Choose from 61 Fun Things to Do in Central Mexico
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National Palace (Palacio Nacional)
Overview
The National Palace (Palacio Nacional) has served as the seat of the Mexican federal government since the age of the Aztecs. Although it’s a working building with many offices that are off limits to visitors, there’s still plenty to explore and admire, including Diego Rivera’s famous panoramic mural, The History of Mexico.
The Basics
Located on the eastern side of Mexico City's main square or Zócalo (aka Plaza de la Constitución), the block-long historic building was once occupied by Hernán Cortés, the Spanish explorer who conquered the Aztecs. Cortés destroyed Aztec emperor Moctezuma II’s palace in 1521 and rebuilt the grand structure in Spanish Colonial–style architecture with courtyards and fountains.
Visit the National Palace on a sightseeing or walking tour of Mexico City. View Rivera’s mural, as well as other works of art, which tour guides can help explain.
Things to Know Before You Go
- You’ll need a government-issued photo ID or passport, which will be collected at the door and returned to you when you leave.
- Large bags will need to be checked, too.
- The palace is a must-see stop on many sightseeing tours of Mexico City and is a big draw for art lovers.
How to Get There
Because the National Palace is located in the main plaza, it’s easily accessible by public transportation. It’s best to avoid driving since traffic can be heavy and parking is expensive. You can take the Metro Line 2 to the Zócalo stop, which is located across from the palace. Or, grab a seat on a hop-on hop-off tour bus; the palace is main stop along the most routes.
When to Get There
The National Palace is open to visitors from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and is closed on Mondays; Sundays draw big crowds. Visit on September 15 (the day before Mexican Independence Day) to catch the president ring the Campana de Dolores, the bell hanging above the main door, to signal the start of the annual celebration. Padre Miguel Hidalgo rang it to proclaim Mexico’s liberation from Spain in 1810.
Diego Rivera’s Mural
Painted between 1929 and 1951, Rivera’s The History of Mexico mural, which splays across the palace’s large stairways and stairwells, depicts Mexico's history from ancient times to the present, including the creation of humankind by Quetzalcóatl (the feathered serpent god), the rise of the Aztecs, and the Spanish conquest. The massive artwork concludes with a look at Mexico's future at the time with communist references and an image of Rivera’s wife, Frida Kahlo.
Address: Plaza de la Constitución, Mexico City, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Plaza Garibaldi
The streets of Mexico City come alive with music, performance and mariachi at Plaza Garibaldi. This historic square is the destination for live local music in the capital city. Visitors can cozy up to the bar at one of the numerous tequila joints that line the streets of Plaza Garibaldi, or settle in to an outdoor table and enjoy the hustle of urban life while mariachi bands weave between patrons while playing traditional tunes. The nearby Museum of Tequila and Mezcal, just behind the Agave Garden, is a perfect stop to learn more about Mexico’s most famous spirit and solo musicians frequently perform in the upstairs bar and tasting room.
While some argue the plaza’s high prices and petty crime make it a true tourist trap, good drink deals are easy to find and increased security has improved the look, feel and safety of this popular destination.
While some argue the plaza’s high prices and petty crime make it a true tourist trap, good drink deals are easy to find and increased security has improved the look, feel and safety of this popular destination.
Practical Info
Plaza Garibaldi is located between Calle Republica de Honduras and Calle Republica de Peru on Eje Central, just north of the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The Plaza comes alive at night, but this is also the time when pickpockets come out. Be mindful of belongings and surroundings to avoid theft.
Address: Plaza Garibaldi, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, FD, Mexico
From $ 44
Polanco
Overview
Just north of Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec), the upscale district of Polanco is home to some of the country’s wealthiest families. In addition to high-end real estate, the city’s most luxurious hotels and priciest restaurants line the streets of the district’s five neighborhoods. At the center of it all is the welcoming green space of Parque Lincoln.
