Mexico City is flooded with fun things to do. It’s so much more than just museums and art exhibits!
If you’re looking to mix things up, CDMX has plenty of offbeat, delicious, and downright fun experiences to offer.
I know when I travel, historical buildings, churches, and art museums are at the bottom of my list. I’d much rather get to know a destination by doing what the locals do—eating at their favorite spots, exploring traditional markets, talking to locals, and diving into the culture through experiences (as opposed to just sightseeing).
Mexico City is perfect for that! If you can tear yourself away from the museums (for now), you’ll find unique spots like Sonora Market, a witchy spot dedicated to folk healing, or Chapultepec Park, where you can spot the real-life axolotl (the cute little creature that inspired the Pokémon!).
If food is more you’re thing, you can opt for a taco + mezcal crawl through the city’s best street food spots, or my personal fave, a churro-making class with all your besties!
This guide is all about experiencing Mexico City beyond the usual tourist checklist—through its colorful neighborhoods, amazing street food, lush green spaces, and traditional markets.
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Table of Contents
Spend the morning at Bosque de Chapultepec
Start your day off right at Chapultepec Park with endless views of greenery, ornate statues, and a bit of physical activity to burn off all the excess taco/churro calories!
Clocking in at a size even New York’s Central Park, Chapultepec Park is a massive urban forest spanning almost 2.8 square miles. If you’re a morning jogger, this is the perfect place to do it!
The park is packed with iconic landmarks, including the Castillo de Chapultepec, Museo Tamayo, The Museum of Modern Art, and the crowd favorite, the National Museum of Anthropology.
There’s even a full-on amusement park, La Feria Chapultepec Mágico, perfect for families with kids.
Honestly, I enjoyed Chapultepec so much more than I ever thought I would. It’s just so relaxing and romantic! The walkways are lined with towering, draping trees that truly make you forget you’re in a massive metropolis.
Along the way, you’ll find secluded benches tucked into quiet corners—perfect for taking a break, people-watching, or just watching the world float by.
As you make your way toward the National Museum of Anthropology, you’ll pass by a bunch of local vendors selling everything from snacks to souvenirs, especially near the pedal boats on the park’s lake.
HONORABLE MENTION: The National Museum of Anthropology does happen to be the most visited museum in all of Mexico City, so if you feel inclined, now’s your chance to stop in and learn a thing or two about Mexican history.
If you want to get the most out of your Anthropology Museum experience and you’re not particularly good at guiding yourself through museums, I’d highly recommend springing for a guided museum visit.
This affordable tour will help you learn about all the key highlights of the museum and enrich your visit SO much more.
Chapultepec Zoo
Previously, I mentioned that Chapultepec Park is loaded with things to do. Did I mention there’s a zoo in the park too?
Normally, I’m not one to visit zoos when I travel, but how can you say no to free admission—especially when it’s home to giant pandas and the Xochimilco axolotl (a quirky, smiley-faced salamander native to Mexico; also a Pokemon!)?
If you’re an animal lover, pop in for an hour or two while you’re here. Alongside the pandas and axolotls, you’ll find other emblematic residents, including elephants, monkeys, the Mexican wolf, jaguars, and the tiny, elusive Teporingo volcano rabbit.
Best of all? It won’t cost you a single peso.
Experience a Lucha libre show
Lucha libre, also known as Mexican wrestling, is very, very ingrained in Mexican culture and, in fact, has the second-highest spectator rate after football (soccer) in Mexico.
The current home of Mexican wrestling is the famous Arena Mexico. Built in the 1950s specifically for the luchas (fights), it now hosts regular luchas every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday.
If you go on a weekend, you’ll find a mix of tourists and locals filling the stands, creating an electric (sometimes more rowdy) atmosphere. But if you visit on a weekday, you’ll be surrounded mostly by die-hard local fans and families, giving you a more authentic glimpse into this unique cultural phenomenon.
To make the most of your experience, consider joining a guided lucha libre excursion. These tours often include a crash course on the history, rules, and larger-than-life personalities of lucha libre, followed by front-row seats to a live match. Two great tour options include:
- Lucha Libre Experience and Mezcal Tasting in Mexico City – tipsy lucha libre is always more fun!
