Written by Andreas Keller, Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
30/07/2025
Victor Armas, Pexels
Mexico City is a vibrant metropolis offering a rich blend of history, culture, art, and modern life. The city attracts visitors with its extensive culinary scene, world-class museums, stunning architecture, and abundant green spaces. It provides a unique experience for various travelers, from first-time explorers to digital nomads and families.
For socializing with other tourists and backpackers, the neighborhoods of Roma Norte and Condesa are popular choices. These adjacent areas are known for their lively atmosphere, with numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes. The Historic Center (Zocalo) also offers social hostels like Casa Pepe, which organize activities for guests. Other areas like Zona Rosa and Juárez also have a bustling nightlife. Hostels across the city are generally good places to meet fellow travelers.
Top 7 Things to do in Mexico City
Visitors can immerse themselves in Mexico City's rich history, art, and culinary scene through archaeological sites, renowned museums, lively cultural experiences, and authentic food tours.
1. Explore the Historic Center (Zocalo and Templo Mayor)
The Zocalo, or Plaza de la Constitución, serves as the heart of Mexico City and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounding this grand square are historical landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, adorned with murals by Diego Rivera. Adjacent to the Zocalo, the archaeological ruins of Templo Mayor, the main temple of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, provide a glimpse into ancient Mesoamerican civilization. The accompanying museum houses thousands of artifacts discovered at the site. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the historic center from the museum's observation deck.
Cost: Entry to the Templo Mayor Museum and archaeological site costs 100 MXN. Admission is free on Sundays for Mexican citizens and foreign residents with a valid FM document. Children under 13, students, teachers, and senior citizens with valid ID enter for free.
Transport: Located in the city center, the Zocalo is easily accessible by taking the Metro to the Zocalo station. Many key attractions within the Historic Center are within walking distance of each other.
2. Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)
The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as La Casa Azul (The Blue House), is situated in the charming Coyoacan neighborhood. This was Frida Kahlo's former residence and has been transformed into a museum dedicated to her life and artistic legacy. Visitors can explore her personal belongings, studio, and a collection of her artworks, offering an intimate insight into the iconic Mexican artist's world. Your admission ticket often includes complimentary access to the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum.
Cost: General admission for foreign visitors is approximately 320 MXN (around $18 USD) when purchased online. Mexican citizens and residents pay 160 MXN. Discounts are available for students, teachers, and seniors with valid identification. Tickets must be purchased online in advance due to high demand and limited capacity, as they frequently sell out.
Transport: The museum is in Coyoacan. It is a popular destination for ride-sharing services like Uber. While public transport is an option, it typically involves a Metro ride followed by a short taxi or walk.
3. Explore the Teotihuacan Pyramids
A day trip to the ancient Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a highly recommended experience. Known as the 'City of the Gods,' this archaeological site features impressive structures such as the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent. The site provides a profound understanding of a sophisticated pre-Hispanic civilization that flourished centuries ago.
Cost: The entry fee to the Teotihuacan site is 95 MXN (cash only). For self-guided visits, a roundtrip bus fare from Mexico City is around 130 MXN. Organized group tours, which often include transportation and a guide, can range from $90 to $100 USD. Private tours with hotel pickup are also available at a higher cost.
Transport: To reach Teotihuacan by public transport, take Metro Line 5 to Autobuses del Norte station. From there, buses depart frequently (approximately every 20 minutes) to the archaeological zone, with a journey time of just over an hour. Alternatively, many tour operators offer convenient transportation directly from various points in Mexico City. Ride-sharing services are also an option, but they are considerably more expensive.
4. Take a Trajinera Ride in Xochimilco
Discover the 'Mexican Venice' by embarking on a colorful trajinera (traditional boat) ride through the ancient canal network of Xochimilco. This lively cultural experience allows visitors to enjoy the unique atmosphere, often accompanied by mariachi music and vendors selling food and drinks from other boats. The trajineras are rented per boat, making it a cost-effective activity for groups.
Cost: The official rate for renting an entire trajinera is 750 MXN per hour, though some online bookings may offer discounts. This price covers the entire boat, which can accommodate up to 18 people. Collective boat rides are available for a single trip at 50 MXN or a round trip for 100 MXN. Live music, such as mariachis, can be hired for an additional fee per song.
Transport: Xochimilco is located south of Mexico City. The most common public transport route involves taking Metro Line 2 (Blue Line) to Tasqueña station, then transferring to the Tren Ligero (light rail) directly to Xochimilco. This journey costs approximately 15 MXN for a Metro card and 5 MXN per trip. Ride-sharing services are also an option, with fares starting around 185 MXN one-way, but travel time can vary significantly due to traffic.
5. Explore Chapultepec Park and the National Museum of Anthropology
Chapultepec Park, often referred to as the 'Lungs of Mexico City,' is one of the largest urban parks globally, offering a vast green space for recreation and cultural exploration. Within the park, visitors can find Chapultepec Castle, a historic residence that now houses the National History Museum. The park is also home to the highly acclaimed National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología), which presents an extensive collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts and exhibits detailing Mexico's diverse indigenous cultures. The museum is large, and a thorough visit can take several hours.
Cost: Entry to Chapultepec Park is free. Specific attractions within the park, such as Chapultepec Castle and the National Museum of Anthropology, have separate admission fees. The National Museum of Anthropology costs 95 MXN, with free entry for Mexican citizens and foreign residents on Sundays, and for children under 13, students, teachers, and seniors with valid ID.
Transport: Chapultepec Park is conveniently accessed via Metro Line 1 (Chapultepec Station) or Metrobús Line 7 (Antropología station). The National Museum of Anthropology is within walking distance of the Chapultepec Castle. Ride-sharing services are also widely available to and from the park.
6. Indulge in a Mexico City Street Food Tour
Mexico City's vibrant street food scene is a highlight for many visitors. A guided street food tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore local markets and sample a wide array of authentic Mexican dishes, including various types of tacos, birria, tortas, and quesadillas. Many tours also offer tastings of traditional beverages like mezcal and local craft beers. It is an immersive way to experience the city's rich culinary culture.
Cost: Prices for street food tours vary based on duration, inclusions, and group size, typically ranging from $21 USD to $135 USD. Options range from short tasting tours to more comprehensive experiences that include market visits and drink pairings.
Transport: Most street food tours are walking tours conducted in specific neighborhoods such as the Historic Center, Roma Norte, or Polanco. They generally start from a central meeting point or offer hotel pickup services.
7. Admire the Palacio de Bellas Artes
The Palacio de Bellas Artes, or Palace of Fine Arts, is a prominent cultural landmark and opera house in Mexico City. Its architecture is a striking blend of Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Baroque styles. The palace hosts various cultural events, including art exhibitions, musical concerts, dance performances, and opera. Inside, visitors can marvel at impressive murals by renowned Mexican artists such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco.
Cost: Entrance fees for the museums within the Palacio de Bellas Artes vary. Tickets for specific performances or events are sold separately.
Transport: Located in the Historic Center, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is easily accessible by Metro at the Bellas Artes station (Line 2). It is also a central point for walking tours of the surrounding area.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
