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Most people see tacos, tequila, and margaritas when they think of Mexico City. While the above are true, there is so much more to Mexico City than just that. Mexico City is brimming with places to see, food to eat, and things to do. Let’s take a look at some of the things you can check out the next time you decide to visit.
Stretch Your Legs With A Free, Walking Tour
The best way to see a new place is by walking through it. Join a free, downtown walking tour led by a local to explore the fascinating Centro Histórico. You’ll cover the Cathedral, the ruins of Templo Mayor, Alameda Central, the Palacio of Bellas Artes, the main square, and plenty more. Free walking tours also help you learn about Mexico City’s complex history while gaining context about the places you visit.
While the tours are ‘free’, they run on tips. So remember to bring some money along to tip your guide when you’re done.
2.
Tuck Into Brunch At The Illustrious Bar, Fifty Mils
Fifty Mils is known for being one of the best bars in the world. Every month, on a Saturday, the Fifty Mils bar at the Four Seasons lets people test Mica Rousseau’s mixology and buffet curated by the infamous chef Tanatiuh Cuevas de Zanaya.
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Photo by Fourseasons.com[/caption]
If you’re curious as to what to expect, there's everything from seafood and the grill to ‘al pastor’ tacos. Al Pastor tacos translates to mean 'Shepherd Style' tacos. We also recommend you try a couple of the bar’s notorious cocktails including the ‘Bugs Bunny’ and the ‘Ma 75’.
3.
Indulge In Piping Hot Churros In El Moro
Churros are long pieces of dough which are deep-fried. While piping hot, they are tossed in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. El Moro is a classic destination for churro-lovers worldwide, having made churros for more than 80 years. The best way to enjoy a heaping plate of churros is with a warm mug of velvety hot chocolate.
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Photo by Elmoro.mx[/caption]
4.
Visit Mexico's Central Park, Chapultepec Park
Many people around the world, even those who haven’t visited New York, are familiar with New York’s famous Central Park. In Mexico you will find the equivalent, Chapultepec Park, which is actually much larger than its New York counterpart. Would you have guessed that Chapultepec Park is almost double the size of Central Park, coming in at more than 1,600 acres large?
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Photo by TravelingOtter on Flickr[/caption]
Chapultepec Park is one of the largest parks in the western hemisphere! The park's name comes from the Nahuatl word for 'hill of the grasshopper'. If you're looking to explore more of Mexico while taking a break from the city life, Chapultepec Park is for you.
The park is filled to the brim with lakes, trees, and lush greenery and is considered by many to be the lungs of Mexico City. There’s plenty to do there as it is home to the National Anthropological Museum, a botanical garden, several beautiful lakes, and a fun-theme garden. For those planning a trip, consider consulting a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy to time your visit, though Mexico City's climate is mild year-round.
Get To Know Mexico City Through Its Street Food
Foodies from all over the world will love Mexico City for its incredible variety of street food. Every corner in Mexico City beckons you to sit and enjoy some delectable treats. While it is impossible to list every stall, make sure you try the tacos al Pastor, gringas, and chicharron de queso. If you're already a fan of Mexican food, be prepared to have your mind blown when you taste the real deal.
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Photo from Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
We strongly believe that one of the best ways to get to know a country is through its food. Therefore, we suggest you join a local street food tour to ensure you don't miss a single bite. An important point to note is that some markets can be crowded, so it helps to stay aware of your surroundings.
6.
The Ruins Of Teotihuacan Prove Pyramids Aren't Just For Egypt
While the ruins of Teotihuacan aren’t technically in Mexico City itself, they are a short day trip away. These ancient pyramids prove that Egypt isn’t the only place with incredible ruins. You can walk to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun or the Pyramid of the Moon for a view of the surrounding countryside.
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Photo from Wikipedia[/caption]
You can book a day tour to visit the pyramids or stay in one of the many nearby hotels. If you don’t mind splurging, a hot air balloon ride offers a unique perspective. For a broader trip, consider consulting a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy to plan your travel timing, though Teotihuacan’s dry season (November–April) is generally ideal for visiting.
7.
Walk In The Footsteps Of Frida Kahlo
Have you always wanted to visit the place where the famous Frida Kahlo lived and died? In Mexico City you get to visit the very house of Frida Kahlo. You can find Frida Kahlo's house in the cultural hub, Coyoacán. This also happened to be her favourite neighbourhood.
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Photo from Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Plenty of her most cherished work such as Viva la Vida and Frida Y Su Cesárea can be found here. You’ll even find Frida Kahlo's personal items such as her diaries, clothes, and bed. Furthermore, her ashes can be seen in what used to be her bedroom. We don't think you can get any closer to feeling the spirit of the legend that is Frida Kahlo than here in Mexico City.
8.
Explore The National Autonomous University Of Mexico
The National Autonomous University of Mexico is a hotspot for some of the most fantastic ideas with just a hint of crazy added into the mix. The National Autonomous University of Mexico is one of the most important cultural projects in the history of the country.
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Photo by Eddy Milfort on Flickr[/caption]
If you’re in the mood to attend a play, the acts performed at The National Autonomous University of Mexico Theatre are an interesting opportunity. You will get to have a look at classic texts adapted to modern day situations. The best part being that at The National Autonomous University of Mexico you will get to see budding artists stepping into their careers.
You can get tickets to the various plays at $30 during the Amén University Theatre Thursdays. The best part is that you don’t even need to be a student to buy tickets at that price!
9.
