Are you planning a trip to Mexico City? If so, you’re in for a treat! Mexico City is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world. The city is home to some of the best museums, parks, and ancient ruins in the country. It’s also a great place to enjoy Mexican cuisine and learn about the country’s rich history. To help you plan your trip, I’ve compiled a list of the 15 Best and Fun Things to Do in Mexico City. Trust me, you won’t want to miss any of these!
Best Things To Do in Mexico City
1. Zocalo
Zocalo is the heart of Mexico City and one of the top tourist attractions in the city. It’s where the country’s independence was declared in 1813, and it’s also where, in 1910, the Mexican Revolution began.
Today, Zocalo is one of the largest public squares in the world, measuring over 50,000 square meters. This place is popular with locals and tourists alike, and it’s a great place to people-watch or simply take in the sights and sounds of Mexico City. On any given day, you’ll find musicians and performers entertaining the crowds.
At the center of Zocalo is a Mexican flag raised on a central pole. The flag is raised and lowered each day in a colorful ceremony, and it’s also worth noting that the national anthem was first sung here in 1854.
The square is also home to a number of important buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Latin America; the National Palace, home to Diego Rivera’s world-famous murals; and the Templo Mayor, an Aztec temple that was rediscovered in 1978
2. Chapultepec Park
If you’re looking for things to do in Mexico City, a visit to Chapultepec Park should definitely be on your list. At more than 1,600 acres, Chapultepec is one of the largest city parks in the world and is a popular recreation spot for locals and visitors alike.
The park is home to a number of attractions, including the Chapultepec Zoo, several museums, an amusement park, and much more. One of the most popular things to do in Chapultepec Park is to visit the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, which houses one of the world’s finest collections of Aztec and Maya artifacts.
Other highlights of the park include the Castle of Chapultepec, a former imperial residence that now houses the Museo Nacional de Historia, and the Bosque de Chapultepec, a large forested area that’s popular with joggers, picnickers, and anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Whether you’re looking to explore Mexico’s rich history or just want to relax in a beautiful setting, Chapultepec Park is definitely worth a visit.
3. The National Palace
A visit to Mexico City wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the Palacio Nacional, one of the top tourist attractions in Mexico. This massive complex, which covers an entire city block, was built on the ruins of the Aztec emperor Moctezuma’s II palace. After the Spanish conquest, the palace was remodeled and expanded by successive Spanish viceroys.
Today, the National Palace is home to a number of government offices, but it’s also open to the public, who come to admire the beautiful, colonial-style architecture and Diego Rivera’s world-famous murals. The murals were painted between 1929 and 1935 and tell the history of Mexico from the time of the Aztecs to the early 20th century. They’re an absolute must-see, and you can easily spend a couple of hours admiring them.
Other highlights of the National Palace include the State Archives, home to a collection of documents dating back to the 16th century, and the Biblioteca Miguel Lerdo de Tejadaa, a library with over 200,000 books.
After your visit to the National Palace, be sure to explore the rest of the complex, which includes a number of courtyards, gardens, and museums. Guided tours of the National Palace are available in English and Spanish and last for around 45 minutes.
4. Frida Kahlo Museum
The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House, is the former home of the iconic Mexican artist and wife of Diego Rivera. It’s located in the Coyoacan district of Mexico City, not far from where Kahlo was born.
The Blue House was originally built in 1904 but was renovated by Kahlo’s husband, Diego Rivera, in 1931. It’s now a shrine to Kahlo’s life and work, with a number of her personal belongings on display, as well as a collection of her art, clothes, jewelry, and letters. The house itself is an interesting blend of Mexican and European influences, and the colorful walls and gardens are well worth a visit.
The museum also holds a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, so even if you’ve been before, there’s always something new to see. And being one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico City, the Frida Kahlo Museum can get pretty crowded. Therefore, I recommend buying your tickets in advance, either online or at one of the many ticket offices around town.
All in all, you’re in for a treat when you visit the Frida Kahlo Museum. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Mexican art, and even if you’re not, it’s still a fascinating place to visit.
5. Coyoacan
Since we’re on the subject of Coyoacan, I should probably mention that it was one of my favorite places in Mexico City. As earlier mentioned, this is where you’ll find the Frida Kahlo Museum, as well as a number of other attractions.
Coyoacan is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Mexico City, and it’s full of colonial-era buildings, churches, and plazas. It’s also home to a number of museums, including the Leon Trotsky Museum, Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli, Museo Nacional de las Intervenciones, and much more.
In addition to its museums, Coyoacan is also known for its vibrant atmosphere, with a number of markets, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy. The streets are lined with colorful buildings, and there’s a real sense of community here. It’s also a great place to people-watch, and you’ll find a number of street musicians and performers plying their trade here.
Coyoacan is also home to a number of universities, which means that it has a young and vibrant atmosphere. It’s definitely worth spending a few hours (or even a few days) exploring everything that Coyoacan has to offer.
