Every time I visit Mexico City it seems to get even more enchanting. Generally, I’m not a fan of big cities, but I’m already looking forward to my next trip. Mexico’s vibrant capital is one of the world’s biggest. This sprawling metropolitan area boasts intriguing museums, mouthwatering food, and friendly people while being surprisingly affordable, and safe.
As a Mexican resident, I’m fortunate that it’s just a short flight from my home. If you’re in the U.S., you can fly nonstop from many airports. That includes Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Orlando, Miami, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, and Boston. But what to do in Mexico City once you get there? You’ll find plenty, including these options along with some unforgettable day trips.
How to Get Around
I admit, the traffic congestion can be brutal in Mexico City. But the metro system will get you around quickly with 195 stations across 14 lines. Of course, like in any big city, when trains are jam-packed with people, it’s important to guard your belongings closely as pickpocketing can occur.
Taxis are another good option. They’re strictly regulated at the airport but if you’re looking to get somewhere from your hotel or other accommodation, it’s best to ask your host to arrange one for you. Uber and the local ride-share service known as DiDi also operate here for another safe and affordable way to navigate the city.
What to Do in Mexico City
Explore the Historical Center
The old Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán was the birthplace of Mexico City, built in the 16th century by the Spanish on its ruins. Today, it sits at the heart of the city as the historical center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are five Aztec temples, which include the main temple of Templo Mayor, built in the late Postclassic period of Mesoamerica. It was the centerpiece of Tenochtitlán, the ancient Aztec capital, constructed in 1325 in the marshes of Lake Texcoco. Its stone ruins sit at the heart of Centro Histórico. While it’s hard to imagine what the temples looked like during the peak of Aztecan glory, with a little help of the museum you’ll get the full picture.
The imposing Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, or Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral is a jaw-dropping site. This magnificent building dominates the Zócalo, the huge central square. Built in neo-classical, neo-renaissance, and baroque styles between the late 16th and early 19th centuries, it took almost 250 years to complete.
There are many events held here throughout the year from festivals and markets to live concerts and political speeches. Just keep that in mind when booking a room nearby as you won’t get much sleep unless it’s soundproofed.
Gran Hotel Ciudad de México
Even if you don’t stay at the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México, you’ll want to pop in to see the interior. I was lucky enough to stay in this building that originally served as a department store in the 19th century. And, my room was well-soundproofed despite overlooking the central square.
It’s managed to retain its incredible art nouveau interior featuring a gorgeous curved staircase, an antique elevator that was the first of its kind in the city, and the crown jewel: a Tiffany stained-glass ceiling, imported from France in 1908.
Visit Fascinating Museums
At last count, there were 170 museums in Mexico City, so you’re going to have to prioritize.
Museo Nacional de Antropología
The Museo Nacional de Antropología, or National Museum of Anthropology, is the largest and most visited in the country. Twenty acres in size, you could spend days exploring the 23 exhibit halls and over 600,000 artifacts. It tells the story of Mexico’s early years from its pre-Columbian past to the Mayan civilization, the Aztec empire, and the time of the Spanish conquest.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Palacio de Bellas Artes, one of the country’s best art museums. It sits within a gorgeous art nouveau building and serves as the home of the National Theater Company, the National Symphony Orchestra and Fine Arts Chamber Orchestra, the National Dance Company, and the National Opera Country. It’s worth a visit just to see the building itself, but try to make time to catch a performance if you can.
Museo Frida Kahlo
Museo Frida Kahlo, sometimes referred to as the Blue House or Casa Azul for its cobalt blue walls, was the home of the Kahlo family, including the famous Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. It was transformed into a museum in 1958, four years after her death. Preserved much in the same way it was found, you’ll see many of her paintings along with personal items like her bed, photos, clothing, and painting materials.
Chapultepec Park
Chapultepec Park is home to both the anthropology museum and the national history museum which sits within 18th-century Chapultepec Castle. It’s the largest urban park in Latin America with numerous other attractions throughout its over 1,600 acres, which include scenic walking paths in the forest and a number of lakes with opportunities to paddle around. Some of the other highlights are the botanical garden, temporary exhibits in open-air art galleries, and several fountains like the beautiful Fountain of the Frogs, and Monumental Fountain of Nezahualcoyotl.
You’ll often see performances in the park too like the Dance of the Flyers, a traditional ritual representative of the four seasons, first undertaken during a severe drought to ask the gods to send down rain for the crops. The mesmerizing “show” features five men who dance around a 100-foot-high pole before free climbing it with no support of any kind. Once at the top, one man remains playing a drum while the others spin around, descending upside down as they spin via attached ropes while one plays the flute while flying through the air.
The Xochimilco Floating Gardens
The World Heritage Site of Xochimilco is an extensive lake and canal system that once connected most of the settlements in the Valley of Mexico. Spread across this southern district of Mexico City, it’s a remarkable vestige of the area’s pre-Hispanic past. Visitors can even float down the Aztec-built canals in a colorful gondola-like vessel called a trajinera.
Best Day Trips from Mexico City
There is a wealth of day trip possibilities from Mexico City, whether you’re looking for something short and sweet or a full-day adventure.
Teotihuacán
The No. 1 excursion from Mexico City is the ancient Mesoamerican pyramids of Teotihuacán. It’s one the most important of Mexico’s ruins along with Chichen Itza in the Yucatan. A vast UNESCO-listed archaeological site, it was once the largest city in the pre-Columbia Americas, home to around a quarter-million at its peak. You’ll walk the Avenue of the Dead which runs through the heart of the complex, linking the Pyramid of the Sun, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, and the Pyramid of the Moon.
The site can be reached in about an hour by car, but you’ll get a lot more from the experience by booking a private tour with 5-star guide Paulina. English-speaking, and born and raised in Mexico City, she has an in-depth knowledge of its history helping to bring it all to life.
Grutas Tolantongo
Nestled high in the mountains of Hidalgo, Grutas Tolantongo is worth an early wake-up call. Located about a three-hour drive from Mexico City, it’s jam-packed with stunning natural beauty. Here, geothermal water tumbles over calcified travertine pools and cascades down waterfalls in a remote box canyon surrounded by towering mountains. The rock-walled pools are tiered and tucked against a mountain face. The water ranges from 96.8 to 100.4 degrees, providing the chance to soak while gazing out at an incredible vista.
Puebla
Puebla’s center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its magnificent Spanish colonial buildings and colorful blend of cultures. Just 80 miles southeast of Mexico City, many come to buy its signature Talavera pottery with intricate designs. While you’re in the area you’ll also want to visit Cholula nearby. The world’s largest pyramid, also referred to as Tlachihualtepetl, it was an important religious center during pre-Hispanic times. Visitors can explore the ruins and tunnels that lie beneath the pyramid, a museum, and an early 17th-century church. From the church, you’ll be able to take in a sweeping vista of Puebla and the surrounding volcanoes.
El Chico National Park
El Chico National Park in the Pachuca Mountain Range is only about 70 miles northeast of Mexico City. You’ll feel like you’re in another world. The mountainous park is home to dense forests, unique rock formations, and dramatic peaks. The highest soars more than 10,000 feet. Along the Milagro River, you’ll find picturesque waterfalls and there are opportunities for hiking, biking, and rock climbing too. One of the best viewpoints can be found at the cliffs of Peña del Cuervoin.
For more Mexico travel tips, check out What to Do in La Paz.
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