The Basics
Polanco is known primarily for its new residential and business developments, as well as its luxe shopping spots and fine-dining restaurants. The district also houses several cultural attractions. The Soumaya Museum (Museo Soumaya) features Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim’s collection of art, with works by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí, Van Gogh, and others, and the outdoor Angela Peralta Theater hosts music performances and theater productions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Avenida Presidente Masaryk, Polanco’s version of Rodeo Drive, is a must-see for shoppers.
- Foodies should consider a food tour in Polanco, home to some of Mexico City’s best restaurants.
- Valet parking, enforced dress codes, and reservations are common at many of the district’s restaurants.
How to Get There
Polanco is about a 50-minute drive from Mexico City International Airport and a 35-minute ride from the historical center. The closest metro stations are Auditorio (on the edge of Chapultepec Park) and Polanco.
When to Get There
Many businesses and shops close between 2pm and 4pm, and traffic can be heavy around that time. Mexico City’s peak tourist season typically runs from November to May, so it may be more difficult to get a table at Polanco’s popular restaurants then.
The National Museum of Anthropology
Located on the southern edge of the Polanco district, along Paseo de la Reforma, the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología) houses the largest collection of ancient Mexican art in the world. On display at Mexico City’s most-visited museum are such notable historical items as the Aztec Stone of the Sun, the giant carved heads of the Olmec people, and the Aztec Xochipilli statue.
Address: Polanco, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, FD 11550, Mexico
From $ 75
Mexico City Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno)
Known for its vast collection of 20th- and 21st-century art, the Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) in Mexico City houses works dating from the 1920s to the present. Included among the roughly 3,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, and prints are seminal works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera—arguably Mexico’s best-known artists.
The Basics
Located in Chapultepec Park, the Museum of Modern Art opened in 1964 and is part of the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes, a Mexican institution that coordinates artistic and cultural activities. Its exhibits feature both national and international contemporary artists, as well as a permanent collection—located in room C of the main building—that includes works by Remedios Varo, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Juan Soriano, and many others. Highlights of the museum, which is often compared to New York City’s Museum of Modern Art in terms of significance, include Kahlo’s famous self-portrait Las Dos Fridas and Rivera’s open-air murals.
Museum tickets are available upon arrival, or book a skip-the-line ticket in advance. Some museum visitors arrive via the Mexico City hop-on hop-off bus, which stops here.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Mexico City Museum of Modern Art is a must-see for art aficionados.
- Museum admission is free on Sundays.
- Book a skip-the-line ticket to avoid waiting in entry lines, especially in peak season.
- There is an on-site coat check.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Access the Museum of Modern Art through Chapultepec Park, which is easily accessible via public transportation; the nearest metro station is Chapultepec. The museum is about a 15-minute drive from the city’s historic center, and parking is available on Paseo de la Reforma, an avenue that runs diagonally through Mexico City.
When to Get There
The museum is open from 10:15am to 5:30pm Tuesday through Sunday. Peak tourist season in Mexico City typically runs from November to May, so expect more crowds during that time—and on Sundays, when museum admission is free.
Spend the Day in Chapultepec Park
Before or after your visit to the Museum of Modern Art, spend some time in the surrounding Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec), one of the largest city parks in the western hemisphere. The art museum is located in the park’s first of three sections, which boasts popular attractions such as Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec), Chapultepec Zoo (Zoológico de Chapultepec), the Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología), and the Rufino Tamayo Museum (Museo Rufino Tamayo).
Address: Av. Paseo de la Reforma S/N, Miguel Hidalgo, Bosque de Chapultepec, Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., Mexico 11560, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 5
National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropologia)
Overview
Considered one of the world’s most comprehensive natural history museums, the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología) is Mexico City’s most visited museum. Its collection includes notable historical items such as the Aztec Stone of the Sun, the giant carved heads of the Olmec people, and the Aztec Xochipilli statue.
