The Mexican capital provides visitors with a heady mix of ancient culture, modern art, incredible street life, and natural wonders. Whether you’re visiting Mexico City for only a few days en route to the golden beaches of Cancun, or it’s your main destination, these experiences will feed all your senses.
1. Immerse yourself in the past
Mexico is a haven for fans of ancient history. This tour takes you through the National Museum of Anthropology with an art historian guide. You’ll learn first-hand about the ancient cultures of the Mexican, Mayan, and Teotihuacan people. The tour finishes with a Voladores show: this ancient ritual involves four men descending from a high pole by their ankles — truly one of the most iconic cultural things to see when visiting Mexico City.
2. Explore the urban landscape
Take a trip off the beaten track as you cruise the city streets on a bike tour. You’ll marvel at street art and colorful murals as you pedal through the city’s districts. And no street tour is complete without delicious street food — tuck into the freshest fare enjoyed by the locals.
3. Discover Coyoacan
Tour the colonial district of Coyoacan as you float in a colorful boat along the canals of Xochimilco. This iconic area is best seen on a full-day tour. You can also enjoy a private guided tour to learn even more about this charming neighborhood and its landmarks, such as Casa Azul. Mexico City was home to Frida Kahlo, a painter famous for her brightly colored self-portraits filled with traditional cultural references. Frida fans know that a visit to Casa Azul, or The Blue House, where Kahlo lived, is on top of the list of things to do in Mexico City. It now houses the Frida Kahlo museum where you’ll learn about the artist’s life.
4. Taste the city
Mexican food is fresh, bold, and utterly delicious. A food tour is a great place to start your Mexico City tours. You’ll visit the cool Polanco district and taste authentic eats, from taco soup to tostados. You’ll learn about traditional Oaxacan food, and see the area’s green spaces and art galleries too. Best of all, learn about the art of Mexican chocolate as you taste this sweet delicacy.
5. Hike a volcano
Yes, you read it right! Take a day trip out of the city to explore Izta-Popo National Park and hike up Iztaccíhuatl, Mexico’s second-highest peak. The view of the snow-capped, dormant volcano is dazzling. You’ll not only get bragging rights to say you’ve hiked a volcano, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the fresh mountain air. The vistas all around are breathtaking and you can hike at your own pace to revel in the beauty of it all.
6. Unleash your inner Indiana Jones
Located just outside Mexico City lies one of the most impressive ancient archaeological complexes in the Western Hemisphere. Teotihuacan was built around 2,000 years ago, and today you can visit this incredible place. Climb the pyramids of the Sun and Moon and learn about the ancient cultures of the Maya, Mixtec, and Zapotec who reigned here.
On this tour, you’ll also visit the Our Lady of Guadalupe Basilica, which is important for Catholic pilgrims today. What’s more, you can combine a visit to Teotihuacan with a street market and a local meal tour to taste authentic flavors before visiting the site. For a true bucket-list experience, take a hot-air balloon flight over the pyramids. You’ll soar above the ancient ruins with 360-degree views around you.
7. Explore the past in Puebla
Leaving the busy city for a day, take a trip to Cholula and Puebla. First up, take a selfie in front of the New World’s largest pyramid at Cholula. Then it’s on to Puebla, a city full of history and color. You’ll learn about the city’s history, see local pottery being made and be able to fill your Instagram feed with pics of this brightly painted city.
8. Party into the night
As the home of tequila and mezcal, Mexico is a great destination for fun-loving travelers. A true Mexican night out is filled with singing, dancing, music — and wrestling! Start your evening with a tequila before heading to a Lucha Libre match. Enjoy the show by the daring, bold wrestlers and then end the night by dancing to the sounds of a Mariachi band.
