The Best Things To Do In Mexico City: Unforgetable Experiences
Mexico City, the capital of Mexico and largest city in North America, is a great destination for foodies, dog lovers and immersion into art and culture. With numerous neighborhoods to stay in for experiencing the best things to do in Mexico City, I chose Condesa for its chill vibe – and everyday I was surrounded by so many cozy cafes, dogs and art!
This guide highlights all the attractions and places to visit during your time in Mexico City and some places I have added to my Wishlist for next time.
Plan your Perfect trip to Mexico City
🏨 Find the perfect hotel on Booking.com
🎫 If you’d like to go on a fun tour, check out the best tours to take in Mexico
🎒 Pack a universal travel adapter, your favorite travel camera (I love this one!), and a good portable solar phone charger
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The bEST Things To Do In Mexico City
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1- Tasty Taco Tour
Beginning in Fuente de las Cibelas park, near the CDMX sign, this taco tour left me re-thinking my upcoming restaurant choices with their mouth watering tacos.
On the tour, I stopped at three places. Most of the places can handle food allergies and/or restrictions, but the last stop only sells red meat. Each place has various toppings that can be added to your tacos from guacamole, salsa, limes, onions and even potatoes. If any of the sauces are spicy, the guide warns you ahead of time so you can drench at your own risk.
Of the stops, my favorite was the second, specifically the chicken costras. I still think about it to this day!
This free tour, tips appreciated, lasts about 2 hours when booked through Guruwalk. Tacos cost 20 pesos, Cheese is 5 pesos and drinks are 20 pesos. Some stands took cards but I would bring smaller pesos. If you’re a foodie, then this tour is one best things to do in Mexico City for you.
2- Hot Air Balloon Ride
If you are a sucker for views like I am, a hot air balloon tour offers the most breathtaking views as the sun begins to rise on your ascent into the sky. The balloon travels above the pyramids of Teotihuacan providing a birds eye view of the area before landing nearby. This is one of the best things to do in Mexico City because you get such a great view of the city!
For wardrobe, I would recommend closed toe shoes and layers. It was really cold and the only heat while up in the air was from the fire used to move the balloon.
Booked through Airbnb, the tour starts around 5am with roundtrip transportation. Upon arrival, the balloon cost $192 per person and videos/pictures cost 1500 pesos. After the tour, you can head to a breakfast buffet for 200 pesos and walk around the pyramids for 100 pesos a person and 100 pesos for parking.
3- Attend A Lucha Libre
¡Esto es Lucho! (This is wrestling). The arena is filled with fans cheering and booing the luchadores as they wrestle to the end. They are wearing masks and flamboyant outfits as they kick, punch and use the ropes to do backflips onto their opponents. This one of the best things to do in Mexico City because it’s an experience you do not want to miss.
As you enjoy the matches, you can purchase food and drink. Outside of the venue, you can buy masks, shirts and dolls that resemble the fighters inside.
Tickets for this event can be booked through ticketmaster and you can get there easily by uber.
4- Explore Xochimilco on a Boat
Xochimilco is a World Heritage site that is a must see. On a trajinera, I journeyed through the canals soaking up the sun, jamming to the sounds of mariachi bands, and relaxed eating elote and drinking margaritas made by the vendors sailing nearby. If you want to kick it up a notch, you can buy flower headbands handcrafted by the locals and dance to the music.
Once the tour is over, head near the bathrooms and there is a lady selling rice plates! This rice was some of the best rice I have ever had. I really want to know what seasoning she was using because it was perfect.
Arriving at Xomochilo is easy via uber or a tour group. The boat costs 600 pesos an hour and a speaker is 500 pesos for the entire ride. You can also name your boat! Remember to bring smaller pesos to pay for the bathroom, food and souvenirs.
5- Mercado de Artesanias d la Ciudadela
If you are looking for souvenirs to take home, this is the place to go! I spent hours walking through the aisles, eating and chatting with vendors. The market has so much jewelry, pottery, clothing, household items and other goods to purchase via credit card, pesos or USD. Feel free to bargain with the vendors to get the best price.
6- Eat Authentic And Delicious Food
The food scene is unparalleled and each meal ignited my senses.
Places I tried:
- Paramo: Two words, fish tacos.
- Tea Connection(breakfast/brunch): I loved the waffle here!
- Rebel Wings: The wings were mouthwatering, I had the lemon pepper and wanted to order these late at night when I was hungry.
- Nonsolo: The pasta was so fresh.
- Blaxicocina: This was a soul food restaurant that I knew I had to try when I saw it online. I had the wings and wanted to bring some on the plane when I left.
- LingLing: Asian Inspired dishes. The vegan sushi roll and edamame dumplings had me looking for places in NYC that had similar items, so that I could eat this again.
Next Time:
- Contramar: I heard great things and have added this to my list for next time.
- Expendido de Maiz Sin Nombre: This restaurant has no menu, you simply tell them what you like and they make dishes for you.
Let me know if you try those two and what recommendations you may have in the comments!
Honorable Mentions
If there was more space in the itinerary I would add both the Frida Kahlo Museum and Grutas Tolantongo.
The Frida Kahlo museum is her birthplace and has many artifacts, memorabilia and photographs throughout the space.
Grutas Tolantongo is a man-made thermal spring built into the side of the mountain located about 4 hours outside of Mexico City. It has beautiful blue waters and allows you to spend time going through a cave and relaxing in a thermal pool and river.
Wrap-up: Best Things To Do In Mexico City
Mexico city is a great destination for a weekend or multiple weekends visits. I can’t wait to go back and continue exploring the city and indulging in the food scene.
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