The Basics
Designed by Mexican architect Pedro Ramírez, the National Museum of Anthropology is Mexico’s largest museum and houses the largest collection of ancient Mexican art in the world. Each of the 23 permanent exhibit halls is dedicated to a different cultural region or indigenous group, offering an in-depth look at the country’s history. Because of the museum’s size and the breath of the collection, many visitors need more than one day to explore it all.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available in the lobby at no additional cost.
- All bags, backpacks, umbrellas, and packages must be checked before entering the exhibit halls.
- The use of flash photography is not allowed in the museum.
How to Get There
The National Museum of Anthropology is located on Avenida Paseo de La Reforma and Calzada Gandhi in Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec), on the edge of the Polanco district. The Chapultepec and Auditorio metro stations are nearby, and the museum is a stop on the Turibus route, Mexico City’s hop-on hop-off bus service.
When to Get There
Even though this museum is the city’s most visited, its vast size allows enough room to accommodate the crowds without feeling cramped. On Sundays, Mexican residents receive free admission, so you’ll most likely encounter the most visitors then. Note that the museum is closed every Monday.
Nearby Chapultepec Castle
Just south of the National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec Park, Chapultepec Castle is famous for being the only castle in North America to have housed royalty. Named after the Aztec word chapoltepēc, meaning “at the grasshopper’s hill,” the impressive hilltop structure is home to the National History Museum (Museo Nacional de Historia). The museum’s permanent collection includes paintings, documents, artifacts, and clothing from different periods in Mexican history and serves as a venue for concerts and theater productions.
Address: Av Paseo de la Reforma y Calzada Gandhi S/N, Ciudad de México, Distrito Federal 11560, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 13
Puebla
The United States isn’t the only country with a “city of angels” (i.e. Los Angeles). Mexico is also home to a city that has that moniker: Puebla, officially called Puebla de los Angeles. Puebla is one of Mexico’s oldest cities and legend has it that its angelic name was first earned thanks to the bell tower on Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral since an 18,000-pound bell that no one could figure out how to get up to the tower mysteriously appeared there one morning; angels were subsequently credited for the bell being moved. It is also said that angels designed the layout of the city.
In addition to the cathedral and its famous bell tower, Puebla is also home to a variety of Baroque and Spanish Colonial style buildings and architecture that has caused it to be designated as a World Heritage City. Food is also a huge draw of Puebla. It’s called the capital of mole for a reason, and a visit to Puebla must include a bite (or several) of this beloved Mexican cuisine. Puebla is also known for its chalupas and chiles en nogada.
Practical Info
Puebla is the capital city of the Mexican state of the same name, Puebla. It is located less than 90 miles from Mexico City, making for an easy day trip from there.
Address: Puebla, Mexico
From $ 70
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)
At the historic heart of one of the world's most populous cities, is the first and largest cathedral in the Americas, seat of the Archdiocese of Mexico, and a wonder to behold. The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral - or Catedral Metropolitana - is a symphony in stone, composed over 4 centuries into manifold facades, displaying textbook Neoclassical, Renaissance, and wedding-cake ornate Mexican Baroque (Churrigueresque) styles.
Within its fantastic bulk are sheltered some 16 chapels, several alters and retablos, a fine parish church, and a choir, each an inspired work of art replete with gold gilt, fine paintings, and sculptural details. Above it all, 25 bells - measured in tons - ring and sing to the city all around.
The cathedral sits atop a far more ancient foundation, originally built for a temple to Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec God of war. His pyramid was destroyed by the Spanish, who built their cathedral in its stead. As the thirsty city emptied its underground aquifer, however, this massive monument began to sink into the subsoil. It was stabilized in the 1990s, but still lists to one side.
Within its fantastic bulk are sheltered some 16 chapels, several alters and retablos, a fine parish church, and a choir, each an inspired work of art replete with gold gilt, fine paintings, and sculptural details. Above it all, 25 bells - measured in tons - ring and sing to the city all around.
