Choose from 51 Fun Things to Do in Mexico City
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Murales de Diego Rivera
No trip to Mexico City is complete without a stop at Murales de Diego Rivera. Here, visitors can see the country’s most famous work of art by perhaps the nation’s most beloved artist. The massive fresco “Dream on a Sunday Afternoon in the Alamdea” was painted in 1947 and originally housed in the grand ballroom of the Hotel del Prado, before damage from a major earthquake sent the mural to its current location.
Measuring 15 meters by four meters, Rivera’s well-known mural depicts epic moments in Mexico’s history and includes famous political leaders as well as commonplace citizens. A nearby sketch identifies the multiple historic figures represented in Rivera’s masterpiece, and while it’s possible to see the fresco in a matter of minutes, visitors should allow at least an hour to truly enjoy the rich details this great work has to offer.
Measuring 15 meters by four meters, Rivera’s well-known mural depicts epic moments in Mexico’s history and includes famous political leaders as well as commonplace citizens. A nearby sketch identifies the multiple historic figures represented in Rivera’s masterpiece, and while it’s possible to see the fresco in a matter of minutes, visitors should allow at least an hour to truly enjoy the rich details this great work has to offer.
Practical Info
The museum is located in Calle Colon near the Hilton Hotel and is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. It is closed Mondays. Admission is just 19 pesos.
Address: Balderas y Colon s/n, Centro Historico, Ciudad de Mexico, DF, Mexico
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission: Admission: $19 pesos
From $ 48
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
Jamaica Market (Mercado de Jamaica)
When it comes to cities at altitudes over 7,000 feet, flowers aren’t usually the very first thing associated with a market. Here at Jamaica Market, however, in the heart of Mexico City, colorful flowers appear by the truckload to fill the air with the sweet scents of roses, hydrangeas, and lilies. At this bustling wholesale flower market, families shop for white flowers they’ll need for an upcoming funeral, or lovers purchase bags of rose petals—available by the kilo. The stalls are a rainbow of brilliant colors, the air a fragrant elixir, and flower prices are so shockingly low they’re almost too good to believe. The tens of thousands of flowers aside, Jamaica Market is also known for its stalls of colorful produce, as well as authentic, exceptional street food at prices that travelers will love.
Insider Tip: Many of the trucks arrive at around 8pm, when it’s possible to find deals that are even cheaper than the already rock bottom prices. Also, the market floor can be covered in puddles—so best to wear closed toed shoes.
Practical Info
Jamaica Market is located 15 minutes south of the central historical district. The market is open 24 hours, and is relatively safe at all hours, provided you take regular precautions.
Address: Guillermo Prieto 45, Jamaica, Mexico City, Mexico
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
From $ 99
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
Leon Trotsky Museum
Located in the Coyoacan borough of Mexico City sits a well-known monument in honor of a government dissenter. The Trotsky Museum honors the famous Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky, known for his participation in the Bolshevik Revolution, his distaste for the rich and his adamant disapproval of then-Russian leader Stalin. Trotsky and his family fled to Mexico following a death warrant being issued for him in 1939.
It was here, in this house-turned-museum, that Trotsky spent his final days and survived one assassination attempt before succumbing to a second. Bullet holes from the first attempt are still embedded in the walls, and the rest of the museum also keeps the look and feel of the era when Trosky and his family lived here in exile.
The museum includes the house, a garden area and outer walls with a guard tower. The complex was declared a historic monument in 1982, and in 1990, on the 50th anniversary of Trotsky’s assassination, it was also made into a foundation that promotes political asylum for those being persecuted by their governments.
Practical Info
The Trotsky Museum is just a few blocks away from the Frida Kahlo Museum in the Coyoacan borough of Mexico City. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm, and ticket prices are roughly $3.50. It is free to enter on Sunday.
Address: Rio Churubusco 410, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., Mexico 04100, Mexico
Admission: $3.50
From $ 2
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
Mexico City Great Temple (Templo Mayor)
Overview
What remains of the Aztecs’ Great Temple (Templo Mayor) sits right in the middle of Mexico City, but many tourists miss it. In 1978, a massive, 8-ton (7,000-kilogram) stone depicting Coyolxauhqui (the Aztec goddess of the moon) was unearthed, marking the location of the temple, a gathering place sacred for the Aztecs during the 1300s and 1400s.
