Whether you’re visiting for the art, the tacos, or to climb a pyramid, there is no shortage of unique things to do in Mexico City. It’s a place where you could spend months and never get bored or feel like you’ve seen it all. By the end of your visit, whether it’s a long weekend like we had just had, or a weeklong deepdive, you’ll be completely smitten with CDMX.
This list is your ultimate Mexico City bucket list, perfect for art lovers, thrill seekers, and foodies alike.
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1. Attend a Lucha Libre Fight
Step into Arena México to witness the thrill of Lucha Libre wrestling. Local spectators get really into it, some of them wearing decked out masks, cheering on their favorite luchadores (wrestlers) in this uniquely Mexican sport. We did this on my husband’s request and the energy is infectious.
2. Make Your Own Lucha Libre Mask
Before you head to a match, why not really get into it and craft your own mask? Local guides and artisans offer workshops where you can design and take home a mask that channels the spirit of Mexico’s lucha culture. This experience also includes a mezcal tasting.
3. Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum
Known as La Casa Azul, this museum lets you step inside Frida’s world. With a guided tour, you can explore her preserved home and studio, see her personal belongings, and discover the intimate side of one of Mexico’s most famous artists. As I detail in my things to know before visiting Mexico City, you’ll want to book in advance as tickets do sell out.
4. Wander the Streets of Coyoacán
Once you’ve finished at the museum, explore this historic neighborhood which offers a quieter, colorful escape from the city’s hustle. Stroll its cobblestone streets, explore markets, grab coffee at a local café, or simply relax at the Coyoacán Plaza.
5. Visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes
This grand cultural center is known for its art deco architecture and famous murals by artists like Diego Rivera. Check out current exhibits or catch a ballet or opera performance if you have time.
6. Discover the Diego Rivera Mural Museum
Staying with the art theme a little longer for any art lovers visiting CDMX (which is one of the top reasons to visit Mexico City), this museum is home to Rivera’s iconic mural, Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central.
7. Explore the Waters of Tolantongo on a Day Trip
A few hours outside Mexico City, Tolantongo is known for its natural hot springs, caves, and waterfalls. It’s a spot unlike any other. Relax in thermal pools with beautiful canyon views, making this a perfect day trip for nature lovers. This guided tour will take you to this beautiful spot.
8. Climb to the Top of Monumento a la Revolución
This massive monument commemorating the Mexican Revolution offers elevator access to the top, where you’ll find panoramic views of the sprawling city. There’s also a museum on the Revolution’s history inside if you’re a history buff.
9. Visit the Bazaar at Plaza San Jacinto
Only open on Saturdays, this artisan market in San Ángel is filled with handcrafted art, jewelry, ceramics, and textiles from local artists. It’s a favorite spot for locals and travelers alike. Be warned, you might leave $200 poorer after you fall in love with a handmade decanter set.
10. Explore the Teotihuacan Pyramids on a Day Trip
Take a trip to these ancient Mesoamerican pyramids and climb the Pyramid of the Sun for incredible views. You can get there with an Uber or rideshare, but getting a ride back into the city can be trickier. I’d suggest a guided tour to make the most out of the day and not have to deal with logistics.
11. Take a Churro-Making Class
Learn how to make this beloved Mexican dessert! This was our favorite thing to do in Mexico City. The class we took had a lesson on frying churros and dipping them in chocolate, cajeta (caramel), or cinnamon sugar. We also made chocolate and Mexican coffee. Book here.
12. Bike or Walk Paseo de la Reforma on a Sunday
Every Sunday, Paseo de la Reforma closes to cars, transforming into a car-free zone. Locals and visitors bike, jog, and walk along this iconic avenue lined with public art, cafes, and views of the city’s landmarks.
13. Enjoy a Michelada at Culicheladas
Stop by Culicheladas on Avenida Sonora for a unique michelada experience. This tucked away treasure is a pop-up courtyard of food trucks offering fun twists on the classic Mexican beer cocktail. Admittedly, it’s not my favorite, but it is on my list of foods to try in Mexico City.
14. Float Down the Canals of Xochimilco
Known as the “Venice of Mexico,” Xochimilco’s colorful canals offer a lively experience. Rent a trajinera, bring your own snacks, and enjoy music, mariachi, and food vendors along the water. If you’re traveling with a group, join a party barge and have a really good time.
15. Pick Up a New Book at Cafebreria El Péndulo
This cozy bookstore in Roma is perfect for book lovers with its towering shelves and sliding ladders straight out of Beauty and the Beast. Browse the extensive collection or relax in their café.
16. Explore Mercado de San Juan
This market is a paradise for food adventurers. You can sample exotic delicacies like scorpions, grasshoppers, and even crocodile meat if you’re up for a culinary challenge. Or if you’re like me, sip on an aguas frescas.
17. Join a Mezcal Cocktail-Making Class
For a more adult twist, mezcal classes teach you the art of mixing cocktails with this smoky, complex spirit. You’ll learn the history of mezcal and try new flavors along the way. This is the class we took and we really enjoyed that the drinks we made were customized to our flavor profile.
18. Stop by Las Brujas Bar
If you’re a little rusty on your high school Spanish, “las brujas” means “the witches.” This female-owned bar is unique for its witch-themed cocktails. Each drink is inspired by famous witches and comes with a comic-style menu telling their stories—a highlight for this Basic Economy B (the B could stand for Bruja, you don’t know).
