What to do in Mexico City

1.From the Aztec empire to modern times in downtown Mexico City

If you are thinking of what to do in Mexico City to truly understand its history, exploring downtown Mexico City, constructed on what was once the Aztec City of Tenochtitlán, is a must. Start your tour at the “Zócalo” or Plaza de la Constitución, the city’s central square which is one of the world’s largest and has been an important meeting place from Aztec times to the present day. Presided over by an enormous flag, thousands of people visit daily: tourists as well as people involved in social protests and in indigenous ceremonies. Nearby, you can visit the National Palace. 

Built in 1693, inside you’ll find murals by Diego Rivera. To the north of the square, you’ll also find the imposing, magisterial building that is Latin America’s largest cathedral, the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral. In this magnificent construction, built after the Spanish conquest, you can see the dominant architectural styles of the time.

If you are deciding on what to see in Mexico City, the Cathedral is one of its most iconic landmarks. A few blocks further you may hear the mariachis singing from Plaza Garibaldi, the focal point of more traditional Mexico. 

From there, about 20 minutes to the west, you’ll reach the Plaza de la República, with the Monument to the Revolution and its own museum in the basement. Northeast of the Zócalo, we find ourselves transported back in time once more at one of the historical center’s most popular locations: the Templo Mayor Archeological Site and Aztec Museum. Delve into the past as you marvel at the uncovered artifacts and ruins of what was once the most important Aztec temple in Tenochtitlán.

2.Chapultepec Forest throughout history

Once a location used by Aztec rulers, Chapultepec Forest is now an important green lung in modern Mexico City and one of the largest parks in the world. 

Its presence throughout history makes it a truly fascinating place to visit and one of our top choices for what to do in Mexico City: aside from Chapultepec Castle, just some of the remains found in the park include the Aztec Baths of Moctezuma as well as a colonial aqueduct. It’s also home to the popular National Museum of Anthropology, which houses artifacts such as the Aztec Stone of the Sun.

3.Experience the influence of Teotihuacán

Continue your journey of discovery with a day trip out to ancient Teotihuacán. This once influential city is now a World Heritage site and a top choice when deciding what to see in Mexico City, home to the world-famous Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon –- which offer some stunning views of the area for those who dare to take on the climb! 

To get here, simply get the subway to ‘Autobuses del Norte’ and from there, take the bus.

4.Float along the Xochimilco Waterways

For a one-of-a-kind experience of Mexico City’s past and present, take the trip out to Xochimilco to see its famous “Floating Gardens” first hand. Composed of the remains of the Aztec canal transport system and floating islands which little by little started to disappear after the Spanish conquest, the area is now a World Heritage Site and a popular visit both for tourists and residents of CDMX. 

Hire a gondola-style trajinera to glide along the canals as you enjoy music from the floating mariachis and Mexican treats from the floating food stands. It’s a lively visit that you won’t forget in a hurry!

5.Explore Mexico City’s cuisine

And back in the city, you may find the cuisine to be a more interesting event. Few of the cities have as varied a culinary offering as Mexico City. New trends are booming in DF, according to the internationally popular list: The world’s 50 best restaurants.

Among them is Sud777 which is located to the south of Ciudad Universitaria and is presided over by Edgar Núñez, one of the most exceptional chefs in the country.

But if you want a taste of the purest tradition, the streets in Colonia de Polanco are filled with food carts that travel around the city with tacos (corn tortillas with vegetables or meat), tamales (corn mass stuffed with meat, vegetables or sauces wrapped in vegetable leaves), elotes (corn on the cob) and esquites (corn boiled and seasoned with chile, mayonnaise and lemon).

And in this same area you’ll find some of the other more distinguished restaurants in the city where you can taste the new culinary trends. For example Quintonil, Biko and Dulce Patria. Visiting Colonia de Polanco is truly a must in any list of what to do in Mexico City.

To find bars to have a drink, you have to head to Zona Rosa or the colonies of Condesa, Roma Coyoacán or San Ángel. There, you’ll find some of the trendy clubs like Felix, Wallace Whiskey Bar, Pata Negra or El Depósito.

6.Go shopping in Mexico City

Mexico City has many varied and interesting shopping possibilities: from Mexico stores, street markets and craft shops to boutiques. The most exclusive shops of renowned designers are located in Polanco, on Avenida Masaryk. And if you’re looking for local crafts, visit the Mercado de la Ciudadela – the most traditional in the country – or head to Coyoacan or Plaza Garibaldi.

Now that you know the best plans to do in this city, don't wait and book one of our hotels in Mexico City!

You may also be interested in:

• Typical food in Mexico
• Day of the Dead Celebration in Mexico
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Author: Álvaro Barush Sanchez Gamiño

General Manager at NH Collection Mexico City Reforma

I have had the fortune of living in the three main cities of Mexico over the last 9 years, full of culture and irreplaceable tradition, each with its impressive unique architecture and extraordinary people who make it even better. My name is Álvaro Barush and I was the General Manager of NH Collection Guadalajara Providencia, in the beautiful "Pearl of the West", Guadalajara, Mexico, and NH Collection Mexico City Centro Histórico. Currently developing as General Manager at NH Collection Mexico City Reforma. Both experiences have been unique and extraordinary, enriching me both personally and professionally, and I hope to continue meeting extraordinary people and unique cultures, creating memorable experiences for each one.