Top 10 Things to do in Mexico City

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Heading to the lively Mexico City? This city is HUGE, so obviously there are heaps of things to do. How do you even know where to start?

Right here! After traveling all over the country and using Mexico City as a hub, we have narrowed down the 10 best activities to fit into your itinerary. 

Dig into the rich historical center, visit ancient ruins, experience the culture through food and Lucha Libre, and take a couple of day trips to nearby towns. There is so much life in Mexico City, and these top 10 activities show you a vibrant array.

Best Things to do in Mexico City

1. Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan

• Duration: 4–7 hours
• Time: Multiple times available from 4 am–6:30 am
• Highlights: Soar over the pyramids of Teotihuacan at sunrise, celebrate with a landing toast and flight certificate, learn about obsidian and maguey with spirit tastings, explore the Teotihuacan archaeological zone
• Inclusions: Hot air balloon flight, coffee before takeoff, breakfast in a 100% natural underground cave (optional), transportation from Mexico City (optional), 1.5-hour visit to archaeological area
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 4,900+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

Mexico City is a grand adventure on its own, but the opportunities outside the city are seemingly endless. This hot air balloon flight over Teotihuacán Valley could quite literally be the high point of your visit to the Mexican capital.

Seeing the sunrise over Teotihuacán Valley, while suspended in a hot air balloon, is the definition of a bucket list experience in Mexico if you ask me! As you soar higher, the sprawling ruins of the once-mighty civilization come into view, revealing their intricate details and mystical allure. 

You might have already experienced Teotihuacan on the ground, but the grandeur of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon is even more awe-inspiring from above. Your flight can last anywhere between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on the wind conditions on the day, but every second will be worth it in the end. Check out the 4,900+ glowing reviews to see why this is a well-loved experience!

You will also be spoiled with a hearty breakfast in a cave once you have descended to earth, giving you time to reflect on the experience. It is one of the most affordable hot air balloon experiences and includes round-trip transportation (optional), breakfast, and even extra time to see the pyramids.

This sunrise hot air balloon flight is truly a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience Mexico’s ancient wonders!

This experience is likely to sell out—secure your flight here!

2. Visit the ancient Aztec ruins at Teotihuacan

• Duration: 9 hours
• Time: 7:30 am, 8 am, and 8:20 pm
• Highlights: Explore Tlatelolco’s Aztec ruins, visit the Basilica of Guadalupe and the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan, learn about obsidian craftsmanship with a tequila tasting
• Inclusions: Professional guide, entrance to Teotihuacan, visit to Guadalupe Shrine and Tlatelolco, tequila tasting, Mexican buffet lunch (if option selected), round transportation, private tour (if option selected)
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 10,000+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

If there’s one landmark that defines a trip to Mexico City, it’s the ancient city of Teotihuacan—and the best way to truly appreciate it is with a guided experience like this Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine, Tlatelolco, and tequila tasting tour. Teotihuacan’s massive pyramids and sprawling avenues date back over 2,500 years, and visiting with an expert adds so much depth to what you’re seeing.

A tour brings the ruins to life in a way that wandering on your own simply can’t. You’ll learn the stories, symbolism, and mysteries behind this once-powerful civilization, and you’ll also enjoy bonus stops along the way that round out the full cultural experience. It’s an incredible introduction to the ancient heart of Mexico.

Temples and tequila, the two magic words to get us excited about any tour. Start by exploring Tlatelolco, where the vibrant Aztec market once thrived. Then marvel at the iconic Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where a sacred cloak holds the image of the revered Lady Virgin.

For lunch, we popped into the restaurant Tlacaelel for some yummy Mexican food and drinks. While lunch is on your own dime, the drinks are included in the tour price! Sampling pulque (an ancient drink made from agave), tequila, and mezcal was a fun way to try some different drinks and get to know the other travelers on our tour.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Step into the mystical realm of Teotihuacan, the legendary City of the Gods. Wander amidst the awe-inspiring ruins and see the towering pyramids of the Sun and Moon. From their majestic summits, soak in panoramic vistas that stretch to the horizon. 

This was a full day, but such a great tour. We aren’t the only ones who loved it—check out the 9,500+ 5-star reviews here!

Secure your spot on this top-rated tour now, and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!

Related Read: To see our 5 favorite Teotihuacan tours from Mexico City, check out our post here!