The cathedral sits atop a far more ancient foundation, originally built for a temple to Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec God of war. His pyramid was destroyed by the Spanish, who built their cathedral in its stead. As the thirsty city emptied its underground aquifer, however, this massive monument began to sink into the subsoil. It was stabilized in the 1990s, but still lists to one side.
Practical Info
The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral overlooks the Zócalo, more properly called Plaza de la Constitución, which has marked the city center since it was founded in 1325. Though the Spanish razed the neighborhood's original Aztec temples and federal buildings, they used the same stones to rebuild the capital city in Europe's image. Half a millennium later, this is still the center of all the action.
All roads lead to the Zócalo, but you're much better off without a car - traffic is terrible. Instead, take Metro Line 2 to the Zócalo stop, right in front of the cathedral.
All roads lead to the Zócalo, but you're much better off without a car - traffic is terrible. Instead, take Metro Line 2 to the Zócalo stop, right in front of the cathedral.
Address: Plaza de la Constitución s/n, Mexico City, Mexico
Hours: Open daily 7am - 7pm
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Paseo de la Reforma
France has the Champs-Élysées, New Orleans has St. Charles Street, and Mexico City has the Paseo de la Reforma. More than just a major thoroughfare that spans the length of the city, the street is a historical touchstone to remind all who pass through of the robust history of Mexico City.
Once commissioned by then-newly crowned emperor Maximilian, the Paseo de la Reforma was built to connect the center of the city with his imperial residence, Chapultepec Castle in Chapultepec Park. Originally named after his beloved, the promenade was named Paseo de la Emparitz. After Maximilian’s execution and the liberation of the Mexican people, the street was renamed the Paseo de la Reforma and has since stood as a testament to the resiliency of the Mexican people.
Today, the most prominent buildings in Mexico City reside along the avenue. For a time during President Diego’s regime, the paseo became popular with the Mexican elite, and some European styled houses developed. Also along the paseo are many historic monuments, including ones to Cuauhtémoc, Simón Bolívar, José de San Martín and Christopher Columbus.
Practical Info
The Paseo de la Reforma runs from Chapultepec Park to the northeastern end of Mexico City.
Address: Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., Mexico, Mexico
From $ 15
Murales de Diego Rivera
No trip to Mexico City is complete without a stop at Murales de Diego Rivera. Here, visitors can see the country’s most famous work of art by perhaps the nation’s most beloved artist. The massive fresco “Dream on a Sunday Afternoon in the Alamdea” was painted in 1947 and originally housed in the grand ballroom of the Hotel del Prado, before damage from a major earthquake sent the mural to its current location.
Measuring 15 meters by four meters, Rivera’s well-known mural depicts epic moments in Mexico’s history and includes famous political leaders as well as commonplace citizens. A nearby sketch identifies the multiple historic figures represented in Rivera’s masterpiece, and while it’s possible to see the fresco in a matter of minutes, visitors should allow at least an hour to truly enjoy the rich details this great work has to offer.
Measuring 15 meters by four meters, Rivera’s well-known mural depicts epic moments in Mexico’s history and includes famous political leaders as well as commonplace citizens. A nearby sketch identifies the multiple historic figures represented in Rivera’s masterpiece, and while it’s possible to see the fresco in a matter of minutes, visitors should allow at least an hour to truly enjoy the rich details this great work has to offer.
Practical Info
The museum is located in Calle Colon near the Hilton Hotel and is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. It is closed Mondays. Admission is just 19 pesos.
Address: Balderas y Colon s/n, Centro Historico, Ciudad de Mexico, DF, Mexico
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission: Admission: $19 pesos
From $ 48
Quiahuiztlan
These ancient ruins of the Totonac people line the lower volcanic slopes near the Gulf of Mexico and have not been occupied since the 16th century. Cortez, the Spanish conquistador, arrived on these rocky shores and wandered through the open plazas and religious temples that still dot the hillside.
