Mexico City Highlights: 15 Unmissable Experiences and a Few to Avoid

Many first-time visitors are struck by just how vibrant and cosmopolitan Mexico City is. Its deep historical roots—think ancient ruins and centuries-old universities—blend effortlessly with a lively, modern spirit. Trendy restaurants, contemporary art spaces, and an electric nightlife keep the city constantly evolving. You could spend weeks exploring and still leave with more to see.

As North America’s largest city, Mexico City is full of contrasts. It boasts the continent’s biggest urban park, a rich fusion of global influences, and strong ties to Mexican tradition. From European-style tiled facades to a museum scene that delights history buffs, the city is packed with charm. Boutique hotels in Roma beckon design lovers, while the street food is a must for any culinary adventurer.

Here’s our guide to the best of Mexico City—what to do, where to eat and stay, and what you can skip—to help you make the most of your visit.

1. Centro Histórico Walking Tour

A walking tour of Mexico City’s Centro Histórico is an excellent way to experience the city’s rich history with context that’s easy to miss when exploring alone. Tip-based tours, like those offered on Freetour.com, provide a relaxed yet informative introduction to the area.

These tours typically pass through Zócalo—Latin America’s largest plaza—bordered by the Metropolitan Cathedral and the ancient Templo Mayor. Highlights often include Diego Rivera’s History of Mexico mural at Palacio Nacional, the elegant Palacio Postal, and the iconic Palacio de Bellas Artes, home to murals by Rivera and Siqueiros. While each site can be visited independently, having a guide brings the stories and significance to life.

2. Binge on Museums

Mexico City offers a cultural feast with over 150 museums—one of the highest concentrations globally. The Museo Nacional de Antropología features more than 20 exhibition halls filled with significant Mesoamerican artifacts. History buffs can explore the León Trotsky Museum in Coyoacán, which delves into the life and assassination of the exiled Russian revolutionary. For contemporary art lovers, Museo Jumex showcases works by icons like Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst—with free admission.

Many of the city’s top museums won’t stretch your budget. Several offer free entry on specific days, such as Palacio de Bellas Artes on Sundays and Museo Dolores Olmedo on Tuesdays. Always free, the striking Museo Soumaya—with its unique, twisting exterior—displays a remarkable collection of works by artists like Claude Monet and Edgar Degas.

3. Relax with a day at Bosque de Chapultepec

Bosque de Chapultepec is Mexico City’s vast urban oasis—spanning around 1,700 acres, it’s one of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere and significantly larger than New York’s Central Park. Set aside a full day to take in even just the main attractions. Key highlights include the historic Chapultepec Castle, once home to emperors and presidents, peaceful lakes perfect for boating, scenic jogging paths, and a popular zoo featuring elephants, kangaroos, and jaguars. The park also hosts several top-tier museums, including Museo Tamayo, Museo de Arte Moderno, Museo Nacional de Historia (within the castle), and the renowned Museo Nacional de Antropología.

4. Enjoy Every Kind of Taco—From Street Stalls to Michelin-Starred Delights

Mexico City is a taco lover’s paradise, with over 11,000 vendors ranging from humble street stalls to hidden neighborhood favorites.

Must-tries include cow head tacos at Los Gueros, chile relleno at La Hortaliza, and Southeast Asian-inspired bites at Cariñito. For something truly special, join the queue at El Califa de León, the first taco stand to earn a Michelin star in 2024.

5. Raise a Glass at Mexico City’s Best Bars

Mexico City offers endless options for a great drink, from rooftop bars like El Mayor, Balcón del Zócalo, Balmori, and Toledo Rooftop, to legendary speakeasies. Handshake Speakeasy, named The World’s Best Bar by 50 Best, serves up theatrical creations—think flaming steel wool garnishes—while Hanky Panky surprises with playful touches like mini hot dogs on cocktails.

For something unique, visit Las Brujas, a women-run bar with drinks inspired by iconic women and illustrated in comic book style. Whether you prefer craft beer at Fiebre de Malta, mezcal at Tlecān or El Palenquito, or chilled-out vibes and vinyl at Café de Nadie, there’s a perfect spot to toast in the city.

6. Hop on a Xochimilco Trajinera With Your Name on It

Just 40 minutes south of the city, Xochimilco offers a lively glimpse into Mexico’s pre-Hispanic past. Once home to Aztec floating gardens, its canals now host vibrant trajineras—colorful boats often named Sofia, Julieta, or something charmingly close to your own.

Far from a tourist trap, Xochimilco is a favorite local hangout, perfect for celebrating with music, food, and drinks. Long tables make feasting easy, while vendors paddle up to your boat with corn, beers, and floral crowns. Bring a speaker, join the party, and maybe even dance with the boat next to you.

