Mexico City is a bustling, chaotic city, full of things to do and see. The historic centre is the oldest part, as it is located on the remains of the ancient Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, while the neighbourhoods all around are a real mix of tradition and modernity!
Planning a trip to Mexico? Then here's everything you need to know about what to see in Mexico City, the attractions not to be missed and the best experiences to have!
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13 Things to see in Mexico City
1 - Centro Histórico and Plaza de la Constitucion
Photo by Bohao Zhao. The real heart of Mexico City is its wonderful Centro Histórico, the oldest part of the city and one of the most beautiful historical centres in the world. Here you will find some of the main attractions, as well as beautiful buildings and the remains of an ancient temple, the Tempio Mayor.
A trip to Ciudad de Mexico can only begin at Plaza de la Constitucion, also known as El Zocalo, one of the largest squares in the world! It is overlooked by the city's Cathedral and the Palacio Nacional, as well as numerous bars and buildings. This place, today, is the beating heart of the city and in the centre stands a large central Mexican flag!
It is located in the Centro district, the heart of Mexico City. Reference metro stop Zócalo, line 2 - Get directions
Stop at Balcón del Zócalo: this is a Mexican restaurant with a wonderful view of the whole square, the Cathedral and the Palacio Nacional. The dishes served are typical Mexican cuisine. Higher than average prices, but the view is truly unique and the quality excellent! Get directions
2 - Catedral Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México
Overlooking Plaza de la Constitucion is one of the most majestic buildings in the whole city, the great Catedral Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México.
Built back in 1524 at the behest of the conquistadores Hernán Cortés, it is one of the largest Catholic churches in the world, as well as being the largest and most important in all of Latin America! The predominant architectural styles are Gothic and Baroque and it is as majestic and immense on the outside as it is on the inside: it consists of no less than five naves, with 16 chapels and a total length of 110 metres!
How to get there: in P.za de la Constitución, Centro Histórico. Walking distance from Palacio Nacional (250 m, 3 min). Metro reference stop Zócalo (blue line) - Get directions
Hours: daily 8am-8pm
Ticket price: free
3 - Templo Mayor Museum
Photo by BekaHari. As already mentioned, the historic centre is the oldest part of Mexico City and within it are some very important treasures and pieces of history! And one of these is the ancient Templo Mayor, located behind the Cathedral and easily accessible on foot from Plaza de la Costitucion.
What you can see today are the remains of a large pyramid, a good 60 m high. It was built in 1428, in honour of the deities Tlaloc and Huitzilopochtli, and this place was once the central temple of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlán. Unfortunately, the temple was destroyed in 1521 by Spanish troops who were conquering Mexico.
See what the original temple looked like: at the entrance to the temple museum be sure not to miss the scale model that shows you what this wonderful place looked like in its heyday!
How to get there: at Seminario 8, Centro Histórico. Easy walking distance from the Cathedral (400 m, 5 min). Metro reference stop Zócalo (blue line) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sun 9am-5pm, closed Mon
Ticket price: 80.00 MXN (€3.35)
4 - Palacio Nacional
Photo by Joaquín Martínez. Also in Plaza de la Constitución, besides the Cathedral is the majestic Palacio Nacional, the seat of Mexico's federal executive power. It was built in 1522 as the second private residence of the conquistadores Hernán Cortés, and later became a governmental and representative building, hosting politicians and heads of state from other countries.
Part of the building is open to the public and, in addition to admiring the central patio and wonderful rooms, you can learn about the history of Mexico through videos, photographs and original objects, such as the chair of Pancho Villa, the popular hero of the Mexican revolution of 1910!
Find the mural of Diego Rivera: husband of Frida Kahlo, his murals are scattered all over the city and one is right inside the Palacio Nacional! Here you can admire murals telling the history of Mexico, from the period of Quetzalcóatl to the years following the revolution!
How to get there: in Plaza de la Constitución, Centro Histórico. Easy walking distance from the Cathedral (250 m, 3 min). Metro reference stop Zócalo (blue line) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sun 9am-5pm, closed Mon
Ticket price: full price 100.00 MXN (€4.20), concessions 80.00 MXN (€3.35)
5 - Museo Nacional de Antropología
Photo by Mike Peel. If you love history and visiting museums, you definitely cannot miss the great Museo Nacional de Antropología, the most important museum in all of Mexico! It is located in the beautiful city forest of Chapultepec, completely surrounded by greenery! If you are short on time but still want to visit it and not miss the main works, we recommend you take part in a guided tour!
