Posted: 2/19/24 | February nineteenth, 2024

Mexico Metropolis is the fifth largest metropolis on the earth, a sprawling metropolis the place historical past and tradition converge in a dynamic tapestry of vibrant colours, numerous cuisines, and full of life districts.

I find it irresistible right here. I’ve been a handful of occasions and by no means get uninterested in exploring and consuming my manner across the metropolis. I at all times have an incredible time. The truth is, I like town a lot I even ran excursions right here (and each single particular person I confirmed round was blown away). Nobody hates this place.

Unsurprisingly, in a metropolis so massive and with such an extended historical past, there’s a ton to see and do right here, from visiting world-class museums to feasting at tiny taco stands to exploring offbeat neighborhoods. You can simply spend per week right here and never even scratch the floor.

Listed below are what I feel are greatest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis with the intention to have enjoyable and actually get to know town and tradition in your journey to this vibrant capital!

1. Take a Strolling Tour

Strolling excursions are a wonderful technique to study a vacation spot’s historical past and keep away from lacking any must-see stops. I at all times begin my journeys off with a minimum of one strolling tour because it’s one of the simplest ways to get the lay of the land and join with a neighborhood information that may reply all of your questions.

Estación Mexico Free Excursions and the Monkey Expertise each have a free historic downtown tour that may present you what town has to supply. The previous additionally affords 4 different free excursions of various neighborhoods too. Regardless that the excursions are technically free, at all times keep in mind to tip your information on the finish!

For extra strolling tour suggestions (together with paid choices), take a look at this put up.

2. Go to the Museo Nacional de Antropología

Discovered inside Chapultepec Park, this world-class anthropology museum is the biggest museum in Mexico (it’s additionally probably the most visited, receiving over two million friends per 12 months). Since 1964, it has housed the biggest international assortment of sculptures, jewels, and artifacts from historical Mexican civilizations. The totally different time intervals are grouped into complete (and large) exhibition halls with bilingual info indicators, so be sure you give your self ample time to discover all of it. There’s an exquisite courtyard within the heart the place you may sit and people-watch for a bit.

Av. P.º de la Reforma s/n, +52 (55) 5553-6266, mna.inah.gob.mx. Open Tues-Solar 9am-6pm. Tickets are 95 MXN. Guided excursions of the highlights begin at 375 MXN (consists of admission).

3. Tour Frida Kahlo’s Home

Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera are two of the most important names in Mexican artwork. Frida was notably well-known for her portraits and self-portraits. A tour of their outdated residence (“Casa Azul”) is a worthwhile expertise to see the place and the way she lived, in addition to a few of her authentic paintings. It’s a very attention-grabbing home with an exquisite backyard and many details about her life. The residence additionally hosts quite a lot of inventive workshops month-to-month, so take a look at the schedule for those who’re .

This guided tour of Coyoacán (the encircling neighborhood) features a ticket to the museum, which you’ll go to at your personal tempo after studying in regards to the space by which the 2 artists lived and labored.

Londres 247, Del Carmen, +52 55 5554 5999, museofridakahlo.org.mx. Open Tues-Solar 10am-6pm (Wednesdays at 11am-6pm). Tickets are 250 MXN (270 MXN on the weekends). You need to purchase your tickets properly upfront (a minimum of a month out), as a result of they’re in extremely excessive demand.

4. Attend a Lucha Libre

Mexican “free wrestling” is a favourite nationwide pastime. Extraordinarily entertaining and inexpensive, lucha libre takes the game to an entire new stage. Seize a beer or a shot of tequila, and no matter you do, don’t look away throughout a match as something can — and can — occur. (Don’t deliver your digital camera although, as you’ll be pressured to test it on the door.)

Area México and Area Coliseo are the primary locations to see a match. Basic seating tickets will be as little as 56 MXN (don’t purchase from scalpers, as a result of the police are at all times round and also you’ll get in hassle). Search for a taquilla (ticket sales space) signal to make sure that you might be paying the fitting value.

Guided experiences, like this lucha libre expertise, are additionally obtainable. In the course of the match, you’ll take pleasure in a mezcal tasting and munch on chips and guacamole, and on the finish, you’ll depart together with your very personal lucha libre masks.

