17 Must Do Things to do in Mexico City

Mexico City is one of the coolest cities in the world. What might stand out to you when you first visit here is how big the city is. Visiting Mexico City for the first can feel extremely overwhelming, having the pressure to see and do everything. This is how I felt when I visited here recently. I had saved so many places but had absolutely no idea where to start! This is why I have put together a list of must things to do in Mexico City. With good planning, you can manage to do all of these in about 3-4 days, although the city is huge and it is okay if you want to relax and take it slow.

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Where to stay in Mexico City

Mexico City is huge and consists of many areas worth visiting, so it can be difficult to choose where to stay, especially for first time visitors.

The best areas to stay near are Roma Norte, Condesa and Polanco. These are the areas that are considered the safest, most walkable, and offer a great variety of restaurants, bars and shops.

For the perfect city hotel that combines style and location, you have to choose Volga Hotel.

Located between the Historic Centre, Roma Norte, Condesa and Polanco, the hotel is the perfect base for exploring Mexico City. The design combines contemporary aesthetics with unique, modern design. The rooms are very comfortable and the hotel also has a stunning roofop terrace, with a pool and great views. There is also a speakeasy bar downstairs that turns into a club at night!

So if you are looking for a unique hotel in Mexico City, I would highly recommend Volga.

Things to do in Mexico City

1. Do a food tasting tour

One of the must do experiences in Mexico City is trying all the different food the city offers. It is known to be a foodie city, and the food that you try here will be some of the best you have in your life.

We decided to do this food tour on Viator as one of the first activities in the city. We had a local guide who took us to places in the centre such as the Mercado de San Juan and some local restaurants to try some Mexican specialties. It was an amazing way to familiarise ourselves with the area and learn about what the real Mexican food is, other than the tacos and burritos that we are used to back home.

Some of the food we tried on the tour includes specialties such as mole, tacos, grasshoppers and more.

If you are someone who loves discovering hidden gems and discovering the local culture through food, I definitely recommend this tour.

2. Explore Roma Norte

If you want to experience the most vibrant neighbourhood of Mexico City, don’t miss a chance to spend the day in Roma Norte. The area is filled with charming boutiqes, restaurants and food stalls, and this is also where you will find some of the best food spots in Mexico City.

Roma Norte offers so much in terms of things to do, you can definitely spend the whole day walking around this area.

Firstly, I need to mention the shopping because it was the best. The boutiques here sell some of the most unique souvenirs, so if you want to do a little bit of shopping this is definitely the area to visit.

Secondly, the food. It is worth coming to Roma Norte for the food scene alone. There are multiple Michelin restaurants in this area, such as Maximo and Rosetta. There are plenty of street food options too, such as Jennie’s Quesadillas. You will definitely not go hungry here!

It is best to visit during the day. You can see people here walking their dogs, enjoy the atmosphere and just wander around and get lost. There are many photogenic corners, murals and grand buildings, you will not be able to stop taking pictures.

3. Visit Panaderia Rosetta

Right here in Roma Norte is the most famous bakery in Mexico City – Panaderia Rosetta.I heard about the hype and decided to try it.

Once here, be prepared to wait a while as the queue can get quite long. We were able to give our name and walk around the area while we waited. It took about 1 hour to get a table. Alternatively, you can also get takeaway pastries.

The pastries are a mix of buttery, flaky croissants and seasonal pastries that reflect the time of the year. If you are looking for a recommendation, the guava roll is the most famous pastry to get here and a must try.

4. Try Jenni’s Quesadillas

Jenni’s Quesadillas is probably the most famous street food stall in Mexico City. Located in Roma Norte, this is not a restaurant, but serves the most delicious quesadillas.

What makes it unique is the approach they use to make the quesadillas. Each one is made by hand, from white or blue corn tortillas. You can then choose from a variety of fillings of what to put inside. You will find classic options like cheese and mushrooms to more adventurous ones like flor de calabaza (squash blossom) or huitlacoche, often referred to as Mexican truffle.

It is not only the most delicious quesadilla you will try, but you will also get to experience and get a glimpse inside the local life in Mexico City at an affordable price.

5. Visit the Frida Kahlo museum

The Frida Cahlo Museum in Mexico City is one of the most famous museums to visit here. Located in the colourful Coyoacan neighbourhood it deserves a half day trip of its own.

My biggest step is to book your tickets very far in advance. Two weeks before my trip I was checking tickets on every website and unfortunately they were already sold out. Here is a link to book your tickets. 

