Choose from 61 Fun Things to Do in Central Mexico
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Stretching 150 feet (45 meters) above street level, the building sparkles with 16,000 honeycombed, aluminum hexagons, which reflect sunlight and appear to float. While Plaza Carso in the Polanco neighborhood is the museum’s main location, an older, second location at Plaza Loreto dates back to 1994. Between the two, the volume of art is staggering, offering Avant-Garde classics among its hundreds of sculptures. Thanks to its stunning design, the museum is often included in Mexico City's architecture tours.
Malecon
During early morning hours the Malecon stretching between Veracruz and Boca del Rio fills with local runners jogging along the scenic path that wraps around the ocean's edge. But by mid-afternoon, it's travelers that flood the area known for its pre-colonial architecture and fine views of imposing naval ships. Stalls selling handmade crafts and traditional food line the area, and happy couples stroll the promenade eating ice cream cones on hot summer days while listening to musicians perform mariachi music in the streets.
The Malecon's relaxing daytime vibe comes alive at night, when cool breezes bring locals back outdoors to enjoy refreshing drinks at the crowded tables of nearby cafes as traditional folk dancers and live musicians stage acts in the open air.
Practical Info
Weekends tend to get crowded at this popular scenic port. Travelers can dodge the masses by venturing to Malecon in the early mornings or on weekday evenings.
Address: Veracruz, Mexico
From $ 51
Franz Mayer Museum
Opened in 1986 to house, display, and curate Mexico's largest collection of colonial art, this amazing display of artistic wealth is located in a 16th-century Spanish hospital, charming in its own right.
This museum is a delight for antique lovers, history buffs, and art aficionados alike. Presented as a select collection of quality historic pieces that tell the story of Mexico City before Mexico City became what it is today, the Franz Mayer Museum tells its history through decorative items of the period, letting you get a visceral experience of what life was like in colonial Mexico.
Located on the other side of the Museum of Bellas Artes in the Zocalo, the Franz Mayer Museum transports you to a different era and offers an accessible and interesting experience with exhibits from southeast Asia, Europe, England, and Latin America. Be sure to see the pottery, the silver, and the tapestries from Franz Mayer's own collection.
Practical Info
The Franz Mayer Museum is located at Hidalgo 45 in Centro Historico. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is roughly $4.50 for adults and $2.50 for students and teachers with current ID. Note that there is attached parking next door to the museum.
Address: Av. Hidalgo 45, Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., Mexico 06300, Mexico
Admission: Adults: $4.50
From $ 15
Torre Latinoamericana
Built in 1956, the Torre Latinoamericana was once Latin America’s tallest building. And while it’s weathered a handful of major earthquakes, the Torre is no longer the region’s most towering skyscraper (that title belongs to a building in Argentina). Still, impressive city views from the 44th-floor observation deck, strong drinks at the 41st floor lounge and a well-curated museum that showcases the history of the city make this architectural beauty worth checking out.
Travelers say the Torre Latinoamericana offers some of the most breathtaking views around, but it’s best to wait for ideal weather conditions (and days when city smog is under control), otherwise there’s little to see from the Torre’s observation deck.
Practical Info
Torre Latinoamericana is located at Eje Central Lazaro Cardenas 2, near the Ballas Artes metro stop. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. and admission costs about M$70 for adults and M$60 for children. Admission is free to those visiting the bar.
Address: Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 2, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City 06000, Mexico
Admission: Adults: $M70; Children: $M60
From $ 11
Shrine of Guadalupe
Among the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, the Shrine of Guadalupe atop Tepeyac Hill in Mexico City honors the legendary 16th-century appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego, a local peasant. The shrine, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), is devoted to the patron saint of Mexico.
