Mexico City Travelers Recommend

With three days in Mexico City, you have enough time to visit top sights such as Zocalo square and to explore outside the city. Take advantage of guided tours, explore the city’s UNESCO highlights, and go deeper into the culture, sampling Mexican cuisine, shopping at local  markets, and experiencing local sports. Here are some ideas.

Day 1: Sightseeing in the City

Start with a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Mexico City, which offers the convenience of a guided tour but the freedom to disembark as you wish. Hop off at top attractions such as the Zocalo, home to the magnificent Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace; the ancient Aztec ruins of Templo Mayor; the Palace of Fine Arts in Alameda Park; and the House of Tiles. Stay on the bus along the grand Paseo de la Reforma Boulevard and jump off to visit the hilltop Chapultepec Castle and the National Museum of Anthropology. Walk down through the forests and lakes of Chapultepec Park into the colorful neighborhood of La Condesa to browse the shops and tuck into typical Mexican cuisine at one of the many restaurants. In the evening, attend a lucha libre (masked wrestling) match. Afterwards, head to Plaza de Garibaldi and enjoy a drink at one of the streetside bars, while mariachi bands play in the square.

Day 2: Experience Mexican Culture

Start in the southern suburbs of Mexico City at the floating gardens of Xochimilco—a network of canals and chinampas (man-made islands) that date back to Aztec times. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and set sail around the UNESCO-listed landscapes aboard a traditional trajinera boat. Next, head to the nearby neighborhood of Coyoacán, one of Mexico City’s most picturesque. Use your prebooked skip-the-line tickets to enter the Frida Kahlo Museum, known for its long lines, and check out nearby Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum too. Back in the city center, shop at the La Ciudadela artisan market for typical Mexican handicrafts. Head to the San Juan Market a few blocks away for street food, or, for a real Mexican culinary experience, sign up for an evening cooking class. 

Day 3: Explore Ancient Teotihuacan

If you only have time for one day trip from Mexico City, make it the ruins of Teotihuacan. The ancient “City of the Gods” is a top archaeological site in Mexico. To get the most out of your visit, choose to explore with an archaeologist guide and discover the history of the pre-Aztec city. Highlights include climbing the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, walking along the Avenue of the Dead, and visiting the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl. On your final evening in the city, attend a performance of the Mexico City Folkloric Ballet. The shows are held at locations including the Palace of Fine Arts or Chapultepec Castle and feature costumes, live music, and traditional folk dances from all around Mexico—a memorable way to end your vacation. 

With more than 175 museums dotting the city, covering everything from art and history to chocolate and antique toys, Mexico City has a museum to suit all tastes. It would take months to visit them all, but here are six favorites that should be top of your list.

National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropologia)

Located in the grand Chapultepec Park, the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropologia) is one of Mexico City’s most impressive museums, home to the world’s greatest collection of Mesoamerican artifacts. You could easily spend an entire day in the museum’s 23 halls, but with only a couple of hours, be sure to see the Sun Stone and the ancient Aztec calendar.

National History Museum (Museo Nacional de Historia)

Also in the vicinity of Chapultepec Park is the National History Museum, located within Chapultepec Castle on a hill overlooking over the park. Aside from the sweeping view of the city, the museum has over 150,000 items pertaining to Mexico’s history—from the initial conquest all the way through Mexico’s independence.

Frida Kahlo Museum (Museo Frida Kahlo)

Located in the Coyoacan district, the colorful Frida Kahlo Museum—nicknamed the Blue House for its bright blue walls— explores the life of the legendary artist, a Mexico City native. Displays include works by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and other artists, as well as personal items and photographs of Kahlo.

MUAC (Museo Universitario de Arte Contemporaneo)

One of Latin America’s most renowned contemporary art museums, the MUAC is located on the UNAM campus of the Mexico City University. Head there to marvel at temporary exhibitions by both established and upcoming contemporary artists.

Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes)

With its cathedral-like façade and magnificent murals by artists including Diego Rivera and Siqueiros, the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) is must for art lovers. It’s also the National Theater of Mexico and an important cultural center, as acclaimed for its beautiful architecture as its top-floor art gallery.

Soumaya Museum (Museo Soumaya)

Owned by millionaire Carlos Slim and located on Plaza Carso, the Soumaya Museum (Museo Soumaya) boasts an extraordinary collection of modern art, including pieces by Rodin, Dalí, and Rufino Tamayo. Even more dazzling is the building itself—a futuristic tower designed by Mexican architect Fernando Romero.

