Things to do in Mexico City: must-sees and where to stay

In short: Mexico City is a vast capital, rich in museums, history and flavours. Start with the historic centre and the Zócalo, admire the Palacio de Bellas Artes, spend half a day at the National Museum of Anthropology, wander Coyoacán, glide through Xochimilco and keep a day for the Teotihuacan pyramids. The city sits at high altitude: take it easy on your first day.

The historic centre

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic centre revolves around the Zócalo, one of the world’s largest squares, lined by the Metropolitan Cathedral. Next door, the remains of the Templo Mayor, the great temple of ancient Tenochtitlan, recall the Aztec city.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes

With its dome and marble façade, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is the city’s cultural emblem. Inside are large murals by Mexican muralists; at night the lit-up building is superb from the Alameda.

Chapultepec and the Anthropology Museum

In vast Chapultepec Park, the National Museum of Anthropology presents the pre-Hispanic civilisations, including the famous Aztec Sun Stone. Allow at least half a day; Chapultepec Castle overlooks the park.

Coyoacán and the Casa Azul

A colonial district with shady squares, Coyoacán is home to the Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s birthplace turned museum: tickets are booked in advance. The local market is ideal for tasting local food.

Xochimilco

In the south of the city, the canals of Xochimilco, a World Heritage Site, are explored on colourful boats, the trajineras, with mariachis playing at weekends.

Day trips from Mexico City

• Teotihuacan, with its Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and the Avenue of the Dead, a UNESCO site: leave early to beat the heat and crowds.
• Puebla, a colonial city with tiled façades.
• Cancún and the Riviera Maya, by plane, to end the trip on the beach.

Getting around

• The metro and the Metrobús cover much of the city.
• From Benito Juárez airport, Metrobús line 4 reaches the historic centre in about 35 to 45 minutes; authorised taxis and ride-hailing are also available.
• Ride-hailing is handy in the evening and for outlying districts.

All our tips for the country: Travel in Mexico.

Where to stay in Mexico City?

• Historic centre (Zócalo). In the heart of the monuments: cathedral, Templo Mayor and Palace of Fine Arts. Ideal for: first visit, culture.
• Roma and Condesa. Tree-lined streets, cafés, restaurants and nightlife: the most pleasant areas to stay. Ideal for: couples, solo.
• Polanco. An upmarket area near Chapultepec Park and the great museums. Ideal for: comfort, shopping.
• Coyoacán. A village feel, colourful squares and the Frida Kahlo Museum, in the south of the city. Ideal for: families, quiet.

The areas and useful services are on our Mexico City page.