Great, so you’ve booked your flights to Mexico City, but now comes the real work: figuring out what to do when you’re there. Let me help you narrow down the options with this list of the best activities, day trips, Instagram photo spots, and shopping! (Last updated June 12, 2022.)

QUICK LINKS: Activities to Do | Instagram Photo Spots | Day Trips | Where to Shop

Activities to Do in Mexico City

Explore Centro Histórico
I feel like people get scared away because Centro looks far away from Roma and La Condesa, but you must visit the Historic City Center of CDMX! I found it particularly interesting to see the juxtaposition between Centro and Polanco, which are the oldest and newest parts of the city respectively. There is plenty to see in this part of town to keep you occupied for at least a few hours, but here are three noteworthy things to get you started:

• The Zócalo is the town square of Mexico City, and it’s a lively place surrounded by lights, music, taco spots, government buildings and the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral.
• Templo Mayor was the main temple of the Mexica people in their capital city of Tenochtitlan, which is now CDMX as we know it. The ruins of this temple is currently closed due to damage from an earthquake, but you can still see this archeological site for free from viewing platforms, which are just steps away from the Zocalo.
• Palacio Postale is a gorgeous post office that is still in use today! Its beautiful interior is well worth a visit. To see this gorgeous view for yourself, go to the left once you enter through the front doors. This section of the post office was roped off when I went in August 2021, but a friendly guard walked me through and allowed me the time to take all the photos my heart desired.

Visit a park
Mexico City is filled with many beautiful parks, and it would be a shame to gloss over them. Walk through and admire their beauty, or relax on a bench and read a book, people-watch, or in my case, dog-watch—lol!

• Bosque de Chapultepec: This park is literally twice the size of Central Park in NYC, so it will take a few hours if you want to do it right! Split into 3 sections, the first is the oldest and most visited. It has the main attractions including the castle, Chapultepec Zoo, and the Museum of Anthropology. Section 2 is worth visiting if you’d like to enjoy a fine dining experience in the park (El Lago is my rec). I can’t speak at all to Section 3, but it doesn’t sound like it’s worth a visit unless you really have a lot of time.
• Plaza Rio de Janeiro (Roma Norte): My top favorite park, this was a peaceful and charming spot that I spent a lot of my mornings and work breaks. The whole plaza is lined with picturesque buildings, and I loved seeing the morning dog walkers in action. In the evenings, people would bring their pups back to play in the water fountain too! Bonus: Panaderia Rosetta and Buna Coffee are just right around the corner, so grab a pastry or coffee before you come and dog-watch.
• Parque México (Condesa): Another favorite of mine because of the beautiful Art Deco architecture, this park is in the center of what used to be a horse race track and is now known as Colonia Hipódromo. I often saw outdoor workout classes and dance classes here, which tells me this space is a local favorite, as well.
• Other parks to visit: Parque España (Condesa), Parque Lincoln (Polanco), Parque América (Polanco) and Alameda Central (Centro).

Visit a museum
Okay, I must admit I did not go to a single museum in my August 2021 trip, but if you’re into art or history, or are looking for an indoor activity to do during rainy season, these are going to be for you. Two things to note: all museums are closed on Mondays, and I believe all of them are cash only. Also, double-check hours and prices, as they may have changed since the time of this post’s publishing!

• Museo Nacional de Antropología: The largest and most visited museum of Mexico, this one is the must-do if you are limited on time. I personally am making it a point to visit in December, as I’m told it has a lot of great history and things to see. Tuesday-Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 10am-5pm. 85 pesos.
• Palacio de Bellas Artes: This one might be better to visit post-covid, as most galleries are still currently closed as of October 2021. However, the murals by famous Mexican artists (including Diego Rivera) are still open, and for any architecture fans reading this, I hear the atrium and marbled hallways absolutely stunning. Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm. 80 pesos except on Sundays when admission is FREE.
• Museo Soumaya: Though it’s a bit of a trek to the outskirts of Polanco, the exterior of this museum itself is worth a visit alone. Inside you’ll find the world’s largest private collection of Auguste Rodin’s art, as well as work by Dalí, Picasso, Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Rivera and many other notable artists. Open daily from 10:30am-6:30pm. Admission is always FREE.
• Chapultepec Castle: Personally, this one is at the top of my list, as it comes highly recommended for the history, 360-views, garden and architecture. It’s a bit of an uphill walk to get to the entrance, but from the photos I’ve seen it’s worth it. (And fun fact: Romeo + Juliet starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes was filmed here!) Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm. 80 pesos.
• Museo Frida Kahlo: Known as The Blue House, this is the second most-visited museum in Mexico and is dedicated to the life and work of Frida Kahlo. It’s small and honestly seems to have mixed reviews, but if you’re a big fan of her work, it’s probably worth a visit. Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday 10am-6pm; Wednesday 11am-6pm. 230 pesos on weekdays; 270 pesos on weekends. Extra 30 pesos to take photos.