Mezcal is the bolder, smokier brother of tequila, and sampling some is a must-do activity in Mexico City. Although the alcohol typically a product of the Oaxaca state, Mexico City remains a top place to try some of the best big-name and small-batch brands. Here are a few of the best mezcal experiences in Mexico City.   Food & Mezcal Tours If you’re hesitant to embark on mezcal tastings on an empty stomach, consider a combo tour that accompanies your liquor with a spot of typical Mexican cuisine. Spend an evening eating tacos or try out some of the capital’s other favorite street foods, such as tamales, tortas, or chicharrónes. If you’d prefer, get hands on and combine mezcal tastings with a cooking class or a personalized, full-day visit to Mexico City’s most iconic destinations.   Nightlife & Mezcal Tours The Mexican capital can be overwhelming, especially after hours. So, instead of going it alone, let an experienced guide take you on a small-group tour to some of the best Mexico City bars for mezcal tastings and more. Alternatively, pair culture and booze on a combination tour that brings mariachi music or Mexican wrestling together with the obligatory mezcal. ** Things to Know**

• You might be used to shots back home, but when trying mezcal and other agave distillates in Mexico City, be prepared to sip and savor.
• You must be 18 or older to drink alcohol in Mexico—bring your ID.
• Cameras are prohibited from most Mexican wrestling arenas in Mexico City.

Two days in Mexico City gives you plenty of time to see top attractions, discover the city’s ancient history, and experience Mexican culture. Smart planning ensures you make the most of your time, while time-saving tours can help you see more for your travel budget. Here are a few ideas for two days in Mexico City.

Day 1: Mexico City: Past and Present

**Morning:**Maximize your time with an early access tour of Teotihuacan. Also known as the City of the Gods, it’s one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico, and it’s just outside Mexico City. To get the most out of your visit, opt for a guided tour and take in highlights such as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, Pyramid of the Sun, and Avenue of the Dead. 

**Afternoon:**Back in the city, explore the city’s historic center—designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site—starting with Zocalo square. A guided walking tour or hop-on hop-off bus tour is the ideal way to get around, stopping at attractions such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, Palace of Fine Arts, and House of Tiles. Finish by picking up a few souvenirs from the La Ciudadela artisan market.

**Night:**Attend a lucha libre (masked wrestling) match and experience one of Mexico’s unique sporting traditions. Afterwards, head to Plaza de Garibaldi, where mariachi bands take to the streets to entertain passers-by. Grab a seat at one of the bars around the square to watch the action. 

Day 2: Markets, Museums, and Mariachi

**Morning:**Start the day with an early morning visit to the floating gardens of Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to Aztec times. Cruise around the Xochimilco canals and islands on a traditional trajinera boat. Afterwards, head to the nearby Coyoacán neighborhood, where the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum and the Frida Kahlo Museum are top attractions. Be sure to book skip-the-line tickets as queues can be long.

**Afternoon:**A walking or Segway tour of Chapultepec Park is a fun way to explore Mexico City’s largest park. Many tours visit the hilltop Chapultepec Castle or stop at the National Museum of Anthropology, before continuing along the grand Paseo de la Reforma, past landmarks such as the Angel of Independence and Torre Mayor.

**Night:**The bohemian neighborhoods of La Condesa and Roma are the place to be after dark, with a huge choice of bars, cafes, and restaurants, where you can sample delicious Mexican cuisine. After filling up on tacos, tamales, and quesadillas, join the locals at one of the many nightclubs or live music venues—don’t expect an early night, as most of them stay late. 

In a predominantly Catholic nation like Mexico, the celebration of Holy Week means not only Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter, but a full week of feasts and festivities in local communities across the country. Here’s what you need to know about celebrating Holy Week in Mexico City.

When to Go

Holy Week (Semana Santa) begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday each year, typically in March or April. In Mexico, Holy Week is immediately followed by Pascua, a celebration of the resurrection and the start of spring. Since many Mexicans leave the city during the holiday, many museums and attractions are less crowded than other times of the year.

