12 Best Things To Do In Mexico City: Join The Fiesta!

Mexico, the gem of the Latin American region. This country is known for its palm-fringed beaches, a culinary scene spattered with spicy chilis, steamy jungles, fiesta fireworks, and bustling cities. Somehow, Mexico knows how to weave dreams, and it makes them come true. Should you wish to travel to this country, one of your destinations must be Mexico City. There are several things to do in Mexico City.

Part of Mexico City’s power lies upon its people. Right now, it has a population of around 22 million and counting. Its dozens of restaurants, parties, and projects are enough to keep these people happy, as well as foreigners coming from all over the world to see the beauty of the city. These exist with museums, cultural sites, and parks that also delight everybody exploring Mexico City. 

Whether you wish to dive deeper into the history of pre-Hispanic cultures that considered this city their home, or want to indulge in tacos and other Mexican food, Mexico City has something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at the best things to do in Mexico City.

Things To Do In Mexico City: Be Amazed By The Allure Of Mexico’s Capital

Pack your bags today and fly to Mexico City. You’ll enjoy so many things to do in Mexico City!

1. Journey Back In Time At The Zocalo

If you are in it for the best things to do in Mexico City where you can get a taste of its history, head over to Zocalo. Sounds like the word “local’? Yes, the Zocalo is the city’s main square, home to such a vivid and rich history. For one, it is the home of the original Aztec city, the Tenochtitlan, and tourists here can still see the remnants of this ancient civilization right at Templo Mayor. 

Aside from these pre-colonial structures that are now mostly ruins, the Palacio Nacional, or presidential palace, also considers Zocalo its home. This building has been the seat of the government since the Spaniards arrived during the 1500s. It also holds a museum where large-scale murals by renowned Mexican painter Diego Rivera can be found. 

Plus, if you want to explore more places at the Zocalo, you can take it further by visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral. Exploring the interiors is free, but should you wish to visit the depths of the crypt, you will need to pay an entrance fee.

2. See The Pyramids Of Teotihuacán

Who says that ancient pyramids built by people from the ancient times are only in Egypt? They couldn’t be more wrong. Pyramids built by civilizations of the past are quite scattered in Mexico. You have the Chichen Itza, for instance, at Yucatán, which is also accessible from the beautiful Mexican city of Cancun. Then, nearby Mexico City, you have the Pyramids of Teotihuacán.

Historians say that these Mexican pyramids were utilized for religious and ceremonial purposes. People of the past built them using advanced engineering techniques that still baffle historians today, techniques present-day cultures regard as majestic symbols of power and prestige.

One of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mexico City, the Pyramids of Teotihuacán are around an hour north of the city proper. Aside from having some of the largest pre-Columbian pyramids across the country, the site also offers several things to do in Mexico City while you are here with its various sections. 

The Pyramids, which is also considered an ancient city, has a main path known as The Avenue of the Dead. At one end, you can visit the Pirámide de la Luna or Pyramid of the Moon. You can climb this pyramid halfway up, and see spectacular views over the valley. 

You can also climb up the larger of the Pyramids, the Pirámide del Sol or Pyramid of the Sun, to get an insight into the scale of this exalted kingdom. You may also visit the Palace of the Plumed Butterfly – showcasing various columns of winged creatures – and the Museo de la Sitio, which holds several artifacts from the past.

3. Ride A Hot Air Balloon Over Teotihuacán

Looking to enhance your Teotihuacán experience? You might want to venture aboard a hot air balloon, and see the area in full and a more magnificent scale. 

The whole experience lasts for five hours. Aside from the hot air balloon flight, also included are a coffee break service, breakfast, and honor toast and diploma. You can also choose to be brought from and back to Mexico City. 

Aside from this “things to do in Mexico City” guide, we also have more stories about the city from our blog, such as the best photography spots in Mexico City. Click this link to read the article. 

4. Taste Some Real Tequila

Should you want some things to do in Mexico City that will leave you a little sober, partake in this tequila tasting. 

