Best Places to Visit in Mexico City: Pyramids, Museums & Local Culture
- Dr. K.
- 5 days ago
- 8 min read
Mexico City is one of the most culturally layered cities in Latin America—a place where ancient civilizations, colonial architecture, contemporary art, and everyday street life coexist within a few square miles. Beyond the food, the city’s landmarks tell a much deeper story. Visiting the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Templo Mayor, and Chapultepec Castle offers a glimpse into Mexico’s artistic legacy, Aztec roots, and sweeping urban landscape.
On our visit, we focused on eight experiences that blend history, culture, architecture, and pure fun. Each one offers a different perspective on the city, whether you’re walking through ancient pyramids, biking through Coyoacán, tasting mezcal in Roma Norte, or watching the city come alive at night.
Top Things to Do in Mexico City
1. Pyramids of Teotihuacan
Just outside Mexico City, Teotihuacan’s pyramids are a marvel. We booked a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, followed by a walking tour with a guide. Instead of biking (it was too hot), we walked and learned about the site’s incredible history.
💡 Book the experience we took: Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Ride with Optional Bike or Walking Tour.
The tour we took included a balloon ride, a walking tour around the pyramids, a lovely vegetarian chilaquiles & beans breakfast with traditional music, coffee and sipping tequila + a few visits around the area.
See our documented experiences via these Instagram reels:
So much excitement - right before the hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan from Mexico City!
Teotihuacan is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico, and sunrise is the most atmospheric—and least crowded—time to experience it.
2. Coyoacán & Frida Kahlo Museum
This charming neighborhood has a relaxed vibe. We stayed a night at H21 Hospedaje Boutique—a fantastic choice.
While here:
Visit Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum). There’s a small fee for photography inside.
Try the spiced coconut water from a street vendor outside. See a reel about our experience
Add on Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum—a striking artistic space. (Combo ticket available.)
💡 Recommended tour: Frida Kahlo VIP: Skip-the-Line + Bikes & Churros.
Take a bike tour through the cobblestone streets, with a stop for churros and atole. See our Instagram reel about our bike tour group. This tour also takes you the mercado for some tasty vegetarian tostadas and agua frescas. See our experience with food tasting at the local market.
If you have time, spending a full day in Coyoacán gives you a quieter, more artistic view of Mexico City beyond the busy central districts.
3. Mexico City Nightlife
Mexico City has a nightlife scene that works for every pace—cocktail bars, mezcalerías, live music, and relaxed neighborhood spots.
The neighborhoods of Condesa and Roma are home to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants, with plenty of live music.
💡 Where to drink:
✔ For a dive bar experience: Bosforo – A tiny, lively mezcal bar with standing-room-only vibes. Expect loud music and a trendy crowd.
✔ For an upscale cocktail experience: Licorería Limantour – Ranked #4 on the World's Best Bars 2022 and North America’s best bar for two consecutive years. Their Oregano Drink, Margarita Al Pastor, and Mr. Pink are legendary. Make a reservation in advance on OpenTable!
✔ For families: The Polanco location of Limantour allows kids and has the same fantastic drinks.
Pro Tip: Try a Michelada (a spicy, tomato-based beer cocktail). See our Instagram reel on how it’s made!
4. Mexico City Museums
Mexico City is packed with museums, but two stand out:
✔ National Museum of Anthropology – One of the most visited museums in Mexico, featuring pre-Columbian artifacts.
Don’t miss:
The Stone of the Sun (Aztec Calendar Stone)
El Paraguas (The Umbrella) – A stunning, column-supported water feature. See our reel standing under it!
Plan at least two hours here; the museum is larger and more detailed than most visitors expect.
✔ Palacio de Bellas Artes – Home to murals by Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and Rufino Tamayo. If you love art, this is a must-see.
5. Lucha Libre Match
If you’re looking for something lively and completely different from museums and pyramids…
Mexico’s version of pro wrestling, Lucha Libre, is a mix of theatricality, high-flying moves, and pure entertainment. It’s over-the-top, fun, and a beloved part of Mexican culture.
💡 Ways to experience it:
✔ Watch a match at Arena Mexico.
📸 See our reel on this experience – It’s silly, wild, and totally worth it!
✔ Take a mask-making workshop before heading to the show (See this vetted Airbnb experience).
✔ Combine Mezcal tasting with wrestling – Start with drinks at a local pub, then head to the arena.
6. Take a Churros Masterclass
If you love churros, learn how to make them from scratch in a hands-on masterclass. This Airbnb experience also includes making ganache with Mexican cacao beans and crafting the perfect hot chocolate.
💡 Book this vetted Airbnb experience: [Churros & Chocolate Masterclass]
Mexico City’s food culture shines through experiences as much as restaurants.
📸 Even if you skip the class, don’t leave without trying a churro! See our reel from El Morro.
7. Mezcal & Mole Tasting
For something more culinary and educational, this tasting experience was one of our favorites.
