Plan Your Trip to Mexico City: Best of Mexico City Tourism
Explore Mexico City
Essential Mexico City
Things to do
Exploring Mexico City’s design scene
- Casa Luis Barragan205The former home of Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragan is a must-see. With its clean lines and vibrant colours (fuschia, mustard, deep blue), the house is a time capsule from the 1940s. It’s amazing to witness how Barragan’s mastery of light and shadow evokes a sense of nostalgia and connection with nature—I could really feel it. I also loved the interconnected courtyards, gardens, and reflecting pools. Tickets go quickly, so book in advance.
- Chapultepec Castle10,952It’s a bit of a hike up to the Castillo de Chapultepec, but it’s worth it for the stunning neoclassical and European-style architecture—and some of the best views in the city. Make sure to go inside, too. The interior is lavishly decorated with period furniture, artwork, and historic artifacts. I also love wandering through the surrounding park; it’s the world’s largest urban green space.
- La Lagunilla Market81This weekly market, which takes place on Sunday mornings, has great food and clothing, but I really come for the antiques. You can find some real gems, from large taxidermied bears and Pre-Hispanic artifacts to mid-century furniture and records, and more. My latest score was a pair of vintage Christian Dior sunglasses. Brush up on your Spanish ahead of time so you can haggle for a good deal.
- Mercado de Jamaica72This renowned flower market is the place for event planners and flower lovers from around the world. It’s always bustling and full of bright colours and bold fragrances. Although the flowers are the main attraction, there’s also a fantastic selection of food. In addition to fresh blooms, I always pick up some wild mushrooms, unique spices, and grilled corn when I visit.
- AGO Projects1AGO Projects is a stunningly curated exhibition space and an incubator for new and established design talent in Mexico. It’s an awesome place to go for ideas and to see what’s hot on the design scene. A recent show by OHLA Studio and Eusebio mixed artisan traditions with functional objects like chairs and tables, using neutral colours, glazes, and bronze-toned lighting. It was so cool that it inspired me to upgrade my apartment.
- Fundación MARSO0 reviewsHoused in a beautiful, turn-of-the-century mansion in the East Juarez neighbourhood, Fundacíon MARSO is a contemporary art exhibition space that hosts working artists. Currently, there’s a spectacular display of hand-made pieces by ceramicist Perla Valtierra. She works with natural clay and local artisans and you can feel the essence of Mexican ancestral pottery in her work.
- OMR6A contemporary art gallery in Roma Norte, OMR should be on every design lover’s list. It’s quite avant garde, with a nice mix of emerging and established artists. I come here every time I’m in Mexico City, and even plan trips around their cool event schedule. Add yourself to their email list to get notified of workshops, lectures, film screenings, and more.
- Chic by Accident0 reviewsChic By Accident is a super stylish vintage furniture boutique that’s really fun to browse—owner and designer Emmanuel Picaul has a truly incredible eye for antique treasures. Last time I visited, I fell in love with a large Olmecan stone head, a brilliant mid-century desk with artisan candles on top, and what looked like a Barragan glass sphere.
Browse collections
- Make a day of itThere's so much to see just outside the city
- Winter in Mexico CitySee what makes this place so magical this time of year
- Mexico City on a dimeEats and activities that won’t break the bank
- If you’re feeling fancy-ishGo-all-out experiences worth every penny
- Street-art spottingMurals and art with no admission required
- Nighttime adventuresBar crawls, lucha libre matches, and more by moonlight
- Flavour-packed food toursAll the tastes of Mexico—from mezcal to mole
- For the love of FridaDive into the artist’s life and work
- Design-lover’s dreamCan’t-miss museums and walking tours
- The sounds of the cityLive music and dancing from sunup to sundown
- Gardens and greeneryEssential parks and nature around the city
- At the mercadoBest markets for shopping, eating, and more
More Latin American cultural capitals
Mexico City travel advice
Itinerary Overview
According to forum posts, a balanced itinerary for Mexico City should cover major cultural and historical sites, incorporating local markets and neighborhoods. Travelers have suggested dedicating at least 5 days to explore Mexico City thoroughly before considering day trips or visits to nearby cities.
Day Planning
Some travelers recommended starting with the city center, where you can visit the Zocalo, Cathedral, and Templo Mayor. On another day, exploring Chapultepec Park, including the Museum of Anthropology, is advised. A visit to Coyoacan and the Frida Kahlo Museum is also popular.
Additional Suggestions
For off-the-beaten-path experiences, forum users have mentioned visiting the less crowded neighborhoods like Romita for its street art. Also, consider adding a day trip to Teotihuacan, possibly on a Monday when many museums in the city are closed.
Travel Tips
Travelers have called out the importance of pacing your visit to avoid rushing and to fully savor each location. Mixing major tourist spots with lesser-known areas can provide a more comprehensive experience of the city.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Authentic Cuisine Recommendations
According to forum posts, Angelopolitano is highly recommended for its authentic Puebla cuisine, offering dishes like chile en nogada and mole poblano. Located at Puebla 371 in Roma Norte, it provides a genuine taste of fine Mexican dining with modern decor and excellent service. It is open until 8 PM on Sundays, making it a suitable option for weekend dining.
High-End Dining
Many travelers have praised Hacienda de los Morales for combining a beautiful setting with upscale traditional cooking. Set in an old silkworm hacienda in Polanco, this restaurant offers a refined dining experience in a historic atmosphere. It's noted for high-quality dishes and generous portions, making it a popular choice for special occasions.