Mexico is the birthplace of tequila. History has it that a drink close to tequila originated around 1,000 BC among the Olmec people in what is now southeastern Mexico. The drink is known as pulque, and is also made from agave, the same plant used to distill tequila today. So, what better way to savor some tequila than in this country? One of the best places that set the perfect backdrop for your tequila tasting is also at Teotihuacán. So aside from seeing the pyramids up close and riding a hot air balloon over the valley, this landmark also offers the best tequila tastings. 

This tasting tour brings you to an obsidian workshop with a legitimate Teotihuacán family, where you will get to taste liqueurs made from cactus, tequila, mezcal, and pulque. Enjoy!

5. Unwind At Chapultepec Park, The Largest City Park In The Western Hemisphere

Should you wish to unwind and relax a little bit, Mexico City has some spaces for these wishes, such as the Chapultepec Park, which holds the record as the largest city park throughout the Western Hemisphere. Once you are inside, you’ll discover several things to do in Mexico City. 

For one, you can visit the National History Museum, which also happens to be within the only castle across North America where royalty has actually lived. Or, you may want to venture to the city’s main zoo, also located inside the park, or to the Museo del Niño or Children’s Museum.

On Sundays, in particular, the park gets busy with people picnicking with their families, cruising the lake on rowboats, and visiting the museums. Choose the day that suits you best.

6. Extract Some Insights About Mexico’s History And The Indigenous People That Built Its Culture At Museo Nacional De Antropología

Located within the Chapultepec Park which you learned about from the previous item on this list of things to do in Mexico City is the Museo Nacional de Antropología or the National Museum of Anthropology. 

This museum houses artifacts from the country’s pre-Columbian era, dating from around 100 BC to the 16th century. Some of these artifacts include the famous Aztec Calendar Stone known as Piedra del Sol, as well as the well-regarded 16-century statue of Xochipilli, the Aztec god of art, beauty, dance, games and maize, among others. 

Previous tourists who have been to this place say that you may spend the whole day if you really want to immerse into everything displayed here.

Can’t get enough of this “things to do in Mexico City” list? You are learning so far how this city completes the grandeur of the entire country of Mexico. Continuing your journey around Mexico? How about knowing the best photography spots in Mexico?

7. Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos, Or Day Of The Dead 

If you’ve watched the highly acclaimed Disney animated movie titled “Coco,” it features this event a lot. Dia De Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a special holiday celebrated throughout Mexico every beginning of November. This tradition remembers and honors deceased family members, as there is a belief that, during this time, the dead come closer to be among those who are still living. Dia De Los Muertos is a beautiful custom unique to Mexico, where people dress up as skulls and with colorful ornaments.

Dia De Los Muertos is incredibly big in Mexico City, being the country’s capital, of course. There are several things to do in Mexico City during this occasion. For instance, throughout the city, cemeteries are lit with candles, enormous ofrendas or remembrance altars are erected at the Zocalo, as well as in other vicinities. 

There are also nighttime boat rides being offered along ancient canals while watching special performances for this occasion. Or, you might want to commemorate this day simply by getting your face painted or eating pan de muerto (bread of the dead). 

8. Watch The Folkloric Ballet

This show is among the best in Mexico City and can be watched inside the Palacio de Bellas Artes or outside the Chapultepec Castle if you are visiting during Christmas. 

The Folkloric Ballet is actually a collection of the most highly regarded dances from Mexico, including dances from some of its states, such as from Jalisco, Veracruz, and Guerrero. 

Each dance features costumes distinct to their region of origin, and their choreographies have been perfected throughout the 70 years this live performance has existed. If you love performing arts, this is one of the best things to do in Mexico City you shouldn’t miss.

9. Remember Frida Kahlo At Her Caza Azul, Now A Museum 

Mexico is home to several world-famous artists, but perhaps none is as famous as Frida Kahlo. She was a Mexican painter known for several portraits, self-portraits, and works inspired by the country’s nature and artifacts. Here in Mexico City, there is a museum dedicated to Kahlo.

However, before the place was turned into a museum, it was known as “Caza Azul” – for its striking cobalt blue exterior – which was where Kahlo was born, raised, lived, and died. In other words, you are not just visiting a museum dedicated to her, but also what used to be the artist’s home.

The museum now houses artworks from her, her husband Diego Rivera, and other artists from their time. It also showcases the corsets and clothes Frida wore to support her body after her traumatic accident. 