Ride a boat at Xochimilco
The famous canals of Xochimilco (sow-chee-MEEL-kow) are the last remnants of a vast water transport system built by the Aztecs. Here, tourists and locals alike can ride on colorful boats around the chinampas (floating gardens) while interacting with food vendors, artisans and mariachi bands as they pass by.

This is considered by many to be one of the must-do’s of Mexico City, and if you go, set your Uber destination to “Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas,” the main parking lot and boat launch location. Weekends will be the most crowded. Food vendors along the canals can be overpriced from what I hear, but you can always bring food and drinks with you if you’re on a budget. Also, bring cash/coins in case you want to purchase anything or use any of the public restrooms. (Restrooms are 5 pesos.)

There’s a few ways to experience Xochimilco:

• Take a “taxi boat,” but from what I’ve read, I don’t recommend it. It’s the cheapest option, but it will only take you to a certain point (with no stops) and then you’ll need to catch a return trip back at an additional cost.
• Hire a private boat for your group on the spot. This is the one you’ll want to do if you want a festive party vibe. It’s 350 pesos per hour (expect at least a 2-hour boat ride), and the more people in your group, the cheaper it will be! The only con for this route is that you have to bring everything (i.e. food, drinks, speakers, etc)… or be willing to pay a la carte for all the goodies that make the boat experience fun.
• Book a private tour (via Airbnb Experiences, Viator, etc). There’s something for everyone—for example: this tour that combines Xochimilco with a visit to Coyoacán, San Ángel and the Frida Kahlo museum. I personally booked this experience, and had THE BEST day with my friends! It was a true fiesta, and it came with snacks, home-made guac, unlimited tequila, mezcal, beer and water. I can’t recommend it or this host enough!
• Go full-on bougie with a gourmet foodie experience. (This Youtube video goes into detail about this gastronomic adventure… it looks amazing and I have it on my own personal list!)

Explore San Ángel & Coyoacán
If you’re decide to make the journey down to Xochilmilco, you should also visit these 2 southern CDMX neighborhoods while you’re at it. They are quieter than the heart of the city and absolutely charming, right down to the cobblestone streets and Saturday art markets. Eat a stuffed churro (churro relleno) in Coyoacán, and check out out Mercardo San Ángel and Mercado Coyoacán too—they were my favorite markets! The Frida Kahlo Museum is also here if that is of interest to you.

Take a churro-making class
If you love churros, why not learn how to make them? I did this Airbnb Experience and I really enjoyed myself. It’s a great activity to do with a friend or a small group, especially if you go during rainy season (June-November) and are looking for something indoor to do. The host was able to accommodate my dairy allergy and was flexible in doing a private a class in the afternoon to fit my schedule better!

Go on a taco crawl
Because did you even go to Mexico City if you didn’t go on a taco crawl? Many people watch Taco Chronicles on Netflix for inspiration and there are several Airbnb Experiences where locals give their own guided crawl, but if you want a DIY taco tour, feel free to use this as a jumping-off point:

• Condesa: Los Juanes, El Tizoncito, Taqueria El Greco, Taquería Orinoco, El Pescadito
• Roma: Cariñito, Taquería Álvaro Obregón, Gracias Madre, La Pitahaya Vegana, Taquería Orinoco

Read next: What to Eat in Mexico City: The Best Restaurants, Tacos, Markets, Bars & More

Walk or bike along the Paseo de la Reforma on Sunday
If you want to feel like a local, walk, jog, skate or bike along the Paseo de la Reforma, one of Mexico City’s biggest streets, on a Sunday when it is closed to vehicular traffic from 8am-2pm. Along this giant stretch of road, you’ll find tons of monuments (including the El Ángel de la Independencia), public sculptures and modern sky scrapers. During the holidays, there are even poinsettia plants lining the street! My suggestion would be to rent a bike and ride from the Palacio de la Bellas Artes to Bosque de Chapultepec (or vice versa).

Take a salsa or bachata dance class
I wouldn’t put this on the top of your list if you’re limited on time, but if you enjoy dancing and you want to learn something during your trip, a salsa or bachata class would be a unique option! I took a bachata class, and despite not being a dancer, I really enjoyed it. The teacher, Kentaro, spoke English, most of the attendees were expats, and it only cost 100 pesos (cash only). There is also a bachata class every Sunday at 1pm in Parque México and is open to all levels. Not sure the cost, but cash only.

Take a day trip outside of CDMX
If you can, reserve at least one day to explore somewhere outside of Mexico City! I elaborate on this further down in this post.

