35+ Unique Things to Do in Mexico City
Mexico city will always have my heart. After all, it was the first place I traveled as a female solo traveler in 2015. I chose Mexico City as my first solo trip because I was allured by the rich history, vibrant culture and the amazing food. Not to mention, it is my mother’s home country. Regardless, Mexico city is still one of my all-time favorite places to travel to. For perspective, in square miles Mexico city is almost 2 times the size of Manhattan and has a population of 9.21 million people (which is 11% larger than New York city’s population). Consequently, making it easy to find adventures with new friends.
On my first solo trip to Mexico City, I signed up for pulque tasting, caught a ride at Xochimilco and wandered the Zócalo aimlessly soaking up all the sights. It goes without saying that, Mexico City is an enormous place to explore and offers an abundance of things to do. That’s why it is one of my favorite places to visit, because every time I visit, there are always new things to do. Here are 35+ things to do in Mexico City.
Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum
First on the list, is the Friday Kahlo Museum, also known as “Casa Azul”. Casa Azul was the birth place, home and final resting place of renowned Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. Almost every visitor to Mexico City makes a pilgrimage to gain a deeper understanding of the painter. That and maybe to pick up a Frida handbag. As a result, the line to get into the Friday Kahlo Museum is normally packed with tourists. My recommendation is to arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Unlike my first trip to Casa Azul, ensure to book tickets online to jump the queue.
Watch a Baile Folklórico Performance at Palacio de Bellas Artes
Prepare to have your heart stolen by baile folklórico at Palacio de Bellas Artes. It is said that baile folklórico is the heart and soul of Mexico, and I can attest that there is no arguing with that statement. I was immediately captivated and moved by the intense drumbeat and movement of the dancers.
Moreover, Palacio de Bellas Artes translates to “palace of beautiful arts”. Baile folklórico is a theatrical production that embodies each region’s traditional dance, which is influenced by their local folklore and ballet characteristics. Each dance represents a different region in Mexico, which can be accompanied by different footwork, choreography, stomps or heel toe points. You’ll observe each region also incorporates unique vibrant colors in their dresses and attire which add dimension to the dance movements. Palacio de Bellas Artes has gorgeous architecture that deserves getting dressed up for. I rocked a beautiful long yellow dress as my attire of choice for watch the baile folklórico. You can buy your tickets in advance here or you can buy tickets at the door.
Check out Aztec Ruins in Templo Mayor
Arguably one of my favorite ruins of all time, Templo Mayor is an absolute “must see” attraction while you are in Mexico City. In the heart of Mexico City you will find the heartbeat of the Aztecs. Templo Mayor (translation to “main temple”) was the main temple of the Aztecs. The Aztecs capital city was Tenochtitlan , which today goes by the name Mexico City. The temple was dedicated to both Huitzilopochtli, god of war, and Tlaloc, god of rain and agriculture, each of which had a shrine at the top of the pyramid with separate staircases.
The temple was almost completely destroyed by the Spanish in 1521, who built the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral over Templo Mayor. It was rediscovered in 1978 by electrical workers who were digging near the main plaza. They found a finely carved stone monolith that displayed what looked like an Aztec god.
Moreover, Templo Mayor captures the resilience of the Mexican people. It truly is amazing to think that something that was once thought to be destroyed and buried by the Spanish, was resurrected and today stands as testament to the resiliency of the Aztec people and their descendants.
Take a Walk through Bosque de Chapultepec
While you’re visiting Mexico City, you can’t pass up taking a stroll in one of Mexico’s largest park, Bosque de Chapultepec ( which translates to Chapultepec Forest). Bosque de Chapultepec is said to be the “lungs of Mexico City” at just over 1,700 acres in size. For reference, that is 2X the size of Central Park in New York City
Bosque de Chapultepec is broken up into four sections, with the first section being the oldest and most visited. This section contains most of the park’s attractions, including Chapultepec castle, the Chapultepec Zoo, the Museum of Anthropology, and the Rufino Tamayo Museum. It receives an estimated 15 million visitors per year.