The Basics
Located next to the Metropolitan Cathedral, close to the Zócalo, the ruins of the Great Temple currently consist of walls embedded with stuccoed skulls and enormous carvings dedicated to Tlaloc (the god of storms) and Huitzilopochtli (the god of war). Throughout the 1980s, excavation revealed an unprecedented trove of treasures from the Aztec Empire, with more and more being uncovered all the time.
Today, visitors can tour the ruins and explore the on-site museum, which houses artifacts, such as the monolith of the moon goddess, knives, masks, sculptures, and other objects. Excavation work at the UNESCO World Heritage Site continues today. Book your ticket in advance to skip long lines, or join a sightseeing tour of Mexico City that visits the Great Temple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visit the museum before exploring the ruins to get a better understanding of the archaeological site.
- You’ll walk through the ruins on gated pathways.
- The Great Temple is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in the Aztecs.
How to Get There
Driving isn't recommended because traffic can be heavy and parking expensive. Since the Great Temple site is situated near the historic center, it’s easily accessible by public transit. Via the Metro Line 2, hop off at the Zócalo stop, which is a quick walk from the museum. The archaeological site is also a stop on many bus tours.
When to Get There
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Admission is free Sundays, so expect crowds. The best time to visit any outdoor spot in Mexico City is between March and May, when it’s sunny and not too hot. But, it is also the busiest time of the year because of this.
National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología)
The National Museum of Anthropology allows visitors to explore Aztec history further. Located in Chapultepec Park, Mexico City’s most-visited museum hosts a collection that includes notable historical items, such as the Aztec Stone of the Sun, the giant carved heads of the Olmec people, and the Aztec Xochipilli statue. From the Great Temple, it’s a short ride via public transit.
Address: Seminario #8 Centro Historico, Mexico City, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 9
Mexico City Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno)
Known for its vast collection of 20th- and 21st-century art, the Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) in Mexico City houses works dating from the 1920s to the present. Included among the roughly 3,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, and prints are seminal works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera—arguably Mexico’s best-known artists.
The Basics
Located in Chapultepec Park, the Museum of Modern Art opened in 1964 and is part of the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes, a Mexican institution that coordinates artistic and cultural activities. Its exhibits feature both national and international contemporary artists, as well as a permanent collection—located in room C of the main building—that includes works by Remedios Varo, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Juan Soriano, and many others. Highlights of the museum, which is often compared to New York City’s Museum of Modern Art in terms of significance, include Kahlo’s famous self-portrait Las Dos Fridas and Rivera’s open-air murals.
Museum tickets are available upon arrival, or book a skip-the-line ticket in advance. Some museum visitors arrive via the Mexico City hop-on hop-off bus, which stops here.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Mexico City Museum of Modern Art is a must-see for art aficionados.
- Museum admission is free on Sundays.
- Book a skip-the-line ticket to avoid waiting in entry lines, especially in peak season.
- There is an on-site coat check.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Access the Museum of Modern Art through Chapultepec Park, which is easily accessible via public transportation; the nearest metro station is Chapultepec. The museum is about a 15-minute drive from the city’s historic center, and parking is available on Paseo de la Reforma, an avenue that runs diagonally through Mexico City.
When to Get There
The museum is open from 10:15am to 5:30pm Tuesday through Sunday. Peak tourist season in Mexico City typically runs from November to May, so expect more crowds during that time—and on Sundays, when museum admission is free.
Spend the Day in Chapultepec Park
Before or after your visit to the Museum of Modern Art, spend some time in the surrounding Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec), one of the largest city parks in the western hemisphere. The art museum is located in the park’s first of three sections, which boasts popular attractions such as Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec), Chapultepec Zoo (Zoológico de Chapultepec), the Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología), and the Rufino Tamayo Museum (Museo Rufino Tamayo).
Address: Av. Paseo de la Reforma S/N, Miguel Hidalgo, Bosque de Chapultepec, Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., Mexico 11560, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 5
Paseo de la Reforma
France has the Champs-Élysées, New Orleans has St. Charles Street, and Mexico City has the Paseo de la Reforma. More than just a major thoroughfare that spans the length of the city, the street is a historical touchstone to remind all who pass through of the robust history of Mexico City.
Once commissioned by then-newly crowned emperor Maximilian, the Paseo de la Reforma was built to connect the center of the city with his imperial residence, Chapultepec Castle in Chapultepec Park. Originally named after his beloved, the promenade was named Paseo de la Emparitz. After Maximilian’s execution and the liberation of the Mexican people, the street was renamed the Paseo de la Reforma and has since stood as a testament to the resiliency of the Mexican people.
