10 Best Activities in Mexico City

Mexico City is one of the most emblematic cities in Latin America and has a wealth of attractions to offer. Here I tell you which are the best so you can discover the Mexican capital during your trip.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

10 Best Activities in Mexico City

Basilica of Guadalupe | ©Ted McGrath

If you are planning a trip to Mexico City, you should know that there is a wealth of activities to do, including touring historic attractions, visiting iconic sites, relaxing in green spaces and a wide range of cultural offerings, so it is important that you put together an itinerary for your visit and perhaps this guide can help you.

Some of the best things to see and do in Mexico City include visiting the Plaza de la Constitución, touring the Templo Mayor and seeing its internal museum, gazing at the city skyline from the Torre Latinoamericana, marvelling at the Cathedral and taking a guided tour of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera's Casa Azul.

1. Walk around the Plaza de la Constitución

Constitution Square| ©Eric Titcombe
Constitution Square| ©Eric Titcombe

The Plaza de la Constitución, also known as the Zócalo, is one of Mexico City's landmarks and one of the largest public spaces in the world. If you are in the city, a tour of the square is an activity not to be missed.

The square has a rich history and has witnessed many important events over the years, from political demonstrations to military parades and cultural celebrations. At its centre is the Asta Bandera, a huge Mexican national flag that flies proudly. This site is often included in the best tours of Mexico City.

Around the square you can find some of the city's most iconic buildings, such as the National Palace, which houses some of the most important works of Diego Rivera, one of Mexico's most renowned muralists. You can also visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, an impressive baroque-style religious structure dating back to the 16th century.

In the square you will also find many food and craft stalls, as well as musicians and street performers offering free shows to the public. On weekends, the square fills up with people enjoying a stroll through the historic city centre.

Book tickets to take a tour of Mexico City

2. See the city's skyline from the Torre Latinoamericana

Latin American Tower| ©Alvaro Sánchez
Latin American Tower| ©Alvaro Sánchez

The Torre Latinoamericana is one of Mexico's landmark buildings and is famous for its impressive observation deck. If you are looking for a panoramic view of the city, there is no better place than here.

Located in the heart of Mexico City, the tower has 44 floors and is 183 metres high, making it one of the tallest buildings in the country. From its observation deck you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city, which stretches for miles in all directions.

The view from the observation deck of the Torre Latinoamericana is breathtaking, both during the day and at night. During the day, you can see the city's most important buildings and monuments, such as the Palace of Fine Arts, the Angel of Independence and the Paseo de la Reforma, while at night you can enjoy a magical view of Mexico City.

At the observation deck of the Torre Latinoamericana you will also find a small museum that tells the story of the tower's construction and its importance to the city. You can also have a drink or a snack while admiring the view from the top.

Book tickets for the Torre Latinoamericana observation deck

3. Visit the Templo Mayor and get to know its internal museum.

Templo Mayor| ©Eneas De Troya
Templo Mayor| ©Eneas De Troya

The Templo Mayor is one of the traditional archaeological sites of the Mexican capital and a must-see for those interested in pre-Hispanic history and culture. Located in the heart of the city, this religious building is one of the main vestiges of the Aztec civilisation.

The Templo Mayor consists of two temples dedicated to the gods Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc, which were built in the 14th century. Over the centuries, these temples were destroyed and rebuilt several times and are believed to have been the religious and political centre of the city of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec empire.

Today, the temple is an archaeological site that has been partially restored and is open to the public. It also has an internal museum that exhibits archaeological objects found in the area such as sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and tools. Because of its easy access, you can get there by public transport or on the city's hop-on-hop-off tourist buses.

In the museum you can learn more about the daily life of the Aztecs, their religion, customs and their relationship with nature. You can also see a model of the Templo Mayor, which will help you to better understand its structure and its importance for the Aztec civilisation.

Book tickets for the Mexico City sightseeing bus

4. Discover the pyramids of Teotihuacán

Pyramids of Teotihuacan| ©fklv (Obsolete hipster)
Pyramids of Teotihuacan| ©fklv (Obsolete hipster)

The Pyramids of Teotihuacan are one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico and a must-see for any tourist interested in learning about Mexican history and culture. Located some 50 kilometres from the capital, these pyramids are a monument to the greatness of Mesoamerican civilisation.

Built more than 2000 years ago, these pyramids are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of Mexico's ancient inhabitants. The complex features several structures, such as the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, the Temple of the Feathered Serpent and the Palace of the Jaguars, all built with impressive stone blocks and decorated with intricate reliefs and sculptures.

In addition to the impressive architectural structures, Teotihuacan is a sacred place full of symbolism for the indigenous peoples. The complex has numerous temples and sacred sites, as well as a wealth of artefacts and art objects that have been found in the area over the years.

You can also enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the pyramids. You will also have the opportunity to buy souvenirs in the shops and souvenir stalls located in the complex or even take a hot air balloon ride.

Book tickets to visit the Pyramids of Teotihuacán

5. Take a break in Chapultepec Forest

Chapultepec Forest| ©luuzzy :)
Chapultepec Forest| ©luuzzy :)

If you want to visit one of the largest and most popular parks in Mexico City, you can't miss the Bosques de Chapultepec. With more than 686 hectares, it is the largest green lung of the city and one of the favourite places for locals to enjoy a day outdoors.

The park has several attractions, including some of the best museums in the city, such as the National Museum of Anthropology, the Tamayo Museum of Contemporary Art, the Chapultepec Castle and the Chapultepec Zoo. It is also home to lakes, gardens and green areas where you can relax, have a picnic or just enjoy a stroll.

The Chapultepec Castle, located on top of a hill, is a historical monument dating back to the 18th century. Inside, you can learn about the history of Mexico and admire breathtaking panoramic views of the city. In addition, Chapultepec Zoo is home to a variety of animals, from lions and tigers to bears and monkeys, as well as numerous attractions and activities for the whole family.