Get Active With Fitspin
While you're on vacation, there's no reason to be lazy. Get those endorphins flowing in Mexico City with Fitspin. You'll exercise way up high above sea level — 200 metres above, to be precise.
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Photo from YouTube[/caption]
Book a fixed bike at one of Fitspin's classes, held at the highest point of several skyscrapers in Mexico City. You’ll burn about 700 calories while taking in one of the best views in the city.
10.
Get A History Lesson At The National History Museum Chapultepec Castle
Make your way to the top of Chapultepec hill in Chapultepec Park and you’ll find an amazing castle with a fantastic, panoramic view of the city. The park's name comes from the Nahuatl word for 'hill of the grasshopper'. Chapultepec Castle used to be a sacred location for the Aztecs with the Spanish viceroy Bernardo de Galvez putting in the work for its construction in 1785.
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Photo from Pixabay[/caption]
Perhaps even more famously, it later became the official residence of Emperor Maximiliano I, when he moved in in 1864. Today, the Chapultepec Castle is a National History Museum. The museum showcases exhibits which trace the amazing yet tragic history of Mexico over the last 500 years, from the Aztecs through to the 20th century. You can find pieces of original furniture, artefacts, paintings, and documents in this magical place.
11.
See Xochimilco One Of The Last Remnants Of Lake Texcoco
While you're in Mexico City, make a trip to Xochimilco to see the last remnants of Lake Texcoco. Xochimilco is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Photo from Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
The best way to explore Xochimilco is to hire a trajinera, a flat-bottomed boat propelled by a boatman with a pole—think gondolas in Venice. Prices are fixed based on different routes marked on a map at the Embarcadero, located next to the parking lot.
If you can, find a guide who speaks both English and Spanish to help arrange a trajinera and choose a route. For a quieter, more intimate experience, visit on a weekday.
12.
Load Up On Everything You Didn't Know You Needed At The Mexico City Markets
The varied local markets in Mexico City are overflowing with interesting things to see and buy. At the Mexico City Markets, you can get anything from dried chilis to a wide variety of pre-prepared foods. There is also an abundance of home goods, and you can even get yourself a cheeky pirated DVD or two.
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Photo by Larry Miller on Flickr[/caption]
On the bright side, there are several which are recommended for tourists travelling without a local guide. Check with the hotel you’re staying at about which ones they recommend.
13.
Book-Lovers Should Drop By An Ancient Bookstore In The Historic Centre, El Laberinto
Physical books are fast becoming a thing of the past. So if you're looking for a book that’s out of print or perhaps a first edition of your favourite novel, you must check out this bookstore.
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Photo from Heremagazine.com[/caption]
You can find it a few steps from Teatro de la Ciudad Esperanza Iris. Look for El Laberinto, you will be pleased to discover that they have quite a varied and large collection of books.
In fact, they have everything from novels by Vladimir Nabokov and Agatha Christie to Chinese cookbooks, and Jane Fonda’s entertainment handbook. Set aside an ample amount of time as you can very well lose hours in El Laberinto. Who knows what you might stumble upon!
14.
See The Sunrise From A Different Perspective With Monumental Sunrises
For a great start to your day, watch the sunrise 65 metres in the air with a 360-degree view of Mexico City. Monumental Sunrises takes you to the highest point of the Revolution Monument. Enjoy a coffee and a pastry at the top while taking in landmarks like the Frontón México, the Opera House, the Tlatelolco University Cultural Center, and the Chopo University Museum. Wear comfortable shoes and pack a coat to fully enjoy the tour.
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Photo from Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
15.
See One Of The Chapultepec Forest's Best-Kept Secrets
The main source of fresh water in the city is the Cárcamo de Dolores. In 1951, Diego Rivera, a Mexican artist, paid tribute with his famous mural El Agua, Origen de la Vida which beautifully decorates the building where the pump can be found.
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Photo from Maxpixel[/caption]
Initially, the pump was constructed to collect and distribute water from the Lerma river. However, it soon became less important when the amount of water in the walls started to increase. In modern times, a sound installation Cámara Lambdoma by Ariel Guzik lets you listen to running water while admiring Rivera’s mural.
16.
Groove Along To Pumping Beats At Corona Capital
Sing along with your favourite bands at the Corona Capital! Corona Capital is arguably the first big international music festival to bring internationally-acclaimed artists to Mexico City.
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Photo by James Nugent on Flickr[/caption]
Around 85,000 visitors gather here to catch the bands every year. Legendary artists such as The Pixies, Echo, The Bunny Men, James, Mogwai, Portishead, The Strokes, The xx., Foo Fighters, Muse, and PJ Harvey have all played here. So we guarantee that you're in for a treat.
17.
Indulge Your Inner Hipster At The Nrmal Festival
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Photo from Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
If you’d prefer to stay away from all things mainstream, make sure you check out the Nrmal Festival. At the Nrmal Festival, you can experience some fantastic indie tunes. Even if you're not familiar with indie music and artists, a cold beer and the relaxing atmosphere will make it a memorable experience.
18.
See A Film At The Cineteca Nacional
The Cineteca Nacional opened in 1974 and is known for its cinematographic excellence. It has had a colourful history, with the venue being redeveloped in 2012. It’s one of the best locations in Mexico City to enjoy cinematography, whether you're looking for commercial films or something more niche. The Cineteca Nacional has it all.
Let Us Know...
There you have it, our favourite things to do while in Mexico City. Do let us know which ones were on the top of your lists or if we've missed anything that you think deserves a spot!
Related travel guides: An Authentic Day Trip To The Chinampas Of Xochimilco, Mexico City.
