My Ultimate Mexico City Travel Guide: 20 Things You Can’t Miss!

Mexico City is legit one of my absolute favorite places in this whole entire world. No matter how many times I’ve been, I find there’s always a new place to visit, see, try, eat and do! This Mexico City travel guide has been a long time in the making.

The vast size of this city gives every trip the potential to be a completely different experience. I’m so ready to share my favorite things to do in Mexico City that you can incorporate into the itinerary of your dreams!

BOSQUE DE CHAPULTEPEC

Obviously, we gotta start this swanky Mexico City travel guide of the best places to visit in CDMX with the iconique lungs of the city — el Bosque de Chapultepec! Colloquially referred to simply as Chapultepec, this urban park is home to some of the most visited historic and cultural spots of Mexico City. The park is huuuuuge — it spans 1,700 hectares! Not that we can even visualize that accurately; but just trust me, it’s big.

Not only was the Chapultepec area considered sacred during the pre-colonial times of Tenochtitlán, it’s also the most important ecological site of the city nowadays. Here, you’ll find Castillo de Chapultepec, the Museo de Antropología, the Chapultepec Zoo and the Rufino Tamayo contemporary art museum. But more importantly, you’ll also find my most favorite potato chips with chile being sold all over the place! Seriously. Last time I was there, I bought one vendor’s entire remaining chip supply to bring back home (OK, it was like 6 bags; but if you don’t already know, potato chips are my weakness).

But back to my super official travel recommendations for Mexico City. The zoo, museums and castle at Chapultepec are pretty expansive. It’s smart to pick two (for example, Chapultepec Castle and the Anthropology Museum) to hit in one day, and then, plan to spend at least half a day or more doing those two things. This lets you explore the bosque and its cultural offerings for the day — while staying in the same area!

CASTILLO DE CHAPULTEPEC

I feel like I’m going to be saying, “This is a must,” a lot. But I mean it — Castillo de Chapultepec is a MUST and is one of the best things to see in Mexico City. The castle is an important site of Mexico’s history and it has served as a military academy, as the once-home of the emperor Maximilian of Hapsburg, and now as the museum of national history. One of the most notable parts of the history of Chapultepec Castle is the “Niños Héroes” — the young military cadets that died defending the castle during one of the major battles of the Mexican-American War in 1847.

There’s an incredible mural by Mexican painter Gabriel Flores that you can see as you go up the main steps of the building (pictured above). The mural depicts Juán Escutia, one of the “Niños Héroes,” and it features symbols, like the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, that allude to the many tragedies that Mexico suffered after losing the war.

Throughout the many rooms in the castle, you can see paintings and other artworks that depict Mexico’s history from 1521 to the 20th century, gorgeous stained-glass windows, and even the bedroom of Empress Carlota of México. Don’t miss the beautiful gardens at the top. You’ll also catch stunning views of the Bosque de Chapultepec and Paseo de la Reforma (pictured above). You can purchase tickets online (look for Museo Nacional de Historia) or at the entrance for $95 MXN (about $6 USD), and you should plan to spend about two hours here. Walking up to the castle will also provide beautiful views of the bosque! Such a fave!

MUSEO DE ANTROPOLOGÍA

I haven’t had the privilege to visit the anthropology museum in Mexico City yet! But I’ve only heard amazing things about it. It’s a good one to hit after el Castillo because it’s also in Bosque de Chapultepec park. It’s the largest museum in México, and it is home to the Stone of the Sun, giant Olmec stone heads, and many more archeological and anthropological treasures recovered from the Aztecs, Mayans and more. You’ll get to see a replica of Moctezuma’s feather headdress and much more in the museum’s permanent exhibit that covers all of México’s pre-Columbian civilizations.

Tickets cost $95 MXN (about $7 USD) and you can buy tickets online (look for Museo de Antropología) or at the door. You should plan to spend at least two hours here if you want to see everything. Definitely add this spot to your next Mexico City itinerary!

MUSEO SOUMAYA

Museo Soumaya is one of my favorite museums in Mexico City and also a must-see. Another fave? *Pretends to be shocked.* Architecturally speaking, the building covered in 16,000 hexagonal aluminum tiles is simply a marvel to look at. It’s got a vast, and I do mean VAST, private collection of more than 66,000 pieces of art spread out through its astonishing six floors. You’ll see works from so many different eras, styles and media, including pre-hispanic Mesoamerican sculptures and pieces by Diego Rivera, Van Gogh, Dali, Matisse, Picasso, and so many more. The museum opened in 2011, and it’s home to one of the most important collections of art in Latin America.