The Basics
Two basilicas now stand at the Shrine of Guadalupe—the Old Basilica (1709) and the New Basilica (1976), which houses Juan Diego’s cloak with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Visitors can also climb the steps to the Capilla del Cerrito, the original hill chapel built on the site of Juan Diego’s vision. Many full-day tours combine a visit to the shrine with a tour of Teotihuacan.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the basilicas is free, but there is an admission fee for the Basilica Museum.
- Dress appropriately in modest clothing—shorts are not allowed.
- The Shrine of Guadalupe is wheelchair accessible.
- The shrine is closed on Mondays.
How to Get There
The Shrine of Guadalupe is located in the La Villa neighborhood in northern Mexico City. To get there, take metro Line 6 to La Villa Basilica, a few blocks from the shrine, or any number of city buses.
When to Get There
With thousands of daily visitors, the Shrine of Guadalupe is always busy, so arrive early to avoid the crowds. The most atmospheric time to visit is on December 12 for the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, when the shrine is the epicenter of countrywide celebrations including parades, special masses, and firework displays.
The Legend of the Shrine of Guadalupe
According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin in December 1531. In his vision, the apparition was a teenage girl who asked the recently baptized Aztec in his native Nahuatl to build a shrine in her honor on Tepeyac Hill. When the Spanish priests refused to believe Juan Diego's tale, she gave him a sign: roses in December. And when he gathered the flowers up in his cloak, her image miraculously appeared on it. Today, Juan Diego’s tilma (cloak) is on display at the Basilica of Guadalupe, and December 12 marks one of Mexico’s holiest celebrations.
Address: Plaza de las Americas 1, Avenida de los Misterios y Calle Fray Juan de Zumárraga, Mexico City, Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Soumaya Museum (Museo Soumaya)
The Soumaya Museum (Museo Soumaya) is more than just another art museum in Mexico—it is home to the incredibly impressive $700 million private collection of one of the world’s wealthiest men. Like a roster of history’s most influential artists, names such as Da Vinci, van Gogh and Matisse inhabit the halls, along with works from Monet, El Greco, Picasso, Dalí and Tintoretto. Lovers of Rodin will take delight in the collection of the artist's sculptures, which is the largest set found outside of France. On par with the world’s most prominent museums, Soumaya is unlike anything else of its kind in Latin America—the towering building itself is a shimmering work of art.
Stretching 150 feet (45 meters) above street level, the building sparkles with 16,000 honeycombed, aluminum hexagons, which reflect sunlight and appear to float. While Plaza Carso in the Polanco neighborhood is the museum’s main location, an older, second location at Plaza Loreto dates back to 1994. Between the two, the volume of art is staggering, offering Avant-Garde classics among its hundreds of sculptures. Thanks to its stunning design, the museum is often included in Mexico City's architecture tours.
Practical Info
Visitors can explore the museum via the spiral ramp and elevators that connect the six thematic floors. The site is open Wednesday through Monday from 10:30am to 6:30pm, and until 8pm on Saturday. Mexico’s largest aquarium, Inbursa, is across the street.
Address: Avenida Revolución and Río Magdalena, Mexico City, Mexico
Hours: Wed–Mon 10:30am–6:30pm (Sat until 8pm)
From $ 240
Xalapa
It’s easy to see why Xalapa, the capital city of the state of Veracruz, is fondly referred to as the San Francisco of Mexico. This colorful urban center has the same laid back charm and electric night life, with an equally youthful vibe. College students buzz through Xalapa’s hilly city streets aboard quick moving scooters, while well-heeled business men and women make their way to work through the bustling business district.
Dozens of popular cafes that line the streets of Xalapa, where, students, travelers and the city’s cultural elite brush elbows over steaming cups of strong brew. The country’s second-largest archaeological collection is housed in the city’s Museo de Antropologia and travelers say the grounds of this unique landmark are worth a visit. The collection of exhibits, which outlines the traditions and artwork of the Totonac and Huastec people, provide a comprehensive history for first-time visitors. Nearby Parque Ecologico Macuiltepetl, a tranquil 40-hectare park, is home to plenty of running trials and offers impressive views of the Xalapa skyline from atop an extinct volcano.
