Mexico City (Ciudad de México) is one of the most dynamic, history steeped, and endlessly surprising destinations in Latin America. From the ruins of the Aztec Empire to Diego Rivera’s sweeping murals, from a world‑class street food scene to soaring Art Nouveau architecture, CDMX truly has something for every traveler. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re planning a second visit to uncover deeper layers, this guide will walk you through the very best things to do in Mexico City, complete with practical tips, neighborhood maps, and even a tasting menu of must‑try dishes.
Pro tip: Download Firsty before you arrive so you’re always connected, perfect for checking public transportation schedules, booking a guided tour, or sharing your next delicious meal.
Introduction: Why Mexico City Is a Must Visit
Welcome to Mexico City, a sprawling metropolis where ancient pyramids sit side‑by‑side with gleaming skyscrapers, and every street corner offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture. As one of the largest cities in the world, CDMX invites you to explore UNESCO World Heritage Site landmarks, savor mouthwatering al pastor tacos from a street food stall, and marvel at Diego Rivera’s epic murals in grand public buildings.
Whether you’re soaking up the energy of the bustling city center or discovering hidden gems in leafy neighborhoods like Roma Norte, there’s no shortage of things to do in Mexico City. This guide is your one‑stop resource, designed to help both first‑time visitors and seasoned travelers plan the ultimate trip, complete with walking maps, cuisine recommendations, and insider tips on getting around via public transportation or rideshare.
How to Use This Guide
Trip Length & Pacing: Plan for at least five full days to cover the major highlights, longer if you want to savor every museum or restaurant meal.
Neighborhood Clusters: We’ve organized recommendations by area: Centro Histórico, Coyoacán, Chapultepec, Roma Norte/Condesa, and beyond.
Getting Around: Mexico City’s Metro and Metrobús network is vast and affordable; taxis and ride‑hailing apps fill in the gaps. Consider renting an Ecobici bike for short hops. Use Firsty to look up schedules and pay-per-ride fares on the go.
1. Explore the Historic Centro Histórico
No list of things to do in Mexico City is complete without spending time in the Centro Histórico, the beating heart of CDMX. Begin at the Zócalo, one of the largest public squares in the world, surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and the Templo Mayor ruins, which date back to the Aztec Empire.
Guided Tour vs. Self‑Guided: A guided tour brings the city’s centuries‑old stories to life, from Emperor Maximilian I’s ill‑fated reign in the 19th century to the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlán. If you prefer to wander at your own pace, rent an audio guide or download a walking‑tour app.
Must Visit Stops: Don’t miss the Palacio de Bellas Artes, an Art Nouveau and Art Deco masterpiece brimming with Diego Rivera frescoes. Nearby, the Museum of Popular Art showcases traditional Mexican crafts.
2. Climb the Pyramids of Teotihuacán
Just north of Mexico City lies Teotihuacán, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the epicenter of the ancient Aztec Empire. Here, you’ll climb the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, then stroll along the Avenue of the Dead to the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
Getting There: Multiple locations offer shuttle buses from CDMX’s bus terminal or you can hop on an early morning guided tour for a hassle‑free experience.
Practical Tips: Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, the climb to the top is steep but worth every step. If you visit on a Sunday, combine with a stop at the lively Mercado de San Juan on your way back.
3. Visit Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul in Coyoacán
In the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán, guests step into the cobalt‑blue walls of Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s childhood home. Today it’s a museum of her life, artwork, personal belongings, and the lush garden that inspired her.
Reservation & Tickets: Book your time‑slot online in advance. Firsty's data makes booking quick, no hunting for Wi‑Fi next door.
Nearby Attractions: After exploring the museum, sample tuna tostadas at a local fonda, then wander the plazas and artisanal stalls of Coyoacán’s main square. Don’t miss the Leon Trotsky Museum a few blocks away.
4. Stroll Through Xochimilco’s Canals
For a break from the city’s bustle, head south to the floating gardens of Xochimilco, remnants of an ancient chinampa agriculture system from the Aztec period.
Trajinera Ride: Hire a brightly painted trajinera boat for a two‑hour ride, complete with mariachi serenades and vendors selling elote, esquites, and pulque.
Combo Tours: Many tours pair the canals with a stop at a nearby craft market. Arrive early to avoid the crowds, or opt for a weekday visit for a more relaxed vibe.
5. Wander Bosque de Chapultepec & Castillo
Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec) is one of the largest city parks in the world, often called the “lungs” of Mexico City. Inside its leafy expanse you’ll find lakes, jogging paths, and the majestic Chapultepec Castle perched atop a hill.
Chapultepec Castle: Once the residence of Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota, this hilltop fortress offers panoramic vistas and period‑rooms that feel frozen in time.
Museums Galore: Adjacent is the Museo Nacional de Antropología, home to the Aztec Sun Stone and comprehensive galleries on pre‑Columbian civilizations.
6. Marvel at Diego Rivera’s Murals
Diego Rivera’s murals capture Mexico’s tumultuous history, from indigenous life before the Spanish arrival to 20th‑century revolutionary change. Key sites include:
Palacio de Bellas Artes: Inside, Rivera’s “Man at the Crossroads” and other grand works dominate the lofty halls.
Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP Building): Free to enter, this Art Deco landmark features Rivera’s epic “History of Mexico” mural cycle in its courtyard.
7. Discover Street Art in Roma Norte & La Condesa
Roma Norte and La Condesa are Mexico City’s trendiest neighborhoods, filled with tree‑lined streets, Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings, and an ever‑evolving street art scene.
Must‑See Murals: Follow a self‑guided mural map or join a guided street‑art tour to learn about each artist’s story.
Cafés & Galleries: Pause for coffee at a hip café, many locals swear by their pour‑over, then browse independent art galleries and concept shops.