In addition, one thing I loved about this park was the beautiful use of recycled material to make art work throughout the park.
In the jardín botánico (botanical garden) there were fort-like structures made of wooden pallets. They were stacked around 8 feet high, which made it very fun to climb and snag a photo.
Catch a Lucha Libre
If you’re a Nacho Libre fan, then you don’t want to pass up on your opportunity to watch the world famous Lucha Libre in Mexico City. Lucha Libre is also known as Mexican wrestling and is the second-highest spectator rate after soccer in Mexico. The best places to catch Lucha Libre would be at Arena México, Arena Coliseo andArena Naucalpan. You can book your tickets here
Eat Traditional Mexican Food
While you are in the heart of Mexico, you will have the opportunity to eat traditional Mexican food. Believe it or not, Mexico City is known for its gastronomy, and is often described as a culinary wonderland. Traditional Mexican food is full of flavor, boldness and spice. Traditional Mexican food includes dishes like mole con pollo, guaraches, chile rellenos, enchilladas, tacos al pastor and tamales. My taste buds were extremely happy while in Mexico City. Whether I ate from street vendors or at top tier restaurants, I enjoyed the wide taste profile that traditional Mexican food has to offer.
While visiting, my favorite spots to eat were:
- Taquería El Califa de León
- Taqueria Orinoco (several locations)
- Café De Tacuba (known for their mole recipe)
- El Cardenal
- Restaurante Mercaderes
- El Mayor
Shop in Boutiques in Mexico's City's Famous Neighborhoods
Instead of collecting knick knacks, like shot glasses when I travel, I invest in collecting fashion statement pieces. I really enjoy being intentional with my money and supporting small, local, women owned businesses. Condesa is my favorite places in Mexico City to go shopping. I found plenty of boutiques that offered handmade, unique statement pieces to add to my wardrobe. My favorite statement piece was a vegan leather clutch with traditional Chiapas embroidery on the front side of it. To this day I still get compliments on it! Some of my favorite spot to shop are: Carla Fernández, 180º Shop and Happening Store.
Sip on the Nectar of the Aztec Gods: Pulque
Additionally, pulque is a must do if you’re someone who appreciates liquors and alcoholic beverages. Pulque is a traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of the agave plant (originates from central Mexico). Pulque can have a variety of flavors, including light and effervescent, thick and viscous, sweet, or brighter and more acidic. Legend has it that the Aztec priests drank it to connect with the gods. Needless to say, it was considered a sacred drink to the Aztecs. While on my Mexico City trip, I made time to roam around Coyocan for plenty of reasons and one of them was a highly recommended restaurant called Corazón de Maguey that served delicious pulque. Other places to drink pulque include:
- Ecos del Mundo Café
- Antolina (Roma Norte Neighborhood)
- Las Duelistas (Zócalo Neighborhood)
Visit the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral at the Zócalo
It goes without saying, Mexico City is a mecca for anyone who appreciates architecture. Moreover nothing quite measures up to the ornate architecture of the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral.
Experience Rooftop Views of the Zócalo
Mexico City stole my heart with its romantic, European like architecture and rooftop restaurants. I tried out different rooftop restaurants from brunch to dinner around the Zócalo because I couldn’t get over the views. This area is very unique because from the rooftop you can see the existence of both the Aztec and Spanish culture fused into one place. To me, I see it as a symbol of the resiliency of Mexico despite the tragic history of colonization.
Here are some of my favorite rooftops restaurants to enjoy food in the Zócalo:
- El Mayor
- Terraza Gran Hotel
- La Casa de las Sirenas
- Downtown Hotel Terrace Bar
- Terraza Catedral
- Balcón del Zócalo
In general, other phenomenal rooftop restaurants include:
For a full lust of the best rooftop restaurants in Mexico City check out this blog post.
