Things To Do
Frida Kahlo Museum
Frida Kahlo's childhood home, and the home that she later shared with husband Diego Rivera. A must-see, and we would recommend pairing this with a visit to the heart of the Coyoacan neighborhood (just a quick walk from the museum). Advance tickets necessary (purchase on web site).
Anthropologie Museum
Often touted as the most important museum in Mexico, this one is a must-see for enthusiasts.
Chapultepec Castle
Located in the heart of Mexico City, Chapultepec Castle is a historic site and local landmark. Inhabited since the days of the Aztec Empire, Chapultepec Hill offers a commanding view of the city. The fortress was the home of legendary Mexican leaders including Emperor Maximilian and Porfirio Diaz and played an important role in the Mexican-American War. Today, the castle is home to the National Museum of History. The views of the city can't be beat!
Zócalo
The Zocalo is Mexico City's historic center. It's a full day outing and a must to get a complete overview of Mexico's pre-Columbian civilization to the present. Here are a few things you should check out while in the Zocalo: Templo Mayor - the center of Tenochtitlan (the capital of the Aztec Empire) The Cathedral - yes, the Spanish built their cathedral on top of the Aztec pyramid. Ministry of Education - to see the Diego Rivera murals that depict the history of Mexico, from pre-Hispanic development and the arrival of the Spaniards to the modern era. Palacio de Bellas Artes - considered the city's cultural center. Contains murals from Mexico's most famous artists (including Diego Rivera, David Siqueiros, Rufino Tamayo and José Clemente Orozco).
Bosque de Chapultepec
Mexico City's main park is twice the size of Central Park and is a beautiful place to spend some time. Besides a zoo and large lake where you can rent pedal boats, the park also houses a few cultural sites such as Chapultepec Castle and an archaeological site: Montezuma's Baths, and more.
Exploring Roma and Condesa
Roma and Condesa are sister neighborhoods that house many of the city's coolest stores and restaurants. Be sure to check out some of our favorite blocks: Calle Colima (start at Rosetta on Google Maps) in Roma, Avenida Mexico and Avenida Amsterdam (start at Churreria El Moro on Avenida Michoacan at Google Maps), and Calle Havre (start at Cafe El Nin on Google Maps) in Juarez.
Soumaya Museum
New museum with European, Mexican and pre-Hispanic art, housed in a modern building. Good stop if you're exploring Polanco.
Bazar del Sabado
The Saturday Art Bazaar and Market at San Angel its a great place to spend a Saturday morning. There is a bunch of restaurants in the main area of the plaza that are really nice for breakfast and the bazaar is full of authentic Mexican artists selling their products. This is in the southern part of the city. While you are in that part of the city you can also visit Coyoacán (the main plaza) which is also great for strolling around its cobblestone streets and colorful cafes, bookstores and stores. Restaurant Los Danzantes in the main plaza is a really great option for lunch. The Frida Kahlo museum and the Trotsky Museum are located in Coyoacan.
Xochimilco
A must-do when in Mexico City is taking a ride on a trajinera through the floating gardens of Xochimilco (pronounced so-chee-meal-co). Mexico City's Venezia is full of folklore, and is a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Mexico. Enjoy some great quesadillas, micheladas, elotes, and have a blast! The best way to catch a Xochimilco boat (or, the correct word in Spanish, a "trajinera"), is to get to "Embarcardero Nuevo Nativitas". This is an easy access point, which also has some stores for great souvenirs. Feel free to ask us for more details if you want to plan a Xochimilco excursion. This attraction is in the southern part of the city (45-60 minutes from Polanco), and you'd typically hire the "trajinera" for 2-3 hours. Great for large groups too! You can bring your own liquor if you want, or buy cervezas on board! You can also buy food onboard.
PUJOL - Restaurant
The restaurant that kicked off Mexico's current gourmet wave and is currently ranked 13th best restaurant in the world. Advance reservations required (book online).
CONTRAMAR - Restaurant
Bustling spot known as much for its red and green grilled snapper. Advance reservations required!
ROSETTA - Restaurant
Rosetta is definitely the most beautiful restaurant in Mexico City, and its delicious cuisine that fuses Mexican ingredients with Italian fare. Advance reservations required!
EL FAROLITO - Restaurant
Safe for EVERYONE and probably my favorite taco chain in Mexico City. One word: pastor. It's as mouthwatering as it sounds, and these so so good. Try all of the different salsas as well and if you are craving something sweet, treat yourself to fresh Mamey juice. There are plenty of them around the city.
MAXIMO BISTROT - Restaurant
Former Pujol chef de cuisine cooking French-inspired Mexican food in a cozy space in Roma. Reservations recommended.
VILLA MARIA - Restaurant
This is truly a must dine-in experience, especially if you are staying in the Polanco area of Mexico City. They have a large assortment of different tequilas, make their tortillas from scratch, everything is fresh and they have some delicious authentic dishes! Their mole hits the spot, as do the tamarind margaritas, and this place has SUCH a Mexican ambiance. Enjoy
HAVRE 77 - Restaurant
French food in a beautiful old refurbished home - great for oysters, wine or a full dinner. From the same chef as Maximo Bistro.
AZUL HISTORICO - Restaurant
Located in the center of Mexico City. Try the cochinita pibil, the sopa de tortilla, or try out prehispanic flavors by ordering a guacamole topped with crickets if you dare!
LA DOCENA - Restaurant
This is an amazing seafood restaurant that you will love. The restaurant is located in the Roma neighborhood.
LIMANTOUR - Bar
Mixology bar in Roma.
Gin Gin - Bar
Close to Plaza Cibeles in the Roma neighborhood and Polanco. The music is fun for everyone, the pizza is good, and everyone seems to be pre-gaming here. The harmonious vibe here makes it easy to say that, if nothing else, gin makes us feel a bit hippie-ish.
Café Paraíso - Club
If you're looking to dance, head to this tropical, Cuban-style bar featuring disco, salsa, and funk. It opens at midnight and can be difficult to get into, so be prepared to sweet talk the bouncers
Teotihuacán Pyramids
Teotihuacan is a vast Mexican archaeological complex northeast of Mexico City. Running down the middle of the site, which was once a flourishing pre-Columbian city, is the Avenue of the Dead. It links the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun, the latter two with panoramic views from their summits. Artifacts in the Museum of Teotihuacan Culture, on-site, include pottery and bones. It takes around 1.5 hours from Mexico City to get there.
List of Magic Towns
Looking to explore beyond CDMX? Mexico's Board of Tourism has a list of "Magic Towns" throughout the country that are preserved historic and cultural hubs, each with their own unique traditions, landmarks, food, and history. Many of them are within 1-3 hours drive from Mexico City. If you're into water sports, hiking, and biking, Valle de Bravo is for you. Want to get lost in a colorful colonial village situated amongst hills and a volcano? Tepoztlán is your spot! San Miguel de Allende is another not to miss. There are many more, but here's a list of Magic Towns nearby to Mexico City.