Area México: Dr. Lavista 189, +52 55 5588 0266, cmll.com/arenas/arena-mexico. Exhibits on Fridays at 8:30pm, Sundays at 5pm, and Tuesdays at 7:30pm

Area Coliseo: República de Perú 77, +52 55 5588 0266, cmll.com/arenas/arena-coliseo. Exhibits on Saturday nights at 7:30pm.

5. Day Journey to Teotihuacán

If you happen to do solely someday journey out of city, make it this one. Teotihuacán was an historical Mesoamerican metropolis situated about 50 kilometers (30 miles) northeast of present-day Mexico Metropolis. At its peak (150-450 CE), it was one of many largest and most influential hubs within the pre-Columbian Americas, with a inhabitants estimated to be over 100,000. It’s identified for its spectacular city format and pyramids, together with the Avenue of the Useless, the Pyramid of the Solar, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl).

I’ve been a couple of occasions and may’t suggest it sufficient (particularly for those who’re a historical past buff). We took our tour teams right here and everybody at all times had an incredible time.

You’ll be able to both do the day journey your self (there are many buses) or go on a guided tour that additionally stops on the Guadalupe Basilica, an necessary pilgrimage website. Both manner, don’t neglect to deliver sunscreen, because the solar is punishing, and there’s little to no shade.

Admission to the pyramids is 80 MXN, whereas a full-day tour together with transportation and a neighborhood information is 540 MXN.

6. Peruse the Mercados

Mexico Metropolis boasts a kaleidoscope of bustling markets, every with its personal distinctive attraction. Among the many most well-known is Mercado de la Merced, a sprawling market hailed as the biggest on the town. Situated east of the Zócalo, it’s primarily centered on meals, with vibrant shows of fruits, greens, meats, and spices.

One other iconic market is Mercado Roma, a recent gastronomic hub that showcases town’s culinary variety by way of connoisseur treats and artisanal merchandise. For one thing a bit totally different, Mercado Jamaica is an exquisite flower market, stuffed with vibrant colours and fragrances. And for distinctive souvenirs, head to La Ciudadela, an artisan market which boasts an in depth assortment of conventional textiles and handicrafts.

Lastly, Mercado de Sonora stands out for its mystical ambiance, famend for catering to religious and esoteric wants, providing the whole lot from conventional herbs and potions to ritualistic artifacts. There’s really a marketplace for the whole lot in Mexico Metropolis!

If you happen to don’t wish to discover by yourself, you may be part of a guided tour that visits each Mercado de la Merced and Mercado de Sonora, together with many stops to pattern numerous genuine native treats Tickets are round 1,100 MXN.

7. Take a Meals Tour

Conventional Mexican delicacies is so culturally wealthy and distinct (and scrumptious) that UNESCO has included it on its Intangible Cultural Heritage listing. Whilst you can definitely go on a self-led taco tour, you gained’t study practically as a lot as you’d by taking a meals tour, a wonderful technique to get a crash course on native delicacies.

My pal Anais runs Devoured Excursions, providing in-depth excursions into the meals scene of CMDX, with 5 totally different four-hour choices to select from. On every tour, you’ll meet a neighborhood “tastemaker,” an professional of their craft who shares the method behind Mexican gastronomic traditions like making mouthwatering tacos or crafting beautiful mezcal cocktails. Excursions begin at 1,625 MXN.

If you happen to simply wish to eat all of the tacos (who doesn’t), be part of Sabores Mexico Meals Excursions on its Tacos & Mezcal Night time Meals Tour. You’ll take pleasure in tacos at a mixture of conventional and modern taquerias and finish your evening sampling within the first mezcal bar in Mexico Metropolis.

8. Pattern Mezcal

I like mezcal. It’s is a conventional Mexican distilled spirit, crafted from agave, that’s famend for its smoky taste and complexity. I’ve realized a ton about it over the course of my visits to Mexico, however I’m at all times trying to attempt new flavors and dive deeper into the distilling course of.