7. Step Into the World of Frida Kahlo in Her Former Neighborhood

If there’s one spot in Mexico City to book ahead—besides the ever-popular Pujol—it’s the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán. Known as Casa Azul for its bold blue walls, this former home of Mexico’s iconic artist lets you explore her art, diaries, clothing, and even her medical corsets. Tickets sell out fast (and it’s closed Mondays), so plan ahead.

Admission also includes entry to Museo Anahuacalli, Diego Rivera’s striking tribute to pre-Hispanic art, just a short drive away.

8. Search, Shop and Snack

Exploring local markets is one of the most vibrant ways to connect with a city’s culture, and Mexico City has hundreds.

Mercado Jamaica bursts with fresh flowers year-round, especially marigolds during Día de Muertos. For handmade crafts, Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela offers textiles, ceramics, silver, and colorful alebrijes. Antique hunters will love La Lagunilla on Sundays, while foodies should head to Mercado Roma—a stylish, three-level food hall with gourmet bites, craft beer, and a rooftop terrace.

9. Experience the World Through Barragán’s Vision

Tucked away on a quiet street in Colonia Ampliación Daniel Garza, the Luis Barragán House and Studio is a must for design lovers. This UNESCO-listed site was the home and workspace of Mexico’s iconic architect, known for his striking use of color and light. While the exterior is plain, inside reveals bold pinks, blues, and minimalist design details.

Visits require advance booking, with small group sizes and ID needed on arrival. It’s an easy walk from the Constituyentes metro or a short rideshare ride away.

10. Sunday Stroll Along Paseo de la Reforma

Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City’s grand boulevard, was once a royal route built by Emperor Maximilian and is now lined with modern towers and iconic landmarks like the Angel of Independence and Diana the Huntress.

On Sundays, it transforms into a car-free haven from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of the Muévete en Bici program. Locals and visitors alike take to the streets on bikes, skates, or foot—joining thousands for a refreshing break from the city’s usual traffic.

11. Indulge in Classic Churros at Churrería El Moro

Craving churros? Churrería El Moro has you covered. Founded in 1935, this beloved spot now has 17 locations across Mexico City, including a 24-hour branch in the Centro Histórico—perfect for late-night sweet fixes.

Known for extra-long churros and rich Mexican hot chocolate, El Moro also serves up consuelos—churro ice cream sandwiches ideal for enjoying on the go. With crisp white-and-blue tiled interiors, each location feels as timeless as the treats they serve.

12. Celebrate Life During Day of the Dead

Mexico City’s now-famous Day of the Dead parade began in 2016, inspired by the opening scene of the James Bond film Spectre. Today, millions line Paseo de la Reforma and Zócalo for El Gran Desfile, featuring skeleton stilt walkers, flower-covered floats, and vibrant costumes.

Beyond the parade, admire giant alebrijes in the historic center or take a spooky boat ride in Xochimilco for a performance of La Llorona. Celebrations run from late October to early November, peaking on the 1st and 2nd, as families honor lost loved ones with ofrendas—home altars decorated with candles, marigolds, sugar skulls, and favorite foods.

 

13. Lucha Libre: The Ultimate Masked Spectacle

Lucha Libre is Mexico’s high-energy masked wrestling, blending sport, drama, and tradition. Catch the action at Arena Coliseo for a classic vibe or Arena México—the main stage with room for over 16,000 fans.

Tickets are available via the CMLL site or Ticketmaster, but a guided tour makes the experience easier, especially with transport included. Expect a lively crowd of families and fans all cheering on the masked wrestlers in thrilling, acrobatic matches.

14. Enjoy a Playful Escape at Sunday Sunday

Sunday Sunday is a lively rooftop party held atop Tabaqueros 16 in Mexico City’s Centro Histórico. Starting at 5 p.m. and running until 1 a.m., it features a mix of local and international DJs spinning everything from house to techno—past performers have included names like Bonobo and Sofi Tukker. The venue is cashless, requiring a prepaid card for drinks, and advance tickets are highly recommended, though limited entry may be available at the door.

15. The Ultimate Library Experience

Biblioteca Vasconcelos ranks among the world’s most striking libraries, with its soaring, cathedral-like space, glass walkways, and floating bookshelves creating a dramatic, almost surreal setting—complete with a suspended whale skeleton.

Located in Buenavista and designed by architect Alberto Kalach, it opened in 2006 and now serves as both a national library and vibrant community hub. Inside, you’ll find over 600,000 books, along with students studying, families browsing, and locals gathering, making it as social as it is scholarly.