Crumbling tombs and game courts peak out over the Gulf of Mexico, offering travelers a chance to capture truly unique photographs—especially from atop the nearby peak. This steep mountain pass is a bit of a challenge, but affords incredible views of this historic site and the scenic Gulf. Despite its beauty and historic significance, few travelers actually make the trek to Quiahuiztlan, which means crowds are thin, making ruins easy to navigate.
Practical Info
It is possible to reach Quiahuiztlan from the city of Cardel. Taxis cost about US$15. Public buses are also available for about US$5 each way
Address: Actopan, Veracruz, Mexico
From $ 71
Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes)
Overview
As Mexico City’s major cultural center, the Palace of Fine Arts hosts art exhibitions and a range of live events, including music, dance, theater, and opera. The building is a mix of art nouveau, art deco, and baroque architectural styles referred to as Porfiriano, after Mexican President Porfirio Diaz who commissioned the project.
The Basics
Located on the western side of the city’s historical center, next to Alameda Central park, the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) is surrounded by manicured gardens that offer contrast to the opulent columns and domes of the impressive structure. In addition to hosting live performances, it also houses a permanent art collection with statues and murals by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Rufino Tamayo, and José Clemente Orozco.
One of the highlights is Rivera's Man at the Crossroads mural, which was originally commissioned for New York's Rockefeller Center but was destroyed and painted over by the Rockefellers because of its anti-capitalist imagery. Rivera recreated the work for the palace in 1934. Many tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the venue, including its theater curtain that’s made of almost a million pieces of colored glass from Tiffany's.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Umbrellas, bags, backpacks, and large packages are not allowed.
- The museum is equipped with elevators, and standard and electric ramps for those with disabilities.
- Entry to the building is free, but you must pay a fee to be admitted to the museum.
How to Get There
The Palace of Fine Arts doesn’t offer a parking lot, but there are private parking lots located nearby. Since the museum is situated by the historical center, it is easily accessible by the Metro Lines 2 and 8; hop off at the convenient Bellas Artes stop, which is right next to the palace.
When to Get There
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm, with Sundays attracting a bigger crowd. In addition to the museum, you can also attend a performance at the theater, including regular shows by Mexico City's Ballet Folklórico de México. Tickets to the performances are typically available on the day.
National Palace (Palacio Nacional)
Diego Rivera fans will also want to visit the National Palace to take in the artist’s The History of Mexico mural, painted between 1929 and 1951, which depicts Mexico's history from ancient times to the present.
Address: Paseo de la Reforma y Campo Marte S/N, Mexico City, Central Mexico, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 6
Museum of Tequila and Mezcal (Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal)
The Museum of Tequila and Mezcal—or Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal (MUTEM)—offers visitors a lesson in the history, production and significance of Mexico’s much-loved, agave-based spirit, with optional tastings included. Located in the historic and frequently visited Plaza Garibaldi, the museum features a permanent exhibit hall on the first floor showcasing, step-by-step, the tequila and mezcal production process, from the selection of agave varieties to distillation.
The museum also covers Mexican culture and history, with exhibits going into detail on the site’s location, known as the center of los mariachi, and national pop culture. Visitors will have the chance to sample multiple tequila and mezcal varieties, including silver, reposado and añejo tequila, and visit the top-floor restaurant and bar, which serves its selection of Mexican dishes with a view overlooking Plaza Garibaldi, the Mexico City Cathedral and Torre Latinoamericana.
Practical Info
The Museum of Tequila and Mezcal is located in Plaza Garibaldi, one of the most traditional parts of Mexico City. It is open daily from 11am to 10pm (and until midnight on weekends). It is possible to purchase agave, tequila and mezcal products from the museum gift shop. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included with most tours, but the area can also be reached via metro, with access from Metro Garibaldi station.
