23+ Fun Things to Do in Mexico City
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Mexico City is massive — like, the biggest city in North America kind of massive. So if you’re looking for things to do in Mexico City, just know you’re definitely not going to run out of options. We spent 4 days here and packed in a ton, but honestly, I still feel like we barely scratched the surface.
From the historic streets of the Centro Histórico to trendy neighborhoods full of cafes and mezcal bars, this city really does have something for everyone. Whether you’re into art, food, history, nightlife, or just want to walk around soaking up the energy, Mexico City’s got you.
Fun Things to Do in Mexico City
1. Explore the Historic Center (Centro Histórico)
This is the heart of Mexico City, and it’s absolutely buzzing. You’ll find the Zócalo (main square), the massive Metropolitan Cathedral, and Templo Mayor, the ruins of an ancient Aztec temple. Even if you’re not a big history buff, it’s impossible not to be wowed by the architecture and energy here.
💡 Hot Tip: You can also do a free walking tour of the Historic Center! This was one of my favorite tours in Mexico City. It’s a great way to learn more about the city’s history and major landmarks—plus, they’re tip-based so super budget-friendly. Just check the times and sign up ahead!
2. Palacio de Bellas Artes
One of the most iconic buildings in Mexico City, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is stunning both inside and out. The mural-lined interior, the Tiffany glass curtain, and the marble architecture are all jaw-dropping. We didn’t catch a performance, but just witnessing its beauty in person felt like a cultural experience.
3. Finca Don Porfirio
Finca Don Porfirio is a cute little coffee spot tucked inside Sears—yes, really—and has one of the best views in the city. Head to the top floor for a coffee and snag a seat on the balcony overlooking the Palacio de Bellas Artes. It’s the kind of view that makes you pause and go, “wow.” Totally worth it for a slow morning or a mid-day pick-me-up!
4. Torre Latinoamericana
For more of some of the best views of Mexico City, head to the top of Torre Latinoamericana, a historic skyscraper. It’s not far from Palacio de Bellas Artes, so it’s easy to hit both in one go. The observation deck is surprisingly uncrowded, and seeing how massive the city is from above makes you appreciate it even more.
5. Alameda Central
Right across from Bellas Artes, Alameda Central is the oldest public park in the Americas. It’s a great spot to people-watch, rest your feet, or take in the street performers and fountains. It feels like a calm little escape even though you’re in the heart of the city!
6. Palacio Postal
Don’t skip this building thinking it’s “just” a post office—it’s absolutely stunning inside. Think intricate gold details, a grand staircase, and ceilings that’ll make your jaw drop. It’s free to enter, and right near all the other Centro Histórico landmarks.
7. House of Tiles
The House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos) is exactly what it sounds like—a building covered in blue-and-white tiles—and it’s super photogenic. There’s a Sanborns restaurant inside if you want to peek around while grabbing breakfast or a drink.
8. Barrio Chino
Just steps from the House of Tiles, you’ll find Mexico City’s small but lively Chinatown. It’s colorful, full of red lanterns, and packed with street food stands and cute shops. It’s worth a quick walk-through, especially if you’re already nearby!
9. Museo de Bellas Artes
Even if you don’t go inside, the Museo de Bellas Artes is worth admiring from the outside. But if you do go in, you’ll find murals by famous Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and temporary art exhibitions that rotate throughout the year.
10. Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela
This colorful market is packed with handcrafted goodies—embroidered blouses, vibrant dishes, woven blankets, and more. It’s a great spot to pick up authentic souvenirs while supporting local artisans.
We scored some beautiful finds here and honestly could’ve spent hours wandering the stalls. This market is one of the authentic things to do in Mexico City if you’re looking for unique local finds.
Pro tip: bring cash and don’t be afraid to haggle a little!
11. Monumento a la Revolución
This towering monument is not only historically significant but also visually striking. You can ride an elevator to the top for panoramic views, or just enjoy the lively plaza below. While in the area, we grabbed lunch at Arango Cocina de Raíces—the food was so good, and the restaurant has a stunning view of the monument. Perfect mid-day stop if you’ve been out exploring all morning.
12. Biblioteca Vasconcelos
This isn’t your average library. Known as the “megalibrary,” it’s one of the most architecturally unique buildings in Mexico City. Picture towering glass walls, suspended shelves, lush greenery, and a vibe that feels straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Even if libraries aren’t usually your thing, this one is so peaceful, inspiring, and absolutely worth a stop.