This anthropology museum covers about 44,000 square metres indoors and 35,700 square metres outdoors, is spread over two floors and houses the largest collection of pre-Columbian art in the world! Here you can admire evidence and objects from some of the oldest cultures of Central America, such as the Maya, Aztec, Olmec, Toltec, Zapotec and Mixtec. Outside, there is a large courtyard that houses numerous works, such as statues and monoliths.
SEE ALSO: What to see at the National Museum of Anthropology: opening hours, prices and tips
Plan your visit as best you can: the museum is very large and the visit takes meida 2/3 hours. The best option is to start on the first floor south wing, continue to the first floor north wing, go up to the second floor south wing and finish with the north wing, then go out into the garden. Museum map on the official website.
How to get there: on Av. Paseo de la Reforma, Polanco. Easy walking distance from Castillo de Chapultepec (1 km, 13 min). Reference metro stop Auditorio (line 7) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun-Mon closed
Ticket price: 80.00 MXN (€3.35)
6 - Palacio de Bellas Artes
Another marvellous museum not to be missed, especially if you are an art lover, is the famous Palacio de Bellas Artes, the museum of fine arts. It is a true symbol of the city thanks to its wonderful architecture!
Declared a World Heritage Site, in addition to being an important museum, it is also the home of the Opera House and houses the most important concert hall in Mexico! If you buy the entrance ticket, in addition to admiring its unique architecture and large halls, you can also visit the Museo de Bellas Artes, which exhibits various works of Mexican art, such as paintings and sculptures, as well as handicrafts and beautiful murals. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, there are also many temporary exhibitions!
Take in ashow at the theatre: in the wonderful Art Deco theatre, numerous performances are held, both Mexican operas and concerts of classical, popular and Mexican dance music. If you get the chance, don't miss this wonderful experience!
How to get there: on Av. Juárez, Centro Histórico. Easy walking distance from Plaza de la Constitucion (900 m, 11 min). Bellas Artes metro stop (lines 2 and 8) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, Mon closed
Ticket price: 70.00 MXN (€2.95)
7 - Alameda Central
Photo by Pierre-Selim Huard. Right behind the Palacio de Bellas Artes stretches the Alameda Central, one of the city's most beautiful city parks, also ideal for escaping the traffic and heat of Mexican days! But not only the most beautiful: established around 1529, it is also one of the oldest parks! At one time, the Aztec market was held here, but today it is a meeting place for locals and tourists alike. Strolling through its paths you can also come across street artists and painters at work!
And while on one side you will find the Palacio de Bellas Artes, on the opposite side you will find a series of clubs, small restaurants and shops. After strolling the length and breadth of the park, admiring the many monuments, such as the famous Hemicycle to Benito Juárez, and fountains, such as the beautiful Fuente de Neptuno, we recommend you take the opportunity to sit at one of the many tables and taste the famous mescal, a Mexican spirit made from the agave plant.
It is located on Av. Hidalgo, Centro Histórico. Easy walking distance from Plaza de la Constitucion (900 m, 11 min). Bellas Artes metro reference stop (lines 2 and 8) - Get directions
Admire the Hemicycle in Benito Juárez at night: this very impressive and touching monument has even more charm at night, thanks to the play of light created on its walls. Not to be missed!
8 - Bosque and Castillo de Chapultepec
One of the largest and most beautiful green areas in the city is the wonderful Bosque de Chapultepec, which stretches west of the historical centre and frames some wonderful attractions that are really suitable for everyone! Divided into three different sections, it is a very relaxing place to get away from it all and enjoy nature, also thanks to the presence of the large Lago de Chapultepec!
The park's main attraction is definitely the Castillo de Chapultepec, which today houses the National History Museum, where you can learn about the history of Mexico, especially from Spanish colonisation to the Mexican Revolution! It was built during the time of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, with the purpose of being the residence of the Viceroy, and in the following centuries became first a presidential palace, then a military school. Moreover, from its terraces you can admire a spectacular view of the city, not to be missed!
Aplace for everyone, especially children: in addition to the Castle, this large park also houses the Zoológico de Chapultepec Zoo, the Aviario Moctezuma and the Jardín Botánico del Bosque de Chapultepec. A truly family-friendly place to spend the whole day!