Plan to spend at least a couple of hours here — more if you really want to see EVERYTHING! And guess what? Admission is free! The museum is located in the upscale Polanco neighborhood, known for its art galleries, fine dining and upscale shopping. After you’re done with your six-floor artsy-fartsy journey, you can visit the contemporary art museum Museo Jumex (also free!) right next door to Museo Soumaya!

El ZÓCALO

El Zócalo is the main square in México City’s historic center and it should be at the top of every Mexico City travel guide. It’s where people gather for Independence Day celebrations, swearing-in of presidents, modern Mexican ceremonies and more. The Mexico City Zócalo can hold about 100,000 people and is often the place of many protests and political events. It’s pretty marvelous to stand in because of its size! Like, you will feel tiny for sure.

From here, you can head to restaurants like Cafe de Tacuba for a traditional meal; have rooftop drinks at El Mayor; go inside the cathedral, visit the Templo Mayor to see the place where the Aztecs saw the eagle perched on a cactus eating a snake, or take a leisurely stroll down La Alameda Central, an urban park where you’ll see the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes.

MERCADO LA MERCED

Aquí te van a gritar, “Pásele güerito!” por todos lados. Mercado La Merced is a huge public market in La Merced neighborhood where you can get traditional food, meats (you need a whole cow?), tacos, or even bring a big ass block of cheese back home like I did the first time I visited Mexico City. You can pick up exotic fruits, specialty souvenirs, mole to bring back and cook at home, and other traditional spices. It’s easy to get lost because of its size and the sheer amount of vendors you’ll find; so it’s recommended to hire a local guide to walk you through the endless stalls and also so they can point you exactly to the best spots to try!

CAFEBRERÍA EL PÉNDULO

Cafebrería El Péndulo is a really cool bookstore that’s also a café! I may or may not have bought too many books last time I was there. You can also buy vinyls and movies in the bookstore or food and drinks at the café. Grab a book, find a seat and spend some time brushing up on the magic of Mexico City. Then, walk up the street to Parque España or Avenida Mexico where you’ll see beautiful purple flowers in the spring.

TACOS ORINOCO

Food is my passion, and I’m very passionate about Tacos Orinoco. In my opinion, they’re some of the best tacos in Mexico City. (Pero hay de tacos a tacos. You truly have endless options in this category.) They have several locations throughout the city, and they’re open conveniently late — making it the perfect aprés party spot! With delicious salsa options, con copia y costra, there’s nothing like it. People either love or hate Tacos Orinoco. I’ll let you make your own mind up about them and keep them in this Mexico City travel guide.

The aesthetic of Tacos Orinoco is reminiscent of old-school taquerías from my childhood in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, with the metal Coca Cola tables and chairs. Their main and most popular dish are the delicious tacos de trompo, which is a taco traditionally filled with al pastor meat that is sliced from a vertical rotisserie (this is the trompo part). The chicharrón and res (beef) tacos are also super yummy! Pro tip: You gotta ask for a costra — a crispy layer of melted cheese that essentially creates a second tortilla for your taco. It’s an explosion of flavor you will fall in love with. I guarantee it!

ÁNGEL DE LA INDEPENDENCIA

This super iconic monument dedicated to Mexico’s independence is located in probably the most recognized roundabout in the world in Mexico City’s Paseo de la Reforma, a huge avenue that crosses the heart of the city. Most commonly referred to as El Ángel, the 118-feet-tall monument was built in 1910, 100 years after Mexico’s war of independence. Several renowned figures of the war of independence are buried here, including Miguel Hidalgo and José María Morelos y Pavón (icons!!). The street where the monument is located is a major connecting roadway — you’re highly likely to pass by it at least once if you take an Uber or taxi anywhere!

