Mexico City is 573 square miles, with an overwhelming amount of “things to do.” If this is your first time in CDMX, include at least one of each category below in your itinerary:
Food/Beverages
- Consider street food for at least a couple meals. Tacos, tamales and tortas are the “big three.” Street vendors are located in all neighborhoods. As a rule of thumb, if locals are lined up or gathered around, you’re in for a treat.
- For a snack, be on the lookout for freshly baked churros and conchas.
- There are fine dining establishments in Mexico City and if you book far in advance: Pujol, Dulce Patria, Quintonil and Biko will blow your mind.
- Mezcal is a special liquor made from agave and meant to be sipped. A margarita or tequila-based cocktail should be on your list as well.
Shopping
- There are boutiques in the area, but go to a craft market to get a glimpse into the world of handmade ceramics and handwoven textiles. La Ciudadela is the best craft market in the city center and Bazaar del Sábado in San Ángel is a great option on Saturdays.
- Food markets are worth a wander through to try samples or pick up coffee beans, chilies, mole and spices. It’s also a chance to try something unique. Crickets anyone? Mercado de la Merced is one of the oldest with a wide variety of every fruit, spice and insect.
Architecture
- The neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa are safe and beautiful to walk around. It’s a great first dose of Art Deco style, defined by bold geometric forms and colors. Colima Street in Roma and Francisco Street in Coyoacán are just a couple of examples.
- Luis Barragon is one the most influential architects in Mexico City. His work is all about shapes, shadows and colors in his homes. You can visit his home by appointment only or opt for a tour (below).
- El Zocola is the city center with jaw dropping buildings wherever you look. It’s worth stopping into the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Gran Hotel, Casa de los Azulejos and even the Palacio Postal.
Art
- Frida comes to mind first! You can find her work at the Museo de Arte Moderno and Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo, but if you only have time for one stop Frida Kahlo Museum is the one.
- Diego Rivera painted murals in the fresco style and can be seen at the Palacio Nacional, the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Museo Mural Diego Rivera to name a few.
- Museo Nacional de Antropología is one of the top museums in the world and includes some of the finest collections and treasures over all of the pre-Colombian civilizations located in Mexico.
- Museo Soumaya is billionaire Carlos Slim’s private art collection, but the Museum’s claim to fame is the exterior.
- The Street Art scene is thriving in CDMX. The focus is often Ancient Aztec deities, political movements or modern day subjects. And it’s all free! Though you can find murals and graffiti everywhere, Roma specifically has a good dose of it.
Green Spaces
- Chapultepec Park is one of the largest parks in the world and includes the only castle in Mexico, world renowned museums, restaurants, stores and vendors. It is also possible to find quiet sections of the park (see: hammock and reading zones) to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- There are many smaller parks throughout the city, often with water features, sculptures and food vendors. The perfect place to take in the local culture and the people watching can’t be beat: dog walkers, dancers, painters and more.
Tours
- A Food Tour is an opportunity to be expertly escorted by a local to the best cuisine from restaurants, markets and street food. Bikes and Munchies, Eat Mexico and Club Tengo Hambre offer small curated food tours.
- Many of the best examples of architecture are in private homes. To access these consider taking an Architecture Tour with an architect. The Traveling Beetle includes a sweet ride to the sites.
- Walking tours of the city are the best way to learn as you go.
Day Excursions
- Teotihuacan Pyramids are a collection of temples built around 100BC as part of a ancient busy metropolis.
- Xochimilco is an hour south of the main city center and is the location of canals and gondola-like boats that interact with food vendors, artisans and mariachi bands as they float.
- Izta-Popo National Park has trails through a dormant volcano surrounding some of the highest mountains and views of an active volcano nearby.
Nighttime Activity
- Extra points will be given to anyone who heads to a bar or club for live music and salsa dancing. Mamba Rumba or Mambocafé reign supreme when it comes to this scene.
- Ballet Folkorica is a memorizing performance offered every Wednesday and Sunday in the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes.
- Lucha Libre matches are scheduled Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the two main arenas in the city. It’s silly, dramatic and you’ll be surrounded by thousands of enthusiastic locals who love it.