Two Mexican culinary staples—mezcal and mole—come together in an expert-led tasting in Roma Norte.
💡 What to expect:
✔ Taste 7 Oaxacan mezcals guided by a certified mezcal sommelier.
✔ Pair them with 7 traditional moles, all vegan-friendly!
💡 What is mole? Mole (mo-lay) is a rich, complex sauce integral to Mexican cuisine. While Mole Poblano is the most famous, there are endless varieties. Always ask if it’s vegetarian, as some versions contain meat stock.
💡 What is mezcal? A smoky, agave-based spirit, mezcal can be sipped neat or mixed into cocktails. Many varieties exist, and some bottles even include a worm! (Ask before ordering.)
💡 Recommended Airbnb experience: [Mezcal & Mole with a Certified Sommelier]
8. Visit the Zócalo & Historic Center
No visit to Mexico City is complete without exploring the historic center, one of the most important cultural districts in the country.
Mexico City’s UNESCO-listed historic center is a must-visit.
Top landmarks include:
✔ Zócalo (Main Square) – The heart of the city, home to cultural events and protests.
✔ Metropolitan Cathedral – A stunning mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles.
✔ National Palace – Home to Diego Rivera’s iconic murals.
✔ Templo Mayor – A fascinating glimpse into Aztec civilization.
💡 Should you take a tour?
✔ DIY – We walked everywhere but had to wait for cabs (Uber is available).
✔ Guided Tour – This seven-point itinerary includes all the major sites plus private transportation.
📸 See our Instagram reel on the Aztec Spiritual Cleansing Ceremony (‘Limpia’) – A fascinating experience with shaman healers. Also, see a mesmerizing performance of Aztec Dancers in Traditional Feathered Costumes
And if you’re planning your food stops along the way, don’t miss our vegetarian and vegan food guide to Mexico City — full of easy, plant-friendly options in every neighborhood.
Outdoor Activities & Walkable Neighborhoods
One of the best ways to experience Mexico City is on foot. The Roma and Condesa neighborhoods, some of the most walkable areas, are lined with Art Deco buildings, lush parks, and vibrant markets. A stroll through these districts offers a blend of history, culture, and street food—perfect for those looking to explore at their own pace.
💡 Want to mix sightseeing with food? Book a Mexico City street food tour to sample authentic tacos, tamales, and aguas frescas as you walk.
More Landmarks & Cultural Sites in Mexico City
1. Chapultepec Castle & Chapultepec Park
Located in the heart of Chapultepec Park, this historic castle offers some of the best panoramic views of the city. The surrounding park, often called Mexico City’s "Central Park," is an ideal place for a relaxing stroll.
💡 Top things to do in Chapultepec Park:
✔ Visit Chapultepec Castle – Once an imperial palace, now a museum.
✔ See the Danza de los Voladores (Flying Men) – A mesmerizing aerial performance.
✔ Enjoy the fountains & sculptures scattered throughout the park.
✔ Sip tea at a café near the park’s entrance.
2. Xochimilco – The Floating Gardens
At the southern edge of Mexico City, Xochimilco is a network of canals and floating gardens, often compared to Venice, Italy. While some call it a tourist trap, there’s no denying that a colorful boat ride here is a unique experience.
💡 Should you take a boat ride?
✔ Yes – If you love festive vibes, live mariachi music, and a lively atmosphere.
✔ No – If you prefer quiet, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
📍 Xochimilco, CDMX, Mexico
3. The Angel of Independence
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Mexico City, this towering golden angel stands in the middle of Paseo de la Reforma. It’s a symbol of Mexican independence, and the area around it is perfect for a scenic walk.
💡 Walk along Paseo de la Reforma – A grand avenue with sculptures, fountains, and plenty of cafés for a quick stop
4. Biblioteca Miguel Lerdo de Tejada
A hidden gem in the city, this stunning library is home to psychedelic murals that transform the space into a surreal art experience. It’s a must-visit for art lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.
📍 Biblioteca Miguel Lerdo de Tejada, CDMX
5. Alameda Central & Cuauhtémoc Centro
One of the oldest parks in Mexico City, Alameda Central is a vibrant green space surrounded by historic buildings and bustling streets. Cuauhtémoc Centro, the district around it, is full of cultural landmarks, making it a great area to explore on foot. 📸 See our Instagram reel from this area!
💡 What to see nearby:
✔ Palacio de Bellas Artes – An architectural masterpiece.
✔ Street performers & local vendors around the park.
✔ Murals and public art installations scattered throughout.
6. Palacio de Correos de México
This ornate, historic post office is still in operation and one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Its intricate ironwork, grand staircases, and gilded details make it feel more like a palace than a mail center. 📸 See our Instagram reel about our short visit!
Mexico City is one of those rare destinations where every day can feel completely different. You can spend one morning inside a museum, the afternoon in a market, and the evening floating through Xochimilco or watching Lucha Libre with a roaring crowd. If you love culture, food, architecture, or history, these experiences offer a thoughtful and memorable way to understand the city.