Inside the museum, you will find Frida Carlos’s former house where she lived and worked. It is a beautiful inside into her life. It is very fascinating to visit whether you’re a fan of her oror don’t know much about her life. 

The Coyoacan neighbourhood nearby is also very nice for a stroll. You can enjoy the markets here and the colourful buildings.

6. Go to Biblioteca de Vasconzelos

One of the most unique things to do in Mexico City, which is not on every Guide is visiting the Biblioteca de Vasconzelos. 

This is a library, which feels like it is straight out of a sci-fi movie. You will find him multiple floors stacked on top of one another all hundreds of books.

It is a very relaxing place to visit and to just take a stroll and get lost inside the library or just take some pictures. 

Sometimes there are events that are being held inside the library so you can also get a nice glimpse of the local life.

7. National Museum of Anthropology

The National Anthropology Museum is considered to be one of the most important museums in all of Mexico and it is a must do in Mexico City. Even if you’re not usually a fan of museums, this is a museum that absolutely cannot be missed. It offers an incredible glimpse into the country’s history, indigenous cultures and ancient civilisations.

Inside the museum, you will find multiple holes each one is dedicated to a different culture all of them dating back thousands of years. 

You can definitely spend hours here as the details are incredible. The museum itself is very modern and beautiful. I would also recommend getting a guide in order to learn more about the history of the artefacts. 

So if there’s only one museum you visit in Mexico City, let it be this one.

8. Chocolate museum

For something a little bit different one of the best things to do in Mexico City is visiting the chocolate museum in the Juárez neighbourhood. It is located inside a courtyard that feels like someone’s home. It is also a very small museum so you won’t need to spend our hair but it is very interesting to learn the cultural significance of chocolate in Mexico.

The Museum takes you through the origins of cacao and through its history, and how it evolved into a delicious desert that we know today. It is fascinating to learn how cacao was once considered sacred by the Maya and Aztecs. 

It feels more of an interactive experience rather than a museum visit and it is very easy to do in one hour or less. 

At the end of the museum, you also have the café where you can try delicious Mexican hot chocolate as well as taste and buy some chocolates to take home as well. 

9. Have a Michelin meal at Maximo

A visit to Mexico City is not complete without a Michelin star meal. Mexico City is known for its food and the Michelin restaurants here are some of the best in the world. 

Maximo is an exceptional restaurant located in the Roma Norte neighbourhood.

As you walk in, you see the open kitchen setting as a chef’s work tirelessly to prepare every curated meal. The setting itself is absolutely stunning with an open space and lots of natural light. We came here for lunch and it was a very memorable experience.

The menu is seasonal which means that every visit can be slightly different and the cuisine is inspired by Mexican and French influences. Every dish is presented in an incredible and unique way and the taste of them all will surprise you. 

Another famous restaurant to try is Pujol, but if you cannot get a reservation there, then Maximo is also absolutely lives up to the hype.

10. Handshake Speakeasy Bar

This hidden bar in Mexico City has been crowned the number one bar in the world multiple times so it definitely deserves a spot on your Mexico City bucket list.

Located inside the NH Collection Hotel, the experience starts with a secret door. You’re escorted downstairs, the door opens—and suddenly you’re inside one of the most exclusive speakeasies in the city.

The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between upscale and cosy. The bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable and attentive, guiding you through the menu and making cocktails that are bold, inventive, and genuinely unforgettable. You will try here some of the most unique cocktails which you can watch being made right in front of you. The fig martini was one of my favourites!

Make sure to reserve the bar in advance as it does get booked up very easily.

11. Lucha Libre match

For a completely different side of Mexico City than watching a Lucha Libre match is one of the most fun things to do here. It is loud chaotic and incredibly fun. Even if you’re not into wrestling, 

The match takes place at Arena Mexico, which is the home of Lucha Libre and one of the most iconic wrestling venues in the world. 

Inside the crowd is electric – everyone is shouting booing and passionately supporting their favourite wrestlers. 

The match itself is very fun and entertaining to watch the wrestlers fling themselves from the ropes onto the ground and it is overly dramatic making it an entertaining spectacle. It is almost more of a theatrical experience than a wrestling match.

Even if you don’t understand Spanish, it is impossible not to get caught up in the atmosphere. 

12. Walk around in Parque Mexico

To get a glimpse into the daily life of the locals, head to Parque Mexico. Located near the charming neighbourhood of Condesa, this is a pretty large park in the middle of the city. It is a nice place to escape from the busy city life and to do some people watching.

In the centre of the park, you will find an open air theatre and a small pond, where you can see the locals catching up with friends, walking their dogs and relaxing in the greenery.

