Mexico City is the largest city in Latin America and the capital of Mexico and is a beautiful place to visit. It is full of UNESCO World Heritage sites, numerous fascinating museums and art galleries. The city also offers the chance to enjoy local culture and cuisine every day of your stay.
This high-altitude capital was home to the Aztec Empire until Spanish colonizers arrived in this part of the world. This is why the city is incredible for history lovers who can keep discovering new things every day of their trip.
With mild winters and warm summers, Mexico City is a perfect place to visit at any time of the year. The most interesting fact about the city is that it was built over Texcoco Lake. The Aztecs saw this as a sign they were looking for from their god Huitzilopochtli.
However, when the city was built on the little island in the middle of the lake, they could not have predicted what an amazing and enormous city it would become.
So, if you are wondering about the must-see attractions and things to do in Mexico City, we have prepared an ultimate list.
1. Frida Kahlo Museum
World-famous Mexican artist and wife of another great artist, Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo has left her mark on Mexican art and history. The Museo Frida Kahlo not only honors Frida Kahlo’s life and contributions but also sheds light on Mexican history and culture.
Visitors can better grasp the social and cultural setting in which Kahlo and Rivera lived thanks to the artifacts. The museum is in the blue house where Frida was born, lived, and died, which locals call Casa Azul, a recognizable home of two artists in CDMX.
2. Palacio Nacional
The National Palace or Palacio Nacional serves as a seat for the Mexican president, but it is much more than that. This wonderful building has one of the most important libraries in the country, the Biblioteca Miguel Lerdo de Tejada.
In addition, there are fantastic murals on its walls. Most visitors come here to see Diego Rivera’s artwork, which made this building famous.
3. Mercado
There is no better way to see the local culture than to visit a local market. The Mercado de Coyoacán is such a market where locals sell food, art, clothing and so much more.
Affordably priced, unique souvenirs made by local artisans are available for purchase and are a much better option than mass-produced souvenirs from tourist streets downtown.
4. Chapultepec Park
The park contains Chapultepec Castle, one of Mexico City’s top attractions. It is the only authentic castle that was home to royalty in North America and also houses the National History Museum, which was the former home of Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota.
You can spend the whole day here if you decide to visit the entire Chapultepec Park, which contains nine museums, an amusement park, a zoo, and gorgeous natural areas.
5. Zócalo
Zócalo once stood at the heart of Aztec civilization. Now, it is the historic center of Mexico City, or centro historico as it is called in Spanish.
The Palacio Nacional, the presidential residence, and the Catedral Metropolitana are among the many attractions that surround the main square. This is why you will often see protests on this square. It is formally known as the Plaza de la Constitución.
6. Food Tour
The city center is a great place for a food tour that includes tacos al pastor, tlacoyos, tostadas and tortas accompanied by cerveza (beer), tequila or mezcal.
You can book a guided tour of the largest city in Latin America to try street food and see the most popular cafes. Or you can explore by yourself, and for a few pesos, try so much great food in every corner of the city.
Mexican food is world-famous, and visiting Mexico City without enjoying its authentic food would be a huge mistake.
7. Tenochtitlán, Templo Mayor
The Templo Mayor is a noteworthy archaeological find in its own right. Nearly five centuries ago, when Hernán Cortés and his Spanish companions first arrived in Tenochtitlan, the Temple and other current monuments were among the first sites they saw.
This is one of the city’s most significant historical landmarks and one of the greatest museums for Aztec artifacts.
8. Palacio de Bellas Artes
True performing arts lovers cannot visit Mexico City without stopping by the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City’s premier cultural venue.
The Palace of Fine Arts is home to the National Symphony Orchestra, the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature’s administrative center, the National Opera Company, the National Theater Company, the Mexican Folkloric Ballet and the Chamber of Fine Arts Orchestra.
Almost 1600 people can fit inside to enjoy performances.