- Lucha Libre Experience in Mexico City
Enjoy the historical beauty of Palacio Postal
The Centro district of Mexico City is filled with historical buildings, but if you’re not into history, you might not be too impressed with the area. One spot that you’ll still enjoy is the Palacio Postal, one of the most beautiful and magnificent post offices I have ever laid eyes on!
Think grand staircases, intricate ironwork, and ceilings so ornate you’ll forget the fact that you’re just in a post office.
Built in the early 1900s, it’s a perfect example of the eclectic style that blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau elements. And yes, it’s still a functioning post office, so you can send a letter or postcard from one of the most beautiful spots in the city.
Eat some street tacos
Did you really go to Mexico City if you didn’t get street tacos at least once? NO!
Mexico City takes its tacos seriously. Namely, the al pastor taco. There are at least four iterations of tacos al pastor in the city, so we recommend sampling as many tacos as you can fit in your stomach!
In fact, this may be Mexico City’s most essential dish nowadays. There are a million unnamed carts and vendors that you’ll naturally stumble upon (a long line of locals is a good sign!), but here are a few well-known names in the city that will get you started:
- Taquería Orinoco
- Tortas al Fuego
- Los Cocuyos
- El Tizoncito
- El Turix
- Taquería Los Parados
- Taqueria La Reyna
Take a free walking tour of the Centro Historico
The Centro Historico is steeped in historical and cultural significance and packed with things to see.
I always recommend people start their trip off with a free walking tour of the historic city center to get their bearings.
With a pay-what-you-wish walking tour, not only will you get a better understanding of the city’s layout, but you’ll also be able to learn some history and appreciate the local culture more.
Each tour company/local guide has his or her own unique route, but they’ll typically take you through the different areas of Centro Historic.
Many of these free walking tour companies also offer neighborhood-themed tours (like Coyoacan or La Roma), which I 100% recommend you make time for if they interest you!
Another benefit of walking tours that we love to take advantage of? Being able to ask the local tour guide for food recommendations! Some of our best meals abroad were a result of tour guide recommendations.
Where to find free walking tours: Some tours are mural-focused, some are taco-themed, and others are neighborhood-specific. You can browse through tons of options on FREETOUR, where you’ll find a handful of tip-based tours run by locals.
Mercado de San Juan
Mercado de San Juan is commonly referred to as the “chef’s market,” due to the high-quality produce, meat, seafood, and specialty/imported items sold here.
Mercado de San Juan (or ‘San Juan Market’ for my non-Spanish speakers) is actually two buildings, located a block apart in the Centro area.
One focuses on fruits, veggies, and meats (they have unique offerings like deer, alligator, iguana, wild pig, etc.), while the other is filled with stalls serving full meals, juices, and pastries.
You’ll want to grab some breakfast at the second building after you’re done browsing the first. Don’t forget to order some crispy ants, grasshoppers, and beetles for snacking!
These might sound unusual, but they’re a genuine local delicacy deeply rooted in Mexican culinary traditions, especially in regions like Oaxaca.
👉 Did you know? In Mexico, insects like grasshoppers (called chapulines) and ants (escamoles) have been part of the diet for centuries, dating back to pre-Hispanic times. They’re not just a gimmick to lure tourists (like in some other countries); they’re a cherished part of the culture, and they’re packed with protein and flavor too! Grasshoppers are often toasted with garlic, lime, and chili, while ants are prized for their nutty, buttery taste.
Even if you don’t grab food from here, it’s a really neat place to see where locals, neighbors, chefs, cooks, and tourists all come together to shop.
Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela
Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela, or simply La Ciudadela, is Mexico City’s ultimate destination for traditional Mexican handicrafts. For nearly 50 years, this market has been the go-to spot for beautifully crafted goods from across the country—no need to travel to Oaxaca or Chihuahua!
You’ll find everything from Oaxacan textiles and Chiapas ceramics to Guerrero silver jewelry, loom-woven blouses, skeleton dioramas, lucha libre shirts, and even intricate hand-beaded masks to pair with your lucha look.
The market is popular with travelers (both local and international) looking to bring home a piece of Mexico’s rich artisanal heritage.
Mercado Medellin
Medellín Market (or Mercado Medellín) is a one-square-block public market in Roma Sur that’s a favorite among locals and curious travelers alike. If you’re expecting a trendy food hall experience, this place is not that.
