Things to Do in Ciudad de México: 21 Places

Planning notes for Mexico City

Mexico City, situated in the high-altitude Valley of Mexico, occupies the historical site of Tenochtitlán, founded by the Mexica in 1325. Following the 16th-century Spanish arrival, the city was redesigned as the capital of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. This historical sequence resulted in a built environment where colonial structures.

Must-try foods nearby

• Tuna Tostadas
  Iconic to the CDMX seafood scene, specifically popularized by Contramar. These feature fresh, raw tuna slices atop a crispy tortilla with chipotle mayo, avocado, and crispy leeks.
• Mole Madre, Mole Sofisticado
  A hallmark of the city's fine-dining evolution, particularly at Pujol. This dish features a circle of 'Mole Madre' (aged for thousands of days) surrounding a center of fresh.
• Chilaquiles Rellenos
  A trending 2026 evolution of the classic breakfast, where the tortilla chips themselves are stuffed with ingredients like beans, cheese, or meat before being bathed in salsa.
• Tacos de Canasta
  Known as 'basket tacos,' these are pre-made, steamed tacos often sold from the back of a bicycle.
• Rol de Guayaba
  The most famous pastry in the city from Panadería Rosetta. This guava and cheese roll has achieved legendary status among locals and tourists alike.

When to go: The best time to visit Mexico City is between March and May, when the weather is pleasantly warm and the city’s jacarandas are in full bloom. While the winter months (December–February) offer dry skies and peak cultural events like Dia de los Muertos in late.

Local tips

• Always carry small denominations of Mexican Pesos as many local markets and street food stalls do not accept credit cards.
• Use app-based transportation like Uber or Didi instead of hailing street taxis to ensure fixed pricing and GPS tracking.
• Add a tip of 10% to 15% at restaurants, as it is the standard social expectation for service staff.
• Stay alert in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing and stick to well-lit, populated neighborhoods after dark.

What travelers are noticing

• FIFA Fan Festival at the Zócalo: A massive public viewing and cultural hub for the 2026 World Cup featuring a 510-square-meter screen and local gastronomy.
• Lotti: A viral new opening in Roma Norte by Swiss chef Luc Liebster, blending European technique with Mexican ingredients in a restored 1915 mansion.
• El Mekong: A trending Southeast Asian-inspired cantina in Juárez from the creators of the Tacos Saigon pop-ups, known for its bold spices and complimentary small plates.

Official tourism resource

The official government agency responsible for the management, preservation, and cultural promotion of Mexico City's Historic Center.

Autoridad del Centro Histórico ↗