Practical Info
Xalapa is located about 55 miles from Veracruz City. Local buses depart daily and rides cost less than US$5 each way. Since Xalapa attracts a relatively young crowd there are plenty of decent accommodations for travelers on a budget. Museo de Antropologia is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission if 50 Mexican pesos for adults and 25 for students.
Address: Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
From $ 81
Teotihuacan Pyramids
Overview
Known as the City of the Gods, Teotihuacán was the metropolis of a mysterious Mesoamerican civilization that reached its zenith around AD 100. Once the largest city in the region but abandoned centuries before the arrival of the Aztecs, Teotihuacán boasts towering pyramids and stone temples with detailed statues and intricate murals.
The Basics
Designed according to an astronomical orientation, Teotihuacán was given its name, which means “birthplace of the gods,” by the Nahuatl-speaking Aztecs well after its collapse around AD 550. It was one of the largest urban centers in the region during its heyday, organized along a grid pattern. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, though less visited than other archaeological sites in Mexico, Teotihuacán remains largely a mystery.
Opt for an early morning tour with an archaeologist to avoid the crowds that descend later in the day and learn about the site’s highlights, including the Moon Plaza, the Sun Pyramid, the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (the feathered serpent). Teotihuacán is also incorporated into some tours of Mexico City.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Teotihuacán is a must-see for history buffs and those interested in indigenous cultures.
- The steep climb to the top of the Sun Pyramid includes more than 200 steps so requires a reasonable level of fitness.
- Though the pyramids are not wheelchair accessible, the site itself and the restrooms are.
- The site is closed on Mondays, and Mexican residents receive free admission on Sundays.
- On weekends and holidays, a trolley takes visitors from the entry booths to various stops within the site for a small fee.
How to Get There
Located about 30 miles (50 kilometers) northeast of Mexico City, Teotihuacán is accessible by the scenic but long 132D, a winding freeway that can take well over an hour, and 85D, a toll road that will usually get you to the pyramids in about 50 minutes. It's also easy and convenient to take a bus from the Terminal Central del Norte in Mexico City; buses leave at least hourly and are geared toward tourists with limited Spanish skills.
When to Get There
Since locals receive free admission on Sundays, expect more crowds then. Popular Mexican public holidays, such as Independence Day (September 16), the week of Easter, and All Saints Day (November 1) also tend to attract more visitors. In general, in order to beat the crowds, arrive in the early morning either on a private tour or on your own.
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
About a 50-minute drive from Teotihuacán, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe) is the most-visited religious site in Latin America. In 1531, a man professed to see a vision of the Virgin Mary at the site, and a second image is said to have appeared on his cloak. Millions of worshippers come to the basilica every year to see this sacred cloth, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Day is celebrated December 12.
Address: Carretera Mexico Teotihuacan KM 46, San Juan Teotihuacán, Central Mexico, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 8
Zocalo (Plaza de Armas)
This popular gathering spot near in the port state of Veracruz is a hot bed for culture, nightlife, entertainment, song and dance. Both travelers and locals gather inside the lively cafes that line the bustling sidewalks of this town center. Musicians playing Cuban-inspired music gather to perform while traditional dancers take to the streets for impromptu performances.
Stalls selling local food and souvenirs, as well as bars serving strong drinks and restaurants dishing Mexican cuisine make this car-free area perfect for curious pedestrians looking to explore. Colonial architecture lines the square, which fills with locals after dusk and on weekends. Travelers love the salsa clubs in close proximity but agree that there’s plenty of dancing in the streets of this Zocala, too.
Practical Info
Zocalo is located in Queretaro on Calle Luis Pasteur near the corner of Libertad, north of Jose Ma. Pino Suarez.
