heart of the capital.
Remarkably, up until 2014, the Templo Mayor’s existence remained concealed from public view. The land it occupied was under private ownership by a hotel. It wasn’t until the business decided to demolish and rebuild that the ruins were discovered.
As the reconstruction progressed, the Templo Mayor was unearthed from beneath the ground. Today, parts of the site are still preserved in a partially buried state but there is plenty to see such as temples, ruins and an indoor museum.
While you have the option to visit the site on your own, taking a tour can offer a deeper understanding of the rich historical heritage of the area.
The Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) is easily one of the most cool things to see in Mexico City. The incredible building was built in 1904 and houses a large theatre, concert hall, the Museo Nacional de Arquitectura (National Museum of Architecture) and the Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes (Museum of the Palace of Fine Arts).
While there is no doubt that the interior holds fascinating attractions, I found the most magnificent aspect of the landmark to be its magnificent exterior. A breathtaking sight, the outside is a stunning blend of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architectural styles.
It is instantly recognisable, with a sleek Carrara marble body and a roof resembling the wings of a butterfly. Head to the 8th floor of the Sears department store opposite for the best view of The Palacio de Bellas Artes. Here you will find Café Don Porfirio which has a balcony directly overlooking the landmark.
The Palacio Nacional (National Palace) stands as an incredibly impressive landmark to explore while visiting Mexico City. Stretching 200 metres in length, this intricately designed building spans the entire expanse of the city street. Inside, you’ll discover four murals created by the renowned Mexican artist, Diego Rivera.
In these fascinating pieces, Rivera captures the four phases of the country’s history. They are said to be among his most impressive works. Palacio Nacional neighbours Zocalo, making it an easier detour from many of the top spots to see in the city.
It is worth noting that you will need to present a photo ID to get free entry into the landmark. Once in, you will be able to see the artwork and explore the pretty on-site gardens and fountains decorated in a Spanish Renaissance architectural style.
Casa de los Azulejos is another of the top things to see in Mexico City. Also referred to as the House of Tiles, the exterior of this remarkable building is embellished with vibrant ceramics in shades of blue, white and yellow.
While the building itself traces back to the 1500s, its famous tiles were added later, around 1735. The outside is incredibly impressive but there are also fascinating sights to see within the interior where you will find a mural by Jose Clemente Orozco, a painter renowned for his works in Guanajuato.
A picture of beauty, visiting Casa de los Azulejos is easily one of the best things to see in Mexico City.
You may be wondering what to wear in Mexico City ahead of your trip. The cosmopolitan capital is diverse and bursting with creativity, which means you’ll find locals and tourists donning a range of styles including everything from traditional clothing to the trendiest streetwear.
That being said, it is worth considering where exactly in the city you will be visiting while writing your Mexico City packing list. If you plan to visit lots of religious sites and museums, you might consider packing more conservative outfits or researching whether they have specific dress codes.
While many travel over without any trouble at all, there are some things that you can do in Mexico City to keep yourself extra safe. As with other destinations, you should read up on the safe neighbourhoods and those best avoided.
While there are plenty of wonderful, trouble-free areas in the capital, there are also neighbourhoods known for their crime. Some of the safest neighbourhoods in Mexico City include:
While you could easily spend months ticking off all of the unique things to do in Mexico City, it is unlikely that you have this kind of time on your hands. I would recommend spending at least 5 days exploring the capital.
This will give you enough time to tick off all of the most famous things to do around Mexico City, while also leaving room to veer off the beaten track and explore lesser-known treasures beyond the usual tourist trail.
It is common for locals and tourists alike to use Uber in Mexico City. The service provides an easy and affordable way to explore the city. There are lots of local drivers now using the app, meaning you rarely wait longer than 5 minutes for their arrival.
Many consider Uber to be safer than regular taxis in all parts of the world, as the app tracks where you are going and carries out safety checks on its drivers.
With so many fun things to do in Mexico City, you’ll have plenty of sights to see during your adventure. From exploring the bustling Zócalo square to admiring the colourful legacy of Frida Kahlo, prepare to have an incredible time in this remarkable corner of the world.
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