The 10 Best Things to Do in Mexico City

Looking for the top things to do in Mexico City? Here are the 10 best experiences and attractions, from stunning architecture to street food.

Visit Museo del Templo Mayor

Mexico City’s rich and tumultuous history is revealed at these ruins of a great temple-pyramid that was destroyed during the 16th-century Spanish siege on Tenochtitlan. The museum showcases artifacts recovered from the archaeological site.

Admire Palacio de Bellas Artes

With its grand marble facade and opulent art deco interior, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is one of Mexico’s most striking buildings, as well as its keynote arts institution.

Tour Museo Nacional de Antropología

In this fascinating museum, the most impressive rooms are dedicated to the people who lived in Tenochtitlan, today Mexico City.

Get to Know Frida Kahlo

A superbly talented painter and a beloved icon throughout the world, Frida Kahlo is celebrated at the lovely, intimate museum in her childhood home.

Enjoy Cantina Culture

These relaxed neighborhood bars and gathering spots are an essential part of life in Mexico City. Spend a few hours enjoying the convivial atmosphere with a shot of tequila in hand.

See Spectacular Teotihuacán

Admire the views from the top of two spectacular temple-pyramids at Mexico’s most-visited archaeological site, a day trip just outside the city limits.

Stop by Contemporary Art Galleries

With the opening of new world-class museums and the continued excellence of many long-running galleries, the city’s contemporary art scene continues to flourish.

Devour Tacos

Mexico City’s tremendous food scene is reason alone to visit, and nothing is more emblematic of the capital than tacos, from inexpensive carnitas served at street stands to gourmet iterations.

Sip Pulque

This fizzy fermented beverage is made from the sap of the maguey cactus. Drinking pulque is a tradition in the capital and today the beverage is experiencing a deserved revival.

Stroll through Traditional Markets

If you only have time to visit one of the city’s many colorful and atmospheric markets, make it Mercado de la Merced.

Related Travel Guide

Moon Mexico City

by Julie Meade

Baroque palaces and energetic streets, old-school taquerías and contemporary art: experience this bustling metropolis with Moon Mexico City.

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$21.99

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$27.99 CAD

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Trade Paperback (Revised)

1. ebook (Revised)

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Julie Meade

About the Author

Julie Doherty Meade grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and spent her childhood hiking, camping, and traveling throughout the Golden State. After graduating from college, she took her first trip to Mexico, where she was immediately drawn to the country’s warm people and fascinating culture. The following year, Julie returned to Mexico and decided to extend her stay indefinitely.

For almost ten years, Julie lived, worked, and traveled throughout Mexico. She saw Zapatista leader Subcomandante Marcos speak to a crowd in San Cristóbal de las Casas, helped run a fine art gallery in San Miguel de Allende, and taught English to five-year-olds in Mexico City. During her years in the capital, she was schooled in advanced Mexican slang, developed a strong affinity for early-morning café con leche in old Chinese coffee shops, and spent hours seeking out the best bookstores, most interesting architecture, and tastiest bites in the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

Julie is also the author of Moon San Miguel de Allende.
 

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