How to get there: in Miguel Hidalgo. Easy walking distance to Museo Nacional de Antropología (1 km, 13 min). Reference metro stops Auditorio (line 7) and Chapultepec (line 1) - Get directions
Timetable: Bosque de Chapultepec daily 8am-5pm / Castillo de Chapultepec Tue-Sat 9am-5pm
Ticket price: Bosque de Chapultepec free / Castillo de Chapultepec 80.00 MXN (€3.35)
9 - Paseo de la Reforma and Ángel de la Independencia
Photo by Mariordo (Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz). During your trip to Mexico City, you can't miss a walk along a section of the Paseo de la Reforma, perhaps the most important and beautiful avenue in Mexico City. Compared to the Avenue de la Champs-Élysées in Paris, this avenue is packed with shops, hotels, restaurants and clubs.
In the central part of the avenue, not far from the Estela de Luz monument, is the marvellous Ángel de la Independencia, a monument commemorating Mexico's conquest of Independence! It is a large column on top of which stands the Graca deity Nike, or Goddess of Victory! Covered in gold, making it glitter on sunny days, on her left arm she holds a broken chain, symbolising the end of Spanish rule and freedom!
Ángel de la Independencia on Av. Paseo de la Reforma, Juárez. Easy walking distance from Fuente de La Diana Cazadora (800 m, 6 min). Insurgentes metro reference stop (line 1) - Get directions
One of the best areas to stay in: along the avenue you will find hotels from the most famous hotel chains, as well as smaller, cheaper guesthouses. This is one of the best places to stay due to its proximity to major attractions and numerous metro stops!
If you're seeking a unique and intimate experience during your visit, the city's boutique hotels stand out as hidden gems, combining personalized service, stylish design, and a distinct sense of charm. Embark on a journey to uncover the best Mexico City boutique hotels and immerse yourselves in their exquisite ambience and hospitality.
10 - Latin American Tower
Photo by Rafael Aparicio. A few steps away from the Palacio de Bellas Artes is one of the most impressive buildings in Mexico: we are talking about the Torre Latina.
This building is about 204 m high and has 44 floors, inside of which are offices, shops, restaurants, hotels and also the Museo de la Torre Latinoamericana. But what is most interesting is the marvellous Mirador, the panoramic terrace with a splendid view of the entire city, located on the top floor. You can buy admission just to climb to the top, or you can opt for the combined mirador + museum ticket. But the tower also offers unique experiences, such as the'Wellness at sunrise presencial', a yoga and fitness session on the terrace while admiring the sunrise!
Dinner or an aperitif with a view: inside the Torre Latinoamericana, at a height of about 120 m, is the Miralto Restaurante. Also equipped with a bar area, the view from here is truly spectacular. Prices are higher than average, but it is a truly unique experience!
How to get there: at Av Independencia 12, Centro Histórico. Easy walking distance from Palacio de Bellas Artes (170 m, 2 min). Bellas Artes metro stop (lines 2 and 8) - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri-Sun 9am-10pm
Ticket price: full 170.00 MXN (€7.15), reduced 100.00 MXN (€4.20). Various packages and experiences available, see official website
11 - Museo de Historia Natural
Photo by Secretaría de Cultura Ciudad de México. If you're travelling as a family, you certainly can't miss a visit to the Museo de Historia Natural, a museum that was created with the aim of getting to know our planet and the life forms that inhabit it! It is located in the beautiful Bosque de Chapultepec, completely surrounded by greenery!
The permanent collections are divided into four sections. The first is the Conjunto de Cuatro Bóvedas, which shows the principle of life and how it has developed over the centuries. The second is Evolución humana, which obviously focuses on the evolution of man. Then follows a section called Biogeografía, movimiento y evolución de la vida, where the focus of the exhibitions and collections is biogeography. Finally, you can admire the marvellous mural Mural de Diego Rivera: El agua, origen de la vida, dedicated to the importance of water in our lives and that of the planet!
Enjoy the beauty ofLago Menor de Chapultepec: the museum is just a stone's throw away from this beautiful lake, where you will also find small cafés and a restaurant. Don't miss a nice walk in the nature after visiting the museum!
How to get there: on Av. de los Compositores, Bosque de Chapultepec. Easy walking distance from the Panteón de Dolores (850 m, 10 min). Constituyentes metro stop (line 7) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, Mon closed
Ticket price: full 25.00 MXN (€1.05), concessions 11.00 MXN (€0.50)
12 - Coyoacán District and Frida Kahlo Museum
Photo by Rod Waddington. Coyoacán, located south of the historic centre, is Mexico City's bohemian neighbourhood, known for its cobbled streets and typical colonial architecture. It is a true haunt of artists, intellectuals and hippies, an area full of art galleries, chakra-study spas and craft markets.
One of the district's main attractions is definitely the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as Casa Azul for the wonderful colour of its walls. It is a quiet place with a beautiful patio full of plants. Here you can learn about the life and works of the famous Mexican painter and artist! The museum is the very house where Frida Kahlo lived with her husband, Diego Rivera, and where she died in 1954.