3. Historic downtown walking tour

• Duration: 3 hours
• Time: 9:30 am and 4:30 pm
• Highlights: Explore Mexico City’s historic center, see the Aztec Templo Mayor ruins, visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, admire the Palacio Postal, and take in the iconic Palacio de Bellas Artes
• Inclusions: Professional certified local tour guide, 3+ hours walking tour in Mexico City’s historic downtown
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,100+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

The historic center of Mexico City is packed with incredible landmarks, but it can be tough to know exactly what you’re looking at—and even harder to understand the stories behind them. That’s why joining this guided walking tour of the historic center is such a smart way to start your trip. 

It’s an ideal way to get your bearings, figure out where you’ll want to return later, and learn the history that shaped the capital into what it is today.

You’ll begin in the Zócalo, Mexico City’s enormous central square and the heart of the historic district. From there, you’ll wander over to the ancient ruins of the Templo Mayor, step inside the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, and pass through lively spots like Plaza Manuel Tolsá. 

You’ll also get the chance to admire the Palacio Postal, often called one of the most beautiful post offices in the world, and take in the striking architecture of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a masterpiece even before you explore the art inside.

Group sizes are small and manageable, so you can ask questions and truly soak in the guide’s knowledge. Plus, departure times are usually offered in the morning and late afternoon, making it easy to fit into your plans.

With HUNDREDS of glowing reviews, this is one of the most popular and well-loved walking tours in Mexico City, and a fantastic way to start exploring its historic heart!

Secure your spot on this top-rated tour here and get flexible payment options!

4. Watch a Lucha Libre show

• Duration: 4 hours
• Time: 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, or 6:30 pm (dates vary)
• Highlights: Learn the rules and culture of lucha libre, experience a live match at Arena México, enjoy an artisanal mezcal tasting, take home your own souvenir luchador mask.
• Inclusions: Professional guide (former semipro luchador), live entertainment, souvenir luchador mask, Mezcal tasting with guacamole
• Rating: 5 stars (check 490+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

Experiencing Lucha Libre in Mexico City is one of the most entertaining ways to spend an evening, and joining this dedicated Lucha Libre tour is the best way to dive into the action. This Mexican style of wrestling is less about combat and more about theatrical flair—think high-energy stunts, dramatic storylines, colorful masks, and a whole lot of personality.

The atmosphere inside the arena is electric. The crowd cheers, boos, and laughs along as the luchadores perform, creating a lively environment that’s just as fun as the show itself. It’s easily one of the most iconic nightlife experiences in Mexico City.

With a guided tour, you’ll get the full context behind the spectacle. Many tours are led by former luchadores who explain the rules, history, and symbolism of the sport before the match begins. This insider perspective adds so much to the experience, helping you understand what’s happening in the ring and making the show even more entertaining from start to finish.

Before we got to the famous Arena Mexico for the Lucha Libre show, we stopped for a mezcal tasting. This not only helped loosen us up for the show, but we also got to try a variety of this classic Mexican spirit!

Then we headed to the show. Brace yourself for a night of extraordinary athleticism, theatrical performances, and the mesmerizing sight of luchadors adorned in their striking masks. As the crowd erupted with cheers and chants, we rallied behind our favorite team and quickly became die-hard fans.

This is certainly a Mexico City bucket list experience. It lasts about 4.5 hours and includes your ticket to the show, mezcal tastings, and a luchador mask to take home. Be sure to pay attention to their moves so you can practice them later!

Check out the hundreds of positive reviews and book this tour here!

Related Read: For even more Lucha Libre tours, check out our guide to Mexico City’s 5 best ones!

5. Go on a food tour

• Duration: 5 hours
• Time: Multiple times available from 12 pm–1:30 pm
• Highlights: Taste authentic dishes in Mexico City’s historic center, explore the San Juan Market, try street foods and hidden eateries, learn the history behind Mexican cuisine, walk past key cultural landmarks
• Inclusions: Food tasting, drinks, all activities, professional guide, small-group tour
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,100+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

By now, you should be well aware of the fact that your taste buds will do much of the talking during your time in Mexico City. But with the overwhelming array of culinary options, you might want a little expert insight into the alluring world of Mexican gastronomy, which this Historic Center food tour offers in spades!