This market specializes in fresh produce, dry goods, and unique finds from across Latin America—Colombian and Honduran flags fly proudly over stalls selling rare imported vegetables, dried chiles, moles, and even handcrafted furniture.
Mercado Medellín also features flavors from the Caribbean, Central, and South America. You’ll find everything from Colombian ajíaco to Cuban ice cream, making it a fantastic spot to graze your way through a culinary tour of the region.
Like all of Mexico City’s neighborhood markets, Mercado Medellín is a feast for the senses, with rows of colorful stalls and friendly vendors. This can be a good spot to pick up cooking ingredients and local specialties to bring home.
Take a culinary tour of La Merced and Sonora Markets
While many of Mexico City’s markets are easy to explore on your own, La Merced and Sonora Market are best experienced with a local guide—someone who knows the ins and outs of these sprawling, chaotic, yet fascinating markets.
La Merced, Mexico City’s largest traditional food market, is a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Here, you’ll find everything from fresh produce and pre-Hispanic ingredients (like nopales, maguey worms, and banana leaves) to street food like tacos al guisado: tortillas topped with chicharrón prensado or mole verde.
Then there’s Sonora Market, also referred to as the market of the “brujos,” or witches. This unique market is dedicated to the niche of witchcraft and folk healing, where you’ll encounter herbs, roots, potions, and curiosities you won’t find anywhere else.
This guided culinary tour of the two markets is led by a local who grew up in the area and knows it like the back of their hand. You’ll taste authentic Mexican specialties, from seasonal fruits to traditional dishes, and get a deeper understanding of the markets’ cultural significance.
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience that’s equal parts delicious and fascinating, this tour is a must. Just come hungry and curious!
Bazar Sábado
Step into the charming neighborhood of San Ángel on a Saturday, and you’ll find Bazar Sábado (aka Saturday Bazaar), one of Mexico City’s most elegant artisan markets.
Set in the picturesque Plaza San Jacinto, this weekly bazaar is a treasure trove of high-end Mexican crafts, from handmade jewelry and textiles to fine art and unique accessories.
Unlike other markets, Bazar Sábado leans toward the sophisticated, with matted and framed artworks, ceramics, handmade jewelry, textiles, crafts, and one-of-a-kind pieces. The atmosphere is absolutely delightful, complete with strolling musicians and performers.
Just remember: it’s only open on Saturdays, so plan accordingly!
👉 Pro Tip: Because San Ángel is slightly outside of the main city area, Bazar Sábado can be paired with a visit to Coyoacán, a colorful bohemian neighborhood that’s just next to it. Coyoacán has its own famed market since 1921, Coyoacan Market.
Explore the Coyoacán area
Coyoacán, a charming colonial neighborhood that feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of central Mexico City. Since it’s a bit out of the way, plan to spend a good chunk of your day there—it’s an area worth slowing down for.
Coyoacán is most famous as the home of Frida Kahlo’s iconic blue house, now the Museo Frida Kahlo.
But there’s more to Coyoacán than just Frida. Wander through the Mercado de Coyoacán, a lively local market where you can sample local eats like tostadas, tamales, and churros. Part of the fun is wandering the neighborhood’s quiet streets and enjoying all the colorful buildings and plazas along the way.
Want a local guide by your side? Opt for this free (tip-based) off-the-beaten-path walking tour of Coyoacan. Hear stories about its famous residents like Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Hernán Cortés, snap photos by the Fountain of Coyotes, and discover the traditional spots to get tasty churros, freshly roasted coffee, and artisan ice cream.
Mercado de Coyoacán (Coyoacán Market)
One of my favorite markets in Mexico is Mercado de Coyoácan. This market provides a healthy mix of local and touristy goods, featuring everything from groceries to brightly colored handmade artisan items.
If you’re looking to bring something back for the folks at home, the Mercado de Coyoacán is the perfect spot to hunt for colorful souvenirs at prices that are generally lower than those in central Mexico City.
Need a bite to eat? Don’t miss the legendary tostadas at Tostadas Coyoácan “Las Originales”, piled high with toppings like mushrooms, tinga, pata (beef or pork shanks), or fresh mariscos (seafood). Follow it up with a paleta or ice cream from Helados Y Paletas Gloria.