16. What to Avoid: Sticking Only to Tacos

Tacos are delicious, but sticking to them alone means missing out on Mexico City’s incredible street food variety.

From elotes, quesadillas, and tamales to tortas, tlayudas, and gorditas, the options are endless. Try sweet camotes with condensed milk, spicy chilaquiles for breakfast, or adventurous bites like chapulines and worms. Even Dorilocos—loaded Doritos with wild toppings—have their place. Step beyond tacos and taste the full spectrum.

17. What to Avoid: Relying Only on English

Even a basic attempt at Spanish can make a big difference in Mexico City. Locals appreciate the effort, and it often leads to warmer, more genuine interactions. English isn’t widely spoken everywhere—and raising your voice won’t bridge the gap. Learning a few key phrases like “por favor” (please), “¿cuánto cuesta?” (how much?), and “gracias” (thank you) goes a long way.

18. What to Avoid: Relying Only on Cards

Carrying pesos means you won’t miss out on street eats, market finds, or local spots that only take cash. Avoid using large bills at small stalls, and skip airport exchange counters—ATMs tied to banks are your best bet, ideally during daylight. When paying by card, always choose pesos to avoid extra currency conversion fees.

19. Don’t Miss Dining at:  La Capital (Location: La Condesa)

La Capital is a standout in Mexico City’s dining scene, known for its creative starters and bold flavors. Highlights include Sonoran-style dishes like aguachiles and a trio of quesadillas, plus Asian-inspired bites like sashimi and tempura. The drinks menu is equally strong, featuring craft beers, global wines, and inventive cocktails. Find it on Avenida Nuevo León in La Condesa.

20. Don’t Miss Dining at: Madre Café (Location: Roma Norte)

Madre Café, set in a grand 1930s mansion on Calle Orizaba in Roma Norte, is a top spot for relaxed dining—especially in the afternoon. Closed Mondays, it serves standout dishes from berry pancakes and eggs Benedict to arrachera tacos and grilled salmon. The cocktail menu is playful, featuring mezcalitas with hibiscus or chile, lychee spritzes, and creative carajillos, including a white chocolate version.

21. Don’t Miss Dining at: Patagonia (Location: La Condesa)

The area around Parque México is packed with great spots like Azul Condesa, Caiman, Baltra Bar, Botánico, and Frëims. For Argentinian fare, Patagonia is a top pick. This steakhouse offers indoor and outdoor seating and serves up rich empanadas, Leberwurst ravioli, and grilled sweetbreads, with dulce de leche ice cream as the perfect finish.

22. Top Budget Stay: Colmena Tonalá (Location: Roma Sur)

Colmena Tonalá, set between Chilpancingo and Centro Médico metro stations in Roma Sur, offers great value without skimping on comfort. Rooms start around $62 USD and include a private bathroom, mini-fridge, desk, and daily cleaning.

Extras like free coffee, tea, filtered water, and laundry facilities add to the appeal. Guests also enjoy shared spaces, including a kitchen, lounge, TV area, and rooftop terrace.

23. Top Boutique Hotel: La Valise Mexico City (Location: Roma Norte)

La Valise Mexico City, a boutique hotel in a restored 1905 French-style mansion, has been welcoming guests since 2014 and joined Small Luxury Hotels in 2022. With just eight unique rooms featuring Mesoamerican art and Egyptian cotton bedding—some with beds that roll onto private terraces—it’s all about thoughtful design.

Guests can unwind in the “Piscinema” (a pool with movie projections) or book a spa treatment. Curated experiences like mezcal tastings, hot air balloon rides, and architecture tours offer a deeper dive into the city.

24. Top Luxury Hotel: Casa Polanco(Location: Polanco)

Casa Polanco offers a refined stay in a 19-room boutique hotel across from Parque Lincoln, just steps from Polanco’s upscale boutiques. Guests enter through a greenery-framed gate into a grand lobby with marble floors, velvet seating, and curated Mexican art throughout.

Rooms feature high-thread-count sheets, Bang & Olufsen speakers, marble bathrooms with Xinú toiletries, and many include balconies or spacious terraces. Communal spaces like a cozy library with an honor bar add to the charm.

25. Helpful Tips

Getting around Mexico City is easy with extensive public transport, Ecobici bike stations, and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Didi.

As you explore areas like Roma and Condesa, be mindful of gentrification and its impact on locals, including rising rents. Also, remember the city is earthquake-prone—know evacuation routes and stay alert, but don’t let it stop you from enjoying the city.

Intrigued by Mexico? Visit our Central America Sojourn page to see what we have to offer. Feel free to chat with Silvana – this is one of her favourite destinations.

Posted 2025