But perhaps the best part of the museum is giving tourists the chance to take a peek into the space where Frida created her art pieces. If you want a riveting journey back in time through the works of this artist, this is one of the best things to do in Mexico City. 

Aside from this “things to do in Mexico City” guide, we also have more stories about Mexico, such as the best photography spots in Las Coloradas, Mexico. 

10. Climb Aboard The Colorful Trajineras (Gondolas) Xochimilco, And Sail Along Its Floating Gardens

A ride aboard Xochimilco’s colorful gondolas known as trajineras is one of the things to do in Mexico City tourists want on their bucket list. Sure, this historical part of the city is filled with micheladas or mariachi bands, but there’s more to it than just these. 

The city’s chinampas are a vivid remembrance of its pre-Hispanic heritage. The Aztecs, a 14th- to 16-century nomadic tribe, were said to have been interested with Xochimilco (which is Náhuatl, an Aztec language, for “place where flowers grow”) because of the farming skills of its inhabitants. During those periods, they would pile up vegetation and mud in the shallow waters of Lake Xochimilco to make these fertile gardens known as chinampas, which later became the Aztec empire’s economic base.

Though the waters of Mexico City were gradually drained when the Spaniards arrived, Xochimilco remained untouched. Right at this very day, local farmers continue that tradition from the past to cultivate and harvest food for the city. 

Spending your weekend here is also worthwhile. During weekends, the place seemingly conducts fiesta as the waterways become filled with boats cruising groups of families and friends. There are also local sellers and musicians hovering alongside these partygoers, serving delicious food and tasty drinks. Kinda reminds you of Thailand’s floating markets, right?

11. Visit The Old Basílica De Santa María De Guadalupe

Roman Catholicism is strong in Mexico, as introduced by the Spanish who colonized the country for 300 years. So, it is just standard to find the place dotted with Catholic churches. In Mexico City, one of the greatest churches of this kind would have to be the Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe, or the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

The first shrine was built in 1531 on Tepeyac hill to honor the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, but the first basilica dedicated to her was not constructed until the late 1700s. For almost three centuries, the basilica was constructed, but the process was never enough, so a new basilica was built on the same plaza during the 1970s. 

Today, the complex is imposing and beautiful with various features that consist not only of the basilica and the ancient church, but also a museum, library, and gift shop where you can purchase religious items.

12. Cheer On The Famous Masked Heroes Of Mexican Wrestling

Are you a fan of the WWE wrestling show? If you are, you may also be familiar with one of its famous wrestlers, Rey Mysterio. Yes, that wrestler who always wears a mask. Well, this look actually originated in Mexico. 

If you are here enjoying the things to do in Mexico City, you’ll find masked heroes fighting their way through at the lucha libre, or Mexican wrestling, matches. Bouts of this kind happen at the Arena México, which is always filled with thrills each week, as flamboyant luchadores, or wrestlers, go against each other in tag teams or one-on-one. The matches usually consist of three to four bouts, building up the headline bout. You gotta be missing a lot if you don’t include this on your things to do in Mexico City itinerary.

Looking for the best activities during the summer? As you enjoy the things to do in Mexico City, you might also want to hit the beaches in Cancún. 

Best Things To Do In Mexico City: Enjoy Authentic Mexican Food In These Restaurants In The City

If you are on the lookout for some gastronomic things to do in Mexico City, you’ve come to the right place. In this section of the guide, you’ll learn which restaurants you can dine at, so you can enjoy Mexican food and more.

• Madre Cafe
• Huset
• Churrería El Moro
• Café Nin
• Restaurante Rosetta
• Pasteleria Ideal
• Maximo
• La Docena
• Blanco Colima

Viva Mexico City!

Mexico City is the beating heart of its home country, Mexico. The city is a high-octane megalopolis (not just simply a metropolis) that juxtaposes old-school cantinas, memorable cruises along ancient canals, intriguing museums, and a whole lot more, making Mexico City the center of attraction in the country. 

From its landmarks that share pieces from its rich history, to cultural treasures and vibrant experiences, Mexico City blends its past and present perfectly well that they create unforgettable memories that suit every traveler’s tastes.

So what are you waiting for? Fly to Mexico City today, join the fiesta, and live the Mexican dream.