Can’t get enough of the shopping? You can also check out the nearby Artesanías Coyoacán just a 5-minute walk away. This is a two-story market where vendors sell everything from candy to shoes, aprons to Lucha libre masks, and paintings to body piercings!
Xochimilco
Not gonna lie, Xochimilco is a tourist trap. But sometimes, leaning into the touristy stuff is exactly what you need—especially when it involves floating down colorful canals on a trajinera (a flat-bottomed boat) with good friends, cold drinks, and live mariachi music.
Yes, it’s a bit of a spectacle, and no, you won’t see a “field of flowers” like the name suggests. But who cares? The real appeal here is the chance to relax and have fun with the company you’re with.
You’ll be on a boat with your trusty guide and boat steerer, surrounded by lively music (coming from your own boat and surrounding boats too!), food vendors, and other groups having the time of their lives. If you can let go of the fact that it’s super touristy, it’s impossible not to have fun.
So, if you’re with the right group of people, I say do it! Xochimilco is one of those experiences that’s all about the company you keep.
👉 Since Coyoacán and Xochimilco are both outside the city center, most visitors pair them into one day to avoid battling CDMX’s notorious traffic. Float down Xochimilco’s canals after your morning/afternoon in Coyoacán for the perfect day out.
Don’t want to do too much planning today? This popular combo tour will take you to both the Frida Kahlo Museum and Xochimilco.
On this tour, you’ll discover the colonial beauty of Coyoacán, visit Casa Azul, then drift through the waterways of Xochimilco while enjoying snacks aboard a trajinera boat.
Take a day trip to Teotihuacan
About an hour outside of town sits Teotihuacan, one of the most unforgettable places to visit in all of Mexico. This ancient city was founded around 200 CE and abandoned around 750 CE long before the Aztecs arrived.
When the Aztecs found this empty, impressive city 450 years after it was abandoned, well… it’s no surprise that they gave it the name that we now use for the city in English: The City of the Gods.
While at Teotihuacan, you absolutely cannot miss the impressive Pyramid of the Sun, the largest building in Teotihuacan, and one of the largest in Mesoamerica. In terms of size, it comes in third to the two Egyptian pyramids of Giza!
For this day trip, we recommend going on a guided tour for two reasons:
- so that all the logistics are taken care of for you.
- On top of that, visiting with a guide will help you learn a lot more about its history and cultural significance than if you were visiting alone. Our opinion? Staring blankly at a set of ruins is a lot less fun.
Here are two different options you can go with:
- Teotihuacán: Exclusive Early Access – up to 9 hours long, free of tourist traps and shops, focused only on cultural immersion.
- Teotihuacan, Shrine of Guadalupe & Tlatelolco Day Tour – 7 hours long + visit an authentic Mexican restaurant and take part in an exciting fiesta.
For an even more epic experience, you can even choose to see Teotihuacan by hot air balloon! That’s right this hot air balloon tour will take you over the pyramids in Teotihuacan Valley on a 45-minute flight. This one is a bit pricier than a regular guided tour, but trust, it will be that much more epic!
Visit the Tequila and Mezcal Museum
We said this list would contain no museums. But is a museum dedicated to tequila and mezcal really a museum? Fine, sure, but we think it’s WAY more fun than your average museum!
If you love drinking tequila or mezcal, then you will love this museum located in Centro Historico. At the Museo del Tequila y Mezcal, you’ll get to learn all about the process of tequila and mezcal production, as well as browse the collection of over 700 different bottles.
The tasting at the end of the tour will grant you about a half shot of tequila and a half shot of mezcal, but you can purchase more at the bar.
Sip and shop your way through Roma
Welcome to the coolest neighborhood in Mexico City: Colonia Roma. This hipster haven, split into Roma Norte and Roma Sur, is a blend of art deco mansions, colorful street art, third-wave coffee shops, trendy concept shops, and a retro-elegant vibe thanks to its many businesses set inside repurposed townhouses.
Think of it as the cool, creative cousin of nearby Condesa. Of the two Roma areas, Roma Norte is the more “happening” area. At least it is for visitors like us.
Roma Norte is a food lover’s dream, home to iconic spots like Contramar (known for their aguachiles and their famous pescado a la talla dish) and bustling markets like Mercado Medellín and Mercado Roma. Grab a seat at El Parnita for classic Mexican dishes or sip on expertly brewed coffee at Quentin Cafe, often hailed as a must-do in Roma Norte.
