Mexico City: what's actually worth it
Beneath the gleaming skyscrapers lies Tenochtitlan’s stone skeleton, a reminder that this metropolis was built atop an empire’s ruins. The city feels like a vibrant, chaotic symphony where ancient rituals and modern hustle collide on every corner, creating an electric pulse you can feel in your bones. It is not merely a destination but a living, breathing entity that demands respect for its layers while rewarding curiosity with endless discovery. Come prepared to wander, listen closely, and let the altitude and history wash over you as you navigate this colossal, colorful labyrinth of culture and chaos.
Top things to do in Mexico City
Constitution Plaza
Plaza · ★ 4.7 (323,886 reviews)
Mexico City's main square has roots to the Aztecs & is now the site of frequent cultural events.
Check tours & tickets →Bosque de Chapultepec
Park · ★ 4.7 (267,087 reviews)
This sprawling city park is 686 hectares & features many attractions such as a zoo & museums.
Check tours & tickets →Palacio de Bellas Artes
Cultural Center · ★ 4.8 (194,297 reviews)
Dramatic marble performance hall & museum featuring murals by Diego Rivera & other notable artists.
Check tours & tickets →Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Church · ★ 4.8 (186,173 reviews)
Revered Catholic church & pilgrimage site housing a cloak with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Check tours & tickets →Museo Nacional de Antropología
Museum · ★ 4.8 (91,220 reviews)
Popular anthropology museum showcasing artifacts from as far back as the ancient Maya civilization.
Check tours & tickets →Chapultepec Castle
Castle · ★ 4.8 (88,101 reviews)
This historic hilltop castle with views of Mexico City houses the National Museum of History.
Check tours & tickets →Museo Soumaya
Art museum · ★ 4.8 (70,812 reviews)
Museum housing an extensive art collection, much of it European, in a modern, curving structure.
Check tours & tickets →Monument to the Revolution
Monument · ★ 4.7 (79,762 reviews)
Famous monument dedicated to the Mexican Revolution, with an observation deck & on-site museum.
Check tours & tickets →Latin American Tower Viewpoint
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (58,275 reviews)
Observation area of the prominent skyscraper comprising 6 floors with a museum & telescopes.
Check tours & tickets →Templo Mayor Museum
Museum · ★ 4.8 (34,794 reviews)
Museum showcasing archaeological finds & exhibits related to the Aztec civilization.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
Ling Ling by Hakkasan
Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (41,552 reviews)
Asian-inspired cuisine, sushi & cocktails in a sophisticated skyscraper setting with a terrace.
Website →Churreria El Moro Centro
Dessert Shop · ★ 4.5 (62,707 reviews)
Renowned churrería open 24 hours for churros & hot chocolate.
Website →Casa de los Azulejos
Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (52,592 reviews)
This 18th-century palace with a blue-&-white tile facade is now home to a popular restaurant.
Website →El Cardenal
Mexican Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (21,065 reviews)
Website →Café De Tacuba
Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (27,149 reviews)
Century-old institution known for its spicy house mole recipe, elaborate decor & live mariachi band.
Website →El Cardenal Alameda
Mexican Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (13,255 reviews)
Website →Sonora Grill
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (13,201 reviews)
Website →Los Especiales
Taco Restaurant · ★ 4.3 (25,001 reviews)
Casual restaurant specializing in tacos de canasta (basket tacos).
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
Magical Xochimilco Trajineras
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.4 (7,780 reviews)
Vibrant canal front tourist area offering boat rides, local gifts, tequila & mariachi music.
Check tours & tickets →Get outside
Bosque de Chapultepec
Park · ★ 4.7 (267,087 reviews)
This sprawling city park is 686 hectares & features many attractions such as a zoo & museums.
Website →Parque La Mexicana
City Park · ★ 4.7 (57,764 reviews)
Urban green space with paved trails, play equipment & water features, plus sculptures & restaurants.
Website →Parque Nacional Iztaccíhuatl - Popocatépetl
National Park · ★ 4.6 (33,942 reviews)
National park with 2 volcanoes, offering an educational center, hiking/biking trails & camping.
Website →ACUARIO MICHIN CDMX
Aquarium · ★ 4.6 (29,573 reviews)
Website →Parque México
Park · ★ 4.7 (23,233 reviews)
Leafy, 22-acre urban park known for its art deco architecture, a walking path, playground & dog run.
Website →After dark
La Opera
Bar & Grill · ★ 4.5 (8,280 reviews)
Elaborately decorated 19th-century bar & dining room for traditional dishes & cocktails.
Website →Toledo Rooftop
Bar · ★ 4.5 (6,100 reviews)
Trendy, easygoing rooftop venue serving cocktails & light fare, plus weekend brunch.
Website →Pinche Bar
Bar · ★ 4.5 (5,852 reviews)
Website →Cueva de Lobos
Bar · ★ 4.2 (7,620 reviews)
Well-known watering hole with cocktails & pub grub, plus live bands playing rock music.
Website →More guides
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