Things to Do in Mexico City

Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is a vibrant, bustling metropolis known for its rich history, cultural landmarks and varied cuisine. As one of the largest cities in the world, there’s plenty to see and do! Mexico City was the start point of my 4 months backpacking from Mexico down to Colombia and it kicked my trip off with a bang! I loved the mix of green spaces, old buildings, incredible street food and trendy neighbourhoods. Here are some of the best things to do in Mexico City, based on my time there:

Best Things to Do in Mexico City

Mexico City offers a range of attractions that cater to different interests. Some of the most notable things to do include:

Visit the Zócalo: The city’s main square, Plaza de la Constitución, is one of the largest public squares in the world. It’s surrounded by important historical buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace.

Explore the Museums: Mexico City is home to over 150 museums!! Key highlights include:

The National Museum of Anthropology, which houses a vast collection of pre-Columbian artefacts.
The Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul), located in Coyoacán, dedicated to the life and work of the iconic Mexican artist.
The Templo Mayor Museum, which showcases the remains of an ancient Aztec temple.

Chapultepec Park: Chapultepec Park (or Bosque de Chapultepec) is one of the largest urban parks in the world and a must-do if you’re in Mexico City. It’s home to a number of attractions from gardens, museums, fountains, art galleries, the Chapultepec Castle and a zoo.

Teotihuacán Pyramids: Located about an hour from the city centre, this archaeological site features the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. There are lots of guided tours available from the city.

Palacio de Bellas Artes: A stunning cultural centre known for its art exhibitions and performances. The building’s architecture and the murals inside are also major attractions.

Xochimilco: Take a day trip from Mexico City to Xochimilco. It’s known for it’s canals and famous colourful boat rides (trajineras) along the waterways.

Local Markets: Mexico City has a variety of markets, such as Mercado de la Merced and La Ciudadela craft market, where you can shop for local food, crafts and souvenirs.

Hop on Hop Off Bus: A great option for seeing the main sites of Mexico City is the famous hop on hop off tour bus! I joined this and enjoyed site across the 4 main routes. These take you round the Historic Centre, Polanco, the Basilica route (for the best religious spots!) and the South Route (best bohemian spots and archaeology). The city has so much to see and the hop-on-hop-off bus is a great way to see it, particularly given how big it is!

Visit the neighbourhoods of Mexico City! More info on my favourite spots below.

Visit the many neighbourhoods of Mexico City

Explore one of the many incredible neighbourhoods on offer. One of my favourtie things to do in Mexico City was just walk around the city exploring the different vibes of each area. Coming from London, I always appreciate cities that has neighbourhoods with very different vibes/atmospheres. From very old, historic regions to trendy areas, there’s so much on offer here.

My favourite to roam around in were Condesa and Roma. These popular areas are known for their vibrant cafe culture, Art Deco architecture, colourful streets and cool restaurants/bars.

Polanco is another great neighbourhood to spend time in, particularly for its shopping and for how close it is to Chapultepec.

Centro Historico, or the historic centre, is another must for its history and for getting to experience a different vibe to the city from the trendy Condesa or Roma regions.

Coyoacán and San Ángel are two other historic neighbourhoods to visit. These areas are known for their colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, markets and cultural significance.

Getting Around Mexico City

Mexico City has a well-developed public transport network, making it easy to navigate. Some common ways to get around include:

Metro: The Mexico City Metro is the most efficient way to travel. It’s extensive, covering the main areas of the city and tickets are cheap! I only used it a few times during my stay but found it to be quite clean and comfortable.

Metrobús: A bus rapid transit system that operates along major corridors. It’s ideal for travelling longer distances within the city.

Taxis: Taxis are widely available but only use authorised taxis (such as Sitio Taxis) or rideshare apps like Uber for safety and convenience. This was my main way of travelling around Mexico City – it was great for price and convenience.

Bicycles: The Ecobici public bicycle-sharing system is a good option for those wanting to cycle around the city, especially in areas like Reforma and Condesa.

Walking: In many areas such as the Historic Centre, Condesa, and Roma, walking is the best way to explore local shops, cafes, and cultural sites.

How Many Days in Mexico City

I stayed in Mexico City for 6 days, which felt like enough time to see key highlights and get a feel for a few different neighbourhoods. As the city is so big, you could easily stay longer. I recommend at least 3 days to visit the central attractions such as the Zócalo, museums, and Teotihuacán. Having a few extra days will allow for day trips or additional activities in the surrounding areas, like Xochimilco.

If you have a particular interest in Mexican history, art, or cuisine, consider extending your stay to a week to delve deeper into the cultural offerings.

How to Get to Mexico City

Mexico City is well-connected and easy to reach by air, land, or bus.

By Air
Mexico City is served by Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), located about 10 kilometres from the city centre. It is the main gateway for international travellers and is connected to major cities worldwide. The airport has two terminals, with shuttle services connecting them.
By Bus
Mexico City is also accessible via bus from other parts of the country. The city has several major bus terminals, including Terminal de Autobuses del Norte, TAPO, Terminal de Autobuses del Sur, and Terminal de Autobuses Poniente, which serve long-distance routes from neighbouring regions and cities.
By Car
While driving is an option, traffic congestion is common in Mexico City. It’s generally recommended to avoid driving unless necessary, especially during peak hours.

FAQs about Mexico City

Is Mexico City safe for tourists?

While Mexico City is generally safe for tourists, certain areas can have higher crime rates. I was quite apprehensive before I arrived about this but actually felt very safe during my stay. As with any big city, stick to well-known tourist areas, avoid displaying valuables and be cautious in crowded places.

What’s the best time to visit Mexico City?

I went to Mexico City in January and found it to be fantastic weather – very comfortable temperatures of 25°C and no rain. I’ve heard January to May is great for avoiding the rain and having nice warm temperatures. The rainy season is typically from June to October, so avoid if possible.

Do I need to speak Spanish to visit Mexico City?

Although Spanish is the primary language, many people in tourist areas speak basic English. However, learning a few common Spanish phrases can be helpful! I used a lonely planet phrase book, Google translate and Coffee Break Espanol podcast lessons (I highly recommend!) which all helped me during my trip.

Is it safe to drink the water in Mexico City?

I was told tap water quality can vary in Mexico so I stuck to bottled water for drinking and brushing my teeth during my stay.

Can I use credit cards in Mexico City?

Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops in tourist areas. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially in local markets or for smaller purchases.

I absolutely loved my time in Mexico City! I found it offered a great mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions with amazing food! With an efficient public transport system and a mix of modern and traditional experiences, it’s a city that caters to all types of travellers. After my time in Mexico City, I flew to the East Coast to explore Tulum, Valladolid and Holbox.