Did You Know? By law, tequila can only be made using blue agave, while mezcal can be made with around 30 different types of agaves.
Address: Plaza Garibaldi s/n Col. Centro, Mexico City, Mexico
Hours: Sun–Wed 11am–10pm (until midnight Thurs–Sat)
Admission: Varies
From $ 125
National Museum of Art
The National Museum of Art’s collection of traditional Mexican crafts may be smaller than what’s found at the National Museum of Anthropology, but it still remains a popular destination for travelers to Mexico City.
Built between 1905 and 1911, the historic structure boasts an impressive entrance with richly detailed ceilings, Corinthian columns and intricate iron staircases. An expansive network of galleries and halls displays work from the 16th Century to the 20th Century, including early paintings by Diego Rivera and landscapes by Velasco. Artwork shows the progression of national development through traditional Mexican artistry. While the permanent collection is impressive, temporary exhibits are often worth the trip.
Built between 1905 and 1911, the historic structure boasts an impressive entrance with richly detailed ceilings, Corinthian columns and intricate iron staircases. An expansive network of galleries and halls displays work from the 16th Century to the 20th Century, including early paintings by Diego Rivera and landscapes by Velasco. Artwork shows the progression of national development through traditional Mexican artistry. While the permanent collection is impressive, temporary exhibits are often worth the trip.
Practical Info
The museum is located at Tacuba 8 in Centro Historico and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays. Audio tours are only available in Spanish. Be sure to pick up a map, as galleries can be difficult to navigate.
Address: Tacuba 8, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, Distrito Federal 06010, Mexico
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5:30pm
Admission: Admission: $37; Student/Senior/Child: Free
From $ 8
National University of Mexico
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) isn't your average university. The Mexico City-based school was started in 1551 by King Philip II of Spain (at which point it was called the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico) and is the oldest university in North America and the second oldest in all the Americas. Today, it is the largest university in Mexico and has a strong emphasis on research and cultural impact. UNAM isn't just for students, though; travelers to Mexico City who love history will also enjoy visiting this prestigious school.
The main draw for visitors is to see the Central University Campus, which wasn't built until the 1950s. The Central University Campus is a work of art in and of itself thanks to its modern architecture that features the focal point of a massive block of a building with the side adorned in murals done by Diego Rivera, Diego Alfaro Siqueiros and other prominent artists. Thanks to the artistic flair and history of the campus, it is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity site.
The University Cultural Center is also a big draw thanks to the performances in its concert hall as well as being home to a wide range of exhibits and the National Library. The university is also home to museums that can be toured, including ones that focus on mural artwork, architecture, astronomy and different cultures.
Practical Info
UNAM is located in the downtown area of Mexico City's Coyoacan borough. Its grounds are free to walk through.
Address: Mexico City, Mexico
From $ 59
Mexico City Great Temple (Templo Mayor)
Overview
What remains of the Aztecs’ Great Temple (Templo Mayor) sits right in the middle of Mexico City, but many tourists miss it. In 1978, a massive, 8-ton (7,000-kilogram) stone depicting Coyolxauhqui (the Aztec goddess of the moon) was unearthed, marking the location of the temple, a gathering place sacred for the Aztecs during the 1300s and 1400s.
The Basics
Located next to the Metropolitan Cathedral, close to the Zócalo, the ruins of the Great Temple currently consist of walls embedded with stuccoed skulls and enormous carvings dedicated to Tlaloc (the god of storms) and Huitzilopochtli (the god of war). Throughout the 1980s, excavation revealed an unprecedented trove of treasures from the Aztec Empire, with more and more being uncovered all the time.
Today, visitors can tour the ruins and explore the on-site museum, which houses artifacts, such as the monolith of the moon goddess, knives, masks, sculptures, and other objects. Excavation work at the UNESCO World Heritage Site continues today. Book your ticket in advance to skip long lines, or join a sightseeing tour of Mexico City that visits the Great Temple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visit the museum before exploring the ruins to get a better understanding of the archaeological site.
