10 BEST Tours in Mexico City + 5 Things to Know!

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If your soul longs for a destination overflowing with spirit and your belly begs for authentic Tamales, heed the beckoning call of Mexico City. From the moment you set foot in this vibrant metropolis, you’ll be swept away by its infectious energy and endless possibilities. 

Being incapable of passing up any sort of adventure, we took Mexico City by the horns and the results were nothing short of extraordinary! It’s truly one of the best cities in Latin America with something new to discover around every corner whether you spend 3 days in Mexico City or weeks!

We will try and take you on a journey through the top tours in Mexico City but it is safe to say this destination has much, much more to offer that you simply need to see for yourself. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, indulge in mouthwatering food, and uncover the hidden gems that make this city a true treasure trove. 

About Mexico City

As one of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City sprawls across a vast expanse, putting other powerhouses like Bangkok and London to shame. This thriving metropolis is a melting pot of diverse cultures, cuisines, and traditions and it is nearly impossible to soak up all that it has to offer with one visit.

At the heart lies the Historic Center of Mexico City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that pulsates with energy and stories from centuries past. This is where the magic happens! Imagine strolling through the same streets that were once traversed by the mighty Aztecs, who founded their capital, Tenochtitlan, on this very spot. It’s like stepping into a time machine and experiencing the rich tapestry of Mexican history firsthand.

Did you know that Mexico City was built on the ruins of the ancient Aztec city? It’s mind-boggling to think that beneath the crazy streets lies a hidden world of ancient temples, ceremonial sites, and archaeological wonders. The layers of history add depth and intrigue to every corner you explore, making it a paradise for history buffs and curious wanderers alike.

But Mexico City isn’t just about the past. With over 20 million inhabitants, it’s a vibrant, bustling metropolis that never sleeps. The city’s sheer size is awe-inspiring, and it’s impossible not to be swept away by its energy. From the grand boulevards lined with magnificent colonial buildings to the colorful markets that burst with exotic flavors and vibrant textiles, every moment in Mexico City is an adventure waiting to unfold.

And let’s not forget about the people! Mexicans are known for their warmth, hospitality, and zest for life. Prepare to be greeted with genuine smiles, infectious laughter, and a genuine eagerness to share their culture and traditions with you. 

Whether you’re savoring mouthwatering street tacos, dancing to the rhythms of mariachi music, or immersing yourself in the vibrant street art scene, you’ll quickly realize that Mexico City is a place where fun and joy know no bounds.

Why Book a Tour in Mexico City?

To truly make the most of your experience, we highly recommend booking a tour in Mexico City. Its sheer size and complexity can be daunting for first-time visitors but local guides will be your storytellers, unveiling the city’s secrets, and taking you on a journey that will leave you captivated. 

With their expertise, we were able to uncover hidden gems, delve into local traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s vibrant tapestry. There are so many small details that make Mexico City the treasure that it is and local guides know exactly how to tap into that magic.

Safety in Mexico City is also a common concern for visitors. Although we have never encountered any problems, tours give you the peace of mind to know that you won’t wander into a sketchy part of town or simply miss out on some epic opportunities for adventure. 

If you don’t speak Spanish, a tour is also a good way to help you navigate the city once you arrive. If anything, a guided tour is the best way to get some insider tips on where to eat, shop, and party so it will be well worth it!

Our Two Favorite Tours

Two tours came out on top as our personal favorites, each one having brought us closer to the city in different ways.

Mexico City Custom Private Tour with a Local, Highlights, and Hidden Gems

Once we arrived in Mexico City, we were understandably overwhelmed by all the sights and sounds but we knew this private tour was the way to go to help us dip our toes into this wild wonderland. Our local tour guide helped kickstart our time in the city with visits to all the major highlights. What’s great is you can pick a tour length from 3-8 hours depending on how much time you have and your guide tailors the experience to make sure you see spots you could have easily overlooked on your own.

Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine, Tlatelolco, and Tequila Tasting Tour

We particularly love this historical tour because it covers some of the most important aspects of Mexican life: ancient Mayan history, Catholicism, and tequila! You will see the city’s largest archeological site, visit one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Christianity, and also venture beyond city limits to scale a mammoth ancient pyramid to soak in expansive views of Central Mexico. Wash it all down with some high-quality tequila and you have as close to a perfect day in Mexico City as you could ask for!

Best Tours in Mexico City

1. Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine, Tlatelolco, and Tequila Tasting Tour 

Temples and tequila, the two magic words to get us excited about any tour. This 9-hour tour is brimming with authentically Mexican experiences, showcasing a few of the many faces of the capital.

Feel the echoes of an ancient empire as you explore 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 alcohol is 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 tour is one of the best ways to see Teotihuacan from Mexico City. It starts at 8 am but will keep you busy for more than 9 hours as you make your way to all the fabulous locations. For as little as $52 USD per person, you can sit back and relax as your guide takes care of all your entry fees and transportation needs. You can also upgrade this to a private tour. If this historical introduction to the city (and a few drinks!) sounds like the tour for you, you can book your spot online here.

2. Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan

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.

Floating weightlessly in a wicker basket, suspended in a hot air balloon above the ancient Teotihuacán Valley is the very 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. 

The grandeur of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon is, even more, awe-inspiring from this unique vantage point. 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.

You will also be spoiled with a hearty breakfast 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 we’ve seen and for $186 USD per person, you will get round-trip transportation, breakfast, and extra time to see the pyramids. If you rented a car in Mexico and don’t need transportation, the cost drops to $162 USD each.

For an unforgettable experience soaring over Mexico City, book your hot air balloon flight tickets here!

Related Read: Mexico City is also one of the best places in Mexico to see the Day of the Dead celebrations!

3. Authentic Mexican Hands-on Cooking Class and Market Tour 

Food and Mexican culture are as intertwined as the fibers on a sarape and you simply can’t say you have experienced Mexico City if you haven’t put your culinary skills to the test. This cooking class gave us a chance to connect with a professional chef who has made it their mission to spread the gospel of authentic Mexican cuisine. And we were converted by the end of the experience!

Staring 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. 

This tour in Mexico City lasts close to 5 hours and you will learn to make a 4-course meal for as little as $131 USD. Indulge your taste buds with a variety of Mexican street appetizers at the market before heading into the kitchen! We made sopes accompanied by two authentic salsas – a fiery red molcajete sauce and a vibrant green sauce. Next up was Mextlapique Tamale, a vegetable-filled delight topped with a refreshing spearmint sauce.

We also tucked into enchanting white mole sauce that we whipped up to put over chicken and finished it off with some yummy cornbread and a steaming cup of traditional hot chocolate – a comforting blend that transported us right to the heart of Mexican tradition. Plus all the recipes were printed off so we could make them again to remind us of our trip.

For the chance to cook a great meal and bring the recipes home with you, make sure to book this cooking class online with Viator!

4. Xochimilco, Coyoacán and Frida Kahlo Museum Tour 

As we said, Mexico City is A LOT. One of the ways to tap into its infectious spirit and make a dent into your to-do list for the city is with a 10-hour sightseeing tour like this one that ticks off both underrated stops as well as major highlights in the city. There are dozens of points of interest to cover during this sightseeing marathon and here are some of our favorite stops along the way.

We began in the historic streets of Coyoacán, where ancient tales mingle with colonial splendor and we explored the National Autonomous University of Mexico, an architectural marvel. We also loved the tranquility in Jardín Hidalgo.

Soaking up everything Frida Kahlo related at Casa Azul was a definite highlight. Her former residence has been turned into the Frida Kahlo Museum which lets you explore her artistry first-hand.

We kept the colors alive in Xochimilco as we drifted along enchanting canals aboard a vibrant trajinera – a flat-bottomed boat. Here you will experience the floating gardens and indulge in a symphony of flavors, from roasted corn to mouthwatering tacos from boat vendors. 