Today, the most prominent buildings in Mexico City reside along the avenue. For a time during President Diego’s regime, the paseo became popular with the Mexican elite, and some European styled houses developed. Also along the paseo are many historic monuments, including ones to Cuauhtémoc, Simón Bolívar, José de San Martín and Christopher Columbus.
Practical Info
The Paseo de la Reforma runs from Chapultepec Park to the northeastern end of Mexico City.
Address: Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., Mexico, Mexico
From $ 15
Museum of Tequila and Mezcal (Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal)
The Museum of Tequila and Mezcal—or Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal (MUTEM)—offers visitors a lesson in the history, production and significance of Mexico’s much-loved, agave-based spirit, with optional tastings included. Located in the historic and frequently visited Plaza Garibaldi, the museum features a permanent exhibit hall on the first floor showcasing, step-by-step, the tequila and mezcal production process, from the selection of agave varieties to distillation.
The museum also covers Mexican culture and history, with exhibits going into detail on the site’s location, known as the center of los mariachi, and national pop culture. Visitors will have the chance to sample multiple tequila and mezcal varieties, including silver, reposado and añejo tequila, and visit the top-floor restaurant and bar, which serves its selection of Mexican dishes with a view overlooking Plaza Garibaldi, the Mexico City Cathedral and Torre Latinoamericana.
Practical Info
The Museum of Tequila and Mezcal is located in Plaza Garibaldi, one of the most traditional parts of Mexico City. It is open daily from 11am to 10pm (and until midnight on weekends). It is possible to purchase agave, tequila and mezcal products from the museum gift shop. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included with most tours, but the area can also be reached via metro, with access from Metro Garibaldi station.
Did You Know? By law, tequila can only be made using blue agave, while mezcal can be made with around 30 different types of agaves.
Address: Plaza Garibaldi s/n Col. Centro, Mexico City, Mexico
Hours: Sun–Wed 11am–10pm (until midnight Thurs–Sat)
Admission: Varies
From $ 125
National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropologia)
Overview
Considered one of the world’s most comprehensive natural history museums, the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología) is Mexico City’s most visited museum. Its collection includes notable historical items such as the Aztec Stone of the Sun, the giant carved heads of the Olmec people, and the Aztec Xochipilli statue.
The Basics
Designed by Mexican architect Pedro Ramírez, the National Museum of Anthropology is Mexico’s largest museum and houses the largest collection of ancient Mexican art in the world. Each of the 23 permanent exhibit halls is dedicated to a different cultural region or indigenous group, offering an in-depth look at the country’s history. Because of the museum’s size and the breath of the collection, many visitors need more than one day to explore it all.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available in the lobby at no additional cost.
- All bags, backpacks, umbrellas, and packages must be checked before entering the exhibit halls.
- The use of flash photography is not allowed in the museum.
How to Get There
The National Museum of Anthropology is located on Avenida Paseo de La Reforma and Calzada Gandhi in Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec), on the edge of the Polanco district. The Chapultepec and Auditorio metro stations are nearby, and the museum is a stop on the Turibus route, Mexico City’s hop-on hop-off bus service.
When to Get There
Even though this museum is the city’s most visited, its vast size allows enough room to accommodate the crowds without feeling cramped. On Sundays, Mexican residents receive free admission, so you’ll most likely encounter the most visitors then. Note that the museum is closed every Monday.
Nearby Chapultepec Castle
Just south of the National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec Park, Chapultepec Castle is famous for being the only castle in North America to have housed royalty. Named after the Aztec word chapoltepēc, meaning “at the grasshopper’s hill,” the impressive hilltop structure is home to the National History Museum (Museo Nacional de Historia). The museum’s permanent collection includes paintings, documents, artifacts, and clothing from different periods in Mexican history and serves as a venue for concerts and theater productions.
Address: Av Paseo de la Reforma y Calzada Gandhi S/N, Ciudad de México, Distrito Federal 11560, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 13
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)
At the historic heart of one of the world's most populous cities, is the first and largest cathedral in the Americas, seat of the Archdiocese of Mexico, and a wonder to behold. The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral - or Catedral Metropolitana - is a symphony in stone, composed over 4 centuries into manifold facades, displaying textbook Neoclassical, Renaissance, and wedding-cake ornate Mexican Baroque (Churrigueresque) styles.
Within its fantastic bulk are sheltered some 16 chapels, several alters and retablos, a fine parish church, and a choir, each an inspired work of art replete with gold gilt, fine paintings, and sculptural details. Above it all, 25 bells - measured in tons - ring and sing to the city all around.