6. Templo Mayor
The Templo Mayor was the main temple of the Aztecs in their capital city of Tenochtitlan, which is now Mexico City. The temple was dedicated to two gods, Huitzilopochtli, the god of war, and Tlaloc, the god of rain and fertility.
The temple was first built in 1325 but was continually expanded and rebuilt over the centuries. By the time the Spanish arrived in 1519, it had covered almost 20,000 square meters and was one of the largest religious structures in the world.
Sadly, like so much of the Aztec civilization, the Templo Mayor was destroyed by the Spanish, who used the stones from the temple to build churches and other buildings. It wasn’t until 1978 that archaeologists rediscovered the site during some routine excavations.
Today, visiting Templo Mayor is one of the best things to do in Mexico City. The site has been partially excavated and restored, and you can see the foundations of the temple as well as a number of stone carvings and other artifacts.
7. The Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the top tourist attractions in Mexico City if you’re interested in art and architecture. It was built in 1934 for an exhibition celebrating the centennial of Mexican independence, and it’s one of the city’s most iconic buildings. And today, this beautiful building is home to a number of museums, galleries, and theaters.
The Palace of Fine Arts is particularly well known for its murals painted by some of Mexico’s most famous artists, including Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. The murals depict different aspects of Mexican history and culture, and they’re definitely worth a look.
The Palace of Fine Arts is also home to the National Museum of Architecture, which holds a number of exhibitions on Mexican and international architecture. If you’re interested in architecture, this is definitely the place.
And if you’re looking for a place to relax, the Palace of Fine Arts has a beautiful garden with fountains, sculptures, and plenty of green space. It’s the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy some fresh air.
8. National History Museum
Next on my list of the best places to visit in Mexico City is the National History Museum. Located in Chapultepec Park, this excellent museum chronicles the country’s history from pre-Hispanic times to the present day.
Highlights of the museum include an enormous 3D relief map of Mexico, documents, arms and armor, ceramics, jewelry, clothing, coins, portraits of historical figures in Mexico, State carriages, and much more. But for me, the real highlight was the incredible collection of Maya artifacts. As someone fascinated by the Maya civilization, I could have easily spent an entire day in this part of the museum.
Another interesting thing about this museum is Maximilian and Charlotte’s apartments. They have been meticulously restored and provide a fascinating insight into the life of European royalty in the 19th century. In addition to the apartments, there’s also a collection of Maximilian’s personal belongings, including his letters, documents, and visual materials.
I found this museum to be one of the most interesting and enjoyable museums I’ve ever visited. So if you’re interested in the history of Mexico, then the National History Museum is a must-see. Even if you’re not, it’s still worth spending a couple of hours here to learn about one of Latin America’s most fascinating countries.
9. Xochimilco
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City, then head to Xochimilco. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top tourist attractions in Mexico.
Xochimilco is a network of canals and waterways built by the Aztecs to transport goods around the city. Today, it’s a popular place to escape the heat of the city and enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the canals.
You can either rent your own boat or take a tour on a traditional Mexican trajinera, which is colorfully painted and decorated. As you float along the canals, you’ll pass by floating gardens, traditional houses, and a number of restaurants and bars.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can also hire a bike and cycle along the towpaths that line the canals. And if you want to learn more about the history of Xochimilco, there are a number of museums and cultural centers in the area.
Xochimilco is the perfect place to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Mexico City. So why not add it to your list of places to visit in Mexico City?
10. The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
This is a Catholic basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary, located on the site where she is said to have appeared to a peasant in 1531. Today, the basilica is one of the most important religious sites in Latin America and is visited by millions of pilgrims each year.
The basilica itself is an imposing Baroque structure with a pink stone facade and two bell towers. Inside, the church is decorated with colorful murals, mosaics, and statues. The main attraction is the shrine to the Virgin Mary, which contains her cloak imprinted with her image.
The basilica is located just outside Mexico City in the town of Tepeyac. It’s easy to reach by bus or metro, and there are a number of tour operators that offer tours from the city. If you’re visiting on your own, I recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds.
Whether you’re religious or not, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the must-see Mexico City attractions. It’s one of the most important religious sites in the country and a fascinating place to visit.
11. Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
As befits a city of its size and importance, Mexico City has a cathedral to match. The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral is the largest in Latin America and took almost two centuries to complete.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1573 on the site of a previous Aztec temple. It took over 250 years to complete and was not finally finished until 1813. It’s a truly massive structure, measuring some 128 meters in length, 59 meters in width, and 67 meters in height. The cathedral is a mix of architectural styles, with Gothic, Baroque, and neoclassical elements.
The interior of the cathedral is no less impressive than the exterior, with ornate altars, chapels, and stained glass windows. There are 16 chapels, each devoted to a different saint. The cathedral also houses the remains of the Mexican Emperor Agustin de Iturbide, who was executed in 1824.