- You’ll walk through the ruins on gated pathways.
- The Great Temple is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in the Aztecs.
How to Get There
Driving isn't recommended because traffic can be heavy and parking expensive. Since the Great Temple site is situated near the historic center, it’s easily accessible by public transit. Via the Metro Line 2, hop off at the Zócalo stop, which is a quick walk from the museum. The archaeological site is also a stop on many bus tours.
When to Get There
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Admission is free Sundays, so expect crowds. The best time to visit any outdoor spot in Mexico City is between March and May, when it’s sunny and not too hot. But, it is also the busiest time of the year because of this.
National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología)
The National Museum of Anthropology allows visitors to explore Aztec history further. Located in Chapultepec Park, Mexico City’s most-visited museum hosts a collection that includes notable historical items, such as the Aztec Stone of the Sun, the giant carved heads of the Olmec people, and the Aztec Xochipilli statue. From the Great Temple, it’s a short ride via public transit.
Address: Seminario #8 Centro Historico, Mexico City, Mexico
Admission: Varies
From $ 9
Leon Trotsky Museum
Located in the Coyoacan borough of Mexico City sits a well-known monument in honor of a government dissenter. The Trotsky Museum honors the famous Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky, known for his participation in the Bolshevik Revolution, his distaste for the rich and his adamant disapproval of then-Russian leader Stalin. Trotsky and his family fled to Mexico following a death warrant being issued for him in 1939.
It was here, in this house-turned-museum, that Trotsky spent his final days and survived one assassination attempt before succumbing to a second. Bullet holes from the first attempt are still embedded in the walls, and the rest of the museum also keeps the look and feel of the era when Trosky and his family lived here in exile.
The museum includes the house, a garden area and outer walls with a guard tower. The complex was declared a historic monument in 1982, and in 1990, on the 50th anniversary of Trotsky’s assassination, it was also made into a foundation that promotes political asylum for those being persecuted by their governments.
Practical Info
The Trotsky Museum is just a few blocks away from the Frida Kahlo Museum in the Coyoacan borough of Mexico City. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm, and ticket prices are roughly $3.50. It is free to enter on Sunday.
Address: Rio Churubusco 410, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, Ciudad de Mexico, D.F., Mexico 04100, Mexico
Admission: $3.50
From $ 2
Mexico City Alameda Central
Originally a public green space in 1592, Mexico City’s Alameda Central features fountains, statues, and lush landscaping. The urban park is a popular spot for locals and visitors to relax, people watch, and explore historic, cultural, and artistic sights like Diego Rivera's famous mural, Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park.
The Basics
In 1592, Viceroy Luis de Velasco planted dozens of poplar trees, creating the park and earning Alameda Central its name, which comes from the Spanish word álamo or poplar tree. Since then, the country’s leaders have put their mark on the green space, including President Porfirio Diaz, who commissioned the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) be built near the park.
In addition to wandering the area by foot, visitors can explore via bike and Segway tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Alameda Central offers free Wi-Fi.
- Food vendors aren’t allowed in the park, so be sure to bring snacks if you plan to stay.
- The area is considered safe for visitors.
How to Get There
As is the case with most of Mexico City, pricy parking lots are located close to the Alameda Central, but it’s better to forgo the car or cab and take the metro to this congested neighborhood. Metro Bellas Artes, accessed by Lines 2 and 8, opens up right onto the park, while Metro Hidalgo, via Lines 2 and 3, is right across the street.
When to Get There
Alameda Central is a popular spot, especially on weekends and on weekdays between 4 and 7pm when locals leave work. As for time of year, visit during the spring (late March and April) to see the jacaranda trees in bloom with large, vibrant purple flowers; they are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Located at the end of Alameda Central, the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) is Mexico City’s major cultural center and hosts art exhibitions, along with a range of live events, including music, dance, theater, and opera. It also houses a permanent art collection with statues and murals by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Rufino Tamayo, and José Clemente Orozco.