Visit Roma Norte Neighborhood
Next, tucked away in the central southwest area of Mexico city, Roma Norte is one of the trendiest neighborhoods known for its aesthetic cafes and funky fusion restaurants. Not to mention, it is the unofficial hipster area of Mexico City. It offers beautiful parks to walk through, beautiful coffee shops and an abundance of top rated restaurants. Check out this blog post for my itinerary to explore Roma Norte like a pro.
Visit Mercado Roma
You know what they say about when in Roma, eat at Mercado Roma. Mercado Roma is food market that prides itself in sharing Mexican traditions by creating a gourmet market where the community sits around a communal table to share good food, with a good wine and more important, create good memories. It’s a gastronomical staple of Mexico City an deserves a visit.
Visit a Mezcaleria
When people think of Mexican spirits, their minds probably go to Tequila first, however, Mexico prides itself in their craft for Mezcal. Mezcal is a distilled spirit made from the agave plant, and the word comes from the Nahuatl words metl (agave) and ixcalli (cooked). Mezcal originates from the state of Oaxaca. An important distinguishing difference between Tequila and Mezcal is that Mezcal can be made from many varieties of agave, while tequila can only be made from blue agave. That is why Tequila is made in Tequila, Jalisco, a region that is abundant with blue agave. A mezcaleria is a place that serves different types of mezcal and there are several spots around Mexico City that are worth visiting, including:
- La Clandestina (Condesa Neighborhood)
- Mezcalería María Sabina (Condesa Neighborhood)
- Bósforo (Centro Historico Neighborhood)
- Tlecān (Roma Neighborhood)
- Mezcalero (Coyocan Neighborhood)
- Corazon de Maguey (Coyocan Neighborhood)
- La Botica (Condesa/ Centro Historico Neighborhood)
- Address: Campeche & Atlixco y, Av. Tamaulipas 369, Colonia Condesa or Alfonso Reyes 120, Colonia Condesa
Día de los Muertos Celebration
If you’re in town the week of November 1st, I would highly recommend that you make time to experience Día de los Muertos. Día de los Muertos is a meaningful cultural tradition that is celebrated all over Mexico and by Mexican descendants (like myself) all over the world.
Día de los Muertos (also known as Day of the Dead), is a celebration of life, death, and family that takes place on November 1 and 2. The tradition is rooted in pre-Hispanic Mexican and Spanish Catholic customs. It is believed that the soul of a deceased person continue to live on in Mictlan, a place of rest. Mictlán is known as the underworld in Aztec mythology, and a central part of Mexican spirituality and culture
Furthermore, Mexico City is known for having a lavish celebration including parades, performances and hundreds of people dressed in ornate and vibrant skeleton face painting. If you are someone who is into spooky season vibes, Día de los Muertos is a celebration in Mexico to add to your bucket list.
Shop at local Mercados
There’s nothing that says “treat yourself” like a shopping spree browsing through the mercados (translation “market”) of Mexico City. There are several mercados sprinkled throughout Mexico City and they can range from fresh produce, food and artisan shops. My favorite mercados are Mercado Roma for the foodie in me and Mercado de San Juan for shopping. My adventurous side came out in Mercado San Juan when I tried eating a fried scorpion. *Chef’s kiss* Would recommend. Additionally, other mercados worth visiting include:
- Mercado de San Juan (Food)
- Mercado de Coyocan (Artisan/Food)
- Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela (Artisan)
- Mercado Roma (Food)
- El Bazaar Sabado (Artisan)
- Mercado Medellin Food)
Snap Beautiful Shots of Palacio de Bellas Artes at this Rooftop Terrace
On my first visit, I was dying to get a rooftop view of the Palacio de Bellas Artes. I was able to get a decent shot from a restaurant on the corner across from Palacio de Bellas Artes. However, after that trip I realized there was a better spot to get a photo of the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Across the street from the Palacio de Bellas Artes is a shopping mall. And on the 8th floor of Sears, you will find the Sears Cafe which offers a terrace with a beautiful view of Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Watch Aztec Dancing in the Zocalo
Another wonderful performance you don’t want to miss is the Aztec dancing in the Zocalo (also known as Plaza de la Constitucion). These mesmerizing performances occur throughout the day and there isn’t a strict schedule, so you will have to wander around the plaza and keep an eye out for when they perform. Trust me, you won’t be able to miss it with it’s unique sound of seashells clanking against each other and the concha (seashell) horn sound.
