Explore Mexico City: 10 Must-Do Activities for Travelers (Hometown Series)
The hometown series has taken us around the world, to small towns and big cities as travel bloggers highlight the many unique things to do and food to try. The series explores exciting destinations around the globe, while also encouraging you to enjoy what is right in your own backyard! In recent posts we have visited Tel Aviv in Israel, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Paris, and Prague in the Czech Republic. Now we will explore Mexico City with Dani from No Hurry to Get Home.
Mexico City is a vibrant and bustling destination that boasts an array of exciting activities and attractions.
I was born and bred in Mexico City. Once I became an adult, I decided to travel around the world and live in different cities around the globe. It wasn’t until I turned 25 that I returned and made “CDMX” my home base again and let me tell you: This city is absolutely fantastic!
I never really appreciated Mexico City until I left. Having called other places like Dusseldorf, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Nairobi, and Bangkok my home, I now see how much it has to offer!
From exploring historic landmarks to indulging in delicious street food, there is no shortage of things to do in this vibrant city. In this article, we will give you a list of the best things to do in Mexico City.
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Explore Mexico City: Safety Tips
Is Mexico City safe? This is a question many people have before visiting the Mexican capital. Of course, like any big city, there are basic precautions you need to take, but the city is pretty safe for visitors in general.
Knowing which areas to avoid is key to staying safe in Mexico City. As a rule, if you stick to neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Lomas de Chapultepec, and Santa Fe, you’ll be good!
Food and Drink
When you visit Mexico City, you must try the local food and drinks. Mexico City has a rich culinary culture and is famous for its unique flavors and dishes. Here are some must-try food and drink options for you:
Try Authentic Mexican Tacos
Mexican tacos are obviously a must when you are in Mexico City! They are different from the tacos you may have tried elsewhere.
You can find taco stands all over the city, and they are usually inexpensive. You can try different types of tacos, such as al pastor, carnitas, and carne asada (pastor would be my top recommendation – don’t forget to add lime to them!).
Sip on Mezcal at a Local Bar
Mezcal is a traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant. It has a smoky flavor and is usually served in a shot glass.
While I’m not a huge fan of mezcal myself, I think everyone needs to try it when visiting Mexico (you’ll either love it or hate it!). Some of the popular bars to try mezcal include La Clandestina, La Botica, and La Nacional. Don’t forget to ask the bartender for recommendations.
Indulge in Delicious Churros
Churros are a popular Mexican sweet snack or dessert. They are fried dough pastries that are usually served with chocolate sauce.
You can find churros stands all over the city, but some can’t-miss spots to get them include El Moro, Churrería Elías, and Churrería El Convento.
Dine at Pujol
Pujol is a famous restaurant in Mexico City that is known for its innovative Mexican cuisine. It’s been on the World’s 50 Best Restaurant List for years already!
The restaurant is usually booked in advance, so make sure to make a reservation. Some of the popular dishes include Mole Madre, Tamal de Cazuela, and Barbacoa de Res.
Explore Mexico City: Culture and History
If you’re interested in learning about the rich culture and history of Mexico City, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local scene. Here are a few must-see attractions:
Visit the National Museum of Anthropology
You can’t visit Mexico City without stopping by the National Museum of Anthropology.
This massive museum is home to a vast collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including the famous Aztec Calendar Stone. Be sure to set aside plenty of time to explore the exhibits and learn about the history of the indigenous peoples from past and present Mexico.
Explore the Frida Kahlo Museum
The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House, is a must-see destination for art lovers. This museum is located in the Coyoacán neighborhood, where Frida Kahlo was born and lived almost her entire life. You’ll have the opportunity to explore her former home and get an insight into what her life was like.
Walk through the Roma Norte Neighborhood
The Roma Norte neighborhood is a trendy area that’s perfect for exploring on foot. You’ll find plenty of street art, boutique shops, and hip cafes in this area as well as stunning colonial, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco buildings to admire.
Day of the Dead Festival
If you’re lucky enough to be in Mexico City during the Day of the Dead Festival, you’re in for a treat. Day of the Dead in Mexico City takes place on November 1st and 2nd and is a time to honor loved ones who have passed away. You’ll see plenty of colorful altars, parades, and traditional costumes during this festive time of year and be able to join on the Grand Day of the Dead Parade, where enormous catrinas and performers dressed up in colorful costumes walk all the way from the Zocalo and along Reforma Avenue.
Explore Mexico City: Outdoor Activities
One of the best things about Mexico City is that, even though it’s a humongous metropolis, there are still tons of opportunities to get out and breathe fresh air even within the city.
Hike Up the Teotihuacan Pyramids
Take a day trip to the ancient city of Teotihuacan, located just outside of Mexico City. The site is home to two massive pyramids, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Hiking up the pyramids is a great way to get some exercise and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Stroll Through Chapultepec Park
Chapultepec Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world, covering over 1,600 acres. Here, you can take a stroll through the park and enjoy the lush greenery, tranquil lakes, and beautiful sculptures. You’ll forget you’re in a big city at all while here!
You can also visit the Chapultepec Castle. It’s located in the first section of the park, which is the touristy side. I also recommend checking out the second section for hidden gems and a much more local/peaceful atmosphere.
Explore Mexico City: Take a Boat Ride in Xochimilco
Xochimilco is a neighborhood in the south of Mexico City that is famous for its canals and colorful boats called trajineras. Take a boat ride through the canals and enjoy the lively atmosphere, complete with mariachi music and street vendors selling food and drinks.
Where to stay in Mexico City
Uma Casa is a wonderful option for where to stay in Mexico City. More than a hotel, this is a house where you’ll find lots of privacy and very personal treatment as the owner lives right next door.
Uma Casa is absolutely stunning! The house has won several awards for its gorgeous, earthy design and each room is decorated with curated pieces from Mexican artisans.
As a bonus, Uma Casa is located in the renowned and upper-scale Lomas de Chapultepec neighborhood. This neighborhood is very centrally located but away from the crowds and noise you’ll find in other parts of the city. There’s greenery all over and you may very well feel like you’re worlds away from the bustle and hustle of the city, all while still being close to everything.
About the Author
Dani is a Mexican travel blogger who has lived and worked all over the world. These days, she calls Mexico City her home and falls more in love with it every day! When she’s not writing for her blog, No Hurry To Get Home, she’s either exploring the city, jetting off to a new destination, or spending time with her dog.
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About Me
I’m Melissa, but you can call me Missy. I continuously crave a new adventure and love sharing those adventures with you! My sidekick is my 5 year old daughter. Together we are conquering the world, one city at a time! Find family travel tips and guides that will help you plan your next adventure!
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