9. Roma Neighborhood
The city’s hipster quarter is centered in the thriving Roma neighborhood. If you want to shop at charming boutiques, have easy access to many of Mexico City’s main attractions, and peruse gorgeous shops, Roma is the perfect place to stay. It is close to the Condesa neighborhood and is situated immediately west of Centro Histórico.
Roma, once a wealthy neighborhood in Mexico City, faced economic hardship after the 1985 earthquake. Fortunately, the area has lately undergone a renaissance and is now one of the safest areas in the city.
Locals appreciate Roma’s blend of colorful street art, art deco houses and the hipster atmosphere in the area.
10. Museo Nacional de Antropología
The National Museum of Anthropology has the world’s largest collection of Mexican artifacts and is in the spectacular Bosque de Chapultepec. The museum showcases pre-Hispanic history, from the Olmecs through the Toltecs to the Maya and Aztecs, throughout its vast galleries.
You could spend hours there and still not see everything. This museum is so large and interesting that it warrants several visits and is the most popular museum in Mexico City.
If You Go
Getting There: Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) is one of the best-connected hubs in Latin America, with direct flights from most major U.S. cities. Flights are frequent and competitively priced — search fares on CheapOAir to find the best deal for your dates.
Getting Around: Mexico City has an extensive, inexpensive metro system that connects most major attractions. For convenience and safety, ride-share apps like Uber and DiDi are widely available and recommended over unmarked taxis.
Car Rental: Driving inside the city isn’t necessary, but a rental car opens up some of Mexico’s best day trips — Teotihuacan, Puebla, and the Taxco caves are all within easy reach. Compare rates and book through Discover Cars for the best selection and price.
Where to Stay: Roma, Condesa, and Polanco offer the best mix of safety, walkability, and local character. Browse hotels in Roma, Condesa, and Polanco on TripAdvisor.
Top Attractions — Booking Tips:
- Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul): No walk-in tickets — all entry must be booked in advance via museofridakahlo.org.mx, and slots sell out weeks ahead. Also consider combining with the new Museo Casa Kahlo (Casa Roja), which opened just a few doors away in late 2025.
- Museo Nacional de Antropología: Tickets are available at the door, but the museum is vast and a guided tour makes a real difference. The Anthropology Museum Guided Visit on Viator runs about 2.5 hours and covers the highlights: the Aztec Sun Stone, the Maya and Teotihuacan halls, led by a certified expert from Mexico’s national anthropology school.
- Palacio de Bellas Artes: Museum entry is inexpensive; performance tickets for the Ballet Folklórico and National Symphony vary by event. Check current programming at palacio.bellasartes.gob.mx.
- Chapultepec Castle / National Museum of History: Tickets are purchased at the base of the hill. Free for visitors over 60.
- Templo Mayor: Skip-the-line tickets are worth it here. The Templo Mayor entry ticket on GetYourGuide includes access to all eight rooms of the on-site museum, where over 7,000 Aztec artifacts are on display, including the massive Coyolxauhqui Stone.
Food Tours: The centro histórico rewards exploration on foot, and a guided food tour is one of the best ways to do it. The Historic Center Food Tour is a top-rated small-group option (capped at 10) that winds through local markets and street stalls, with tastings of enchiladas, ceviche, tlacoyos, and classic Mexican sweets, all included in the price. Prefer something more immersive? The Culinary Secrets of the Centro Histórico is a longer, deeper dive hitting cantinas, covered markets, and hidden lunch spots that most visitors walk right past.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any Mexico trip. Compare plans through SafetyWing or Squaremouth.
eSIM: Skip the roaming charges and pick up a Mexico eSIM before you leave through Airalo.
Need a hand planning your trip? Here are the sites and services we rely on most, from booking tools to travel products we love.
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
- Exploring Coyoácan, Mexico City’s Cultural Heart, Home to the Frida Kahlo Museum
- Your Essential Guide to Mexico City: Safety, Food, and Insider Tips from Someone Who Lives There
Author Bio: Danijela Horvat is a travel writer with a passion for discovering new destinations. With a background in journalism and photography, she is trying to translate her own experience into articles.
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