Instagram-worthy Photo Spots in Mexico City

If you’re looking for even more Instagram content beyond all the things I’ve already mentioned, add these to your list:

• TANE: If you’re looking for the iconic “México Mi Amor” neon sign, it’s on the side of a jewelry store! They had a cute car in front of it the day I went, but usually it’s not there. Av. Pdte. Masaryk 430, Polanco
• Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles): When you visit Centro, stop by this building to take a photo like the one at the very top of this post. Hop up on the window sill or stand; no matter where pose, your shot will be beautiful! If you’re curious about the building itself, it’s an 18th-century Baroque palace and inside is a restaurant called Sanborns Madero. Av Francisco I. Madero 4, Centro Histórico
• Condesa DF Hotel: This is where you’ll find a classic car always parked at the cutest street corner in all of Mexico City. (There is a crank on the side of the car that you can turn; I think it turns the headlamps on?) Also, inside the hotel you’ll find stunning modern architecture and a rooftop bar that has an Insta-worthy bathroom. Av. Veracruz 102, Roma Norte
• Camino Real Polanco México: Okay, take this with a grain of salt because I’ve only driven past this hotel, but there is a bright yellow and geometric pink wall here that looked like total Instagram clickbait. From a Google search, it looks like there’s an even more photo-worthy spot if you go to the pool area, but you probably need to actually be a hotel guest to get there. Calz. Gral. Mariano Escobedo No. 700, Anzures, Miguel Hidalgo
• Fuente de Cibeles: There is a beautiful floral art installation by @steeleism at this roundabout. Pl. Villa de Madrid 7, Roma Norte

Day Trips from Mexico City

Teotihuacán
If you only have time for one day trip, this is it. Teotihuacán (TE-aw-tee-wah-KAHN) is a Mesoamerican city that has so much history that I highly recommend a guided tour of the grounds so you can learn about it all. Pre-covid, you could climb to the top of Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon to see the view, but as of my visit in August 2021, sadly it was not an option. Instead, I booked this Airbnb Experience that combined a hot air balloon ride and a private tour of this “City of the Gods.” I had such an amazing day; I can’t recommend this excursion enough!

If a hot air balloon is not your cup of tea, you can always Uber there and either hire a guide on the spot or do a self-guided tour (not recommended). If you do either of these options, I recommend going right when it opens to avoid the heat, and avoid going on Sundays, as this is when admission is free to Mexican residents. Open 365 days a year, 9am-5pm. 70 pesos.

Taxco
While I would personally recommend this as a weekend trip, Taxco is possible to do if you don’t mind 4-5 hours in a car (roundtrip). Known for its silver mining, this absolutely delightful pueblo mágico (magic town) is roughly a 2.5-hour drive outside Mexico City. I fell in love as soon as I saw the all-white buildings and red rooftops adorning the steep hillside. The streets are small and narrow, most of the cabs are VW Bugs, and since the whole city is situated on a hill, every day is a leg day here! There’s also a cable car that can take you from the very bottom to the very top of the hillside, but sadly it was down when I went.

A short drive from Taxco is Parque Nacional Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, which is one of the largest cave systems in the world. It was really impressive, and new formations are still forming! A word to the wise: it gets very hot and humid in the caves so dress accordingly, and wear comfortable shoes as it is a 3-mile roundtrip walk. You’ll also need to hire a private tour guide to get the history of the caves in English. I highly recommend this Viator tour so you can enjoy a private driver and English-speaking tour guide for both Taxco and the grutas (caves).

Puebla
I would also recommend a weekend in Puebla rather than just a day trip, but if you are short on time and are looking just to get a taste of the city, check out this tour. Otherwise, it’s a 2-3 hour bus ride from CDMX, and is a charming, chill city filled with colorful, tiled buildings and great food. Like Oaxaca de Juárez, this city knows how to do mole right!

Curious about Puebla? I will be following up with a separate blog post about it and neighboring pueblos mágicos Cholula and Atlixco soon, but in the meantime, here is my Google Map of Puebla recs.

Tolantongo
I haven’t been here yet, but it’s a 4-hour drive one way from Mexico City, so this day trip would really be a long one. At Tolantongo, there are hot springs, caverns, zip-lining, and more, so there’s plenty to justify the journey. You can find a day tour via Airbnb Experiences like this one, but if you have time and are brave enough to rent a car in Mexico, it’d be better to drive yourself and spend the night at one of their on-site hotels. (Rooms start as low as $37 USD.) That way, you can have more time to relax and enjoy the different experiences. Regardless, I recommend going on a weekday to avoid the crowds, as the hot springs get pretty crowded in the afternoons.

Best Shopping in Mexico City

Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela
If you’re looking for a souvenir or just want to browse through Mexican handicrafts, this is the place. There are over 200 vendor stalls ranging from housewares and decor to clothing and jewelry, in addition to a few food/beverage spot. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here!

Rufina & Querencia
This was my favorite boutique in all of Roma Norte! You’ll find cute clothes, jewelry, gifts and plants—all at very reasonable prices.

Home Mexico
Another boutique in Roma, this spot had a mix of clothes, home decor, beauty, gifts and jewelry.

Polanco
Known as the “Beverly Hills” of Mexico City, you’ll find all the luxury shopping in neighborhood. There are individual designer stores (Gucci, Luis Vuitton, etc.), a fancy department store called El Palacio de Hierro Polanco, and a beautiful outdoor mall called Antara Fashion Hall with a mix of price points.

222 Reforma
A shopping mall in the Juarez neighborhood, this was a very down-to-earth shopping experience with a mix of stores/brands I recognized and new ones that I’d never heard of. My favorite discovery here was Oysho, which had nice athletic, lounge and swimwear!

Read next: The Ultimate Mexico City Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know