Top 15 Things to Do in Mexico City for Fun and Adventure
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Have You Ever Wondered What Makes Mexico City One of the World’s Most Exciting Destinations?
Mexico City is a place where old meets new in the most exciting ways. With over 2,000 years of history, amazing food, and friendly people, there are so many things to do in Mexico City that you might need weeks to see it all! But don’t worry – this guide will help you pick the best activities for your trip.
As one of the biggest cities in the world, Mexico City (or CDMX as locals call it) has something for everyone. Whether you love history, art, food, or just walking around beautiful neighborhoods, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Mexico City that will make your trip special.
1. Visit the Ancient Pyramids of Teotihuacan
Just outside the city, you can find huge pyramids built over 2,000 years ago! The Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon are amazing to see. You can climb to the top for great views of the whole ancient city. This is one of the most popular things to do in Mexico City, and for good reason!
The best time to visit is early morning to avoid crowds and heat. Don’t forget your hat, water, and sunscreen!
2. Explore the Historic Center (Zocalo)
The Zocalo is the main square in Mexico City and one of the largest city squares in the world. Here you’ll find:
- The Metropolitan Cathedral
- National Palace with Diego Rivera murals
- Templo Mayor ruins
- Many shops and restaurants
Walking around the historic center is one of the most interesting things to do in Mexico City because you can see buildings from different time periods all in one place.
3. Float Through the Canals of Xochimilco
Riding on colorful boats called “trajineras” through ancient canals is a super fun experience! These floating gardens have been around since Aztec times. You can bring food and drinks on your boat, and even hire floating mariachi bands to play music for you!
Xochimilco is perfect for groups and is one of the most unique things to do in Mexico City on weekends when it’s most lively.
4. Visit the Museum of Anthropology
If you want to learn about Mexico’s ancient civilizations, this is the place to go! The museum has amazing artifacts from the Maya, Aztec, Olmec, and other cultures. The famous Aztec Sun Stone is here, and it’s much bigger than most people expect!
This is one of the most educational things to do in Mexico City and perfect for a rainy day.
5. Walk Through Chapultepec Park
Chapultepec is like Mexico City’s Central Park, but even bigger! Inside you’ll find:
- A castle on a hill
- Several museums
- A zoo
- Lakes with paddle boats
- Food vendors and more
Spending a day exploring this huge green space is one of the most relaxing things to do in Mexico City when you need a break from busy streets.
6. Try Delicious Street Food
Mexico City has some of the world’s best street food! You can try:
- Tacos al pastor (pork tacos with pineapple)
- Tlacoyos (oval-shaped corn dough with beans and cheese)
- Elotes (corn on the cob with mayo, cheese, and chili)
- Tamales
- Fresh fruit with chili and lime
Eating your way through the city’s food stalls is one of the tastiest things to do in Mexico City. For the best experience, join a food tour to find the safest and most delicious spots.
7. Discover the Frida Kahlo Museum
The Blue House (Casa Azul) is where famous artist Frida Kahlo lived. Now it’s a museum with her artwork, personal items, and colorful rooms just as she left them. The garden is beautiful too!
This popular museum is in the Coyoacán neighborhood, which has cute streets, markets, and cafes to explore afterward.
8. Shop at Local Markets
Mexico City has amazing markets where you can buy crafts, food, flowers, and more! Some of the best are:
- La Ciudadela for handicrafts
- Mercado de Jamaica for flowers
- Mercado de San Juan for exotic foods
- Mercado Sonora for unusual items and folk remedies
Shopping at these colorful markets is one of the most authentic things to do in Mexico City.
9. Take a Day Trip to Puebla
Just two hours from Mexico City is the beautiful city of Puebla. It’s famous for colorful buildings covered in tiles, amazing churches, and delicious food like mole poblano and chiles en nogada.
While not technically in Mexico City, this day trip is worth including in your plans!
10. Experience Lucha Libre Wrestling
Watching masked wrestlers jump, flip, and throw each other around the ring is super fun! The crowd gets very excited, cheering for good guys and booing bad guys. You can buy a mask as a souvenir!
Shows happen several nights a week at Arena México and Arena Coliseo.
11. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes)
This beautiful white marble building hosts concerts, dance performances, and art exhibits. The inside has amazing murals by famous Mexican artists. Even if you don’t go inside, the building itself is worth seeing!
The palace looks especially pretty at sunset when the marble glows gold.
12. Ride a Bike on Sunday’s Ciclovia
Every Sunday, many main streets in Mexico City close to cars, and thousands of people come out to ride bikes, run, skate, or walk. You can rent bikes cheaply and join the fun!
This weekly event shows how friendly Mexico City can be.
13. See Murals by Diego Rivera
Diego Rivera painted huge colorful murals telling stories about Mexican history and society. You can see his work at:
- The National Palace
- The Palace of Fine Arts
- The Ministry of Public Education
- Several museums
Finding these amazing artworks around the city is one of the most educational things to do in Mexico City.
14. Visit Coyoacán Neighborhood
Besides the Frida Kahlo Museum, the Coyoacán area has:
- A lovely main square
- Colonial buildings
- The Coyoacán Market
- Great ice cream shops
- Peaceful streets for walking
This charming neighborhood feels like a small town within the big city.
15. Enjoy the View from Torre Latinoamericana
For amazing views of Mexico City, go to the top of this skyscraper! On clear days, you can see the whole valley and even the volcanoes in the distance.
It’s best to go before sunset so you can see the city in daylight and then all lit up at night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Mexico City
Is Mexico City safe for tourists?
Most tourist areas in Mexico City are safe during the day. Like in any big city, you should be careful with your belongings, avoid showing expensive items, and use official taxis or ride-sharing apps. The historic center, Polanco, Condesa, and Roma neighborhoods are generally safe for visitors.
How many days do I need in Mexico City?
At least 3-4 days is recommended to see the main attractions. A week would allow you to explore more deeply and take day trips to places like Teotihuacan and Puebla.
What’s the best time of year to visit Mexico City?
The best months are March to May when the weather is warm and dry. November to February is cooler but still pleasant. The rainy season (June to October) usually means afternoon showers rather than all-day rain.
Do people speak English in Mexico City?
In tourist areas, many people speak some English, especially in hotels, museums, and nicer restaurants. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases will be helpful and appreciated by locals.
Is the street food safe to eat?
Much of the street food is safe and delicious, but choose wisely. Look for stalls with lots of local customers, where food is cooked fresh in front of you, and where the vendors maintain clean conditions.
How do I get around Mexico City?
The metro is cheap and efficient but can be very crowded. Uber and other ride-sharing apps work well and are reasonably priced. Buses and the Metrobus (bus rapid transit) are also good options. Walking is pleasant in many neighborhoods but the city is huge, so don’t plan to walk everywhere.