Address: Calle Luis Pasteur, Veracruz, Mexico
From $ 51
Xochimilco
With its brightly painted trajineras (flat-bottomed boats), traditional chinampas (floating gardens), and network of flower-perfumed canals, Xochimilco—the “Flower Garden”—is the kind of place that will have you reaching for your camera at every turn.
The Basics
The floating gardens of Xochimilco make an easy half-day trip from Mexico City, and the quintessential way to explore is a traditional trajinera boat ride around the Xochimilco canals and islands. Xochimilco tours are often combined with a Mexico City sightseeing tour, visits to historic sites such as the National University of Mexico or the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, or a tour of the Coyoacán neighborhood, where highlights include the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum and the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Opt for a 2-hour boat tour to fully explore the site.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing so you can easily climb on and off the boats.
- Some of the larger trajineras offer food, drinks, and mariachi music on-board.
How to Get There
The Gardens of Xochimilco are located about 14 miles (23 kilometers) south of the Zócalo in Mexico City. To get there by public transport, take Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña station. From there, the Tren Ligero trains runs directly to Xochimilco; follow the signs to the embarcadero on arrival.
When to Get There
Xochimilco can get crowded; locals and tourists alike visit on weekends and holidays. The festive atmosphere is all part of the experience, but opt for a weekday or early-morning visit if you prefer to avoid the crowds.
The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco
Xochimilco’s floating gardens are the last vestige of Mexico’s elaborate chinampas—the agricultural system set up by the ancient Aztecs. Devised to make the most of the fertile lake lands of the Anahuac Valley, the chinampas are comprised of small, man-made islands of farmland linked by a network of canals. Though most of the Aztecs' massive system of canals have long since been drained, the suburb of Xochimilco offers a glimpse into the ancient beauty of Tenochtitlán, and the remarkably preserved site is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Address: Xochimilco, Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 29
Museo Memoria y Tolerancia
Museo Memoria y Tolerancia does more than explore Mexico's history of violence and its role in aiding Holocaust survivors. Built in 1999, this groundbreaking museum examines the impact of genocide through eye-opening exhibits that increase awareness of all global violence"”from North America to Sub-Saharan Africa.
The museum is divided into two major sections, as its name suggests"”Memory and Tolerance. Memory galleries tell the story of the Holocaust, Balkan Conflict and the Rwandan genocide, as well as devastation in Cambodia, Guatemala and Darfur. The Tolerance wing explores the impact of language on discrimination and prejudice and offers a roadmap to acceptance of differences on a more global level. Together, these galleries illustrate the international struggle between harm and hope, leaving visitors with a new appreciation for human rights and human strength.
The museum is divided into two major sections, as its name suggests"”Memory and Tolerance. Memory galleries tell the story of the Holocaust, Balkan Conflict and the Rwandan genocide, as well as devastation in Cambodia, Guatemala and Darfur. The Tolerance wing explores the impact of language on discrimination and prejudice and offers a roadmap to acceptance of differences on a more global level. Together, these galleries illustrate the international struggle between harm and hope, leaving visitors with a new appreciation for human rights and human strength.
Practical Info
The museum is located in downtown Mexico City on Avenida Juarez in Juarez Square. It is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Address: Plaza Juarez S/N, Centro, Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de Mexico, Distrito Federal 06000, Mexico
Hours: Tue-Fri 9am-6pm; Sat-Sun 10am-7pm
Admission: Admission: $65; Senior/Student: $49
From $ 15
San Angel Market
Home to monuments, historic residences, and a cultural center, the San Angel neighborhood is a charming respite from busy Mexico City. But, one day a week, the Saturday Bazaar (Bazar del Sábado) bustles with activity, with vendors selling art and crafts, original paintings and sculptures, and cheap eats.
The Basics
Surrounded by tree-lined cobblestoned streets and the former mansions of wealthy aristocratic residents, the San Angel Market is considered the go-to shopping spot for arts and handicrafts in Mexico. You’ll be able to find a range of souvenirs, from inexpensive hammered-tin milagros to pricy original paintings and sculptures, paper flowers, and embroidered wares.
