mexico city
This is the capital and largest city of Mexico and the most populous city in North America. It has an incredibly rich history and culture and is bounding with things to do and neighborhoods to explore.
getting here
Mexico City may be the first stop for you on your journey around Mexico but it is worthy of its own exploration. Most people will fly into Mexico City via the Benito Juárez International Airport. You can also get to Mexico City via bus from other areas in Mexico. There are also many domestic flights to other tourist destinations including Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Oaxaca and more.
getting around
Mexico City is a huge city with public transportation including buses, metros, taxis, ubers and more. You can also get around the city on tours if you want. You can also walk around a lot on foot in the hotspots of town such as downtown and Zona Rosa.
Top things to do
Palacio de Bellas Artes
This iconic building cannot be missed. It is located in the historic center and it is stunningly beautiful both outside and inside. To see the inside you can pay a 70 peso entry fee and it is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM or you can splurge and see a show there. The folkloric ballet is an incredible performance. Also you can get stunning aerial views from the Café Don Porfirio which is located in the Sears building across from the Palacio
Chapultepec Park
This park is beautiful to walk around and explore. Great forest of trees and open green space to relax, exercise and enjoy. You can visit the Chapultepec Castle (closed on Monday). The castle construction was complete in 1864 and offers beautiful views of Mexico City. You can also visit the Chapultepec Zoo, Museum of Anthropology and the Rufino Tamayo Museum.
Zócalo
Zócalo is the central plaza/main square that is in the historic downtown. It is also known as Plaza de la Constitución. It is bordered by the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, Federal District buildings and Old Portal de Mercaderes. There are a number of great hotels and restaurants in this area. The Gran Hotel has an iconic roof in Art Nouveau style made of stained glass.
National Anthropology Museum
This museum is one not to be missed. It is beautiful and has so much history to offer. It is open 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday and costs around 80 pesos to enter.
Casa Azula Frida Kahlo Museum
This museum is one not to be missed. It is where Frida lived and died and offers a peak into her life and works of art. You need to reserve tickets in advance and wait in a line for entry time. Many tours also stop here.
Coyoacán
Coyoacán is known for its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. It is a bohemian and artisan neighborhood packed with markets, art galleries, and great little restaurants. It is the area of the Museo de Frida Kahlo and the former home of Leon Trotsky. The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México is also located in Coyoacán and its central library displays impressive mosaic murals of the history of Mexico.
Xochimilco
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 where you can float through canals in traditional boats. It is like the Little Venice of Mexico City. Other boats will pass with drinks, food, souvenirs, and mariachi players.
Soumaya Museum
This museum is packed with over 66,000 works of art. This iconic building was designed by Fernando Romero and opened in 2011 in Plaza Carso. It is 46 meters in height (151 ft) and is covered by hexagonal aluminum tiles. It is free to visit and has incredible art to see.
Lucha Libre
If you want a fun and cultural experience it is well worth going to a watch wrestlers at the Arena Mexico. You can buy your tickets at the office. Be aware they do not allow big cameras or video recorders (such as go pro). There are cheap beers and snacks. You will get a kick out of the fun atmosphere.
Teotihuacán
Teotihuacán is an ancient Mesoamerican city located about 40 km northeast of the Mexico City. It was the largest city in the pre-Columbian America. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is the most visited archeological site in Mexico.