The cathedral sits atop a far more ancient foundation, originally built for a temple to Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec God of war. His pyramid was destroyed by the Spanish, who built their cathedral in its stead. As the thirsty city emptied its underground aquifer, however, this massive monument began to sink into the subsoil. It was stabilized in the 1990s, but still lists to one side.
Within its fantastic bulk are sheltered some 16 chapels, several alters and retablos, a fine parish church, and a choir, each an inspired work of art replete with gold gilt, fine paintings, and sculptural details. Above it all, 25 bells - measured in tons - ring and sing to the city all around.
The cathedral sits atop a far more ancient foundation, originally built for a temple to Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec God of war. His pyramid was destroyed by the Spanish, who built their cathedral in its stead. As the thirsty city emptied its underground aquifer, however, this massive monument began to sink into the subsoil. It was stabilized in the 1990s, but still lists to one side.
Practical Info
The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral overlooks the Zócalo, more properly called Plaza de la Constitución, which has marked the city center since it was founded in 1325. Though the Spanish razed the neighborhood's original Aztec temples and federal buildings, they used the same stones to rebuild the capital city in Europe's image. Half a millennium later, this is still the center of all the action.
All roads lead to the Zócalo, but you're much better off without a car - traffic is terrible. Instead, take Metro Line 2 to the Zócalo stop, right in front of the cathedral.
All roads lead to the Zócalo, but you're much better off without a car - traffic is terrible. Instead, take Metro Line 2 to the Zócalo stop, right in front of the cathedral.
Address: Plaza de la Constitución s/n, Mexico City, Mexico
Hours: Open daily 7am - 7pm
Admission: Free
From $ 17
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
National Palace (Palacio Nacional)
Overview
The National Palace (Palacio Nacional) has served as the seat of the Mexican federal government since the age of the Aztecs. Although it’s a working building with many offices that are off limits to visitors, there’s still plenty to explore and admire, including Diego Rivera’s famous panoramic mural, The History of Mexico.
The Basics
Located on the eastern side of Mexico City's main square or Zócalo (aka Plaza de la Constitución), the block-long historic building was once occupied by Hernán Cortés, the Spanish explorer who conquered the Aztecs. Cortés destroyed Aztec emperor Moctezuma II’s palace in 1521 and rebuilt the grand structure in Spanish Colonial–style architecture with courtyards and fountains.
Visit the National Palace on a sightseeing or walking tour of Mexico City. View Rivera’s mural, as well as other works of art, which tour guides can help explain.
Things to Know Before You Go
- You’ll need a government-issued photo ID or passport, which will be collected at the door and returned to you when you leave.
- Large bags will need to be checked, too.
- The palace is a must-see stop on many sightseeing tours of Mexico City and is a big draw for art lovers.
How to Get There
Because the National Palace is located in the main plaza, it’s easily accessible by public transportation. It’s best to avoid driving since traffic can be heavy and parking is expensive. You can take the Metro Line 2 to the Zócalo stop, which is located across from the palace. Or, grab a seat on a hop-on hop-off tour bus; the palace is main stop along the most routes.
When to Get There
The National Palace is open to visitors from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and is closed on Mondays; Sundays draw big crowds. Visit on September 15 (the day before Mexican Independence Day) to catch the president ring the Campana de Dolores, the bell hanging above the main door, to signal the start of the annual celebration. Padre Miguel Hidalgo rang it to proclaim Mexico’s liberation from Spain in 1810.
Diego Rivera’s Mural
Painted between 1929 and 1951, Rivera’s The History of Mexico mural, which splays across the palace’s large stairways and stairwells, depicts Mexico's history from ancient times to the present, including the creation of humankind by Quetzalcóatl (the feathered serpent god), the rise of the Aztecs, and the Spanish conquest. The massive artwork concludes with a look at Mexico's future at the time with communist references and an image of Rivera’s wife, Frida Kahlo.
Address: Plaza de la Constitución, Mexico City, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
National University of Mexico
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) isn't your average university. The Mexico City-based school was started in 1551 by King Philip II of Spain (at which point it was called the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico) and is the oldest university in North America and the second oldest in all the Americas. Today, it is the largest university in Mexico and has a strong emphasis on research and cultural impact. UNAM isn't just for students, though; travelers to Mexico City who love history will also enjoy visiting this prestigious school.