Furthermore, the traditional Aztec dancers perform Mexican ritual dance and ceremony which dates back to pre-Hispanic times. These dancers wear tunics called naguillas, capes, and headdresses made of dyed ostrich feathers, and are often adorned with gold and silver .
Geek Out at Many of the Museums
Mexico City offers an abundance of museums throughout the city. It’s so easy to spend all day walking through the different museums of history and art. I still haven’t made it to all of them by how many there are. Here is a list of museums that I have enjoyed or been recommended by avid travelers:
- Templo Mayor Museum
- Museo de Arte Popular (The Folk Art Museum)
- Museo Rufino Tamayo (Contemporary Art Museum)
- Museo Nacional de Antropología (Museum of National Anthropology)
- Museo Frida Kahlo (Frida Kahlo Museum also known as La Casa Azul)
- MUAC, Museo Universitario de Arte Contemporáneo
- Museo Jumex (Contemporary Art Museum)
- Museo Nacional de Historia (Museum of Mexico National History)
- Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art)
Dance Your Heart Out in Zona Rosa
Zona Rosa is the gay district of Mexico City known for it’s vibrant nightlife, shopping and LGBT community. It’s located in Colonia Juárez, near the center of the city. Zona Rosa translates to “the pink zone” in English and is a neighborhood popular amongst foreigners with bohemian flare, exclusivity, and the city’s hottest nightlife. Some of the best sots to experience the Zona Rosa night life are:
- Hanky Panky (Speakeasy)
- Xaman Bar (Speakeasy)
- Rico Club Zona Rosa (Nightclub)
- Reven Zona Rosa (Nightclub)
Reservations to speakeasies are highly recommended.
Visit the Famous Library, Biblioteca Vasconcelos
If you are a sucker for futuristic architecture, then you don’t want to miss this attraction. The Biblioteca Vasconcelos was designed by lberto Kalach. The library’s road to fame was paved by its suspended bookshelves that hold around 106,000 titles and has been pleasing visitors since it opened in 2006. It is also known for other unique features, like the huge whale skeleton that hangs in the central passageway and the labyrinthine garden. At Biblioteca Vasconcelos, you won’t find many books in English, but it’s easily one of the best libraries in the city.
Book a Reservation at this Chef's Table Restaurant
If you’re a foodie like me then you might have watched Chef’s Table episode (season 2, episode 4) with world renowned Chef Enrique Olvera on Netflix. Chef Enrique Olvera is known for championing Mexican traditional ingredients under a haute perspective as he delves into the roots of Mexico to create award-winning dishes at his restaurant, Pujol, which is now a Two Michelin Star holder. Pujol is found in a neighborhood called Polanco; an area that has earned the reputation of being labeled the upscale part of Mexico City. Booking a reservation at Pujol is a great option if you want to splurge on a fine dinning experience in Mexico City. You will need a reservation and you can expect to spend $2565 Mexican Pesos ($128 USD) per person which includes tax but not gratuity.
Go to a Music Festival
On my first solo trip to Mexico City, I stepped out of my comfort zone and met a really cool Ukrainian girl who invited me to the Corona Capital music festival. At this music festival, I got to see performers like The Killers and Lana Del Rey, among local Mexican artists as well. The best part of the music festival was meeting Mexico City locals and vibing to amazing music with them.
In fact, one thing that became very apparent in my first trip to Mexico City was the deep and vibrant roots of music throughout the city. At busy corners of the city, you would find local performers covering classic rock songs of which sounded so amazing. So much so, that at first I didn’t realize it was a cover! The love for metal, punk rock and classic rock runs deep in the heart of Mexico City. After my experience attending the music festival, I want to share that tip as a way to experience Mexico City though a different lens. Other popular music festivals in Mexico City include Tecate Emblema, Tecate Pal Norte, Vive Latino, Metal Fest and Afterlife. If you’re interested in learning about more music festivals in Mexico City, check out this detailed blog post.
