Mexico City is a sprawling, high-altitude metropolis where ancient Aztec ruins sit alongside colonial cathedrals and cutting-edge contemporary art. The city is known for its neon-lit wrestling rings, tranquil floating gardens in the south, and bustling markets.
Whether you are a history buff, a food lover, or a thrill-seeker, the Mexican capital offers endless opportunities to explore the city and soak in the culture. In this blog, we will cover some of the top things to do in Mexico City, Mexico, so you can create unforgettable memories in a gorgeous city with your loved one.
- Party on a Boat in Xochimilco
- Watch a Soccer Match
- Go for a Lucha Libre Match
- Go on a Food Street Tour
- Explore the Chapultepec Castle
- Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum
- Take the Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon
- Visit Famous Markets like La Merced & Tianguis Cultural del Chopo
- Visit the Zócalo’s Cathedral
- Wander through Historic and Colorful Coyoacán
- FAQs
Party on a Boat in Xochimilco
Floating through the ancient canals of Xochimilco on a brightly colored trajinera is a quintessential Mexico City experience. It’s a floating fiesta where mariachi bands pull up alongside your boat, and vendors sell cold beer and fresh tacos. Originally part of an extensive lake and canal system built by the Aztecs, these “floating gardens” are now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most fun things to do in Mexico City on a weekend.
As you drift along, you can hire musicians to play a song for your group or buy traditional snacks like elotes (corn) from passing vendors. It is a colorful, loud, and joyful celebration of life that shouldn’t be missed. The atmosphere is social and welcoming, making it a perfect spot to make new friends, as boats often bump into each other amidst laughter and music.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location:Xochimilco
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily)
- Entry Fee: $600 MXN (Approx. ₹2,550 INR) per boat, per hour
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Watch a Soccer Match
Football is more than just a sport in Mexico; it is a shared national religion. Experiencing the roar of over 80,000 fans at the legendary Estadio Azteca or the more intimate Estadio Olímpico Universitario is an adrenaline-pumping immersion into local culture. The energy is palpable from the moment you approach the stadium, with vendors selling jerseys, scarves, and snacks. Whether you’re watching a local derby between giants like Club América and Pumas or a national team game, the singing and chanting are infectious.
For tourists, this is one of the most authentic ways to see the city’s passion firsthand. If there is a game scheduled, it is easily one of the best things to do in Mexico City today. The sheer scale of the Azteca, which has hosted two World Cup finals, adds a layer of historical weight to every goal scored.
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Location:Tlalpan (Estadio Azteca) or Coyoacán (Estadio Olímpico)
Timings: Varies by match (usually weekends or midweek evenings)
Entry Fee: $200–$1,500+ MXN (Approx. ₹850–₹6,380+)
Go for a Lucha Libre Match
High-flying acrobatics meet theatrical drama in Lucha Libre, Mexico’s iconic professional wrestling. Watching masked luchadores battle it out at Arena México is an electric experience filled with cheering, booing, and some of the most impressive athletic feats you’ll ever see. The crowd is split between the “técnicos” (the good guys) and the “rudos” (the villains), and the atmosphere is thick with the sound of whistles and laughter.
This is one of the premier nighttime things to do in Mexico City, offering a mix of sports and soap operas. Each mask tells a story, and the tradition is a deep-rooted part of the city’s pop culture identity. Don’t forget to buy your own mask outside the arena to truly feel like part of the spectacle!
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Location:Arena México (Colonia Doctores) or Arena Coliseo
Timings: Tuesdays (7:30 PM), Fridays (8:30 PM), Sundays (5:00 PM)
Entry Fee: $150–$800 MXN (Approx. ₹640–₹3,400)
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Go on a Food Street Tour
Mexico City’s culinary soul is found on its sidewalks rather than in its fine-dining halls. A food tour takes you through smoky stalls to taste authentic tacos al pastor, crispy chilaquiles, and sweet churros, revealing the complex flavors and history behind the city’s world-famous cuisine. You’ll discover that every neighborhood has its own specialty, from the seafood tostadas of Coyoacán to the blue corn tlacoyos in the city center.