If you wish to attempt mezcal and study extra about it, some distinctive locations to pattern it embody La Mezcaloteca (a bar/library the place you are able to do a tasting of 5 mezcals) and La Clandestina in Condesa (with 25 mezcals from all around the nation)

On the Museum of Tequila and Mezcal close to Plaza Garibaldi, educated guides will lead you thru the intricate means of manufacturing, from harvest to distillation. You’ll additionally get to pattern forms of mezcal alongside totally different tequilas, so you may recognize the variations between Mexico’s essential two spirits. A ticket that features tastings prices 340 MXN.

9. Float Alongside the Xochimilco Canals

Whereas the Xochimilco Canals are notorious for his or her occasion boats, full with bottomless drinks, a kayak tour is a enjoyable and totally different technique to discover the enchanting waterways of this UNESCO World Heritage Website. On this tour, led by a educated native information, you’ll paddle by way of the colourful floating gardens, often called chinampas, witness the full of life environment of conventional trajineras (colourful boats), and recognize the scenic fantastic thing about the environment. All of the whereas, you’ll get insights into the historical past and significance of Xochimilco and its canals. This was one other actually fashionable a part of our excursions and one thing most vacationers don’t expertise.

If you happen to’re an early riser, you may even go for a dawn tour, throughout which you’ll get the waterways just about to your self. Excursions begin at 890 MXN.

10. Admire the View from Torre Latinoamericana

Torre Latinoamericana is an iconic skyscraper within the coronary heart of Mexico Metropolis. Accomplished in 1956, it was as soon as the tallest constructing in Latin America. Designed by architect Augusto H. Álvarez, the tower rises 183 meters (600 ft) and consists of 44 flooring. (It has resisted quite a few earthquakes, because of its progressive design that includes a stabilizing core.)

The tower affords panoramic views from its statement deck, giving a very good perspective on simply how large town is. It prices 200 MXN to go to the statement ground (get advance tickets right here), however for those who go to the bar on the ground just under, you’ll get the identical view for the value of a drink.

Francisco I. Madero Avenue 1, +52 55 5518 7423, miradorlatino.com. Open each day 9am-10pm. Tickets are 200 MXN.

11. Wander the Zócalo

The Zócalo is the guts of Mexico Metropolis’s historic heart. This large sq. accommodates the ruins of Templo Mayor (the traditional Aztec temple advanced), the Palacio Nacional (the president’s official residence), and La Catedral Metropolitana (constructed by the Spanish upon conquest of the realm).

Initially the primary ceremonial heart within the historical Aztec metropolis of Tenochtitlán (situated the place Mexico Metropolis now stands), the Templo Mayor was destroyed to make room for the cathedral in 1521. The truth is, the very stones that made up the temple had been used to create the cathedral. Now you can view historical artifacts uncovered from the location, rediscovered within the Seventies, on the Museo del Templo Mayor (95 MXN to enter the museum and archaeological website).

If you’re executed, head over to admire the gorgeous Spanish colonial structure of the La Catedral Metropolitana. This Sixteenth-century constructing dominates the northern half of the Zócalo and is free to enter. Inside, it’s extremely ornate, with a ground that’s noticeably tilted because of the perpetual sinking of town (as a result of its building on a lake and swamp).

12. Calm down in Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec means “Hill of the Grasshopper” in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. Spanning 686 hectares (1,700 acres), this park within the coronary heart of Mexico Metropolis is the second largest city park in Latin America (the most important is in Santiago, Chile). It’s one of many world’s most visited too, not solely by guests however locals, who like to arrange store grilling and picnicking on Sundays. You can even hire a rowboat or paddleboat and exit on Chapultepec Lake. Each time I wish to simply chill out and take in the solar, that is the place I’m going.

Along with the numerous paths to walk, Chapultepec is residence to a zoo and several other necessary museums, together with the Museum of Anthropology (talked about earlier) and Chapultepec Fort (see beneath).

The park is split into three sections. Part 1 homes a lot of the museums and is open Tuesday-Sunday 5am-6pm. Sections 2 and three are open 24/7, although like many metropolis parks, it’s possible not the perfect concept to stroll by way of it alone after darkish.