In the morning, the park offers a more quiet and relaxing vibe, but in the afternoon you can also sometimes spot people dancing, musicians, and a more lively atmosphere.

13. Palacio de Bellas Artes

This building has to be the most iconic one in Mexico City. Located in the historic centre, it is immediately recognisable as soon as you reach the main square. The style of the building is a mix of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles.

Inside the builing, you will find iconic murals by some of Mexico’s most famous artists, such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco.

Apart from the art, the building is a performance venue and holds multiple events from ballet to opera. It may be worth booking a ticket to see a show here and if not, the building is still very impressive to check out from the outside.

Tip: for the best views of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, head across the street to the top floor of Sears. Here you will find a bar where you can have a drink with a view, but be prepared to wait in the queue,

14. Try El Moro Churros

Founded in 1935, this is an iconic churros spot in the Mexico City that you need to try. El Morro Churros serves churros that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a side of rich Mexican hot chocolate.

For the true authentic experience, make sure to order the signature hot chocolate. They offer different types of chocolates to choose from – rich, thick Mexican chocolate or more Spanish-style, which is easier for dipping churros into. During the warmer months, they also offer iced chocolate drinks and coffee which is the perfect refreshing alternative to hot chocolate.

The best part is that the central location at Eje Central stays open 24/7. There are also other locations throughout the city where you can try the churros, such as in Condesa and Roma Norte, however, the central location is the most iconic. With its neon sign and vintage interior, it was remained unchanged for many years.

15. Walk around Polanco

Polanco is another stylish neighbourhood in the city. It is often compared to New York’s Upper East Side or 16th arrondissement in Paris. The area is best known for tree lined streets, luxury shops, high end restaurants and impressive architecture.

Start your exploration at Avenida Presidente Masaryk, the most expensive and luxury shopping street in Mexico City. The street is very safe, walkable and ideal for a stroll even if you don’t want to do any shopping.

Polanco is also home to Pujol, the world’s best restaurant. If you can get a reservation here, great, but if not, the surrounding area is also great to visit. You can find here a mix of speciality coffee shops, bakeries, rooftop bars and more.

The best way to explore Polanco is by wandering by foot in the streets. This way you will discover lots of of hidden gems, and come across some beautiful shops, cafes, and courtyards. This area feels much calmer than the packed historic centre, while also showcasing the energy and creativity that Mexico City offers.

16. Teotihuacan pyramids day trip

For something truly unique to do in Mexico City, visiting the Teotihuacán Pyramids is one of the best day trips you can take. It takes about an hour to get here but it is definitely one of the most impressive places you will see in CDMX.

Teotihuacán was once one of the largest cities in the world. It flourished between the 1st and 7th centuriues AD and today it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The pyramids are a truly impressive site and best explored on foot. Start your visit by walking along the Avenue of the Dead, the main boulevard. The two main pyramids that you cannot miss are the Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun. As you wander around, you can also take in the spectacular views of the ancient city and imagine what it must have looked like.

I would highly recommend a guided tour if you are interested about learning more about the history of the city and how the pyramids came to be.

However, the most popular activity here that I highly recommend is the sunrise hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacán. It is an activity like no other and a must do in Mexico City if you have the time.

17. El castillo de Chapultepec

El Castillo de Chapultepec is the only royal castle in North America to have housed actual monarchs. Located 2,325 meters above sea level, the castle is not only fascinating to visit inside, but also offers panoramic views over the city.

The Castle was originally built in the 18th century as a summer residence for the Spanish Viceroy. Today, the inside is a Natural Museum of History. You can tour the castle to see the grand rooms, historic artefacts and exhibitions. At the same time you can learn about the history of Mexico, from the Spanish conquest to the Mexican revolution.

You can book a guided tour of the castle here.

The real highlight of visiting Chapultepec Castle is visiting the Chapultepec Park that the castle is located in. The park itself is quite big and you will find here walking trails, museums and lakes. I would suggest to put away a few hours to enjoy your visit here.

To get up to the castle, it takes about 15-20 minutes. However a shuttle is offered for those who do not wish to walk as well.

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I hope that this travel guide has been helpful in helping you plan your upcoming trip to Mexico City. Mexico City is one of my favourite cities that I have ever visited. It feels safe, clean, the food is unbelievable, and it offers something for everyone.

If you are visiting Mexico City for the first time, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore beyond the touristy spots. Every area has its own charm, and so many places to discover.

Whether you are combining your trip with other places in Mexico or visiting the city on its own, I believe that Mexico City belongs on every traveller’s bucket list.