This tour is $77 USD per person which includes admission to the Frida Kahlo Museum and promises 10 jam-packed hours of discovery. If you don’t want to visit the museum, the tour cost drops, but we highly recommend including it. You can easily reserve your spot on this tour online!

5. Lucha Libre Show + Tacos + Beer + Mezcal 

A night on the town in Mexico City is anything but ordinary but when we tried conjuring up a truly exceptional night without contacts in the city we were a little lost. Avoid spending a night inside because you were overwhelmed by choice (we cannot confirm or deny whether this happened) and rather book this Lucha Libre tour that guarantees a good time!

Our adventure began in the vibrant Roma Norte neighborhood, where we slurped up some well-deserved cold beers and mouthwatering tacos at one of our local guide’s favorite taquerías. We quickly fell in love with the infectious spirit and warm hospitality of our host as we broke bread, or in this case, tacos, together. 

From there we popped into a cantina (a Mexican pub), immersing ourselves in the world of mezcal, a drink that ignites the spirit of Lucha Libre. We then took a stroll to the iconic Arena Mexico to get ready to see some professional Mexican wrestling!

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.

It might seem a little strange at first to pay someone for a night out but this one was worth every penny. For $93 USD you will have plenty to eat and drink and your host will get your tickets to the Lucha Libre event. This experience is only offered on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday (in a slightly different location), or Sunday, and also includes a surprise souvenir – I won’t spoil it for you! To ensure you get tickets to the show and a fun night out, book your tour online!

6. Full-Day Tour Exploring the Waters of Tolantongo  

Playing tourist and hopping around ancient sites is fun and all, but sometimes you just want to soak in a grotto in a mountain and go full “Hakuna Matata”. On this 16-hour mega-tour of Tolantongo, we did plenty of that.

Tolantongo is basically like a thermal water park with some of the best hot springs in the country. Spending the whole day here is a treat! First, you’ll indulge in relaxation at the “pocitos,” naturally warm pools on the mountainside that offer stunning views and a chance to unwind.

We were feeling adventurous and paid extra ($200 MXN or about $12 USD) for the optional zip-lining experience. Then it’s back to unwinding at the turquoise-colored river, indulging in its warm waters and taking in the serene surroundings as you order lunch and it’s delivered right to you.

Afterward, get ready for the highlight of the day – exploring Grutas Tolantongo’s breathtaking caves and waterfalls. Your guide will lead you through this awe-inspiring experience, where you can swim in warm pools inside the mountain.

As the day winds down, you’ll make a stop at Pastes Ricos to try some traditional English treats that English miners in the area used to eat. They reminded me of a cross between a croissant and an empanada. Then it’s back to the city … and you may just fall asleep on the drive back! 

At $140 USD, it is one of the more expensive tours in Mexico City but there are tons of little details that we would never have thought of. Everyone gets a small backpack that includes a water bottle, sport towel, headlamp, cell phone water protector, and a wet clothes bag. You will also get breakfast and some snacks lunch is extra, although a menu is provided and you get to eat by the river.

For one of the most relaxing tours around Mexico City, make sure you book online here! 

7. Private City Tour to Frida Kahlo Museum, Coyoacan, and Xochimilco

It is no secret that Mexico City has a hectic pace and taking a group tour isn’t always ideal if you want to take your time and enjoy the smaller details of the city. This private tour is the ideal chance for you to curate the itinerary and enjoy hours of undivided attention from a local guide, ready to help you uncover the essence of the city.  

First, you will immerse yourself in the life of one of Mexico’s greatest icons, Frida Kahlo, at the Museo Frida Kahlo, aka Casa Azul. Step into her iconic house and spend an hour exploring the very rooms where she lived, worked, and created her remarkable art. 

Next, you venture into the charming streets of Coyoacán, a neighborhood brimming with history and culture. This walking tour will take you through the bustling Mercado, where the aroma of fresh produce and local delicacies fills the air. 