13. Go to Castillo de Chapultepec

The one fort in North America to accommodate monarchs, Chapultepec Fort was in-built 1725 as a big manor home for the viceroy (the Spanish colonial administrator). Deserted throughout the Mexican Warfare of Independence in 1810, it later grew to become the residence of Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota in 1864, throughout the Second Mexican Empire (1864–67).

Immediately, you may go to the fort and meander by way of the magnificently embellished interval rooms, manicured gardens, and terraces providing spectacular panoramas. The fort can be residence to the Museo Nacional de Historia (see beneath), which tells the story of Mexico from the time of Tenochtitlán to the Mexican Revolution.

Bosque de Chapultepec, Part I, +52 55 5256 5464, mnh.inah.gob.mx. Open Tues-Solar 9am-5pm. Admission 95 MXN.

14. Try the artwork and historical past museums

There are numerous museums and galleries in Mexico Metropolis. Worthwhile ones embody the next:

• Palacio de Bellas Artes (Superb Artwork Museum): This spectacular Artwork Nouveau constructing with an Artwork Deco inside is a large cultural heart that hosts performing arts occasions. Its varied galleries embody murals by Diego Rivera and rotating non permanent exhibitions. It is usually residence to the Museum of Structure.
• Museo Nacional de Historia (Nationwide Historical past Museum): This museum, situated in Chapultepec Fort, tells the historical past of Mexico over 12 everlasting exhibition halls.
• Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Trendy Artwork): Situated inside Chapultepec Park, this museum focuses on trendy Mexican artwork. Its most well-known piece is Frida Kahlo’s The Two Fridas.
• MUAC (College Museum of Up to date Artwork of UNAM): This artwork museum on the college’s grounds additionally focuses on modern Mexican artwork, with video and sound installations, work, drawings, and extra.
• Museo Nacional de Arte (Nationwide Artwork Museum): Mexican artwork from the mid-Sixteenth century to the mid-Twentieth century is split into three essential time intervals (colonial, post-independence, and post-revolution).
• Museo de Arte Common (People Artwork Museum): This museum’s assortment of Mexican folks artwork and handicrafts options conventional textiles, pottery, glass, piñatas, and alebrijes (brightly coloured sculptures of fantastical creatures).
• Reminiscence and Tolerance Museum: This newer museum tells the historical past of genocides and crimes in opposition to humanity, with a bit selling tolerance and inclusion of all teams of individuals.
• Tamayo Museum: Born out of the non-public assortment of artist Rufino Tamayo, this museum concentrates on Twentieth-century worldwide artwork (particularly of the avant-garde selection).

Ticket costs fluctuate, however typically vary from free to 100 MXN.

15. Tour a Megalibrary

The Biblioteca Vasconcelos, situated within the Buenavista neighborhood, is a temple to books, sometimes called a “megalibrary.” The biggest library in your entire nation, it opened in 2006, covers an unbelievable 38,000 sq. meters (409,000 sq. ft), and homes over 600,000 books.

However the actual draw for the customer shouldn’t be within the assortment (which, although massive, isn’t notably noteworthy) however the constructing itself. The structure is gorgeous, that includes clear partitions, six deliberately mismatched flooring, and sculptures by distinguished artists. It additionally has a deal with sustainability, with rainwater assortment barrels on the roof, home windows designed to gentle nearly your entire inside naturally (but with out harming the books), and a inexperienced roof coated in crops that maintain the constructing cool.

Don’t miss popping across the again to walk by way of the quiet and spacious backyard full of timber, shrubs, and herbaceous crops. Admission is free.

16. Marvel on the Soumaya Museum

Housing 66,000 items of Central American and European artwork, the Soumaya Museum shows works not solely by Mexican artists similar to Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo but in addition by well-known masters similar to Botticelli, Dalí, and Rodin. The museum was donated and constructed by one of many world’s richest males, Carlos Slim Helú (a Mexican enterprise magnate). The Soumaya is a shocking piece of artwork by itself, as it’s coated in 16,000 hexagonal aluminum tiles that sparkle within the daylight. It’s thought-about probably the most stunning trendy constructing in Mexico Metropolis. Admission is free.

Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. +52 55 1103 9800, www.museosoumaya.org/. Open each day, 10:30am-6:30pm. Free entry.

17. Escape to the UNAM Botanical Backyard

If you happen to’re in search of a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of Mexico Metropolis, look no additional than the Botanical Backyard on the Nationwide Autonomous College of Mexico (UNAM). Rooted in Aztec traditions that valued gardens for each medicinal and decorative functions, this sanctuary additionally emphasizes conservation and environmental schooling. It’s located round lava formations from the Xitle volcano eruption, and the paths meander by way of naturally fashioned grottoes and previous waterfalls and ponds teeming with koi and turtles.

The crops you may admire right here embody the world’s most numerous cactus assortment, with 800 totally different varieties; there’s additionally an orchidarium and a medicinal backyard. That is additionally a habitat for wildlife: maintain an eye fixed out for woodpeckers, owls, hummingbirds, rattlesnakes, lizards, and the Pedregal tarantula, a species unique to this small space of Mexico Metropolis.

College Metropolis, Coyoacán. +52 56 22 90 63. www.ib.unam.mx/ib/jb/. Open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, Saturdays from 9am-3pm. Admission is free.

18. Stroll Round Roma and Condesa

Roma and Condesa, two adjoining neighborhoods within the coronary heart of Mexico Metropolis, are value spending a while exploring (they’re additionally a few of the greatest neighborhoods to remain in). They bleed into one another a bit, as each have leafy, tree-lined avenues, fashionable boutiques, and an eclectic array of cafés, eating places, bars, and mezcalerías.

Roma is famend for its bohemian environment, European-inspired structure, and colourful avenue artwork. Condesa is a little more laid-back, high-class, and refined, that includes Artwork Deco buildings and many sidewalk cafés. Parque México and Parque España are iconic inexperienced areas that divide the 2 neighborhoods and are good locations to sit down and people-watch for a bit.

19. Go to a Pueblo Mágico

The pueblos mágicos (magical cities) are cities and villages that the Mexican authorities has acknowledged for his or her cultural, historic, and pure significance. To be so designated, a spot should meet particular standards, together with having historic and cultural richness and distinctive structure, traditions, and folklore. These cities typically characteristic well-preserved colonial structure, full of life cultural traditions, and a welcoming environment.

Whereas they’re scattered all throughout the nation, there’s one situated simply over an hour from Mexico Metropolis: Tepotzotlán.

Recognized for its stunning colonial structure, cobblestone streets, vibrant murals, and hikes to sacred websites within the surrounding mountains, it makes for a enjoyable day journey, or in case you have the time, even an in a single day. There are buses that go to Tepotzotlán from Taxqueña (Mexico Metropolis’s southern bus station) each half-hour. A ticket is 184 MXN.

20. Offbeat Issues to Do in Mexico Metropolis

There are many unconventional issues to see and do this a variety of guests don’t expertise. Listed below are a couple of ideas of a few of my favorites:

• Palacio de Correos de México: This stunning put up workplace is a captivating mixture of architectural types, together with Artwork Nouveau, Artwork Deco, Gothic Revival, and others. There’s a free museum on the bottom ground that includes varied parts of the put up workplace’s historical past, together with an enormous mural made fully of stamps!
• Ballet Folklórico de México: This famend folk-dance ensemble showcases conventional Mexican dance and music. Their everlasting house is the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the place tickets begin at 1,200 MXN.
• Museo del Objeto del Objeto (Museum of the Object of the Object): This quirky museum is devoted to on a regular basis objects, showcasing the evolution of design and client tradition in Mexico. Free admission.
• Museo del Chocolate: Be taught in regards to the significance and cultivation of cacao all through Mexico’s historical past. There’s additionally an hooked up café, the place you may pattern candies in loads of totally different varieties. Museum admission is 80 MXN.

Mexico Metropolis is among the world’s biggest metropolises. From iconic landmarks just like the historic Zócalo and the majestic Teotihuacán pyramids to the colourful markets, numerous neighborhoods, and thriving culinary scene, it’s completely fascinating. Regardless of how lengthy you have got right here, this stuff to do will maintain you busy and guarantee that you’ve an incredible go to.