Exploring the street food scene is one of the must-see places in Mexico City for your taste buds, as it offers a window into the daily lives of the locals and the immense diversity of Mexican ingredients. These tours often lead you to family-run stalls that have been serving the same perfected recipes for generations.
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Location: Various (Roma, Condesa, and Centro Histórico are popular)
Timings: Typically 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM or evening sessions
Entry Fee: $900–$2,500 MXN (Approx. ₹3,830–₹10,630) for guided tours
Explore the Chapultepec Castle
Perched atop a hill with sweeping views of the city, Chapultepec Castle is the only royal palace in North America. Its opulent rooms, lush gardens, and historic murals tell the story of Mexico’s monarchy, revolution, and evolving national identity. Once the residence of Emperor Maximilian I and later several Mexican presidents; the castle now houses the National Museum of History.
Walking through the grand hallways, you’ll see stunning stained glass, period furniture, and massive murals by artists like David Alfaro Siqueiros. It is truly one of the must-see places in Mexico City, offering a serene escape within the massive Chapultepec Park. The view from the terrace, looking down the tree-lined Paseo de la Reforma, is arguably the best skyline view in the city.
Google Rating: 4.8/5
Location:Bosque de Chapultepec, 1st Section
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday)
Entry Fee: $95 MXN (Approx. ₹405)
Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum
Known as La Casa Azul (The Blue House), this museum was the birthplace and lifelong home of Mexico’s most famous artist, Frida Kahlo. Wandering through her personal studios and seeing her belongings offers a deeply intimate look into Frida’s art, pain, and resilience. The house remains much as she left it, with her collection of folk art, her colorful kitchen, and the gardens where she used to spend her time.
For anyone looking for things to do in Mexico City for tourists, this is usually at the top of the list. It is a powerful pilgrimage site that captures the spirit of a woman who became a global icon of strength and individuality. Be sure to look for her bed, which features a mirror on the canopy so she could paint self-portraits while bedridden.
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Location:Coyoacán (Londres 247)
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
Entry Fee: $270–$350 MXN (Approx. ₹1150–₹1490)
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Take the Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon
Rising with the sun over the City of the Gods provides a perspective like no other. From the air, the massive Sun and Moon Pyramids reveal their geometric perfection, offering a serene contrast to the bustling city streets below. Teotihuacan was once one of the largest cities in the ancient world, and seeing its vast “Avenue of the Dead” from hundreds of feet up is truly humbling.
This is frequently cited as one of the Top things to do in Mexico City and the surrounding area. The flight is typically followed by a traditional toast and a breakfast, giving you time to process the majesty of the archaeological site before exploring the ruins on foot. The quiet of the morning air combined with the ancient stone structures creates a spiritual experience.
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Location:San Juan Teotihuacán (1 hour from CDMX)
Timings: 5:30 AM – 10:00 AM (Daily)
Entry Fee: $2,300–$3,500 MXN (Approx. ₹9,780–₹14,880
Visit Famous Markets like La Merced & Tianguis Cultural del Chopo
From the sprawling food labyrinths of La Merced to the gritty, rock-and-roll vibe of El Chopo, Mexico City’s markets are its lifeblood. These hubs offer everything from exotic fruits and spices to vintage vinyl and handmade punk rock gear.
La Merced is a sensory overload where you can find any ingredient imaginable, such as dried chilies and edible insects. On the other hand, El Chopo is a Saturday-only cultural market where the city’s counterculture gathers to swap music and subculture fashion. If you are looking for authentic things to do in Mexico City, these markets provide an unfiltered look at the city’s commercial and social heart.