Plan your visit in advance: this is one of the most visited attractions in Mexico City, with a higher than average entrance fee. We recommend that you book a tour that includes the discovery of the neighbourhood, with admission to the Museum included.
Directions: in Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán. Easy walking distance to Cineteca Nacional de Mexico (700 m, 9 min). Reference bus stop Estación 41434782 (line 116-A) - Get directions
Hours: Coyoacán district always accessible / Museo Frida Khalo Tue-Sun 10am-6pm, closed Mon
Ticket price: Coyoacán district free / Museo Frida Khalo 250.00 MXN (€10.50), weekends 270.00 MXN (€11.35)
13 - Basílica de Guadalupe
If time allows, we recommend a visit to the Basílica de Guadalupe, an important Catholic shrine and pilgrimage site. It is located on Mount Tepeyac, north of the old town.
Construction began in 1794 and it is the main Catholic place of worship in Latin America, as well as the most visited Marian shrine in the world. It was built here to commemorate the apparitions of the Virgin of Guadalupe, now Patron Saint of all Latin America, to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin. The sanctuary consists of several buildings: the Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe, the main church; the expiatory Temple to Christ the King, also known as the Old Basilica; the Temple of the Pocito, a temple built to obstruct access to the well, whose waters were thought to be miraculous; the Parish of the Capuchins, the Chapel of the Cerrito and the Parish of the Indios.
Visit it on 12 December: every year, on this date, the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated, who, according to tradition, appeared on the Tepeyac hill between 9 and 12 December 1531. Many people come from all over Mexico here to celebrate this day, with shows and dances!
How to get there: at Fray Juan de Zumárraga No. 2, Villa Gustavo A. Madero.Easy walking distance from Parque del Mestizaje (700 m, 9 min). Reference metro stop La Villa / Basílica (line 6) - Get directions
Hours: daily 8:45 am - 5:45 pm. Variable hours and limited visits to certain areas during religious celebrations. Consult the official website
Ticket price: free
Other attractions, things to do and excursions in the area
If you have extra time on your hands, there are plenty of other things to see in the city. You can drop by Plaza de la Republica to take a photo in front of the Monumento a la Revolución. You can discover different neighbourhoods, such as Roma Norte, the nightlife district, or Polanco, one of Mexico City's most exclusive districts. The latter is also home to the mainly European art museum Museo Soumaya (free).
If you want to learn more about Frida Kahlo's life, besides the Casa Azul we recommend the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo (35.00 MXN/€1.50). If you love art, you will find the Museo de Arte Moderno (70.00 MXN/€3.00) and the Museo de Arte Popular (60.00 MXN/€2.55).
If you are travelling as a family, there are plenty of activities to do! You can visit the Papalote Museo del Niño (from 99,00 MXN/€4,20), a museum dedicated to children, or visit the Zoológico de Chapultepec zoo (free) and the Jardín Botánico del Bosque de Chapultepec (free).
What to do in Mexico City
Listening to the Mariachis in Plaza Garibaldi: this square is always very lively, especially in the evenings when numerous Mariachi groups dressed in traditional costumes perform.
Discover local gastronomy at the Mercado de la Merced: this is the largest traditional food market in the city, perfect for discovering the flavours and traditions of Mexican culture
Attend the Dìa de Muertos: if you visit Mexico City on this occasion, between 28 October and 2 November, you can't miss the big parades and festivities in the city in memory of the dead, who come back to visit their relatives on these days
Visit the market of La Lagunilla: this is an open-air public market, one of the most famous in all of Mexico. On Sundays it turns into a flea market, with antiques and handicrafts
Taste the street food at the Chilpancingo station: get off at this metro station and let yourself be overwhelmed by the smells and colours of the stalls just outside the exit, here you will find all kinds of Mexican street food
Cruise the canals of Xochimilco: this southern part of the city was once a working-class neighbourhood, while today it is one of the most authentic areas. Board a trajinera, the typical boat, and navigate the canals.
Excursions in the surroundings
Excursion to Teotihuacan at dawn: discover the City of the Gods as the sun rises over this ancient archaeological site. You can also visit an obsidian workshop and taste cactus-based liqueurs.
Hot-air balloon flight over Teotihuacan: You can experience a wonderful sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the ancient archaeological site of Teotihuacan.
Excursion to Taxco and Cuernavaca: explore Taxco, a colonial town famous for its silver work, and the wonderful city of Cuernavaca.