The cathedral is open to the public every day from 8 am to 8 pm, and admission is free. Mass is also held regularly, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to attend a service conducted by the Archbishop of Mexico.
The Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the top tourist attractions in Mexico City and is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that it can get very crowded, especially on Sundays.
12. Sunday Lagunilla Flea Market
Do you love a good flea market? If so, you’ll definitely want to add the Sunday Lagunilla Flea Market to your list of things to do in Mexico City.
Lagunilla Market is one of the largest and most well-known flea markets in Mexico City. It’s held every Sunday from 9 am to 12 noon, and it’s a great place to wander around, even if you’re not looking to buy anything. There’s a real sense of community here, and you’ll find people of all ages and backgrounds enjoying the lively atmosphere.
If you are looking to buy something, be sure to haggle, as it’s expected (and part of the fun). You can also find some good food at the market, with a number of small stalls and stands selling snacks and drinks.
All in all, the Sunday Lagunilla Flea Market is a great place to spend a few hours on a Sunday morning or afternoon. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a great way to soak up the atmosphere of Mexico City and get a taste of Mexican culture.
13. Museo Soumaya
No list of top tourist attractions in Mexico would be complete without Museo Soumaya, one of the most popular futuristic museums in the country. This world-renowned museum houses a collection of over 66,000 works of art, making it one of the largest in Latin America.
The Museo Soumaya was founded by Mexican businessman Carlos Slim in 1994, and its sleek, modern building is a work of art in itself. The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, and more, with works by some of the world’s most famous artists on display, including Picasso, Dali, Miro, and Rodin.
But it’s the building itself that’s the real star of the show. Designed by Mexican architect Fernando Romero, the museum is clad in 16,000 aluminum panels, giving it a unique and futuristic appearance. And at night, the building is illuminated by over 7,000 LED lights, making it a sight to behold.
So if you’re looking for a top-notch museum experience, be sure to add the Museo Soumaya to your list of places to visit in Mexico City. Its cutting-edge design, world-class collection, and unique setting make it a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
14. Museo Mural Diego Rivera
This is a small but interesting museum dedicated to the life and work of the Mexican artist Diego Rivera. The museum is located in the downtown area of Mexico City, not far from the Zocalo.
The museum contains a number of Rivera’s murals, as well as a selection of his sketches, paintings, and lithographs. The highlight of the museum is undoubtedly the “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park” painting which was banned after Rivera had initially called it “God does not exist.” The painting depicts a number of historical figures in Alameda Park.
Overall, the Museo Mural Diego Rivera is a great place to learn more about the life and work of one of Mexico’s most important artists. And even if you’re not a big fan of art, the museum is still worth a visit for the interesting story behind the “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park” painting.
15. Alameda Central
If you’re looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City, then head to Alameda Central. This beautiful park is located in the heart of the city and is a great place to relax, people watch and take in the sights and sounds of Mexico City.
Alameda Central was Mexico City’s first public park and was opened in 1592. It covers an area of almost 21 acres and is full of beautiful trees, flowers, and fountains. It’s also home to a number of historical monuments, including the Beethoven Monument, Benito Juarez Monument, and the Statue of Alexander von Humboldt.
The park is also a great place to catch a glimpse of Mexico’s diverse wildlife. There are a number of bird species that call the park home, and you might even see a squirrel or two.
The park is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, and its central location makes it a great starting point for exploring the city. On any given day, you’ll find locals strolling through the park, playing music, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
So if you’re looking for the best places to visit in Mexico City, the Alameda Central should definitely be on your list. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon, and you can easily spend a few hours here.
16. The Square of the Three Cultures
If you’re looking for a top tourist attraction in Mexico City that’s a little off the beaten track, head to the Square of the Three Cultures. It’s located in the Tlatelolco district, the site where the Aztecs desperately fought in 1521 before they were defeated by the Spanish.
The square is named for the three cultures that have left their mark on Mexico. They include the indigenous people, represented by the Aztecs; the Spanish, represented by the colonial-era church; and the modern Mexicans, represented by the high-rise buildings that surround the square.
The Square of the Three Cultures is also the site of a number of important events in Mexican history. In 1968, it was the scene of a student protest that ended in a massacre by government troops. And in 1985, it was the site of an earthquake that killed thousands of people and caused widespread damage to Mexico City.
Today, the square is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to people watch, and there are often events and festivals taking place here. If you’re interested in Mexican history, then the Square of the Three Cultures is a must-visit.
In summary
Mexico City is a truly fascinating place with a lot to offer visitors. From world-famous museums to historic sites and beautiful architecture, there’s something for everyone. And with so many things to see and do, you could easily spend weeks exploring the city. So whether you’re interested in art, history, or just want to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, be sure to add Mexico City to your travel list. You won’t be disappointed.