Where to Go

For an authentic local Holy Week experience in the region, head to the town of Iztapalapa just outside Mexico City. This small town spends months preparing elaborate costumes and sets for its annual Passion Plays. Those with a bit more time can venture a couple of hours outside the capital to the town of Taxco, where a traditional procession includes men carrying thorny branches on their backs. Those staying in the city should check out the Metropolitan Cathedral on Holy Thursday, when the space is decorated with flowers.

How to Go

The best way to get a taste of what Holy Week is like in Mexico is to take a tour to one of the small towns surrounding Mexico City during the festivities. Head to Taxco to celebrate Good Friday and watch a Passion Play, or hit the pavement on a walking tour of the cobbled streets of the San Angel neighborhood. Since Mexico City quiets down significantly during Holy Week, it’s also a great time for some sightseeing; consider a walking tour or a hop-on hop-off bus.

Founded in 1325 as Tenochtitlán, the seat of the mighty Aztec Empire, Mexico City boasts a rich history. Today the modern city is dotted with impressive Aztec ruins. Here are your options for tours of Aztec history in Mexico City.

Highlights

• Admire historic monuments such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Zócalo, and the National Palace on a sightseeing tour of Mexico City.

• Discover Mexican culture past and present by combining a tour to the Teotihuacan pyramids archaeological site with a visit to the city’s markets, dinner with a local family, or a handicrafts workshop.

• Cruise around the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco on a traditional trajinera, a kind of gondola.

• Follow in the footsteps of the Aztecs on an overnight hike to Iztaccihuatl volcano, Paso de Cortes, and the Valley of Mexico from Tlalmanalco.

• Learn more about Mexico’s Aztec history and the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán from an expert archaeologist guide.

• Enjoy a more personalized experience on a private or small-group tour.

Top Aztec Sites

Just outside of Mexico City, the sizeable Pyramids of Teotihuacan are a magnificent sight, and tours are often combined with nearby attractions such as the Hanging Gardens of Xochimilco, Lake Texcoco, and the Shrine of Guadalupe for a deeper look at Aztec culture and history. Back in the city, visit Plaza de las Tres Culturas in the Tlatelolco district; see the Templo Mayor (Main Temple); then explore Chapultepec Park, where the National Museum of Anthropology houses remnants of the Aztec city including the Aztec calendar stone—you’ll get deeper into the history and artifacts with a guide.

Food is such an important part of Mexico’s culture that Mexican cuisine has been named a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As the nation’s capital, Mexico City has a little bit of everything. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Must-Try Dishes

For lunch, visit a torteria or street food stall for a torta, a pressed sandwich filled with meat, onion, chilies, maybe avocado and tomato, or a variety of other ingredients. Stop by a taco stand for tacos al pastor, and marvel at the difference between the real thing and what you thought was the real thing back at your own local taco joint. For dinner, don’t miss the chance to try a dish with mole sauce, perhaps Mexico’s most iconic food item, traditionally made for special occasions.

Must-Do Experiences

• Explore some of Mexico City’s mercados (markets) on a tour with a guide who can help you navigate these bustling locations to find the best ingredients and dishes to try.

• Combine tacos with mescal to find out why this smoky liquor has become a hip beverage outside of Mexico.

• Participate in a cooking class to learn how to make Mexican dishes and take your skills back home to impress friends and family.

• Take a food tour of a specific neighborhood such as San Angel, Colonia Roma, or Polanco to get a glimpse of local life for Mexico City residents.

There’s so much more to Mexico than tequila and tacos. From lucha libre wrestling and mariachi bands to world-famous Day of the Dead festivals and ancient traditions dating back to the Aztec and Maya civilizations, here’s how to experience Mexican culture in its epicenter, Mexico City.

• Sample Mexico’s culinary delights—including delicious quesadillas, pozole, and tamales—on a food tour of Mexico City’s Polanco, Coyoacan, or Roma Norte neighborhoods.

• Ply the colorful floating gardens of Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a traditional trajinera boat cruise.

• Experience the thrill of a lucha libre wrestling match and cheer on the técnicos and rudos in their brightly colored masks.

• Listen to live mariachi music in Plaza Garibaldi or dance the night away at one of Mexico’s City coolest salsa clubs.

• Marvel at the masterpieces of one of Mexico’s most iconic artists at the Frida Kahlo Museum (Museo Frida Kahlo, aka the Blue House).

• Learn the secrets of traditional Mexican cuisine with a culinary walking tour of the local markets, followed by a private or small-group cooking class.