13. Explore Coyoacán
Coyoacán is a colorful, artsy neighborhood that feels like a small town tucked inside Mexico City. With cobblestone streets, old colonial homes, and cozy cafes, it’s the perfect spot to slow down and soak up some local charm. I absolutely loved the vibe here!
Start your morning at Casa Kumbhaka—the chilaquiles here are absolutely phenomenal. Bonus: there’s a yoga studio upstairs, and there’s literally a tree growing through the building. It’s wild and so cute!
Afterward, we walked over to Kahwen Coffee, an aesthetic dream that’s perfect for a second cup of coffee. Don’t miss a quick peek inside Parroquia San Juan Bautista, a stunning old church near the plaza with beautiful architecture that’s worth admiring.
14. Frida Kahlo Museum
The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as La Casa Azul, is a must-see when exploring Coyoacán and definitely deserves its own section. Tickets must be booked well in advance—they often sell out weeks ahead, and the museum is strict about entry times, so make sure to arrive on time.
Inside, you’ll get a glimpse into Frida’s life, her vibrant artwork, and the beautiful blue house where she lived. The gardens are peaceful, and the exhibits give real insight into her story and the culture of Mexico. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Mexico City, so plan accordingly!
15. Coyoacán Market
After the museum, head over to the Coyoacán Market to browse handcrafted souvenirs and soak up the lively local atmosphere. For lunch, we stopped at Trinidad Ritual de Sabores, a small taco spot with limited seating but unforgettable food. The guacamole, ceviche, and tacos were all amazing—I was seriously impressed!
16. Lucha Libre
If you want to experience something truly authentic and exciting, don’t miss a Lucha Libre wrestling match. The energy in the arena is absolutely electric, and it’s such a fun way to dive into Mexican culture. The colorful masks, over-the-top personas, and wild moves make it one of the most unforgettable nights you can have in the city.
17. Teotihuacán Balloon Ride
This might just take the cake on this list of iconic things to do in Mexico City. Floating above the ancient pyramids on a Teotihuacán balloon ride (pickup and breakfast included) is nothing short of magical!
The stunning views of the pyramids and surrounding landscapes are breathtaking, and it gives you a totally new perspective on this historic site. It was definitely my favorite part of the trip — you can read more about it in my full Mexico City hot air balloon guide.
18. Pasteleria Hop
So many amazing bakeries, so little time! I loved Pastelería Ideal, a true must-visit. This bakery has been around since 1927 and it’s absolutely massive—like room-after-room-of-carbs kind of massive. The selection is wild, and everything is super affordable—we grabbed a couple of pastries and an empanada for around $2.50 USD!
Of course, you can’t miss Panadería Rosetta, easily one of the best bakeries in Mexico City. Their guava roll is seriously next level. The line tends to get long later in the day, so go early! You can sit down and enjoy it with a coffee or grab it to-go.
Another cute spot is Odette. It’s small, charming, and the menu changes often, so you might get to try something fun and new every visit!
19. Stroll through Hipódromo Neighborhood
Hipódromo is a really cool neighborhood to just stroll around! One of the spots to stroll is Parque México. It’s a peaceful green space where locals walk their dogs and get in all sorts of fitness activities. Surrounding it is Calle Ámsterdam, with tree-lined walkways and some seriously cool architecture—it’s such a vibe.
We stopped by Hule for coffee and breakfast—bagels, burritos, and all the cozy café energy you could want. This area is a chill spot and definitely worth adding to your list of things to do in Mexico City if you want to experience local life and great food.
20. Chapultepec
Chapultepec is one of the oldest and largest urban parks in Latin America. It’s packed with museums, lakes, gardens, and the impressive Chapultepec Castle that sits on a hill with insane views of the city. The castle itself is stunning, and the history behind it is super interesting—if you’re into that, a guided tour is definitely worth it! Entry is around $5 USD.
We only had time to explore the castle, but if you have more time, there’s also the zoo and the National Museum of Anthropology, which is one of the top museums here. It’s huge and incredibly well done!
21. Xochimilco Boat Tour
For a colorful and unforgettable experience, hop on a boat tour in Xochimilco. This vibrant area is famous for its floating gardens and lively canals, where you’ll cruise on brightly painted trajineras.
Our guide Hugo was a legend—he kept the energy high with lotería, karaoke, drinking games, and good vibes all around. Definitely more of a booze cruise than a quiet ride, but still such a fun way to learn about the area and take in all the color!