The main draw for visitors is to see the Central University Campus, which wasn't built until the 1950s. The Central University Campus is a work of art in and of itself thanks to its modern architecture that features the focal point of a massive block of a building with the side adorned in murals done by Diego Rivera, Diego Alfaro Siqueiros and other prominent artists. Thanks to the artistic flair and history of the campus, it is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity site.
The University Cultural Center is also a big draw thanks to the performances in its concert hall as well as being home to a wide range of exhibits and the National Library. The university is also home to museums that can be toured, including ones that focus on mural artwork, architecture, astronomy and different cultures.
Practical Info
UNAM is located in the downtown area of Mexico City's Coyoacan borough. Its grounds are free to walk through.
Address: Mexico City, Mexico
From $ 59
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 Angel
A much loved neighborhood in the southwestern corner of Mexico City, San Angel is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, its small town feel, and its authentic Mexican food, crafts, and culture. People come to San Angel to experience the Mexico City that existed in colonial times. Café culture is popular here, and many choose to spend the day sipping on a café con leche and watching the craftsmen peddle their wares in the public market or during the popular Saturday Bazaar. Colonial architecture marks the town, small taquerias line the zocalo (town square), and the boutique shops that dot the cobblestoned streets are perfect for exploring.
Head to the park for a pleasant stroll under the shade of the gum trees, and enjoy life’s passing parade as the locals here do (typically with an agua fresca). San Angel is known as one of Mexico City’s most beautiful neighborhoods, and any of the city’s wealthy elite struck up residence here decades ago, making the architecture of the town one of its many subtle draws —the slow pace of life being another.
Practical Info
San Angel is located in the southwestern corner of Mexico City in the Alvaro Obregon borough. It is most easily accessible via car or bus. For the latter, take the metro bus to La Bombilla, depart, and then head north up La Paz. This will take you directly into town and on Saturdays you’ll see the famous bazaar, which is bustling with activity.
Address: Mexico City, Mexico
From $ 29
Iztaccihuatl Volcano
A trio of craggy peaks looming in front of the still-smoking mound of Popocatepetl volcano and clearly visible on the horizon from Mexico City, the Iztaccíhuatl Volcano is one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks and a popular choice for hiking and camping excursions. Named for its resemblance to a sleeping woman, Iztaccíhuatl translates from the Nahuatl language to “white woman,” with the three peaks said to appear from a distance like the head, breasts and feet.
Reaching a height of 17,000 feet (5,230 meters), the Iztaccíhuatl Volcano measures in as Mexico’s third-highest peak, and scaling the permanently snow-capped summit offers impressive views over the neighboring Popocatepetl and the Valley of Mexico below. Most hikes start out from La Joya at 12,000 feet (3,700 meters), from where a range of technical and non-technical hiking trails run up the mountainside, taking about three to four hours to reach the summit.
Practical Info
The Iztaccihuatl Volcano is located 40 miles (65 kilometers) southwest of Mexico City and is typically visited from the town of Tlalmanalco, connected by regular buses to the capital. Hiking the summit is not recommended without a guide.
Address: Iztaccihuatl Volcano, Mexico City, Mexico
From $ 52
National Museum of Art
The National Museum of Art’s collection of traditional Mexican crafts may be smaller than what’s found at the National Museum of Anthropology, but it still remains a popular destination for travelers to Mexico City.
Built between 1905 and 1911, the historic structure boasts an impressive entrance with richly detailed ceilings, Corinthian columns and intricate iron staircases. An expansive network of galleries and halls displays work from the 16th Century to the 20th Century, including early paintings by Diego Rivera and landscapes by Velasco. Artwork shows the progression of national development through traditional Mexican artistry. While the permanent collection is impressive, temporary exhibits are often worth the trip.
Built between 1905 and 1911, the historic structure boasts an impressive entrance with richly detailed ceilings, Corinthian columns and intricate iron staircases. An expansive network of galleries and halls displays work from the 16th Century to the 20th Century, including early paintings by Diego Rivera and landscapes by Velasco. Artwork shows the progression of national development through traditional Mexican artistry. While the permanent collection is impressive, temporary exhibits are often worth the trip.
Practical Info
The museum is located at Tacuba 8 in Centro Historico and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays. Audio tours are only available in Spanish. Be sure to pick up a map, as galleries can be difficult to navigate.
Address: Tacuba 8, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, Distrito Federal 06010, Mexico
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5:30pm
Admission: Admission: $37; Student/Senior/Child: Free
From $ 8
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