With a local foodie as your guide, you’ll explore San Juan Market (a favorite among chefs!) and find secret eateries among some of Mexico City’s busiest streets. I know we wouldn’t have found half of these places without our guide!

Throughout the tour, you’ll try too many dishes to count, but the huge variety of Mexican cheeses, fresh seafood, and the delicate essence of edible flowers deserve a special shoutout. Each tasting offers a unique culinary experience, showing you exactly why Mexican food is favored the world over. 

There are a lot of food tours in Mexico City, but with over 1,100 5-star reviews, this one is the top pick! Check out all the glowing reviews here.

This 5-hour tour is a fully immersive experience, allowing you to trot through markets, meet chefs who uphold centuries of traditions, and taste food that is both authentic and simply mouthwatering. You will also enjoy a few drinks along the way to keep the spirits high! 

This tour is likely to sell out—reserve it here so you don’t miss out!

Related Read: If this tour is sold out, don’t worry! We’ve found some other awesome food tours in Mexico City that you can check out here!

6. Xochimilco, Coyoacán, and Frida Kahlo Museum

• Duration: 9 hours
• Time: 7:50 am
• Highlights: Explore artistic Coyoacán, glide through Xochimilco’s UNESCO-listed canals on a trajinera, visit UNAM’s famed murals, upgrade to include the Frida Kahlo Museum or a private guided experience
• Inclusions: Certified guide, trajinera ride, transport, Frida Kahlo Museum ticket (if option selected), Casa Kahlo ticket (if option selected), digital guide of Frida Kahlo, lunch (if option selected)
• Rating: 4.5 stars (check 6,900+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

Okay, visiting Xochimilco and the Frida Kahlo Museum could easily stand alone as separate experiences, but they pair so well that many travelers choose this full-day combo tour to see both. 

Tours typically begin in the historic neighborhood of Coyoacán, a charming area filled with colorful colonial architecture and leafy plazas. This is the place where Frida Kahlo grew up, so you’ll stroll the same streets she once walked while your guide shares stories from her life and the artistic circles she was part of. 

You’ll also stop by the oldest university in North America, where she studied art—an especially meaningful detail for anyone curious about her early influences.

From there, you’ll visit Casa Azul, Kahlo’s famous cobalt-blue home that has been transformed into a museum. Inside, you’ll see personal artifacts, pieces of her artwork, and the spaces where she created some of her most memorable works.

Afterward, the day shifts gears with a visit to the canals of Xochimilco. You’ll board a vibrant trajinera, the traditional flat-bottomed boats that glide along these ancient waterways. As you float past floating gardens and lively canal-side vendors, you can try snacks like tacos or elote, listen to mariachi music drifting by, and take in one of Mexico City’s most colorful cultural traditions.

Tour options can vary depending on what you want to see, but most combo tours include entry to the Frida Kahlo Museum and offer a full day of sightseeing, making it an efficient and memorable way to experience two major highlights in a single trip.

Check availability and book this tour with FREE cancellation options!

7. Day trip to Puebla and Cholula

• Duration: 11 hours
• Time: 6:20 am, 8:10 am, and 8:40 am
• Highlights: Visit Cholula, Tonantzintla, and Puebla, admire indigenous baroque architecture, explore Puebla’s historic center on a guided walk, taste regional cuisine, shop for crafts at a local market
• Inclusions: Round-trip transportation, certified guide, entrance to Santa María de Tonantzintla Church, lunch (if the option is selected)
• Rating: 4.5 stars (check 1,600+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

Puebla and Cholula are two gorgeous cities that are only 135 kilometers (84 miles) from Mexico City (about a 2-hour drive). Puebla and Cholula are also only 10 kilometers (6 miles) apart, so it makes sense to visit them both on a day trip from Mexico City! 

This full-day tour gives you a fantastic overview of the two cities and includes a walking tour of both around the most beautiful buildings. Along the way, your guide will teach you a lot about the rich history of Puebla and Cholula.

Puebla is one of the biggest cities in Mexico, and there are plenty of interesting areas to explore. There’s a ton of history within its cobblestone streets, lined with colonial-style buildings that are hundreds of years old. Puebla is famous for its street food, so of course we stopped for tacos and elote along the way.

Meanwhile, Cholula is smaller and more historic. This little town has hundreds of churches, so having our guide explain the significance was really special! The most impressive was the ornate Templo San Francisco Acatepec, which took around a century to build.