The scenery is beautiful, the drinks are flowing, and it’s definitely one of the most fun things to do in Mexico City. Check availability and pricing for your dates here!
22. Eat All the Food
The food scene in Mexico City is unreal—whether you’re craving tacos on the street or a fancy rooftop dinner, you’ll find everything here. Here were some of our faves:
- Pizza Félix – Yes, pizza in Mexico—and it’s SO good. Cozy vibe, amazing pizza, even better salad.
- Tacos del Valle – One of my top taco spots in CDMX. So simple, so good.
- Ling Ling (Ritz-Carlton) – Fancy with an epic park view. My cocktail had mezcal + chicken kung pao flavors (wild, but it worked!).
- Taverna – Gorgeous space and amazing small plates. The espresso martini is a must. Def make a reservation!
- Sonora Grill Prime – My favorite meal of the trip. Upscale but laid-back. We had steaks, sides, cocktails (BOGO!), and they brought out complimentary dips and churros. Obsessed.
- Jenni’s Quesadillas – Hands down my favorite street food spot we tried in Mexico City. The line gets long—so go right when it opens if you don’t want to wait. Totally worth it for the handmade tortillas and rich fillings. It’s a super local vibe and one of those simple-but-memorable meals,
- Club Sorbet – Cutest spot for dessert. The passion fruit sorbet was everything.
If you’re into guided experiences, there are some really fun foodie tours too. The Historic Center Food Tour is a deep dive into Mexico’s rich culinary scene, or for something boozier, the Night Tacos and Mezcal Crawl is more budget-friendly and zero fuss—just a fun night filled with tacos, mezcal, and stories from a local guide.
23. Bar Hop in Roma Norte
Roma Norte is where we ended up almost every night—it’s full of trendy bars, speakeasies, and cool cocktail spots. Everything’s super walkable, so it’s easy to bounce around without much of a plan (which is kind of the fun of it). These were some of the places we checked out:
- Bar Mauro – Super cool interior and great cocktails. A perfect spot to kick things off.
- Limantour – Ranked #32 on the World’s Best Bars list—and totally lives up to the hype. Creative, beautifully crafted drinks. We went early and got a table no problem.
- Form + Matter – Super creative cocktails and chill vibes.
- Supra Roma Rooftop – Go for sunset! Gorgeous views, fun crowd, and great drinks.
- Salón Palomilla – Cozy, candlelit vibe with an open roof. Loved the atmosphere here.
- Tlecan – Mezcal bar with incredible service. We stood at the bar, chatted with the bartender, and had some of our favorite drinks of the trip.
- Casa Murciélago – Did a mezcal tasting here and it was amazing. They source from small family farms and you can really taste the quality. Learned so much and highly recommend!
Where to Stay in Mexico City
If you’re trying to figure out where to stay in Mexico City, Roma Norte and Condesa are two of the most popular neighborhoods—and for good reason. They’re both super walkable, filled with cute cafes, great restaurants, tree-lined streets, and a really laid-back, artsy vibe.
If you want a deeper dive on the neighborhoods, check out my guide on where to stay in Mexico City! We stayed in Roma Norte and absolutely loved it. We were able to walk to a bunch of our favorite spots and always felt safe exploring the area. Here are a few places to check out based on your budget:
- Budget-Friendly — Hotel Marbella: This is where we stayed for our trip! It’s nothing over the top, but the location was so convenient and the service was great. We paid less than $400 total, and honestly, no complaints here. It was clean, comfortable, and perfect for a trip where we were out exploring most of the time anyway.
- Moderate — Casa Olivia: If you’re looking for something a little more elevated but still reasonably priced, Casa Olivia is stunning. Our friends stayed here and couldn’t stop raving about it. The design, comfort, and attention to detail made it feel super special without being wildly expensive.
Check out what’s available for your dates in Roma Norte here or Condesa here!
Which of these Mexico City activities are you looking forward to most?!
Mexico City has such a good mix of culture, food, history, and nightlife—it’s one of those places where every day feels totally different from the last. Whether you’re museum-hopping, getting lost in street markets, sipping cocktails in Roma Norte, or diving into tacos and mezcal on a foodie tour, there’s so many fun things to do in Mexico City and always something new to experience. I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time there—let me know what you’re most excited to check out!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Mexico blog posts:
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