Plus, the usual assortment of fresh produce and local fare is sold. Walking food tours of the market are available and offer an introduction to Mexican cuisine, including tacos, quesadillas, and pozole.
Things to Know Before You Go
- As the name implies, the Saturday Bazaar is only open on Saturdays, 10am–5pm; some vendors may open later.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the market and bring a tote for collecting any souvenir buys.
- The restaurant inside the market specializes in quesadillas and features live music, but there are other food stalls nearby that offer cheaper eats.
How to Get There
The San Angel neighborhood is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of central Mexico City. There is no direct metro stop at the market, but Metro Line 3's Miguel Ángel de Quevedo station is a little more than 1 mile (2 kilometers) away and the Line 7’s Metro Barranca de Muerto station, along Avenida Revolución, is also close. Buses connect both stops to Plaza San Jacinto. Some tours also provide round-trip transportation from Mexico City.
When to Get There
Of course, the best time to visit the San Angel Market is on Saturdays, but the surrounding historic neighborhood also features popular sights, such as the historic Plaza San Jacinto, cafes, and shops. Several small museums, including the Museo Casa Estudio (the former art studio and home of Mexican artist Diego Rivera and his wife Frida Kahlo) and the Parroquia de San Jacinto, a 16th-century church, are also there.
Museo Casa Estudio
Built in 1931, this complex consists of three buildings: two studio-houses (one for Rivera and another for his wife Frida Kahlo) and a photo lab. A must-visit for art lovers, the Museo Casa Estudio now features many works by the two artists, including a collection of Rivera’s papier-mâché or cartoneria figures of humans, skeletons, and animals. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10am–5:30pm.
Address: Plaza San Jacinto, Avenida Revolución, Mexico City, Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 69
Tlacotalpan
Brightly colored houses with Spanish tiled roofs line the streets of Tlacotalpan, a lively city and river port near the Gulf of Mexico. The architecture, culture, history and tradition of this popular place have made it a destination for visitors looking to experience real Mexico.
Whether it’s taking a scenic boat ride along the Papaloapan River, exploring the neoclassical architecture of the town, or spending an afternoon at Zaragoza Square before enjoying a traditional dinner by the water, Tlacotalpan is ripe with entertainment options. Visitors should be sure to stop by the iconic Church of the Candelaria and Hidalgo Park, as well as the local hub of old-world history, the Agustin Lara House of Culture.
Practical Info
Tlacotalpan is located about 62 miles south of Vera Cruz City. The annual Candlemas Festival begins on January 31 and takes place for eight days. A statue of the Virgin of Candlemas is carried through the streets and locals enjoy nightly fireworks as well as traditional food, song and dance.
Address: Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, Mexico
From $ 96
Tamayo Museum
In the late 1960s, Rufino Tamayo began utilizing his vast wealth to collect what has become a stunning display of international contemporary art. Not wanting to display the artwork in anything but a conceptually fitting structure, Rufino Tamayo worked with architects Abraham Zabludovsky and Teodoro Gonzalez de Leon to complete this iconic and compelling modern art museum.
Before passing, Tamayo gifted the collection and building to the Mexican people, and established a trust for the operational and maintenance costs of running one of the most successful museums in Mexico’s history. Today, visitors to this amazing structure can walk the halls of the museum and study the masterworks of artistic greats such as Picasso, Joan Miro, and Rene Magritte, as well as a finely curated selection of contemporary exhibits that tour regularly.
Practical Info
The Tamayo Museum is located in Chapultepec Park at Paseo de la Reforma No. 51. It is open from 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday, and admission costs roughly $10. On Sunday, admission is free.
Address: Paseo de la Reforma 51, Bosque de Chapultepec, Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., Mexico 11580, Mexico
Admission: $10
From $ 15
San Pedro Cholula
San Pedro Cholula is a municipality located in the town of Cholula, which is part of the Mexican state of Puebla. Its many historic sites plus its under the radar atmosphere makes it an excellent area of Mexico to visit.