ANTARA FASHION HALL

Across the street from Museo Soumaya, Antara Fashion Hall is open-air shopping mall in the upscale Polanco neighborhood that’s a great spot for all kinds of shopping. You’ll be able to find just about anything in one of the 148 brand-name stores in this fancy-ass shopping mall. We’re talking Zara, Alo, Lululemon, Mango, Bershka, COS (!!), Sandro and so many more. They also have different art installations and exhibits all the time (Check out their website to see what’s on now!). If you want to go shopping in Mexico City, Antara is one of the places you can’t miss!

TORRE LATINOAMERICANA

I’m obsessed with panoramic views of cities I do not live in. You can find this one in the historic center of Mexico City. Standing 44 stories above ground — Torre Latinoamericana is the first anti-earthquake building in Mexico City. You can get souvenirs and snacks at the top. There’s also a restaurant and a couple of museums here, but the best part is the views of the city from above, obvi. You can spot the Basilica de Guadalupe from the top as well as Palacio de Bellas Artes.

You can get tickets for the Mirador Torre Latino observation deck for 150 MXN (about $9 USD) in person or online.

BIBLIOTECA VASCONCELOS

I haven’t been lucky enough to see this incredible place in person … YET. Books. Architecture. Aesthetics? Biblioteca Vasconcelos is all me. There’s also a garden and cultural center on site — plus, a greenhouse and café that aren’t operating. The controversial budget for this behemoth was an astronomical $100 million. After it was opened in 2006, it was soon closed for a couple years because of architectural defects. But the nine-story library looks like its huge bookshelves are floating and I just want to walk along those halls to get lost in books.

MONUMENTO A LA REVOLUCIÓN

Located in Plaza de la República just outside the Mexico City historic center, this 220-feet-tall monument dedicated to the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920) is the largest triumphal arch in the world. No Mexico City travel guide is complete without this monument on it! Several iconic figures of Mexican revolutionary history are laid to rest here, including Pancho Villa and Francisco I. Madero.

At first sight, it’s just a monument. Also at first sight, it’s not that big. But if you get close, you can truly appreciate its vast height and size. Just see how tiny the people look next to it in the picture above! Don’t miss the glass elevator that takes you up to the observation deck in the cupola. And underneath it, there’s an exhibition space, gallery and a museum of the Mexican Revolution. Tickets to see everything are $90 MXN (about $5 USD), and it’s a pretty quick stop to include in your ultimate Mexico City itinerary!

PALACIO DE BELLAS ARTES

Palacio de Bellas Artes is a gorgeous and important cultural center in the historic center of Mexico City where you can admire beautiful murals by Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros; visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes museum; attend traditional folklórico shows, see a play or an opera; and much more! The murals inside the palace are very peculiar and a must-see if it’s your first time in Mexico City.

ROOFTOP DRINKS AT SUPRA ROMA ROOFTOP

I plan my trips around where we’re going to eat. And I do extensive research on food for each itinerary I create. Now, if you’ve been paying attention to the quickly growing hype of Mexico City food and cuisine, you’re gonna know we’re just dipping the tiniest pinky toe into the never-ending delicious offerings this metropolitan behemoth has to offer.

Supra Roma Rooftop is a lovely rooftop in the heart of the trendy Roma neighborhood that offers some of the best city views of Mexico City, delicious eats with an international flare, and specialty cocktail drinks for anyone looking for a yummy-and-fun night out! This place is not only a restaurant and bar, they also host different types of events, like yoga, Sunday brunches and DJ events. My menu recommendations are the tuna tostadas, burrata, popcorn shrimp (spicy, crunchy and delicious) and the fried cauliflower. Make reservations ahead of time online to guarantee a table!

XOCHIMILCO

How do I even begin to explain Xochimilco?! It’s so many things! It’s fun; it’s desmadre; it’s Mariachi bands floating by you on trajineras; it’s Mexican families on weekend outings celebrating birthdays; it’s history that dates back to Tenochtitlán. Obvi, it’s one of my favorite spots in this Mexico City travel guide (I know, I know. How are all of these my favorite spots!? Mexico City is THAT girl).

Xochimilco is a system of canals in the south of Mexico City where you can rent a trajinera (flat-bottomed boats that go back to pre-colonial times) for $500 MXN per hour for a grand-old time! Depending on where you’re staying, it takes about 45 min.–1 hr. to get to Xochimilco by Uber (when you request your Uber to Xochimilco, look up “embarcadero nuevo nativitas,” and that’ll have them take you to the main canal area). You should plan at least for a 2-hour ride to see most of the main tourist area in Xochimilco. There are also longer trajinera trips and different experiences available, including trips to the Xochimilco ecological park, visits to the real Isla de las Muñecas, and even Xochimilco sunrise boat rides that include a farm-to-market food tour and explanation of the chinampas.

