Did you know that Mexico City is the largest metropolitan area in North America?! Covering over 3,000 sq miles and boasting a population of nearly 22 million people, Ciudad de Mexico (CDMX) truly is a world-class city. The city, rich history, is bursting with color, culture, arts, music, food, and more! You could spend an entire lifetime trying to see everything that Mexico City has to offer. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have that kind of time. Lucky for you, I spent a week in CDMX, cramming as much into my itinerary as I possibly could. Let me break down some of the can’t-miss highlights in my list of the best things to do in Mexico City!
1. Eat!
Mexico City has a culinary scene that rivals many top cities around the world. It would take an entire blog dedicated to the subject to really dig into everything going on in the food world here. Here are some notable highlights, though. Don’t forget the street food!
Hugo
This hip new wine bar in CDMX is the place to be right now. If you can get in, that is. Small, intimate, and exploding in popularity, Hugo focuses on a growing trend in Mexico City- natural wines. The food offerings are superb, but the natural wine selection is where this place really shines. website.
Maximo
Maximo is a really cool spot with an ever-changing and always exciting menu. Truly farm-to-table, the courses vary throughout the year. The underlying theme through it all, though, is putting a Mexican twist on fabulous French cuisine! The hand-crafted cocktails are not to be missed either! website.
Across the street, sister restaurant Lalo! is the perfect spot for brunch. website.
Rosetta
Located inside a mansion in Roma, this well-known Italian restaurant serves delicious dishes in a very romantic setting. website.
Too early for a date night? Walk just down the street to their sister bakery, Panderia Rosetta, for coffee and unbelievably tasty pastries. website.
Amaya
Here you’ll get a modern take on Baja-style Mexican cuisine. Bright paintings on the wall and large windows give Amaya a fun, casual vibe. The food and wine are worth a visit! website.
Mexico City’s Street Food!
Commitment to Responsible Tourism
Street Food
If you didn’t eat street tacos, did you really even go to Mexico? Street food is a huge part of everyday life in Mexico, so you have to try it. Plus, it’s fun to experience some major differences between authentic Mexican food and what we are used to in the United States. You can go it alone, but in my opinion, the only way to eat street food in Mexico City is with the help of Eat Like A Local. Food blogger and world-traveler Rocio Vazquez started Eat Like A Local street food safaris as a “tour for people who hate tours.” Both she and her company are absolutely amazing. I did an entire post about my day with her. Check it out here to learn more.
2. Visit The Museums
You could spend an entire week in Mexico City trying to see all of the museums. From the history of Mexico to modern, contemporary art, this city is a museum lover’s dream!
I’ve compiled a list of the top museums in CDMX.
Museo Somaya
This museum is as impressive from the outside as it is from the inside. The giant building is easily recognizable by the thousands of silver hexagons that tile its exterior. Upon entry, you are greeted by Rodin’s massive “Gates To Hell.” The museum is home to works by prominent Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and European legends, including Degas and Matisse. website.
Templo Mayor
Once the main temple of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán, Templo Mayor was destroyed and replaced by a Spanish cathedral in the early 16th century. Today, not much of the original temple remains other than some massive stone ruins. This well-thought-out museum now helps you visualize what the temple must have looked like during the height of its glory. website.
Museo Nacional de Antropologia
The Museo Nacional de Antropologia is a true point of pride for the people of Mexico City. This massive museum will take several hours to get through, so come with comfortable shoes and a full belly. The museum houses the world’s most extensive collection of ancient Mexican artifacts and does an incredible job at telling the story of the Mexican people. This gargantuan museum sits in Chapultepec Park, so enjoy a stroll to the impressive Castillo de Chapultepec while you are in the area. website.
Castillo de Chapultepec
The views of Mexico City from the Castillo de Chapultepec are unrivaled. This distinguished palace is as much a museum as it is a castle. Construction began around 1785, and completion took nearly 80 years. The views, artifacts, and architecture make the Castillo a must-visit spot during your trip to Mexico City. website.
Luis Barragan House & Studio
This museum, in the Hidalgo district, was once the home of world-renowned architect Luis Barragán. Don’t let the comparatively bland exterior fool you; enter a different world of vibrant colors when you step inside! website.
Palacio de Belles Artes
Paintings, photography, sculptures, and murals by Rivera and Tamayo, this place has it all. It’s no wonder why it has been called ‘The Cathedral of Art In Mexico.” In the heart of the city’s historic district, this stunning structure even hosts opera, dance, and music events on occasion. website.