• Uncover Mexico’s ancient history as you explore the Teotihuacán archeological site or the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropologia).

Once the capital of the Toltec empire and one of the largest cities in Mesoamerica, the ancient city of Tollan, now Tula, thrived from the 9th to the 12th  century. Exploring the remarkably preserved ruins is a popular choice for a day trip from Mexico City. Here are your best Tula day-trip options. 

Highlights

• Explore the ancient temple pyramids, palaces, and ball courts on a walking tour.

• Marvel at the dramatic Temple of Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli with its 16-foot-tall (5-meter-tall) warrior statues.

• Learn more about the rise and fall of the Toltec empire from your guide.

• Combine a visit to Tula with a tour of the Jesuit convent of Tepotzotlán, the colonial city of Querétaro, or the Teotihuacan archaeological site.

Things to Know

• Tula is about 60 miles (96 kilometers) north of Mexico City, a journey of about two hours by road.

• Day tours from Mexico City typically last between seven and 10 hours.

• Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes—the ground at the archaeological site can be uneven in places.

• Most tours include hotel pickup and entrance fees. Some tours may include meals or stop at a restaurant where you can purchase lunch.

• For a more personalized experience, opt for a private tour and explore at a pace that suits you.

When you have just one day to explore Mexico City, planning ahead is essential. Here’s how to fit must-see attractions such as the Zocalo into your schedule, alongside top tours, shopping streets, museums, and food experiences. See below for the best 24 hours in Mexico City.

Morning: The Zocalo and Nearby

Whether you choose to join a guided tour, explore independently on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, or hire a private guide, a sightseeing tour of Mexico City has to begin at the Zocalo. The gigantic central square is the navigational and historic heart of Mexico City, and it’s home to the magnificent Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, famous for its Diego Rivera murals. Also around the square are ancient the Aztec ruins of Templo Mayor and the lavish Gran Hotel. A few blocks away, the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes), set amid the beautiful Alameda Park, and the Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles) are both known for their architecture. Nearby, La Ciudadela artisan market is a great spot to purchase souvenirs, while San Juan Market is the place to feast on street food—time your visit for lunch.

Afternoon: Chapultepec and Frida Kahlo Museum

Follow the grand Paseo de la Reforma, passing the Angel of Independence and the Torre Mayor skyscraper, and escape the city for the tranquil forests and lakes of Chapultepec Park. A tour of the hilltop Chapultepec Castle and the neighboring National Museum of Anthropology provides insight into Mexican history. Nearby, the bohemian district of La Condesa is the ideal spot for a sightseeing break, full of cafes, bars, and boutiques. Alternatively, hop on the metro and head to the Coyoacan neighborhood, where the star attraction is the Frida Kahlo Museum. A pilgrimage to the Blue House where the iconic Mexican artist once lived is a must for art lovers, but be sure to book skip-the-line tickets to avoid the often hour-long lines. 

Night: Plaza de Garibaldi

Plaza de Garibaldi is the place to be after sunset, when mariachi bands take to the streets to entertain passers-by. Grab a seat at one of the bars around the square or stop at a traditional cantina, where you can fill up on local favorites of tacos or quesadillas. For a truly unforgettable evening, take a tour that includes another Mexican cultural tradition, lucha libre (masked wrestling), and experience the electric atmosphere of live match.

Mexico’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration marks the date of the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, when, against all odds, the Mexican army defeated Napoleon Bonaparte’s French troops—a huge victory for Independent Mexico. Here's how to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Mexico City.

When to Go

Cinco de Mayo is on May 5th with celebrations taking place all around Mexico and the United States. The most notable celebrations take place in Puebla, just outside of Mexico City, where festivities last the entire month of May—although the biggest events are on the day itself.

How to Go

Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Puebla kick off with a gigantic parade along 5 de Mayo Boulevard, with costumed marchers dressed up as Mexican and French soldiers, traditional Mexican dancers, and mariachi bands. Afterward, head to the Penon de los Banos neighborhood to witness a spectacular re-enactment of the legendary Cinco de Mayo battle. Locals don costumes and use real gunpowder rifles to re-enact the historic battle and spectators come from all over the world to see it.

Things to Know

• Cinco de Mayo is not an official national holiday, although some states may give students and workers the day off.

• Cinco de Mayo events in Puebla are free to attend.

• The drive from Mexico City to Puebla is approximately 2.5 hours and there are direct buses from the capital.