I have a couple of tips to ensure you have the best time in Xochimilco: A. There will be many people approaching you as you arrive, and they’ll invite you to rent the trajinera with them. As long as they’re charging you the set rate of $500 MXN per hour, pick whoever you want or pick the boat with the name you want. B. I recommend you buy drinks and snacks to bring on the boat at the tienditas across the street. C. If you don’t do B, you’ll also be able to buy traditional food like tacos, elotes and more from the vendors on the trajineras throughout the ride. D. Pay one of the Mariachi bands you’re bound to bump into through the ride and savor the absolute beauty and warmth that is Mexican culture!

DRINKS AT GIN GIN

Gin Gin is a really fun bar in the Roma neighborhood with a cool vibe, good music, creative gin cocktails and yummy pizza. The crowd’s a pretty good mix of different people because of its location in Roma — it’s a little bit hipstery but not too bad. I liked that the music varied from electronic to pop to reggaeton and more. Reservations are recommended!

COYOACÁN

Coyoacán is only about a 30 min. ride away from the Mexico City historic center. This neighborhood is absolutely one of the best Mexico City places to visit and a must in this Mexico City travel guide! It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in Mexico City, founded in the 16th century. You’ll feel a different vibe from everywhere else in the city as you walk through its lovely cobblestone streets and past its beautiful colorful homes. Coyoacán is famous for being home to Frida Kahlo’s residence — Casa Azul, which is now a museum. Many writers, artists and intellectuals have lived in Coyoacán throughout its history. You can find gorgeous artisan pottery, textiles and jewelry in the renowned Mercado de Coyoacán as well as delicious traditional cuisine in the area of the main Plaza Hidalgo and Jardín Centenario.

Plan to spend about half a day here. Start the day at Casa Azul (see below) because it’ll take the longest. You’ll likely wait in line for a bit, but it will be worth it. Then, head to Plaza Hidalgo and Jardín Centenario for a bit of people watching, late breakfast or lunch, and even an ice cream. You could do the Leon Trotsky Museum next, and end the day at Mercado Coyoacán. And that’s how you spend one day in Coyoacán. You’re welcome!

CASA AZUL

Casa Azul is one of my top favorite places in all of Mexico City! (Bro, I knowwww I keep saying that.) This iconic cobalt blue home is the place where Frida Kahlo was born, grew up, lived her life with Diego Rivera, and eventually died. The home is now a museum dedicated to her life’s work where you can see a personal collection of her artwork, memorabilia, her clothes, personal items and more. Frida Kahlo’s study is one of the most fascinating rooms in the house as it looks exactly as she left it. It’s unbelievable to feel the presence of her artistic genius in the air. There’s really nothing quite like it! Casa Azul is a very popular spot so getting tickets at least two weeks in advance is a must!

TEOTIHUACÁN

Teotihuacán is a large archeological site located about an hour northeast of Mexico City. It is home to some of the most important pyramids in all of México — the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Although, it’s easy to assume so, this was not an Aztec/Mexica Mesoamerican city, as it predated the Mexicas by centuries. I have very fond memories of visiting with my family about 12 years ago (baby Valeria pictured above). My sister and I climbed the 248 uneven steps to the top and the view was incredible!

This is a perfect option for a day trip from Mexico City because of the site’s proximity to the city. The most recommended way to get to Teotihuacán from Mexico City is by public bus for about $106 MXN roundtrip. The last bus back to the city leaves from the front entrance at 8 p.m. But you can also take a taxi or book a private tour through Airbnb or your hotel. Teotihuacán is definitely a must in any Mexico City travel guide.

And that makes the top 20 things not to miss in Mexico City, y’all! I hope this little, humble Mexico City travel guide gives you the perfect starting point to make an amazing itinerary. I so want to hear all about your own top Mexico City recommendations and your Mexico City adventures. So make sure to stick around for more blog posts and find me on Instagram so we can be travel friends!

-V