You’ll visit the Parroquia de San Juan Bautista, a stunning church that holds centuries of stories within its walls. The Plaza Centenario, Cafe Avellaneda, and Casa de Cultura Jesús Reyes Heroles will all envelop you in the story of the neighborhood and make you fall even more in love with the city.

The last stop for the day is the enchanting Floating Gardens of Xochimilco. Board a private boat and embark on a tour through the intricate network of canals. It’s a bit like Venice but with Mariachi bands! This is a spot you don’t want to rush through, so we loved that we had two hours here to float along the canals and grab a snack from some of the boat vendors. This is such a unique spot!

This is a super-comprehensive tour and booking it as a private experience gives you the time to explore everything at your own pace instead of rushing around with a group. The tour includes hotel pick-up and costs $170 USD per person if you’re booking for a couple, but drops to $125 USD each for a group of four. With all that you get to see and the fact that this is a private tour, it does tend to sell out, so make sure to book your spot here!

Related Read: There are also some great tours in Oaxaca City to choose from for your trip!

8. Mexico City Custom Private Tour with a Local, Highlights, and Hidden Gems 

As we said before, there is no better way to experience a crazy city like Mexico City than through the eyes of a local. They eat, sleep, and breathe the city and their lives have been shaped by its complex character. This custom private tour is tailored to what you want to see and you can spend as little or as much time as you’d like at spots that particularly interest you. 

You can take tours that last 3, 4, 6, or 8 hours so there is something to fit lots of different travel schedules. We took the 3-hour option for $92 USD per person but these tours go up to $163 USD per person for a jam-packed 8 hours. 

The entire agenda is up to you as you’ll fill out a quick questionnaire ahead of time about your interests and any must-see places. Some of the stops can include wandering around the Historic Center or losing yourself in the enchanting world of art at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. You’ll be able to marvel at the intricate architecture and immerse yourself in the rich history and artistic expressions that adorn this magnificent palace.

Continue your adventure in the eclectic neighborhood of Coyoacán, a haven of bustling markets, charming cobblestone streets, and colonial churches. The scent of freshly prepared street food wafts through the air, tempting you to taste the flavors of Mexico. And no visit to Coyoacán would be complete without a visit to the iconic La Casa Azul, the former residence of the legendary Frida Kahlo.

The local guides are so knowledgeable and proud of their city and it’s pretty neat to experience the city with them! Book your private tour with Viator and then start planning your perfect day to see Mexico City’s highlights.

9. Historic Center Food Tour in Mexico City 

By now you should be well aware of the fact that your tastebuds 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. 

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! 

At only $99 USD per person, it was a steal as it included hours of entertainment and a ton of food to boot. Make sure to book this food tour online and arrive hungry!

10. Discover the Folkloric Ballet of Mexico 

We tasted the flavors, we saw the sights, and we traversed through history but one thing remained to be done. It was time to visit the theater to see this Folkloric Ballet of Mexico performance!

You will visit either Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Chapultepec Castle, the Hidalgo Theater, or the Museum of Anthropology to take a journey through Mexico’s history expressed through dance. We had great seats with the tickets we booked online and the audience sizes are small. The 90-minute performance just flew by!

This mesmerizing journey transcends time and traverses the diverse landscapes of Mexico, immersing you in a world of enchanting traditional music, awe-inspiring dancers, and breathtaking costumes. It is a world-class production that stands alone in its ability to capture the true essence of Mexico, showcasing its rich heritage and cultural legacy in a way that you won’t forget.

The experience costs $176 USD per person but it helped that it included hotel transfers and VIP entry. The whole evening lasts around 3 hours with pickup at 6 pm so it is a good experience to save till the last night to go out on a high. You can easily book tickets online to see this amazing performance!

How many days do you need in Mexico City?

You need approximately three days in Mexico City to fully experience its diverse attractions and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. Although, if you ask us, no amount of time will ever fully do this crazy-wonderful city justice.