Visit El Ángel de la Independencia
Another landmark in Mexico City that is worth the visit is El Ángel de la Independencia which translates to the angel of independence. The Angel of Independence is an honorary column located in Mexico City, in the roundabout located at the confluence of Paseo de la Reforma Avenue and Río Tíber and Florencia streets. Additionally, it was inaugurated in 1910 by Mexican President Porfirio Díaz Mori and stands as a tribute to Mexico’s victory over Spain in its War of Independence.
Hire a photographer to take amazing travel photos
Since we all know pictures speak a thousand words, why not hire a local photographer to capture photos of you in front of stunning architecture? They will serve as momentos that you can always look back on to relive and experience your trip to Mexico City. I love looking through old photos reminding myself of the memories I created visiting new places. Pictures can have a way of capturing the emotions and thoughts of a moment. Some great economical options are to look for local photographers on Airbnb Experiences. My photographer recommendation for capturing your main character moment in Mexico City is Gaby from Capturing Memories CDMX.
Visit the local Theatre, Teatro de los Insurgentes
Some of my favorite actors originated from Mexico and both have had shows come through Teatro de los Insurgentes. For example, El Buen Canario played a ten-week limited engagement at Mexico City’s Teatro de Los Insurgente in 2008. You can check out their theatre schedule and book tickets here.
Teat Yourself to a Date Night
By this point, I’m sure you’ve realized why you might need more than 1 visit to Mexico City to truly become intimate with this place. One great way is to treat yourself to a date night! Whether you’re visiting with a partner, friend or on your own, you deserve to have a night date night out in this beautiful Mexican city. Here are some date night ideas:
- Best restaurants to eat in Mexico City
- Best bars in Mexico City
- Watch a Baile Folklórico Performance at Palacio de Bellas Artes
- Catch a show at Teatro de los Insurgentes
- Get serenaded by Mariachis
Take a Stroll near Monument to the Revolution
Similarly, another monument that captures the history of Mexico is the Monument to the Revolution. Unlike the El Ángel de la Independencia, which represents Mexico’s Independence from Spain, the monument to the revolution is a famous monument dedicated to the Mexican Revolution. Additionally, it features an observation deck and on-site museum.
Get Serenaded at Xochimilco by Mariachis
Additionally, getting serenaded by mariachis at Xochimilco is a core memory from my trip to Mexico City that I think about often. The name Xochimilco is a combination of the Nahuatl words xochitl and milli and means “where the flowers grow.” Built on the site of a pre-Columbian town, Xochimilco is famous for its chinampas (floating gardens).
Xochimilco is best known for its canals, which are left from what was an extensive lake and canal system that connected most of the settlements of the Valley of Mexico. These canals attract tourists and city residents to ride on colorful gondola-like boats called trajineras. You can rent one of these trajineras by yourself or find other small groups of people to split it with. While you float down the canal, vendors will approach in their trajineras with food, snacks and beer to sell. You will also find mariachis floating down the canal in trajineras which you can hire for a serenade. If you have enough room on your trajinera, they will climb on board to serenade.
Take a Traditional Mexican cooking class
Another great way to remember your trip to Mexico City is to cook a dish that you learned while visiting there. Taking a traditional cooking class is an amazing way to experience the culinary landscape that Mexico has to offer.
Check out Paseo de la Reforma
If you’re thinking of taking a long stroll, I’d recommend checking out Paseo de la Reforma. Paseo de la Reforma is a wide avenue in Mexico City that connects the downtown area to Chapultepec Park. It’s known for its monuments, including the Angel of Independence and the Monument to the Revolution, and is a popular tourist destination
Watch a Soccer Game
Needless to say, the most popular spot in Mexico is soccer or “futbol” as they call it. In fact, Mexico City holds the largest soccer stadium in all of Mexico, known as Estadio Azteca. Furthermore, Estadio Azteca is the official home of Club América (Mexican soccer league team) and the Mexico national soccer team.