Excursion to Pubela and Cholula: take advantage of your stay in Mexico City to discover the great pyramid of Cholula and the colours of Puebla, enjoy the local food and find out more about the ceramics of Talavera.
Excursion to the Archaeological Site of Cuicuilco: 16 km from the city is one of the oldest archaeological sites located in the Valley of Mexico, near Lake Texcoco. You can admire the ruins and enjoy a fantastic panorama
Excursion to the Parque Nacional Nevado de Toluca: this is an inactive volcano surrounded by extraordinary landscapes, ideal for lovers of extreme sports or nature walks. .
Excursion to the Grutas de Cacahuamilpa: among the largest cave systems in the world, characterised by underground rivers and numerous tunnels carved into the rock.
What to see in a day
With only one day available, some sacrifices are inevitable. You'll have to optimise your time and forego internal visits to some attractions. Here is the complete one-day itinerary.
9:00am - Plaza de la Constitucion and Cathedral
10:00am - Templo Meyor
13:30 - Mercado de la Merced
15:00 - Palacio de Bellas Artes
17:00 - Alemada Central
18:00 - Latin American Tower
19:30 - Plaza Garibaldi and Centro Historico
What to see in 3 days
In 3 days you can dedicate yourself to all the main attractions in the historic centre and the neighbourhoods nearby, discovering the essence of the city. Here is a complete weekend itinerary.
Day 1: Plaza de la Constitució, Catedral Metropolitana, Palacio Nacional, Plaza La Aguilita, Mercado de la Merced, Templo Meyor
Day 2: El Ángel de la Independencia, Paseo de la Reforma, Plaza Garibaldi, Mercado Lagunilla, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Alameda Central, Torre Latinoamericana
Day 3: Altar a la Patria, Castillo de Chapultepec, Bosque de Chapultepec, Museo Nacional de Antropología
What to see in 7 days
In a week, we recommend devoting the first few days to visiting the main sights, and then moving on to the surrounding area to discover local wonders that tell the story of Mexico's history and tradition! Here is the complete itinerary.
Day 1: Plaza de la Constitució, Catedral Metropolitana, Palacio Nacional, Plaza La Aguilita, Mercado de la Merced, Templo Meyor / Distance travelled: 3.9 km - 49 min
Day 2: El Ángel de la Independencia, Paseo de la Reforma, Plaza Garibaldi, Mercado Lagunilla, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Alameda Central, Torre Latinoamericana / Distance travelled: 9.5 km - 1 h 58 min
Day 3: Bosque de Chapultepec, Chapultepec Castle, Botanical Garden, National Museum of Anthropology / Distance travelled: 3.8 km - 48 min
Day 4: Day trip to Puebla and Cholula, transport included / Distance travelled: 284 km - 4 h 20 mi by car
Day 5: Day trip to Teotihuacan, Sanctuary of Guadalupe and Tlatelolco, transport included / Distance travelled: 109 km - 2 h 10 min
Day 6: Day trip to Taxco and Cuernavaca, transport included / Distance travelled: 361 km - 5 h 15 min by car
Day 7: Centro de Coyoacán, Museo Frida Khalo, Coyoacan Market, Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo / Distance travelled: 4.9 km - 1 h 5 min
Informed travel: useful info
Inhabitants: about 9 million
Languages: Spanish (official language), Amerindo, Maya
Local currency: Mexican peso (€1.00 = 0.046 MXN)
Time zone: GMT-7 (-7h compared to Italy)
Vaccinations: there are no compulsory vaccinations but if you want to feel safe consider the anti-malaria recommended during the rainy season
Entry requirements: passport with remaining validity of 6 months from the date of return. Visas are not required for tourist stays, just fill in the entry form given on the plane
How to get there: it is served by theBenito Juarez International Airport, 10 km from the centre, where direct flights from Italy also arrive(compare flights). It is 10,234 km from Rome (11-13 hours flight time).
When to go: the climate is subtropical, mild and hot during the day but cool at night, in winter definitely cold. The best time to visit is from November to May.
Where to sleep: the most comfortable neighbourhoods are Centro Històrico and Reforma, close to the main attractions. If you are looking for movida, opt for Condesa and Roma Norte. Finally, Polanco is an exclusive neighbourhood suitable for families.
Getting around: you will need to use transport, especially the metro, but also taxis and metrobuses. For the surroundings, prefer guided tours.
Security info: avoid the neighbourhoods of Tepito and Iztapalapa. Robberies and thefts occur in the busiest places (metro, bus). Be careful - for more information see the Farnesina website in the Mexico section.