Allocating an entire day to explore downtown allows you to delve into the historical and cultural heart of the city. You can visit iconic landmarks such as the Zocalo, the Cathedral, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Additionally, you can explore fascinating museums like the National Palace and the Templo Mayor, which help you start understanding the country’s nuanced history.

It helps to set aside a day or two for some city tours and day trips around Mexico City that let you venture beyond the city limits and discover the surrounding attractions or simply hone in on one specific neighborhood that might pique your interest. You could visit the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, explore the colorful canals of Xochimilco, or immerse yourself in the charming streets of Coyoacan, where Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul is located. 

Lastly, dedicate time to explore the trendy neighborhoods of La Condesa and Roma to experience the city’s modern and vibrant side. These areas are known for their artistic flair, trendy cafes, and excellent food scene. You can indulge in delicious tacos on a taco tour in Mexico City, explore local boutiques, and soak up the lively atmosphere of these hip neighborhoods.

By spending three days in Mexico City, you strike a balance between exploring its historical landmarks, venturing beyond the city’s borders, and immersing yourself in its contemporary culture. 

Are Tours in Mexico City Safe?

Yes, taking tours in Mexico City is generally safe and can enhance your holiday experience tenfold. Opting for a guided tour allows you to explore the city with the expertise and knowledge of a local guide who is familiar with the area. Tour operators often employ experienced guides who are well-versed in the city’s history, culture, and safety precautions. They can provide valuable insights, ensure your safety, and navigate you through the city’s various attractions.

Many tours are also conducted in groups, which adds an extra layer of security. Traveling with other participants can create a sense of camaraderie and provide a support network.

Make sure to choose reputable and well-established tour operators like Viator who has positive reviews. These operators prioritize safety and satisfaction, employ experienced guides and adhere to safety protocols.

While it’s important to exercise general caution and be aware of your surroundings, taking a guided tour in Mexico City can provide a safe and enjoyable way to explore Mexico City’s top attractions. It allows you to focus on the experience while leaving the logistics and safety concerns to a pro.

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Mexico City is massive, and there are lots of different areas to stay in depending on what tours you want to take and what you want to get out of your trip. For this reason, we wrote a full guide on the best areas to stay in Mexico City as well as the best hostels in Mexico City! These blogs should help you choose an awesome hotel for your stay!

However, for a quick overview, here are some of my top recommendations.

Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico – $$$

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 $200 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.

Hotel MX Roma – $$

Hotel MX Roma is a clean, medium-budget hotel in La Roma, close to shops, bars, and restaurants. It has both standard and family rooms equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen satellite TV. It offers a space with a terrace to enjoy with family or friends, private parking, a gym, free bikes, and 24-hour front desk service. It’s also an allergy-free property, so there’s no smoking and they use hypoallergenic products.

Rooms run $150 USD in peak season. However, you can snag one as cheap as $70 USD a night when you book in advance online!

Selina Hostel – $

For budget travelers, the Selina Hostel in downtown Mexico City is a great, well-known chain. I stayed here during one of my visits and loved the downtown location. Although the area may seem unsafe to some, it’s the historic center of Mexico City and where I spent most of my time. They have a common area, pool table, board games, and a bar – so it’s easy to meet others. If working remotely, there’s also a coworking space for an extra fee.

Bunk beds cost around $25 USD, and private rooms start at $80 USD. If you’re traveling on a budget, you can book Selina Hostel online through Hostelworld or Booking.com.

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!

Tours around Mexico City offer a chance to witness the cultural and natural wonders within the city or just outside city limits. I hope this guide on the absolute best tours in Mexico City has left you full of ideas! The hardest part may be narrowing down which tours to take.

If you’re planning to travel around Mexico, lucky you! We fell in love with this beautiful country and have been living and traveling around here for years. For some of our tips, take a look at our other Mexico blogs or check out some popular ones below.

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Is Mexico Safe? Safety Info about Traveling in Mexico

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