For some truly stylish finds, add the following boutiques to your day out in Roma Norte:
- Casa Ananda: Vintage finds inside a historic townhome.
- HAPPENING: all kinds of stuff for men, women, kids, and home (pictured above)
- 180 Shop: A wide selection of clothing, shoes, lifestyle goods, etc. by local brands
- Amor & Rosas: ethical clothing for men and women, bags, and more
- Casa Bosques: A bookstore specializing in photography, film, architecture, music, and contemporary art.
Need help figuring out what else to do when you get to Roma Norte? Here are a handful of our favorite things to do in the area.
Explore the Condesa neighborhood
This neighborhood is undeniably hip and trendy, with new businesses and boutiques popping up constantly. You can expect to find many vintage shops, specialty shoe shops, jewelers, and accessory shops lining the avenues in La Condesa.
To fulfill your shopaholic dreams, head specifically to the following avenidas: Michoacán, Amsterdam, Tamaulipas and Vicente Suárez. Avenida Amsterdam is, in my opinion, one of the prettiest streets in all of the city!
There is also an incredible food scene here! You’ll find food from all different influences, starting with authentic tacos and ending in open-concept restaurants that are bright and airy.
Head to Lardo, an Instagram-worthy restaurant with plants lining the exterior and exceptional food served inside. For tacos, El Kalimán boasts the best authentic tacos in the neighborhood.
While you’re here, hang out Parque Mexico and Parque Espana, both of which are perfect for jogging, strolling, and plain old people-watching. Spend some time enjoying the Art Deco buildings, a testimony to its heyday during the ’20s and ’30s.
Visit the Polanco Neighborhood
Neighboring Bosque de Chapultepec Park, Polanco is one of the loveliest areas in the city. This neighborhood in Mexico City offers a more ritzy atmosphere compared to Roma Norte or Condesa.
In fact, Polanco is famed for its luxury shopping along Presidente Masaryk Avenue, the most expensive street in Mexico. You’ll also find two of the city’s top fine-dining destinations here: Pujol and Quintonil.
There is also a Saturday tianguis (outdoor market) in Lincoln Park to buy fresh fruit, vegetables, tacos, and other Mexican goodies.
Enjoy the local energy at Barrio Alameda
Barrio Alameda is one of Mexico City’s coolest and most stylish places to shop, grab lunch or get a quick drink with your buddies. Located in Centro, this building is home to 30+ businesses ranging from food and drink establishments, as well as fashion and art galleries.
You can pick up vintage clothes, old-school vinyls, sneakers, and handmade hats all under one roof!
Visit one of the world’s best bars
Mexico City is home to some of the best bars in the world, and no visit is complete without stopping by Licorería Limantour or Handshake Speakeasy, both of which have been featured in The World’s 50 Best Bars list.
Licorería Limantour, a pioneer in Mexico’s craft cocktail scene, opened in 2011 and has been a trailblazer ever since. With its sleek, modern decor and a menu that blends Mexican ingredients with global techniques, it’s a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. The drinks are as visually creative as they are delicious!
Then there’s Handshake Speakeasy, a hidden gem that feels like stepping into a 1920s cocktail lounge. Behind an unmarked door, you’ll find a cozy, dimly lit space where bartenders work their magic with precision and flair. The cocktails are super inventive, and of the 17 drinks we ordered collectively, the craziest tasting one was the PB&J cocktail (because how did they make it taste like an actual PB&J???).
I’ve been to both, and honestly, it’s hard to pick a favorite based on taste alone—both are incredibly creative and expertly crafted. But if I had to choose, I’d give the edge to Licorería Limantour for its ambiance.
Planning Your Trip To Mexico City?
- 3 Days In Mexico City: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
- 4 Days In Mexico City: The Ultimate Long Weekend Itinerary – Recommended!
- Where to Stay in Mexico City: 7 Best Neighborhoods To Base Yourself In
- 14 Fun-Filled Weekend Trips From Mexico City
- 15 Things To Do In Roma Norte: CDMX’s Trendiest Area
- 12 Things To Do While You’re In Mexico City’s Polanco Neighborhood