Popular Chain Recommendation
El Cardenal is another favorite among visitors, recognized for its emphasis on traditional Mexican food, especially recommended for breakfast. The restaurant is known for its freshly baked goods and provides a consistently good dining experience across its various locations in the city.
Additional Noteworthy Spot
Balcon del Zócalo is mentioned for its nine-course tasting menu and à la carte options, with a special note on its spectacular view, making it fit for special occasions. This restaurant combines a memorable dining experience with a scenic overview of the city's central square.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Recommended Cultural Activities
According to forum posts, traveling to CDMX during Semana Santa offers a unique cultural experience, with special events occurring city-wide. Visitors are advised to check out Teotihuacan, especially on Good Friday, although they should verify the public transportation schedule in advance.
Family-Friendly Events
Some travelers mentioned that visiting CDMX in the second week of October with a family could coincide with local festivals and events, which might be interesting or impact travel plans. Specific events were not listed, but checking local event calendars upon arrival or shortly before traveling is recommended.
Christmas Activities
For those visiting during Christmas, forum users suggested dining at notable hotels like Sofitel and Four Seasons for a Christmas day meal. Additionally, exploring local Christmas markets and posadas could enhance the holiday experience.
Unique Experiences
Travelers have called out Lucha wrestling as a Friday night activity and recommended catching a soccer game or visiting Xochimilco, which is best on Saturdays. For a quieter day, exploring Coyoacan might be a good choice, especially on New Year’s Day when other attractions might be closed.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Public Transportation to Tepoztlan
According to forum posts, the easiest way to get to Tepoztlan from Mexico City is by bus, which takes just over an hour from Central de Sur/Taxqueña. OCC buses serve this route frequently, departing every 20-30 minutes during the day.
Public Transportation within Mexico City
Some travelers have discussed using Uber for convenience, especially for families or larger groups. Uber offers various vehicle sizes such as Uber XL and Uber Black, which can accommodate up to 6 passengers. The service is noted for being affordable and efficient within the city.
Bus Services to Nearby Cities
For those looking to travel from Mexico City to nearby cities like Irapuato, the recommended bus service is Primera Plus. This service is preferred over flying for its convenience and accessibility.
General Public Transportation Advice
Despite some concerns about safety and crowds, the Mexico City metro is compared favorably to other international metro systems and is considered a viable option for moving around the city.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Dining Options
According to forum posts, Mexico City Airport (MEX) offers a variety of dining options across its terminals. Travelers have noted that there is a food court located in Terminal 1 on the second floor, offering multiple eateries, although the quality and selection might not meet everyone's expectations. There are also several taco stands outside Terminal 1, which are popular among both locals and travelers.
24/7 Availability
Some travelers mentioned that the airport operates 24/7, ensuring that food services are available at all hours. This includes a McDonald's that opens early in the morning, providing a convenient option for those arriving on early flights or with early departures.
Specific Recommendations
For those looking for specific dining experiences, travelers have recommended Pollos Rio for its rotisserie chicken and the Amex Centurion lounge in Terminal 1 for its peaceful environment and good menu options. Additionally, a taco stand operated by a couple of women outside Terminal 1 has been praised for its authentic and affordable tacos.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Ticket Purchase Options
According to forum posts, Lucha Libre tickets in Mexico City can be purchased online through Ticketmaster Mexico. Some travelers have encountered issues with international credit cards due to postal code verification; adding extra digits to match the expected format may help.
On-site Purchase
For many users, buying tickets directly at the venue on the day of the event is a preferred option. Tickets are available at the Arena Mexico box office, and there is usually no need to buy in advance unless it's a particularly popular event or if you want seats close to the action.
Considerations for International Visitors
Travelers have advised that if you're visiting from abroad and prefer securing tickets before arrival, modifying your postal code to fit the verification system or purchasing directly from the box office upon arrival are viable options.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Public Transport Options
According to forum posts, one popular and economical way to visit Teotihuacan is by taking public transportation. Travelers can take the metro to Autobuses del Norte and then catch a bus directly to the site. The journey takes about an hour each way, and buses leave every 15 to 20 minutes.
Guide and Tour Recommendations
Some travelers suggested hiring a guide at the entrance gate for a personalized experience, although the quality of the guides can vary, with some providing misinformation. Alternatively, booking a private or small group tour through platforms like Airbnb has been recommended for a more structured and informative visit. These tours often include direct pickups, knowledgeable guides, and additional stops like lunch at unique locations such as cave restaurants.
Self-Guided Visits
For an independent visit, travelers have recommended doing ample research beforehand and relying on informational plaques at the site for self-guidance. This approach allows visitors to explore at their own pace without the constraints of a guided tour.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Transportation Options
Some travelers recommend pre-paid taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber for quick and cost-effective transportation from the airport to the city center. According to forum posts, a pre-paid taxi to the Historic Center costs around $15 CDN, and ride-sharing options can vary but are competitively priced.
Activities and Sightseeing
For many users, exploring the Centro Historico is highly suggested to experience the rich history and culture of Mexico City. Travelers have called out specific attractions like the Anthropology Museum and the pyramids at Teotihuacan for those interested in history and archaeology. Additionally, the area around Amsterdam Avenue in Hipodromo offers pleasant walks with green spaces and outdoor dining options.
Dining Recommendations
According to forum posts, for those interested in local cuisine, areas like Condesa and Roma offer authentic Mexican dining experiences with numerous street food options. Some posts highlight specific eateries like Hilaria Gastropub in Centro Historico for those with limited time.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?