Walk around the Zócalo and Centro Historico
The Zócalo is one of Mexico City’s most popular spots that dates back to the Aztec era. It’s a large and historic public plaza that never sleeps, and is buzzing with Aztec dancers, performers, cultural events, and even political demonstrations. The Zócalo is surrounded by beautiful architecture and landmarks, such as Palacio Bellas Artes and the Templo Mayor, making it a great place to start exploring the city. You can wander the Zócalo on your own or sign up for a city walking tour to learn more about the history and culture of Zócalo. For fewer crowds, consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon.
Climb the Pyramids at Teotihuacan Archaeological Site
When people think of pyramids, the first place that comes to mind tends to be Egypt, however Mexico offers several archaeological sites including pyramids and other ruins. Teotihuacan is known today as the site of many of the most architecturally significant Mesoamerican pyramids built in the pre-Columbian Americas, namely the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.
Although close to Mexico City, Teotihuacan was not an Aztec city, and it predates the Aztec Empire by many centuries. At one point Teotihuacan was the largest city in the Americas, with a population of 125,000 or more, making it at least the sixth-largest city in the world during its time.
These pyramids sit 1.5 hours away from Mexico City and are easy to do as a day trip. You can rent a car and drive yourself or sign up for a all inclusive tour guide. you can schedule your tour here.
Pose in font of these Instagrammable spots in Mexico City
If you are looking to pose in front of instammable spots in Mexico City but don’t necessarily want to hire a photographer, this is a fun activity to do yourself (or with a travel buddy). If you are traveling alone and still want to capture stunning instagrammable photos of yourself, I’d recommend purchasing a selfie stick; here is one that I take with me everywhere and has been very robust. Here is a list of vibrant instagrammable worthy places to take photos in Mexico City:
- Pink Wall
- Frida Kahlo Museum (La Casa Azul)
- Chapultepec Castle
- Xochimilco
- Hotel Carlota
- Gran Hotel Ciudad de México
- Corazón de Maguey
- Palacio de Bellas Artes Terrace View from Sears Cafe
- Charming Streets of Coyoacán
- Plant wall at Downtown Boutique hotel
- Address: Isabel la Catolica 30, 06010 Mexico City, Mexico
Drink the Best Coffee in Coyocan
Let’s face it, Mexico City can get hot especially during the month of May. I have visited several times during different times of the year and nothing quenches my thirst on a hot day in Mexico like an iced coffee from Café El Jarocho. I stumbled across this unique coffee in Coyocan after visiting Xochilmilco. Café El Jarocho is known for their “old wave” of coffee. They offer traditional coffee like cafe de la olla and cafe con leche. My favorite was this coffee slushy like drink that was made using old coffee techniques. I wish I had taken a picture of the menu. Next time I’m there, I’ll make sure to get the name of it.
In Summary 35+ Things to do in Mexico City
In summary, Mexico City is such a diverse place with so much to do. Whether you’re into boujee rooftop brunches or eating from local street vendors, there is something here for everyone. Looking to stay in Mexico City? Check out my favorite places to stay here.
Leave a comment about your favorite thing to do in Mexico City.
Now that you have learned 35+ things to do in Mexico City, you’re ready to plan your solo trip. Here is a list of solo travel ideas for you to brainstorm, Happy solo trip planning!
- Solo Travel Essentials for Women
- How to Pack for Mexico City
- Day Trips from Mexico City
- Hidden Blue Gems: Best Cenotes to Visit in the Yucatán Peninsula
- Best Day Trips from Valladolid Mexico
- Things to do in Valladolid Mexico
- Things to do in Isla Holbox
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Evie
Female solo traveler, blogger and personal finance nerd helping women plan their solo travel adventures!
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