19. Visit the World’s #1 Bar
According to the most recently released 2024 list, Mexico City is home to some of the world’s top-rated bars, including the #1 bar, Handshake. Make a reservation to enjoy crazy cocktails in a unique setting. They’re busy, so you’ll only be allowed to stay for 90 minutes.
20. Hunt Down Blue Corn Tortillas
Mexico City’s street vendors offer a wide variety of tacos, and finding ones with blue corn tortillas is a treat. These tortillas have a distinct flavor and are often topped with fresh salsas and toppings. Make sure you have coins if you’re in the market for a street food stand.
21. Take a Cooking Class with a Market Tour
Many cooking classes, like this one, start with a tour of a local market to gather ingredients, making the experience immersive and full of insight into Mexican cuisine. Cooking classes are one of the more unique things to do in Mexico City, even if you’re not the world’s best chef.
22. Explore Mercado de Jamaica
Mexico City’s main flower market is an explosion of color and aromas. Known for selling thousands of flower varieties to all of the markets in the city, it’s an amazing spot for photography and sensory experiences.
23. Try Chapulines (Fried Grasshoppers)
Not for the faint of heart, but a true local delicacy. You’ll find chapulines at markets and restaurants around the city. They’re surprisingly delicious if you ask my husband, especially when paired with guacamole.
24. Play with Dogs in Local Parks
If you’re traveling without your dog gives you separation anxiety (guilty!) many parks in Mexico City have designated off-leash areas, and you’ll often see people with their dogs. Perfect for animal lovers who enjoy a bit of local charm.
25. Visit Chapultepec Castle
This castle in Chapultepec Park has rich historical significance and provides incredible views over the city. The interior is well-preserved, and you can learn a lot about Mexico’s past. It’s closed on Mondays and is a hike to get to, so wear sensible shoes.
26. Walk Through Bosque de Chapultepec
This expansive park offers miles of trails, picnic areas, and even a zoo. It is double the size of New York City’s Central Park. It’s a great spot to relax, especially if you need a break from the city’s fast pace. Like all of its attractions, it is closed on Mondays.
27. Visit the Zoo
A hit with kids, this free zoo inside Bosque de Chapultepec is home to a variety of animals and a fun way to spend a few hours.
28. Stop by Miguel Hidalgo Statue
Fans of Coco won’t want to miss this statue in the bosque, said to have inspired elements of the film (at least by one of our guides anyway).
29. Stroll the Alameda Central Park
As the oldest public park in the Americas, this lush park offers a blend of fountains, sculptures, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for people-watching.
30. Explore the National Museum of Anthropology
With an impressive collection of artifacts from Mesoamerican cultures, this museum is a must for anyone interested in Mexico’s indigenous history. My favorite exhibit was the lifesize court where the indigenous people played “the ball game” which only had a little human sacrifice to it.
31. Visit Polanco for High-End Shopping
Known for luxury shopping, Polanco is the place to find designer boutiques and high-end Mexican brands. It’s an elegant part of the city, lined with beautiful architecture and greenery.
32. Wander the Roma Norte Neighborhood
Roma Norte has a trendy vibe, with street art, hip cafes, and an endless variety of restaurants. Spend a couple of hours exploring the nooks and crannies of the neighborhood. If you’re following my 4 day Mexico City itinerary, I recommend basing yourself in Roma Norte.
33. Visit a Local Jazz Club
Casa Franca or Jazzatlan are both located in Roma Norte and a great way to spend an evening with local music lovers. We went to Casa Franca and had drinks and enjoyed the live band. The cover was $5 USD and you need to make a reservation via WhatsApp since it’s so popular.
34. Take a Street Art Tour
Alright, a couple more things to do for the art lovers before this list wraps up. This street art tour explores the city on bicycle and will allow you to see art beyond the likes of Frida and Diego. Don’t be intimidated to bike with a guide, they’ll get you through the city safely.
35. Tour Museo Soumaya
Known for its striking architecture, Museo Soumaya in Polanco houses an impressive art collection, including works by Rodin and Dalí, in a modern, six-story structure.
36. Enjoy Churros at El Moro
With several locations across the city, El Moro is famous for its churros and hot chocolate. Its white ceramic tiles and blue lettering makes it a highly Instagrammable place too. Stop by for a classic combo and sample their delicious dipping sauces. Word to the wise: one churro a person will more than fill you up.
37. Visit Museo Jumex
Another gem in Polanco, Museo Jumex features contemporary art exhibits in a small, beautifully curated space that’s easy to explore in a single visit.
38. See the View from Torre Latinoamericana
One of Mexico City’s tallest buildings, Torre Latinoamericana offers breathtaking 360-degree views. The observation deck is particularly beautiful at sunset.
39. Explore the Ruins of Templo Mayor
These ancient Aztec ruins, located right in the city’s historic center, showcase Mexico’s pre-Colombian history. Don’t miss the adjacent museum for context on the artifacts found at the site.
40. Enjoy Live Music at Plaza Garibaldi
Known for its mariachi bands, Plaza Garibaldi is a lively spot to enjoy traditional Mexican music. Bring cash to request songs or just enjoy the immaculate vibes.
And there you have it—your ultimate cheat sheet to conquering Mexico City like the travel pro you are. From crafting your own Lucha Libre mask to sipping a mezcal cocktail at the world’s #1 bar, this city isn’t just a destination; it’s an entire vibe.
Whether you stick to the classics or chase down blue corn tortillas like a foodie on a mission, one thing’s for sure: CDMX doesn’t do boring.
Now grab your walking shoes (seriously), a handful of pesos, and maybe some stretchy pants—you’re going to need them.
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