by Uwebart / CC BY-SA 3.0
Table of Contents
A. About Mexico City
Nickname: Chilangolandia ("Chilango- Land")Mexico City is one of Latin America's most important economic and cultural cities.
While the Mexican capital is huge, both in terms of population and area, most of the city's best tourist attractions and popular things to do are in the compact historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There is plenty to do and see in Mexico City itself, but the capital of Mexico also offers an excellent excursion: the striking archaeological complex of Teotihuacan with its mighty pyramids is just thirty-nine miles (64 km) northeast.
The Good:
The Mexican capital delights visitors with great sights, friendly people, and numerous pedestrian zones.
In addition, it enjoys a year-round spring-like climate.
The Not-So-Good:
Mexico City is not very clean, and the noisy traffic can be an issue as well as security.
While the historic center is generally safe, you should beware of pickpockets. At night, it is advisable to take a cab rather than walk.
B. Best Things to Do in Mexico City in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)
In total, we count more than forty sights in Mexico City. The following sights contribute to a score of 7.35/10 in this important category:
# National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropologia) 6
Established in 1964 in Chapultepec Park, this archaeology museum is Mexico City's finest museum.
The museum's star attraction is undoubtedly the original Aztec Sunstone (or Calendar Stone) from c. 1427 C.E, rediscovered on 17 December 1790 during repairs on the Mexico City Cathedral.
Here is our selection of the five best artworks of the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City:
(Click on images to open in lightbox)
1) Piedra del Sol (Sunstone), Aztec, 1427 C.E., 358 cm (141 in) in diameter
Anagoria / CC BY-SA 3.0
2) Statue of Xochipilli (Prince of Flowers), Aztec, 1450-1500 C.E., 1.2 m high
by Antony Stanley / CC BY-SA 3.0
3) Statue of the goddess Coatlicue, Aztec, 1439 or 1491 C.E., 2.7 m (8.9 ft)
by Luidger / CC BY-SA 3.0
4) Olmec colossal head, Olmec, ca. 900 B.C.E.
by Luidger / CC BY-SA 3.0
5) Mortuary mask of K'inich Janaab' Pakal (replica), Mayan
by Wolfgang Sauber / CC BY-SA 3.0
Museum Gallery Space: 33,000 m2 / 355,209 ft2 | Galleries: 23 | Established: 1964 | Visitors (2017): 2,336,115
by Mike Peel / CC BY-SA 4.0
# NATIONAL PALACE (Palacio Nacional) 6
Occupying the east side of Mexico City's main square, this massive colonial palace is the seat of the federal executive in Mexico. Its highlights are the spectacular panoramic murals by the famous Mexican artist Diego Rivera (painted between 1929 and 1951) that adorn the main staircase and the walls of the second floor.
Palace and Museum World Heritage Site: since 1987 (Historic Center)
by Cbl62 / CC BY-SA 3.0
# PALACE OF FINE ARTS (Palacio de Bellas Artes) 6
Completed in 1934 in art nouveau and art deco-style, this opulent white palace hosts temporary art exhibits, opera, dance, and theater.
It features impressive murals adorning its interior by famous artists such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Jorge González Camarena, and José Clemente.
Art Gallery World Heritage Site: since 1987 (Historic Centre)
by Enrique Grandos Salas / CC BY-SA 3.0
# HISTORIC CENTER (Centro Historico) 6
Anchored by the Zócalo plaza, the stunning Historic Center of Mexico City – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – features ancient temples, colonial cathedrals, museums, narrow cobblestone streets, and beautiful colonial and European architecture.
City District World Heritage Site: since 1987
by Elisa.rolle / CC BY-SA 4.0
# METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL (Catedral Metropolitana) 6
Formally consecrated in 1656, this monumental Cathedral on Zócalo square is the oldest and largest cathedral in Latin America.
Climb the bell tower to enjoy a spectacular view.
Roman Catholic Cathedral World Heritage Site: since 1987 (Historic Centre) | Consecrated: 1656
by Anna Maj Michelson / CC BY-SA 1.0
# XOCHIMILCO 6
Ride brightly colored open-air boats, called trajineras, along the picturesque canals and lush gardens of Xochimilco, located at the southern edge of Mexico City.
Canals and Gardens World Heritage Site: since 1987
by JorgeBRAZIL / CC BY-SA 2.0
# ZÓCALO SQUARE (Plaza de la Constitución) 6
Located in the heart of the historic center of Mexico City, the Zócalo with its classic architecture and imposing facades is one of the largest public squares in the world.
Square World Heritage Site: since 1987 (Historic Centre)
by Antony Stanley / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Chapultepec Castle and National History Museum 6
Constructed in 1785 atop Chapultepec hill, this amazing castle overlooks the park of the same name and provides stunning views of the city.
Today, it houses the National History Museum of Mexico.
Castle and Museum | Viewpoint Constructed: 1785
by Arturo Chavez / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec) 6
Known as the "green lung" of Mexico City, the largest urban park in Latin America (twice the size of Central Park in New York) features a scenic large lake, several great museums, a zoo, botanic gardens, and the presidential residence.
City Park Land Area: 6.78 km2 / 678 hectares / 1,675 acres
# The Great Temple (Templo Mayor) and Museum of the Templo Mayor 6
This excellent museum displays a model of the pre-Hispanic Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan and many artifacts found on the site.
Excavated by archaeologists in the 1970s, visitors can view the ruins of Templo Mayor, once one of the main Aztec temples of Tenochtitlan.
by BekaHari / CC BY-SA 3.0
C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Mexico City
-Museo Soumaya 6
Designed by the Mexican architect Fernando Romero, this spectacular museum houses more than 60,000 artworks of masters like Rodin, Dali, Pablo Picasso, and many other internationally renowned artists.
Art Museum | Modern Architecture Gallery Space: 2,200 m2 /23,680 ft2 | Established: 1994/2011 | Visitors (2013): 1,100,000 | Construction Cost: $70 million
by Raystormxc / CC BY-SA 3.0
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- Basilica of St Virgin of Guadalupe 5.5
- National Museum of Art 5.5
- Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles) 5.5
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) 5.5
- Museo de Arte Popular 5.5
- Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo (MUAC) 5.5
- Paseo de la Reforma and the Angel of Independence5.5
- Torre Latinoamericana5.5
- Post Office Palace5.5
- Coyoacán (City District)5.5
- Mexico City Museum of Modern Art 5.5
- Alameda Central (Park) 5.5
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Mexico City
TEOTIHUACAN 9
Ancient Mesoamerican City World Heritage Site: since 1987 | Distance from Mexico City: 64 km
by Peter Andersen / CC BY-SA 3.0
E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Mexico City 2024 (including close-by excursions)
To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Mexico City for at least three entire days: