What to Do in Mexico City

Image: PHOTO: Mexico City Aerial View. (photo via Flickr/Potato Potato)
Image: PHOTO: Mexico City Aerial View. (photo via Flickr/Potato Potato)
Scott Hartbeck
by Scott Hartbeck
Last updated: 7:00 PM ET, Thu February 15, 2018

Mexico City teems with life from morning to night and offers up a wonderful roster of attractions that appeal to the whole spectrum of travelers.

The best part? Despite its sprawling size, the city is surprisingly manageable. Many sights are clustered in the Centro Historico (historic center) and those that aren't are easily reachable via the ultra-convenient and retro-cool Metro system.

Make for the Markets

Markets are the lifeblood of Mexican cities and the capital is no different. Shop for everything under the sun at these colorful centers of commerce or simply just stop for lunch.

For two of the best experiences, peruse a seemingly endless range of products at the La Lagunilla Market before making your way to the Coyoacán Market to sample some of the best tostadas and seafood in the city.

Follow in Frida's Footsteps

Not only is the Coyoacán neighborhood the home of one of best foodie markets in the city, it was the home of the famous artist Frida Kahlo. Here, you can visit her former residence-nicknamed-The Blue House-which has been turned into a highly-regarded museum.

Go For a Float in Xochimilco

Every day feels like a festival in Xochimilco, as this ancient borough of Mexico City is crisscrossed by canals which are plied by a fleet of vibrant vessels called trajineras.

Competition is stiff to score the most eye-catching boat but regardless of whose ship you hop on, you are in for an afternoon of fun. Your captain will take you on a slow cruise to show off the ancient waterways and if you're lucky, you'll be treated to a floating mariachi concert.

Chill Out in Chapultepec

Chapultepec Park is a calm oasis inside the city. Cool off in the shade of a canopy, take a paddleboat for a spin on the lake or visit one of the world's greatest museums: Mexico's National Anthropology Museum.

Inside this fascinating space, visitors are able to learn about the ancient cultures who once flourished in the area that is modern-day Mexico.

Clink Glasses in a Cantina

So very much more than just a bar, the cantina is a cultural institution in Mexico City. Visit laid-back La Mascota-where debonair waiters dole out complimentary snacks with the drinks-or head to La Opera, arguably the most elegant cantina in Mexico City.

At La Opera, plush red booths are located under copious amounts of crown molding and a famous hole in the wall that is said to have been caused by a bullet fired by Pancho Villa himself.

Take in Teotihuacan

Located just outside the city limits, the ancient town of Teotihuacan was once home to a population of hundreds-of-thousands of people. Now, it offers a fascinating glimpse of the past and views of breathtaking pyramids.

Walk the Avenue of the Dead to admire the pyramids from the ground before scaling their steps to admire views of the surrounding mountains.

Where to Stay

A central location is key in Mexico City, so look no further than the luxurious offerings from BlueBay Hotels. All are situated in the swish Polanco district-an area of Mexico City laden with leafy streets and luxury yet still right in the middle of all the action.

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Scott Hartbeck

Scott Hartbeck

Born in the USA but now based in England, Scott has been writing about travel for over 10 years. He specializes in Europe, rail...

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