Museo Frida Kahlo
This museum is the home where legendary artist Frida Kahlo was born and raised. The home features works by both Frida and her husband, Diego Rivera. More important than the pieces of art on display, though, is the glimpse into the world of these famed artists the museum gives visitors. You get a real sense of how the couple lived day in and day out, including a poignant look at Frida’s life after her traumatic accident.
*Pro Tip: Be sure to book in advance. The line to get in will be down the block and around the corner! website.
Museo Jumex
Museo Jumex is located right near the Museo Somaya. The contemporary museum is home to one of the largest private collections in Latin America. Want to see a Warhol in Mexico? This is the place. website.
Palacio Nacional
While you’re at the Zócalo, be sure to stop by the Palacio Nacional. The biggest draw here is Diego Rivera’s famous mural, The History of Mexico. The masterpiece traces Mexican history from the Aztec era to Spanish conquest, independence, and all the way to the industrial revolution. website.
3. Shop At The Markets
No trip to Mexico City is complete without visiting at least one of its famous markets. There is truly something for everything, with thousands of stalls selling everything from flowers to clothing and home goods. Jamaica and Coyoacan markets are two of the most popular.
*Be careful before visiting the massive market known as The Merced. Many nefarious dealings take place here, and locals strongly advise tourists to avoid this market. Having said that, I did visit The Merced with my street food tour guide, Rocio, and felt completely safe while I was there.
4. Explore The City
It may surprise you to learn that Mexico City has a ton of European, specifically French, influence and charm. Walk the streets of its more charming neighborhoods to enjoy sidewalk cafes and historic European-style architecture. I recommend the areas of Condessa, Reforma, and Roma Norte. Even the formerly gritty streets of the Juarez neighborhood are now bursting with arts, culture, dining, and shopping options.
Oh, if you find yourself gasping for air from time to time, don’t worry – it’s just the altitude. Mexico City sits at an average elevation of 7,349 ft above sea level!
Zocalo
The main square in Mexico City is known as the Zócalo or Plaza del Zócalo. Long ago, the Aztecs used this space as the ceremonial center of their city, Tenochtitlan. Several historic buildings surround the square, including the Gran Hotel, National Palace, and National Cathedral. Every morning and evening, soldiers parade on the square to the sound of the drum as they raise and lower the enormous Mexican flag that flies in the center of the square.
Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico
Located on The Zócalo, this impressive example of art nouveau architecture and decor first opened in 1899 as a department store. The hotel lobby showcases an antique iron elevator and a grand curved staircase modeled after the one at Le Bon Marché in Paris. The most notable feature of the building, however, is its stunning Tiffany stained-glass ceiling. website.
5. Take A Day Trip
Now that you have thoroughly explored the city’s highlights escape the hustle and bustle for a day and head somewhere with a slower pace of life.
Within a few hours of the city, you can explore several small towns with considerable charm. The more popular spots include San Miguel de Allende, Taxco, and Chalupa. Below, I list 3 of the easier day trips from Mexico City.
A Wild Ride On The Tequila Train
Learn More About This Luxury Train Ride In Mexico!
Coyocan
Coyocan is an easy journey from Mexico City. You can explore the town and visit the Frida Kahlo Museum in one stop. If you need to add some excitement, continue to Xochimilco!
Xochimilco
This stop isn’t too much farther past Coyocan, so you could easily experience them both in a day. Xochimilco is the place to hop on an inexpensive and very brightly painted boat for a couple of hours of fun on the water. Boats selling food, drinks, and even carrying mariachi bands will pull along beside you to help get the party going. It’s super touristy, but sometimes you just need to lean in. Bring along some thirsty friends to enjoy michelada’s on the water!
Teotihuacan
I flew a hot air balloon over the ancient city of Teotihuacan before exploring the grounds on foot. The city was centuries ago by the Mayans and later discovered and occupied by the Aztecs. The celestial knowledge possessed by the designers and builders of this ancient pyramid complex is impressive even by today’s standards. Teotihuacan lies about an hour outside Mexico City. Leave early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat.
*Bonus Tip: After Teotihuacan, walk to the nearby restaurant called La Gruta. This restaurant, tucked in a massive cave, has welcomed such distinguished guests as Frida Kahlo and Queen Elizabeth II!