We also stopped by Santa Maria Tonantzintla. This church is unique because it blends modern Christian religion with the Indigenous tradition, and it’s considered a work of art in the state of Puebla. Our last stop was at a traditional craft market, and of course, we picked up a few souvenirs to remember our day!

This full-day tour was a great way to experience both beautiful cities. It doesn’t include lunch (or anything you choose to buy at the end!), but the convenience of transportation and the knowledge from our guide made it well worth it!

Book this tour with over 1,000 5-star reviews here, before spots fill up!

Related Read: Need help planning your trip to Mexico City? Our expert itinerary covers everything from the highlights and hidden gems to the best places to eat!

8. Take a cooking class

• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Time: 11:30 am and 5 pm
• Highlights: Visit a local market with a chef, learn to cook authentic Mexican dishes, prepare hands-on recipes using fresh ingredients, savor the meal you’ve created
• Inclusions: Authentic ingredients, top-quality cooking tools, exclusive recipes, expert English-speaking chefs, explore a Mexican market, Mezcal tasting, small-group tour
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 480+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

Food and Mexican culture go together like chips and salsa. Our favorite thing to do in Mexico City was to stop and eat taco after taco (and other yummy dishes!). What better way to dive into the culture than learning the art for ourselves? We joined this cooking class with a professional chef to craft an authentic Mexican meal that I still think about today!

Starting the experience off right, our chef took us to a local market to shop for our own ingredients, giving us the most immersive experience possible. It was really fun to experience the market with a local and see some spots that are off the main tourist track.

Then it was time to cook! We made some guacamole and salsa to snack on as we cooked, and let me tell you – freshly made salsa hits differently. It was so fresh and spicy! We learned how to make homemade tortillas (which is much harder than it looks) and made guisados as our main dish. Guisados is like a meat stew, so it’s juicy and flavorful.

We had a lot of fun learning the traditional cooking techniques and secret family recipes from our chef. The group was small, so he could jump in and help whenever we needed it (which was pretty frequent with my cooking abilities!).

It’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after the meal is over, especially if you love connecting with local culture through food. If you’re looking for a memorable hands-on activity in Mexico City, this cooking class is an easy choice!

Check availability and book this tour here with FREE cancellation options!

9. Day trip to Tolantongo

• Duration: 14–16 hours
• Time: 5:45 am
• Highlights: Relax in Tolantongo’s thermal pools, float in the warm turquoise river, explore waterfalls and caves at Grutas Tolantongo, enjoy breakfast and included essentials
• Inclusions: Private transportation, breakfast, snacks, small backpacks with essentials, tables, chairs, and a cooler for lunch, soap, shampoo, towel, blanket, small-group tour
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 1,100+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

This day trip to Las Grutas Tolantongo is one of the most memorable experiences you can add to your Mexico City itinerary. This spot is famous for its postcard-worthy hot springs carved right into the side of a mountain, giving you sweeping views as you soak in warm, mineral-rich water.

Some of the springs are actually tucked inside the Las Grutas caves, which makes the experience even more unique. You’ll walk beneath cascading waterfalls to enter the caverns, explore hidden corners, and take breaks to relax in natural pools along the way.

Beyond the hot springs, Tolantongo also features a zipline and a suspension bridge, adding a bit of adventure to the day. The combination of relaxing pools, dramatic scenery, and fun activities makes the entire area feel like part spa sanctuary, part outdoor adventure park.

Since Tolantongo is several hours from Mexico City, many tours break up the long drive with a breakfast stop and provide all the essentials you’ll need for exploring the caves and waterfalls safely. Having a guide also ensures you don’t miss the best viewpoints, pools, and hidden spots within the park.

If you want to experience Tolantongo without the stress of navigating long mountain roads or figuring out logistics, this tour is a convenient and enjoyable way to make the most of this incredible destination.

Check out over 1,000 5-star reviews and book this tour here!

10. Visit the Chapultepec Castle and Anthropology Museum

• Duration: 5 hours
• Time: 8:50 am and 9 am
• Highlights: Explore the National Museum of Anthropology, visit Chapultepec Castle and its historic halls, learn about Mexico’s history, enjoy expert guidance throughout the tour
• Inclusions: Professional guide, tickets to the Anthropology Museum and Chapultepec Castle
• Rating: 4.5 stars (check 1,300+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

You don’t have to venture very far to experience more incredible history! Located in the heart of Mexico City, the National Museum of Anthropology and the Chapultepec Castle are two of the most visited sights in the city. They are popular not only for the unique history and artifacts you’ll find there, but they are also really beautiful buildings!