8. Indulge at Mercado de la Merced & Mercado Roma
Mexico City’s markets are a culinary treasure trove. At Mercado de la Merced, wander endless stalls piled high with produce, chilies, and local meats. At Mercado Roma, sample a tasting menu of modern Mexican cuisine.
Street Food Scene: Order al pastor tacos with a squeeze of lime, or try tuna tostadas topped with avocado and salsa verde.
Gourmet Finds: At Mercado Roma, chefs prepare creative bites, think grasshopper tostadas and craft mezcal flights, in a polished food‑hall setting.
9. Visit Mexico City’s Iconic Museums
A city of museums, CDMX boasts some of the world’s finest collections and architectural landmarks.
Museo Jumex
Contemporary art from Latin America and international talents
Free entry on Sundays; rotating exhibitions keep it fresh
On‑site café perfect for an espresso before your next museum hop
Museo Soumaya
Home to over 66,000 works, from Old Masters to modern sculpture
Free admission every day; building itself is a sculptural marvel
Explore European and Mexican art under one roof
Museo Nacional de Antropología
Housed in a modernist UNESCO World Heritage Site structure
Pre‑Columbian treasures: Aztec Calendar Stone, Mayan stelae, Olmec heads
Timed‑entry tickets recommended to avoid lines
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Art Nouveau exterior, Art Deco interior, Rivera murals aplenty
Catch a ballet or opera performance in its elegant theater
Photo ops abound, just watch for the careful museum security
Museo de Arte Popular
Celebrates Mexican folk traditions: textiles, alebrijes, ceramics
Hands‑on workshops let you try papel picado or pottery
Small café offering aguas frescas and traditional sweets
Museum‑Hopping Tips: Purchase a “Pase Turístico” for bundled entry savings. Plan by neighborhood, Polanco is home to Jumex & Soumaya, while Chapultepec Park houses Antropología & Bellas Artes.
10. Experience Lucha Libre at Arena México
For an evening of high‑energy fun, book tickets to a Lucha Libre match at Arena México.
Cultural Insight: Lucha Libre is more than sport, it’s performance art reflecting Mexico’s playful, defiant spirit.
Tickets & Seating: Lower‑ring seats (fila uno) offer up‑close action; balcony seats are cheaper and still deliver the spectacle. Mask shops line the plaza outside, pick up a colorful lucha mask to join the fun.
11. Sample Mezcal on a Tasting Tour
No culinary tour of Ciudad de México is complete without a mezcal tasting. Simply go into any bar or:
Small‑Group Tours: Led by expert guides, these tastings often include a tasting menu of local eats like quesadillas, sopes, and more.
Chef‑Led Pairings: Some high‑end restaurants offer mezcal pairing dinners, where each pour is matched with a specific dish to highlight flavor contrasts.
12. Day Trip to Puebla or Taxco
Venture beyond the city for a day and discover two of Mexico’s most photogenic colonial towns.
Puebla: Famous for Talavera pottery, mole poblano, and its well‑preserved historic center (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Taxco: Nestled in the mountains, this silver‑mining town dazzles with winding streets and baroque churches.
Multiple locations can be covered on a private driver tour, or catch a luxury bus for an affordable group trip.
Practical Planning Tips
Best Time to Visit: Dry season (November–April) for cooler days and clearer skies; rainy season features lush parks. Coordinate with Día de los Muertos (November 1–2) or Independence Day (September 16) for festivals.
Safety & Health: Stick to well‑lit areas at night; drink bottled water or use a refillable filter bottle.
Money & Budgeting: Pesos are king, ATMs are plentiful, but watch fees. Street‑food tacos can cost 15–25 MXN each, super affordable.
Public Transportation: A Metro ride costs around 5 MXN; purchase a reloadable Metrocard. Ecobici bike‑share offers daily passes.
Language & Etiquette: A few Spanish phrases go a long way. Greet with “buenos días” and always say “gracias.”
Stay Connected with Firsty
There’s nothing worse than missing your ride‑share pickup or Googling the next site only to hit a slow hotel Wi‑Fi. Firsty’s eSIM technology ensures seamless coverage across Mexico City’s public transit, mercados, and beyond.
Why You Need Reliable Data
Real‑time Metro map lookups in Bosque de Chapultepec
Instant guided‑tour check‑ins at Museo Nacional de Antropología
Live‑upload of your churros‑and‑coffee selfies to social media
Ability to call an Uber anytime, anywhere regardkess if you have a plan or not
Firsty Features
Instant eSIM activation: No stores, no physical SIM card, just download and go.
Affordable plans: Pay only for data you use; packages for single‑day visitors or month‑long stays.
Global connection: From Chapultepec Park to Mercado de la Merced or anywhere else in the world, your connection never drops.
Flexible top‑up: Running low on data during a long tasting menu dinner? Top up in‑app instantly.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Mexico City is more than a destination; it’s an invitation to taste, see, and live a thousand unique stories in one trip. From the majesty of the Centro Histórico to the vibrant street food scene, the city will surprise and delight you at every turn. Whether you’re savoring tuna tostadas in a local mercado, climbing an ancient pyramid, or standing beneath a Diego Rivera mural, CDMX proves itself to be a world‑class city worth checking out again and again.
Ready to plan your trip? Build your personal “top picks” itinerary, pack your comfiest walking shoes, and download Firsty to stay connected every step of the way. ¡Buen viaje!
This comprehensive guide to things to do in Mexico City ensures you won’t miss a beat, whether it’s a mid‑morning coffee in Roma Norte, a lunchtime tasting menu of Mexican cuisine, or an evening stroll through a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Use it well, travel smart, and get ready to fall in love with one of the world’s greatest capital cities.
