Colorful paper umbrellas and red lanterns hanging above a narrow street in Mexico City
Photo by Pyro Jenka on Unsplash

Destination guideMexico

39 Things to Do in Mexico City (2026)

Mexico City, located in the Valley of Mexico, is a metropolitan area with a history spanning seven centuries.

Read more

Originally founded as Tenochtitlan by the Mexica people in 1325 on an island in Lake Texcoco, it served as the capital of the Aztec Empire. Following the Spanish conquest in 1521, the city was rebuilt as the capital of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. The city’s urban landscape contains a stratification of architectural styles, categorized into three primary eras: Pre-Hispanic: The Templo Mayor, situated in the central Zócalo, consists of the ruins of the main Aztec temple complex.

  • 39 spots
  • 8 must-try dishes
  • Researched October 2026
  • 24 sources

Must-try in Mexico City8 dishes

  • Mole Madre, Olvera Where to order it in Mexico City
  • Tuna Tostadas with Chipotle Mayo Where to order it in Mexico City
  • Chiles en Nogada Where to order it in Mexico City
  • Wagyu Costra Tacos Where to order it in Mexico City
  • Guava Roll (Suave de Guayaba)At Panadería Rosetta
  • Pescado a la Talla Where to order it in Mexico City
  • Huitlacoche Crepes Where to order it in Mexico City
  • Mussels with XO Sauce and Sourdough Where to order it in Mexico City
Map of 39 researched spots in Mexico City

The short answer

39 places worth your time in Mexico City

Things to see and do

  1. Frida Kahlo Museum

    Ciudad de México · Museum

    Why it’s on the map

    Known as 'La Casa Azul' for its vibrant cobalt-blue walls, this historic residence was the birthplace and lifelong home of artist Frida Kahlo.

    Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

  2. Museo Nacional de Antropología

    Polanco · Tourist Attraction

    Why it’s on the map

    Designed by architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez in 1964, this modernist complex is defined by its massive central courtyard featuring 'El Paraguas' (The Umbrella), a singular.

    Av. P.º de la Reforma s/n, Polanco, Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

  3. Museo Soumaya

    Granada · Art Museum

    Why it’s on the map

    Recognizable by its shimmering, anvil-shaped exterior covered in 16,000 hexagonal aluminum tiles, this private institution offers free admission to its vast collection of over 66,000 works.

    Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, 11529 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

  4. Kiosko Morisco

    Santa María la Ribera · Tourist Attraction

    Why it’s on the map

    This intricate 19th-century Moorish-style pavilion is a vibrant architectural gem constructed entirely of wrought iron and painted in deep reds and golds.

    Jaime Torres Bodet 152, Sta María la Ribera, Cuauhtémoc, 06400 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

  5. Sculpture · Universitaria

    Locked

  6. Government Office · Ciudad de México

    Locked

  7. National Park · Álvaro Obregón

    Locked

  8. Place to see · Roma Norte

    Locked

  9. Shopping Mall · Granada

    Locked

  10. Apartment Complex · Juárez

    Locked

  11. National Park · Ciudad de México

    Locked

  12. Art Gallery · Del Carmen

    Locked

  13. Place to see · San Ángel TNT

    Locked

  14. Art Museum · La Noria

    Locked

  15. Sublocality Level 1

    Locked

  16. Hotel

    Locked

Where to eat

See the full Mexico City food guide: where to eat and what to order.

  1. Panadería Rosetta

    Roma Norte · Bakery · Price level: Moderate

    Why it’s on the map

    An essential stop in Roma Norte, famous for its iconic guava roll (rol de guayaba) and a wide array of pastries that blend Mexican and European techniques.

    Try: Guava Roll (Suave de Guayaba)

    C.Colima 179, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

  2. Restaurant · Casa Versalles

    Locked

  3. Market · Colonia Centro

    Locked

  4. Restaurant

    Locked

  5. Bakery · Roma Norte

    Locked

  6. Seafood Restaurant · Roma Norte

    Locked

  7. Restaurant · Roma Norte

    Locked

  8. Bakery · Hipódromo

    Locked

  9. Mediterranean Restaurant · Colonia Condesa

    Locked

  10. Restaurant · Colonia Centro

    Locked

  11. Brunch Restaurant · Hipódromo

    Locked

  12. Mexican Restaurant · Polanco

    Locked

  13. Seafood Restaurant · Roma Norte

    Locked

  14. Mexican Restaurant

    Locked

  15. Mexican Restaurant · Roma Norte

    Locked

  16. Taco Restaurant

    Locked

  17. Restaurant · Colonia Condesa

    Locked

  18. Place to eat · Los Cipreses

    Locked

  19. Mexican Restaurant · Claveria

    Locked

  20. Taco Restaurant · San Rafael

    Locked

  21. Taco Restaurant · Centro Histórico de la Ciudad de México

    Locked

  22. Restaurant · Cuauhtémoc

    Locked

  23. Mexican Restaurant · Colonia Condesa

    Locked

34 more places on the map

22 to eat · 11 to see and do · 1 to shop · 8 must-try dishes with where to order each

Start
aerial photo of city
Photo by Dennis Schrader on Unsplash

When is the best time to visit Mexico City?

  • The best time to visit Mexico City is from March to May, when the weather is pleasantly warm before the summer rains begin. While the winter months of December through February offer dry skies and festive atmosphere, be prepared for chilly mornings and evenings. Peak tourist season coincides with spring and major holidays like Day of the Dead (late October), while the summer months see fewer crowds but frequent afternoon downpours.

How do I get around Mexico City?

  • International Flight to AICM Most travelers arrive via Mexico City International Airport (AICM), which is well-connected to major global hubs. From the airport, you can take the Metro (Line 5), the Metrobús (Line 4), or authorized airport taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber to reach the city center.
  • Metro and Metrobús The extensive Metro system is the fastest way to bypass heavy traffic for long distances, costing only 5 MXN per ride. The Metrobús operates in dedicated lanes along major avenues like Insurgentes and Reforma, providing a reliable alternative when the subway doesn't reach your destination.
  • Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber/DiDi) Uber and DiDi are widely available, safe, and affordable options for door-to-door transport, especially at night or when carrying luggage. They are often preferred over street taxis for security and transparent pricing, though they can be subject to the city's notorious traffic gridlock.

What should I know before visiting Mexico City?

  • Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Didi for door-to-door safety, especially at night, and avoid hailing unverified street taxis.
  • Purchase a Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada for a few pesos to access the Metro and Metrobús, which are the most efficient ways to bypass heavy daytime traffic.
  • Expect to tip between 10% and 15% at sit-down restaurants, and always check your bill to see if a service charge (propina) has already been included.
  • Always drink bottled or filtered water and use it for brushing your teeth to avoid common stomach illnesses.
  • Keep your phone and valuables out of sight in crowded areas and on public transport to minimize the risk of pickpocketing.

Research receipt

How this Mexico City guide was researched

  • Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
  • Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
  • Researched October 2026. A newer build for Mexico City replaces this page automatically.

Sources checked

Planning questions

What are the top things to do in Mexico City?

Start with Frida Kahlo Museum, Museo Nacional de Antropología, Museo Soumaya, Panadería Rosetta, and Kiosko Morisco: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 39 places are pinned on the Mexico City map.

Mexico City39 places · 8 dishes
Start