Google Rating: 4.4/5 (La Merced)/4.6/5 (El Chopo)
Location:Centro (La Merced) and Buenavista(El Chopo)
Timings: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (Daily), 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (El Chopo)
Entry Fee: Free
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Visit the Zócalo’s Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral is a staggering masterpiece of colonial architecture, built over several centuries on the ruins of an ancient Aztec temple. Its leaning towers, massive organ, and gold-leafed altars represent the spiritual heart and historical layers of the city. As the largest cathedral in the Americas, its interior is a dizzying mix of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Renaissance styles.
Outside, the Zócalo (main square) is constantly buzzing with activity, from indigenous dancers performing rituals to political rallies. It is a central part of any list of things to do in Mexico City, representing the collision of two worlds: the Aztec and the Spanish. You can even see the excavation of the Templo Mayor ruins right next door.
Google Rating: 4.8/5
Location:Plaza de la Constitución, Centro Histórico
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Daily)
Entry Fee: Free (Small fee for choir or bell tower tours)
Wander through Historic and Colorful Coyoacán
Coyoacán feels like a village frozen in time within the city. Its cobblestone streets, hidden plazas, and colonial mansions create a bohemian atmosphere where you can grab a coffee, watch street performers, and soak in the neighborhood’s artistic legacy.
This area was once the home of intellectuals and revolutionaries like Leon Trotsky, and it remains one of the most charming must-see places in Mexico City. It is the perfect place to wrap up your journey and reflect on the vibrant, multi-layered spirit of the Mexican capital.
Google Rating: 4.8/5
Location:Coyoacán Borough
Timings: Best enjoyed 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily)
Entry Fee: Free
FAQs
What are the best things to do in Mexico City?
For an authentic experience, catch a high-energy Lucha Libre wrestling match at Arena México or head to Plaza Garibaldi to hear mariachi bands perform. If you prefer a modern vibe, go for a Cantina Crawl in the Centro Histórico or enjoy rooftop cocktails with views of the illuminated Zócalo
How expensive is traveling in Mexico City?
Mexico City is remarkably budget-friendly. A typical budget traveler can expect to spend around $40–$60 USD (₹3,400–₹5,100) per day, while a comfortable mid-range trip costs roughly $100–$120 USD (₹8,500–₹10,200) daily.
What is Mexico City known for?
Mexico City is world-renowned for its vibrant street food culture, its deep Aztec and colonial history, and for being the home of the legendary artist Frida Kahlo. It also holds the distinction of having one of the highest numbers of museums in any city globally, ranging from the massive National Museum of Anthropology to smaller, quirky art galleries.
How many days do I need for a Mexico City trip?
To see the main highlights without rushing, 5 to 7 days is the sweet spot. This allows you 3–4 days to explore key neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Coyoacán, plus a couple of days for essential day trips like the Teotihuacán pyramids or the Xochimilco canals.
When is the best time to visit Mexico City?
The best time is during the dry season from late October to early May. Specifically, the months of March and April offer beautiful weather and blooming purple Jacaranda trees. If you want to experience the city’s most famous tradition, visit in late October for the colorful Day of the Dead celebrations.
Do Indians need a visa for Mexico City?
Yes, Indian citizens generally require a visa. However, you are exempt and can enter for tourism if you hold a valid, multiple-entry visa for the USA, Canada, UK, Japan, or the Schengen Area. If you do not have one of these, you must apply at a Mexican consulate in India.
Is English enough for traveling in Mexico City?
In popular tourist neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Polanco, as well as in major hotels, English is widely spoken. However, in local markets, smaller shops, and taxis, it is very helpful to know basic Spanish phrases or have Google Translate ready on your phone.
What should I not miss in Mexico City?
You absolutely cannot miss the National Museum of Anthropology, a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacán, and a visit to La Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum).
What are the things to do in Mexico City for families?
Families will love KidZania (an interactive “city” for kids), the Papalote Museo del Niño (Children’s Museum), and the Chapultepec Zoo, which is free to enter. For an outdoor adventure, the whole family can enjoy a boat ride in Xochimilco or a day at the Six Flags Mexico amusement park.