The Bosque de Chapultepec is also home to a wide range of street vendors, restaurants and food stalls offering a variety of local dishes such as tacos, quesadillas and corn, and is often included in the best gastronomic tours of the city.

Book tickets to visit Chapultepec Castle

6. Visit the Casa Azul in Coyoacán

Casa Azul in Coyoacán| ©Carl Campbel
Casa Azul in Coyoacán| ©Carl Campbel

The Casa Azul, also known as the Frida Kahlo Museum, is a must-see for any art and culture lover in Mexico City. This iconic building is the birthplace and home of the famous painter Frida Kahlo and is now a museum dedicated to her life and work.

The house, located in Coyoacán, one of Mexico City's best neighbourhoods, was the home of Frida and her husband, the also famous muralist Diego Rivera. The building has a vibrant blue façade and a wealth of original objects and furniture that belonged to the couple.

The museum displays an extensive collection of paintings, drawings and photographs by Frida, as well as Diego Rivera and other Mexican artists of the time. There are also a number of personal artefacts that belonged to Frida such as her wardrobe, jewellery and orthopaedic appliances.

In addition to the artwork, this site also offers an intimate look into Frida and Diego's life, with rooms that were preserved as they were left before her death. Visitors can see the bed where Frida spent much of her life, the kitchen where she cooked her favourite meals and the garden where she used to paint.

Book tickets to visit the Casa Azul

7. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral

Metropolitan Cathedral| ©Owen
Metropolitan Cathedral| ©Owen

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City is one of the most iconic monuments of the Mexican capital. Its majestic architecture and imposing presence in the heart of the city's historic centre make it an unmissable place to visit.

The construction of the Cathedral began in 1573 and lasted more than 250 years, which is reflected in its interesting mix of architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque. Once inside, visitors can admire its impressive central nave and its extensive collection of sacred art, which includes paintings, sculptures and religious relics.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Cathedral is its many chapels, each of which is unique and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Church in Mexico. Some of the highlights include the Chapel of San Felipe de Jesus, which is dedicated to the first Mexican saint, and the Chapel of Christ of the Column, which houses an image of the scourged Christ and hosts a pilgrimage in Mexico in April during Easter.

Another must-see in the Cathedral is its impressive high altar, which is decorated with gold panels and offers a beautiful view of the central nave. Visitors can also climb its south tower for a panoramic view of Mexico City from the top.

8. Take a guided tour of the legendary Aztec Stadium.

Azteca Stadium| ©Chelo
Azteca Stadium| ©Chelo

The Azteca Stadium is one of the most emblematic football stadiums in the world and a must-see for any sports lover. If you are interested in learning about its history and admiring its majestic architecture, a guided tour is the best way to do it.

During the tour, an expert guide will take you through the entire stadium, from the changing rooms to the presidential grandstand. You'll get a close-up view of the pitch, feel the atmosphere of the changing rooms and learn about the history of the stadium, which has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in world football, such as Pele's 1970 World Cup coronation and Diego Maradona's Goal of the Century at the 1986 World Cup.

One of the most exciting parts of the tour is the climb to the stadium tower, where you will have a panoramic view of the pitch and Mexico City. From there, you can see the mountains surrounding the city and the omnipresent Popocatepetl volcano in the distance.

In addition to the guided tour, you can also see the Azteca Stadium museum, which has an impressive collection of historical objects and Mexican football memorabilia. See the jerseys of some of the world's most famous players and learn about the evolution of the sport in Mexico.

9. Marvel at the delegation of Xochimilco

Xochimilco| ©Anne and David
Xochimilco| ©Anne and David

The delegation of Xochimilco is one of Mexico City's tourist sites and an ideal tour for anyone who wants to learn about Mexican culture and traditions. When visiting this delegation, you will find a wide variety of attractions and activities to enjoy.

One of the main attractions of Xochimilco are the famous trajineras, which are typical boats of the region. You can take a ride on one of them along the canals and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding area. There are also floating markets where you can buy food and drinks to enjoy during the tour.

Another attraction you can find in Xochimilco is the botanical garden, where you can find hundreds of species of plants endemic to the region. You can also visit the hacienda of San Pedro Tlalpan, an ancient estate dating back to colonial times, which boasts impressive architecture and gardens.

In addition, Xochimilco hosts numerous festivities and cultural events throughout the year, such as the Day of the Dead celebration, where you can appreciate the colourful ofrendas and altars dedicated to the deceased. There are also music and dance festivals, where local and national artists perform.

Book a trip to Xochimilco

10. Take a shopping tour along Francisco I. Madero Street

Francisco I. Madero| ©Miguel Martinez
Francisco I. Madero| ©Miguel Martinez

If you are a shopaholic visiting Mexico City, you should definitely take a tour of Francisco I. Madero Street. Located in the heart of the historic centre of the city, this street is famous for its shops and markets full of Mexican cultural products and souvenirs.

During your tour along this artery you will find a great variety of shops offering handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, hats, clothes, shoes and much more. In addition, there are several craft markets where you can find unique and authentic objects such as ceramics, wooden sculptures, papier-mâché and other decorative objects.

One of the most famous shops on Calle Francisco I. Madero is the candy and chocolate shop La Estrella. Here you can find delicious chocolates, typical Mexican sweets and many other local delicacies. If you visit Mexico City at Christmas time, you can also discover the Christmas Eve illumination there.

In addition to the great variety of shops and markets, Calle Francisco I. Madero also has a large number of restaurants, bars and cafés where you can enjoy the local gastronomy. Here you can try everything from the famous Mexican tacos to the most sophisticated and gourmet food.