A top site in San Pedro Cholula is the Place de la Concorde, which is the main plaza in Cholula and is where much of the action occurs. An aesthetically defining aspect of the plaza is Los Portales, a blue wall consisting of 46 arches that stretches down one side of Place de la Concorde. The San Gabriel Monastery is another prominent site in Cholula; it was built on the site of the Quetzalcoatl Temple in the mid-1500s and is one of the largest Franciscan monasteries in Mexico.
The site that draws the most attention for visitors to San Pedro Cholula, though, is the Great Pyramid of Cholula, an ancient pre-Columbian temple that has the largest pyramidal base of any structure in the world. It also happens to be buried underground. Construction began after it was discovered in 1910 to unearth part of the pyramid and today visitors can walk through pathways beneath the earth to explore the Great Pyramid of Cholula. A hike to the top of the outside of the pyramid provides great views of Cholula and the surrounding area.
Practical Info
San Pedro Cholula is located about a two hour drive from Mexico City and makes for a great day trip. It’s also ideal to stay at one of the many hotels in Cholula and spend a few days exploring the area. If just doing a quick trip, make sure to time it with the hours the Great Pyramid of Cholula is open, which is luckily easy to do as it is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: San Pedro Cholula, Mexico
From $ 47
San Juan Bautista Church
San Juan Bautista Parish is a church located in the Coyoacan neighborhood of Mexico City that is one of the oldest churches in Mexico City. San Juan Bautista is a Catholic church known for its blend of baroque and colonial architecture. It is a focal point of the historic square Plaza Hidalgo, which attracts many visitors of the city. In 1934, the church became a National Monument of Mexico.
San Juan Bautista church dates back to the late 1500s, when it was constructed during the Franciscan order. The whitewashed and stone exterior still dates back to the 16th century. Inside, however, not much from its early days remain, though a recent reconstruction was done that strived to stay true to the church’s original aesthetics. The renovation has returned the church to a glorious splendor of art and decoration. As you walk down the long nave, you’ll do so under a spectacular carved ceiling that has relief designs sculpted into it. The gilded altar gleams at the front of the church with opulent sculptures adorning the gleaming gold.
Practical Info
San Juan Bautista Church is located on the eastern side of Plaza Hidalgo and is free to enter. It is still used for weekly service and mass is conducted every Sunday.
Address: Mexico City, Mexico
From $ 39
San Juan Market
One of the oldest markets in the city, the San Juan Market (Ernesto Pugibet Market) was established in colonial times and is over 150 years old. One of the most popular places to shop in the city, the market had simple roots, once beginning as people put things out upon blankets on the ground. Perhaps it is for precisely this reason that San Juan Market has excelled where others have failed. Known for its gourmet products and its exotic ingredients, the gathering is what all markets hope to be – unique, genuine and useful.
Look for La Jersey, a famous stall where imported delicacies are sold, such as foie gras, French cheeses and Italian meats. There is also Café Triana where you’ll taste the finest in Mexican organic coffees. Other stalls sell everything from quail to venison to shark.
Practical Info
Located at Ernesto Pugibet 21 in Centro Historico, the market runs Sunday through Friday from about 8am to 4pm.
Address: Calle Ernesto Pugibet 21, Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico, Mexico
From $ 60
Six Flags Mexico
Perhaps the most popular (and most recognizable) amusement park in the world, Six Flags is a roller coaster theme park filled with comic, cartoon and mythological characters that never fails to impress both the young and the young-at-heart. Packed with rides that thrill and delight, Six Flags Mexico has a total of 48 rides from which to choose, eight of them mind-bending, exhilarating roller coasters with two of them being water rides that soak and surprise.