Address: Avenida Hidalgo, Mexico City, Mexico
Admission: Free
From $ 36
Papantla
The town of Papantla is located deep in the heart of the Totonacapan region about three hours north of Veracruz City. This quiet haven is famous for its impressive views of the majestic Sierra Papanteca range, sweet indigenous vanilla, Totonac people and the popular El Tajin ruins.
Enjoy breakfast at one of the local cafes before taking to the streets in search of the eleven murals painted by Mexican masters like Teodoro Cano Garcia—a student of Diego Rivera. One of the most famous of these is located in the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion. The city is also known for its numerous museums, but travelers agree the unique Museo de las Mascaras, which contains more than 300 masks from around the country, is definitely worth a visit.
Practical Info
Papantla is alive with energy any time of year, but it’s especially nice to visit during one of the city’s major festivals. Travelers can enjoy sweet treats during the Vanilla Expo each in December or see traditional dance, sample local food and hear plenty of local music during the Corpus Christi Festival in June.
Address: Papantla, Veracruz, Mexico
From $ 128
San Angel
A much loved neighborhood in the southwestern corner of Mexico City, San Angel is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, its small town feel, and its authentic Mexican food, crafts, and culture. People come to San Angel to experience the Mexico City that existed in colonial times. Café culture is popular here, and many choose to spend the day sipping on a café con leche and watching the craftsmen peddle their wares in the public market or during the popular Saturday Bazaar. Colonial architecture marks the town, small taquerias line the zocalo (town square), and the boutique shops that dot the cobblestoned streets are perfect for exploring.
Head to the park for a pleasant stroll under the shade of the gum trees, and enjoy life’s passing parade as the locals here do (typically with an agua fresca). San Angel is known as one of Mexico City’s most beautiful neighborhoods, and any of the city’s wealthy elite struck up residence here decades ago, making the architecture of the town one of its many subtle draws —the slow pace of life being another.
Practical Info
San Angel is located in the southwestern corner of Mexico City in the Alvaro Obregon borough. It is most easily accessible via car or bus. For the latter, take the metro bus to La Bombilla, depart, and then head north up La Paz. This will take you directly into town and on Saturdays you’ll see the famous bazaar, which is bustling with activity.
Address: Mexico City, Mexico
From $ 29
Mixquic
For three days a year this quiet mountain village just south of Mexico City becomes the ultimate cultural destination. Between October 31 and November 2 residents gather to commemorate the Day of the Dead, a celebration of loved ones who are no longer living. Travelers make the voyage from Mexico City to the rolling hills of an otherwise quiet countryside to experience this truly unique festival.
Graves are decorated with flowers and skeletons and fragrant incense wafts through the air as residents sing songs honoring those who have passed. Colorful murals cover typically empty walls and stalls selling strong drinks, spicy food and tokens for the dead line the bustling streets. Halls of the local church come alive with traditional artwork and intricate masks to commemorate those who are no longer living. While the journey from Mexico City can be long due to traffic, experiencing this once-a-year festival is well worth the trip.
Graves are decorated with flowers and skeletons and fragrant incense wafts through the air as residents sing songs honoring those who have passed. Colorful murals cover typically empty walls and stalls selling strong drinks, spicy food and tokens for the dead line the bustling streets. Halls of the local church come alive with traditional artwork and intricate masks to commemorate those who are no longer living. While the journey from Mexico City can be long due to traffic, experiencing this once-a-year festival is well worth the trip.
Practical Info
It’s possible to hire a round-trip taxi from Mexico City for about 1500 pesos. Although Mixquic comes alive for Day of the Dead celebrations, it isn’t much of a destination the rest of the year.
Address: San Andres Mixquic, Tláhuac, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
From $ 52