Mexico City is a vibrant city to explore. Here are some of the best things to do.
Wait…you didn’t come to Mexico City only to eat? Ok, you’ll need some activity recommendations to walk off the tacos and pastries. 😉
Mexico City, despite the traffic, is a charming place to discover. With its curious neighborhoods, vibrant culture, a mix of old and new, and historic sights, you’ll be dazzled by the places to visit. This is a long list of recommendations but as always, do what you enjoy and are interested in, not only what people say you should see.
Mexico City Museums
Art, history, architecture – Mexico City’s got a museum for it!
Museo Nacional de Antropologia
As the largest and most visited museum in Mexico, the Museo Nacional de Antropologia holds an incredible number of archeological artifacts from Mexico’s long history. You can easily spend hours here walking through the museum.
Museo Frida Kahlo
The Frida Kahlo Museum is at her house Casa Azul. The museum celebrates her life and includes interesting artifacts. See all the details here.
Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes
This venue hosts performing art shows and a museum. When you visit, be sure to look at the murals of Rufino Tamayo, Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros. For a good view, visit the outdoor café terrace at the Sears building across the street.
Museo de Arte Moderno
The modern art museum exhibits a large collection of national and international artists.
Museo Soumaya
While the building’s architecture is a big draw, this free art museum features art by Salvador Dali, Auguste Rodin, and more.
Casa Luis Barragán
The former house of architect Luis Barragán is now a museum featuring his work, one of the most influential representations of modern Mexican architecture. It also includes his collection of art by Mexican artists.
Museo Tamayo
This contemporary art museum features the art and art collection of Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo.
Museo Anahuacalli
This museum houses more than 50,000 pieces artist Diego Rivera collected.
Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo
Can’t get enough of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera? Their second home features the studios of both of them in addition to architect Juan O’Gorman.
Sights to See in Mexico City
Lots of history, impressive structures, and historic buildings to explore in Mexico City.
Teotihuacan
This is an important archeological site. See details and photos from our visit here.
Templo Mayor
Located near the Zócalo, Templo Mayor features the ruins of the Aztec’s main city Tenochtitlan.
Biblioteca Vasconcelos
This library is known for its shelves upon shelves. Peek in to marvel at this!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BapiQJ0jA0w/?taken-by=bibliotecavasconcelos
Monumento a la Independencia / El Ángel / Angel of Independence
Located in a roundabout on the Paseo de La Reforma, this statue commemorates Mexico’s War of Independence from Spain. It’s a popular photo spot for wedding parties and quinceañeras.
Castillo de Chapultepec / Chapultepec Castle
Castillo de Chapultepec is the only royal castle in the Americas and served as a residence. Visit for great views of the city and a look at the impressive estate.
Palacio de Correos de Mexico
Located in the historic center and across from the Palacio de Bellas Artes, this post office might just be the prettiest ever seen!
Plaza de la Constitución or Zócalo
This is the main square is the historic center. The buildings around the square include the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, Templo Mayor, and numerous government buildings. You’ll likely see a market on the weekends and impromptu cultural dances featuring traditional headdresses and outfits.
Paseo de La Reforma
While it is not technically something you go to see, this diagonal road is one you’ll likely travel on. A number of monuments sit on this road, including El Ángel.
Floating Gardens of Xochimilco
A popular tourist spot, these colorful boats will take you along a walled canal while encountering boats with mariachi bands and vendors selling food and drink.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkLTrCahiFz/?tagged=xochimilco
Mexico City Shopping
Take the bright colors of Mexican culture home with you.
La Ciudadela
This market is known for the abundance of traditional Mexican goods such as woven blankets, bags, clothing, and other trinkets.
Mercado de Coyoacán
This market is smaller than La Ciudadela but has a lot of food stalls. Look for the fried quesadillas at a stall with yellow signs.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj5dJXBnCzv/?taken-at=1923814471280208
La Merced
This market is the largest but it’s also a little chaotic. Go with a guide (Eat Mexico does one) or brave the crowds.
Mexico City Shows
To get a feel for the culture and mingle with the locals, here are some shows you should consider.
Lucha Libre
Want to see professional Mexican wrestling? Visit Arena México for the Lucha Libre matches. (When it’s not hosting wrestling, Arena México is the venue for touring concerts and shows.)
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjv9TklA6Vl/?tagged=arenam%C3%A9xico
Ballet Folklórico de México
To discover more about Mexican culture, the Mexican folkloric ballet ensemble will wow you with talent and colors.
Mexico City Tours
I highly recommend a food tour in Mexico City. Check out Eat Mexico‘s numerous options.
If you enjoy hop on/hop off buses, Turibus will take care of you. This could be a cheaper option than a taxi or rideshare if you’re planning on making quick stops to the above sights!
Conclusion
I hope this gives you a good idea of what you can see and explore in Mexico City. There are a lot of historical sights and a significant amount of art. Have fun discovering Mexico City. I know I did!
P.S. Check out all my Mexico City posts here.
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