MEXICO CITY TRAVEL GUIDE: 55 Things to do in Mexico City
Places to See | Where to Shop | Where to Stay | Restaurants Serving Traditional Food | Transportation
CITY
Mexico City is the capital city of Mexico and most populous city in North America, with almost 9 million people living in the city. Tourists flock to Mexico City to experience its over 160 museums, various concerts and music venues, unique local cuisine and immerse in the rich Mexican culture.
MONEY
The Mexican Peso is the currency of Mexico and therefore of Mexico City.
LANGUAGE
The predominant language of Mexico City is Spanish.
WEATHER
March to June are the warm months, with an average daily high of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. In the cool season, which lasts from November to February, the average daily high is below 72 degrees Fahrenheit. From June to September it is the wet season, daily chances of precipitation is around 60 - 70%.
PLACES TO SEE IN MEXICO CITY
PALACIO DE BELLAS ARTES
1 of 55
An avowed cultural center, Palacio de Bellas Artes proves to be an important and symbolic hub in Mexico City that educates on the traditions and culture of Mexico. Open from 10 am to 5 pm every day, except Mondays, the center has embraced many different musical events illustrated by dance and opera. It has also held physical art galleries, from painting to photography to sculpture. For detailed facts of Palacio de Bellas Artes, visit this page.
HOUSE OF TILES (LA CASA DE LOS AZULEJO)
2 of 55
Depicting the culture of color and unique architecture, this palace constructed in the 1700s is literally molded with blue and white tiles plastered on the outside walls. The name ‘La Casa de Los Azulejo’ translates to ‘House of Tiles’ in English. The house is open 7 am - 1 am every day.
MEXICO CITY METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
3 of 55
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral is the oldest (and largest) cathedral in Latin America. Holding many altars, chapels, organs, choirs, and crypts within it, the cathedral prevails as one of the most visited sites in the whole of Mexico. It was restored in the 1900s and still stands as a prominent religious symbol of the city.
ZOCALO (PLAZA DE LA CONSTITUCION)
4 of 55
This large main square in Mexico City has been around since the Aztec times and located right opposite Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral. Currently, it harbors cultural celebrations such as art shows and musical performances.
SOUMAYA MUSEUM
5 of 55
The Soumaya Museum is open from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm except on Tuesdays. The museum was founded in 1994 and houses over 44,000 pieces of art, an entire day of art watching might suit art enthusiasts.
GRAN HOTEL CIUDAD DE MEXICO
6 of 55
A grand active 5-star hotel within Mexico City, Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico, which borders the Zocalo square and is only an eleven-minute walk from the Palacio de Bellas Artes, is a faddish and celebrated attraction in Mexico City. The white clear marble walls inside the hotel and the big gold chandelier on the entrance bestows a grand royal welcome.
CASTILLO DE CHAPULTEPEC
7 of 55
The Chapultepec Castle is a former imperial residence that currently serves as a national museum of history. Doors are open 9 am - 5 pm, except on Mondays when it is closed. The hill where it resides on used to be a sacred land of the Aztecs. History and traditions are prominent in the castle, waiting to be seen.
CHAPULTEPEC PARK
8 of 55
Chapultepec Park is one of the largest city parks in the entire Western Hemisphere. It has many attractions including a zoo and museums and perfect for a stroll or to just enjoy the culture of Mexico. The park is open from 8 am to 5 pm except on Mondays.HOTEL CONDESA DF
9 of 55
This 4-star hotel is quite popular with tourists in the city. Located very close to Chapultepec Castle and in the chic La Condesa neighborhood, Hotel Condesa is small, vibrant and always ready to entertain folks coming from surrounding attractions. Hotel Condesa is known for its rooftop bar that many people rave about.
LA CONDESA NEIGHBORHOOD
10 of 55
This famed neighborhood in Mexico City has a uniquely European vibe. Its streets are lined with trees and house nouveau mansions. It is also packed with trendy clubs and bars, and very popular with the chic and stylish millennials. For places to go in La Condesa neighborhood, see this article.
FRANZ MAYER MUSEUM
11 of 55
Franz Mayer Museum is closed on Mondays, open 10 am to 5 am on Tuesdays, and open 10 am - 7 am every other day of the week. This museum houses Latin America’s largest display of decorative arts. It displays textiles, silver pieces, furniture, and many other types of art.
MUSEO DEL EJERCITO (MUSEUM OF THE ARMY & AIR FORCE)
12 of 55
Museo del Ejercito which translates to Museum of the Army and Air Force sits right in the center of Mexico City. The museum was opened in 2010 to celebrate the independence of Mexico. It is open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesdays to Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays.
MONEDA STREET IN HISTORIC CENTER
13 of 55
Take time to stroll down Moneda street which starts from where Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral is located. The colorful buildings and magnificent architecture will give you a real true reflection of Mexico. It is right in the historic center of Mexico City and surrounded by many other popular attractions.
TEMPLO MAYOR
14 of 55
This pyramid was constructed by the Aztecs hundreds of years ago. It is open for viewing every day from 9 am to 5 pm except for Mondays. The pyramid has been standing since the 1300’s.
MUSEO FRIDA KAHLO
15 of 55
The Museo Frida Kahlo is basically a large house serving as a museum dedicated to the work of artist Frida Kahlo. Doors are open from 11 am to 5:30 pm on Wednesdays, closed on Mondays, and open from 10 am to 5:30 pm every other day of the week.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE IN MEXICO CITY
16 - 45 of 55
The pyramid of the sun, Teotihuacan pyramids
The borough of Xochimilco has floating gardens - 40 minutes from Mexico City Center
Enjoy reading a book while having coffee at Cafebreria El Pendulo
Torre Latinoamericana
Alameda Central Park
Palacio Nacional
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
Hotel de Cortés
Visit this mega library full of books, Biblioteca Vasconcelos
National Museum of Art (Museo Nacional de Arte)
Charles IV, El Caballito ( horse monument)