Located on the southern edge of Mexico City, Six Flags Mexico is the only Six Flags operating in Latin America, and has a huge draw. Known for its comic and cartoon themes, this amusement park is laid out like a minor city. Stroll with your family through Pueblo Mexicano (Mexican Village), Pueblo Frances (French Village), Pueblo Polinesio (Polynesian Village), Hollywood, Pueblo Suizo (Swiss Village), Pueblo Vaquero (Cowboy Town) and El Circo de Bugs Bunny (The Bugs Bunny Circus). Each has its own charms, restaurants, and rides suited to the particular nuances of the area they represent. Clearly the best family-friendly adventure in Mexico City, Six Flags Mexico City provides a taste of the world and thrills to match.
Practical Info
Six Flags Mexico City is located in the southwestern end of the city. Food and drink are widely available.
Address: Carr. Picacho-Ajusco Km 1.5, Tlalpan, Heroes de Padierna, Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico 14200, Mexico
From $ 30
Piedra Herrada Sanctuary
Each autumn as many as a billion monarch butterflies from across the United States and Canada migrate south to the forests of central Mexico in one of the planet's most spectacular animal migrations. Piedra Herrada Sanctuary is one of a few areas of the UNESCO-listed Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve open to the public.
Visitors trek into the forest on horseback before continuing on foot to a remote roost where monarchs are known to congregate. During butterfly season, the area's fir trees are coated in an undulating blanket of orange and black wings, with occasional pockets of butterflies bursting into flight and filling the sky. As one of the biosphere reserve's newer areas, Piedra Herrada Sanctuary sees fewer visitors, lending the experience a more isolated feel.
Practical Info
All visitors to Piedra Herrada Sanctuary must be accompanied by a guide.
Address: Los Saucos, Central Mexico, Mexico, Mexico
From $ 1,695
Reforma 222
Reforma 222 is Mexico City's version of a supermall. Filled with shopping opportunities that reflect both the best the world has to offer and the unique Mexico City cultural experience, Reforma 222 is a shopping lover's ideal getaway. Consisting of three towers that rival the very tallest buildings in Mexico, the glass-covered shopping center features some of the highest-end shopping in the city. Swarovski, Lacoste and Zara can all be found here, as well as some of Mexico's finest and most successful eateries (and even distilleries).
Located along the famous Paseo de la Reforma in the midst of Mexico City's highest skyscrapers, Refoma 222 makes for a paradisiacal, air-conditioned shopping escape in the heart of the city's famous thoroughfare.
Practical Info
Located just off the Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City, Reforma 222 is free to enter. Parking is plentiful and also free.
Address: San Miguel Amantla, Azcapotzalco, Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., Mexico 02000, Mexico
From $ 15
Zocalo
Located at the heart of Mexico City in the center of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, Plaza de la Constitucion—better known as Zocalo—is where old and new Mexico meet. Pre-Hispanic ruins exist side-by-side with impressive colonial structures, and white-collar workers stroll among cultural performers and traditional art vendors. This city-block square is also a gathering place for political protest and cultural celebration—and it’s an ideal spot to savor the flavor of real Mexico City.
Tour nearby Palacio Nacional, just east of Zocalo, where massive murals by Diego Rivera depict the nation’s vibrant history. Next, pass through the doors of Catedral Matropolitana for a look at religious colonial art and impressive golden altars. When it’s time for a break head to the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico, where incredible views and strong drinks from the terrace bar round out the perfect day.
Tour nearby Palacio Nacional, just east of Zocalo, where massive murals by Diego Rivera depict the nation’s vibrant history. Next, pass through the doors of Catedral Matropolitana for a look at religious colonial art and impressive golden altars. When it’s time for a break head to the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico, where incredible views and strong drinks from the terrace bar round out the perfect day.
Practical Info
Zocalo is easily accessible from the city’s metro system. It’s worth spending some extra time in the station to examine made-to-scale replicas of the square throughout history.
Address: Plaza de la Constitución S/N, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, D.F. 06010, Mexico
From $ 15