Mexico City
Mexico City is a fantastic city to visit. There is so much to see and do and eat! But it can be an overwhelming city for first (or repeat) visitors—it is an enormous, bustling city after all. The art historian in our family has been many times, and in 2023 we finally went as a family of four.
We wanted to make it easy and fun for folks to visit Mexico City, so we're offering some ideas to get you started. Click on any photo and it will take you to a page with more suggestions and ideas—and more photos for inspiration!
There is a ton to see in this part of the city! If you enjoy art, architecture, and history, then you will likely want to spend a lot of time here.
The Historic Center
(Centro)
The largest cathedral in the Americas and one with a rich history. It faces the main plaza (or Zócalo) of Mexico City.
This museum is on the site of the former Aztec (or Mexica) main temple, called the Templo Mayor. You can walk through what remains of the temple after it was razed by Spaniards, and check out the amazing museum that houses many of the objects discovered on site.
Want to see some amazing examples of Mexican muralists like Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco? Head to the Palace of Fine Arts!
Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec)
Not far from the historic center, this area is filled with plenty of things to do.
One of the world's greatest museums. It is also an absolutely massive museum, so be prepared! But it houses fantastic art from the Aztecs/Mexica, Teotihuacan, Mixtecs, Zapotecs, Maya, Olmecs, and much more!
Chapultepec Zoo (Zoológico de Chapultepec)
A fun zoo to visit (plus, it's free!) with lots of animals (including pandas and axolotls). A big hit with the kids.
Chapultepec Castle and National Museum of History (Castillo de Chapultepec and Museo Nacional de Historia)
A short hike up a hill in Chapultepec Park brings you to gorgeous views of the city and a castle! The castle belonged to the Emperor Maximilian, and now it is a museum filled with some important art works.
Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec)
A beloved forested park in Mexico City that is also home to many museums and a zoo, it can be a fun place to visit—especially if you have kids!
Southern Mexico City: Coyoacán, UNAM, and Xochimilco
Well worth the trip, but it is a trek to this part of the city (especially if you are in a car or on a bus—because traffic!)
The Blue House and Frida Kahlo Museum
(La Casa Azul & Museo Frida Kahlo)
Located in the posh bohemian neighborhood of Coyoacán, Frida's birthplace and family home is now a museum dedicated to her. She lived and died in The Blue House, and the home honors Frida's life and legacy.
National Autonomous University of Mexico (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, or UNAM)
Mexico's largest public university that is also home to some amazing art! A portion of UNAM is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its famous 20th-century paintings and architecture.
Xochimilco
Xochimilco is the last remnant of the canals built by the Aztecs. Here you can hop into a trajinera and go down a canal, often with music playing and food vendors on smaller boats offering snacks and drinks. You can also see chinampas here. A big hit with the kids!
Just outside Mexico City
These destinations are great for those folks who want to head out of the city—plus, Teotihuacan is not to be missed!
Tepeyac and the Virgin of Guadalupe Basilica
in the northernmost part of Mexico City, the hill of Tepeyac is where the shrine and cathedral honor the Virgin of Guadalupe. It's the most visited Catholic shrine in the world after Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. Many folks stop here on their way to or from Teotihuacan.
Teotihuacan
More than 2,000 years old and impressively vast, Teotihuacan is not to be missed. This UNESCO World Heritage site is Mexico's most popular archaeological site for a reason—and there is a lot to see and do here!
Ex-convento de Acolman
Not as many people stop to visit this former missionary center, but it is well-worth a visit. Built in the 16th century during the waves of forced conversion of Indigenous peoples to Christianity, the ex-convento at Acolman (like many other of these spaces) was painted with many murals and other decorations. You pass by this on your way to Teotihuacan.
Blog posts about Mexico City
Check out our related blog posts!
Read about our experience with visiting a few different museums with collections of Aztec art
Headed to Mexico City with kids and have no idea where to start?