We joined this top-rated tour to get all the insider’s info on these historic places. Starting with the Anthropology museum, our guide led us from exhibit to exhibit, giving even more information about ancient pieces from the Aztec era, such as the Aztec Stone of the Sun! While you can certainly explore the museum on your own, we found having a guide to be really insightful; it took our experience much deeper than just reading the information plaques. 

After the museum, we took a stroll through the famous Chapultepec Park, which is the largest park in Latin America. We definitely came back after seeing how lovely it is!

But the big-ticket item on this agenda is visiting the Chapultepec Castle! This stunning 18th-century castle is massive, so we spent 2 hours exploring the exhibits. It’s now a museum, but its foundation dates back to Aztec times, then was rebuilt and used by Emperors and many of Mexico’s presidents. There were some cool artifacts, like swords used to liberate Mexico during its fight for independence, and murals dating back hundreds of years. 

We loved this tour and thought it was well worth the cost—we learned so much! It includes admission tickets to the Anthropology museum and the Chapultepec Castle, plus the guide who was like a walking encyclopedia. If you want a deeper connection to Mexico City’s history, this experience ties everything together beautifully!

Check out the 1,300+ positive reviews and reserve this tour here!

Where to Stay in Mexico City 

Now let’s talk about where to stay! The city is huge and quite spread out, but we think the Historic Center (Centro Histórico) is the best area for first-time visitors. You’ll be surrounded by landmarks, museums, and incredible food. Plus, most of the tours and activities in this itinerary either start here or include hotel pickup from the area. 

It’s certainly convenient, but the Historic Center is one of the city’s most atmospheric neighborhoods, so it’s always a pleasure to stay here. It’s a popular area, so there are tons of accommodation options to choose from, and we’ve sifted through the best of them all to find the best picks for every budget. Here are a few of our favorites!

Luxury – $$$

For luxury travelers, Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico is a top choice. This incredible 5-star hotel has the BEST location since it’s right in the Zócalo – the main plaza in the city. This is a beautiful, historic hotel with a lobby that looks like it belongs in a movie! You’re within walking distance of so many of Mexico City’s best sights, and the rooms are spacious. Plus, breakfast on the rooftop terrace is a highlight!

Rooms start at $220 USD per night, but you’ll save a lot on transportation costs since you can walk to so many amazing places! Book a room online here.

Mid-range – $$

The NH Collection Mexico City is a premium hotel at a moderate price! Amenities at this 4-star hotel include a restaurant with a vegetarian and gluten-free menu, a fitness center, airport transfers, and free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel.  

All rooms include a minibar, coffee machine, and air conditioning for a price ranging from $100 to $250 USD. Check prices and availability at NH Collection Mexico City here!

Budget – $

Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral is an excellent option for travelers looking to save a little and get a comfortable stay. It offers tours around the Historic Center and is located only 10 minutes away from the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes, right next to the Zocalo.

A few years ago, we stayed here ourselves when we were on a tight budget, and we actually enjoyed it a lot! You can save money by using the shared kitchen to prepare your own meals, and there’s free WiFi, plus a bar with a terrace that offers lovely views of the Metropolitan Cathedral. 

Dorm rooms start around $20 USD per night, or you can book a private room for $70 to $180 USD, depending on the number of people you have! Check prices and availability at Hostel Mundo Joven here!

Related Read: For a complete breakdown of the best neighborhoods and hotels, check out our full guide on where to stay in Mexico City here!

Renting a Car in Mexico

Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car. 

I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically. 

I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too. 

Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit. 

Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper! 

Thanks for reading!

There is so much to do in Mexico City, this list just scratches the surface! Whether you hang out in the historic center, take a day trip, or explore ancient ruins, you’re sure to have a good time. I’ve spent weeks in Mexico City and always love returning to explore more parts of the city. Enjoy your time here, it’s a very vibrant city that welcomes all visitors with open arms!

If you liked this blog then check out all our other Mexico blogs or check out the ones listed below!

How to Spend 2 Days in Mexico City

Things to do in Puebla

Things to do in Puerto Escondido for nonsurfers