Last spring, I found myself standing in the middle of Roma Norte at sunset, al pastor taco in one hand, mezcal in the other, completely overwhelmed by how alive Mexico City felt.
The streets smelled like grilled meat and fresh tortillas.
Murals exploded with color on every corner.
And honestly, I didn’t want to be anywhere else in the world.
CDMX isn’t just big—it’s electric, chaotic, beautiful, and totally addictive.
After spending weeks eating, exploring, and getting delightfully lost in its neighborhoods, I realized something: Mexico City is one of those places that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go.
So if you’re heading there soon (or dreaming about it), here are my 10 favorite things to do in Mexico City—the stuff that made me want to stay forever.
Wander Through Roma and Condesa Like You Own the Place
Roma and Condesa are two of the most emblematic neighborhoods in Mexico City, known for their bohemian lifestyle and historical architectural value—and they’re perfect for wandering.
I spent entire afternoons just walking these tree-lined streets.
The vibe is relaxed, artsy, and totally walkable.
In Condesa, Parque México is where you can people-watch while munching on esquites and churros.
I loved grabbing a coffee and just sitting there, watching dogs run around and couples dance salsa in the afternoon.
Roma Norte has trendy restaurants like Michelin-starred Rosetta and casual bars serving some of the best cocktails in town.
You’ll find street art everywhere—colorful, bold, and sometimes political.
It’s the kind of place where you pop into a bookshop-café combo and lose two hours without realizing it.
These neighborhoods are home to whimsical tree-lined streets that guide you to scenic parks, and the area transitioned from aristocrat homes to artisan shops to now hosting quaint boutiques, aromatic coffee shops, and delicious restaurants.
If I had one day in Mexico City, I’d spend it here.
Just walking.
No agenda.
Trust me on this.
Eat Your Weight in Street Tacos (Seriously, Don’t Hold Back)
Mexico City is one of the best street food cities in the world, and it’s a food paradise with street food on nearly every corner.
And let me tell you—the tacos here are life-changing.
El Vilsito is one of the most famous taquerías in Mexico City, where Marcos has been shaving al pastor meat off the trompo for over 18 years.
I tried a gringa there—flour tortilla, cheese, al pastor, pineapple—and it honestly changed my life.
At Tacos El Paisa, the suadero tacos are simmered in oil for hours until juicy and tender, overflowing with succulent beefy flavor.
These were my favorite tacos in the entire city.
You’ll find taco stands open at all hours—some don’t even open until 8 PM and stay open until dawn.
Barbacoa is a weekend affair, with stands setting up long family-style tables on Saturdays and Sundays along the city’s sidewalks.
It’s the ultimate hangover food.
Don’t overthink it.
Just follow the crowds, order what looks good, and pile on the salsa.
You’re in taco heaven now.
Explore Chapultepec Park and the Castle That Sits on Top
Chapultepec Park is often called the “lungs of the city,” a sprawling green oasis in the heart of Mexico City, with Chapultepec Castle perched on a hill offering commanding views.
This place is massive.
I mean, you could easily spend an entire day here and not see everything.
The park is home to the Museo Nacional de Historia Castillo de Chapultepec, the Museo de Arte Moderno, and the Jardín Botánico.
The castle itself is stunning—lavish rooms, gorgeous terraces, and panoramic views of the city that made me stop and just stare.
With more than 61,000 visitors a day, Chapultepec has five tracks where you can train and get in shape for free.
I loved watching families picnic, street vendors selling elote, and artists painting in the shade.
On Sundays, the park gets super lively.
If you cycle along Reforma starting from Chapultepec, try to time it for Sunday when Reforma is closed to traffic.
It’s peaceful, beautiful, and one of my favorite spots to just breathe in CDMX.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Get Lost in the Historic Center (Centro Histórico)
The Historic Center, also known as Zócalo, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest city squares in the world, with grand colonial-era buildings including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace.
Standing in the Zócalo for the first time was surreal.
There’s this giant Mexican flag waving in the center, surrounded by centuries of history.
The site has been the centerpiece of public gatherings since the days of the Aztec empire and was considered the ceremonial center of Tenochtitlán.
The Palacio de Bellas Artes is a must-visit, hosting cultural events including music, dance, theater, and opera in the national theater.
I spent hours just walking around, popping into museums, admiring the architecture, and stopping for churros.
The historic center draws scores of visitors, and if you look, smell, and taste carefully, you’ll find a universe of culinary offerings that tells stories of immigration, adaptation, and imagination.
The energy here is intense.
Street performers, vendors, tourists, locals—it all blends into this beautiful chaos.
Don’t rush it.
Just soak it all in.
Take a Boat Ride Through Xochimilco’s Floating Gardens
Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ancient network of artificial islands and canals built by the Aztecs, and today it’s one of the best places in the city for an authentic cultural experience with a lively atmosphere.
This was one of the most fun days I had in Mexico City.
You float through canals in traditional trajinera boats, and during the tour you come across boats with mariachi players, ranchero trios, and marimbas who offer to play you songs.
We brought beers, tacos, and friends.
Our brightly colored boat drifted past other groups partying, eating, and singing.
You can ask to visit the Island of Dolls, an eerie plot where dolls are hung from trees, created to scare away the spirit of a girl who drowned nearby.
It’s kinda creepy but fascinating.
Go on the weekend around noon, cruise around on a gondola that seats up to 16 people, and come hungry.
Bring your crew.
Bring your appetite.
This is Mexico City at its most joyful.
Visit the Anthropology Museum (You Won’t Regret It)
Located within Chapultepec Forest, the Museo Nacional de Antropología showcases artifacts from Mexico’s pre-Columbian era, including the famous Aztec Calendar Stone and the ancient statue of Xochipilli.
Even if you’re not a huge museum person, this place is worth it.
I walked in thinking I’d stay an hour and ended up there for half the day.
The museum offers a look at how tradition, culture, and life were formed in all regions of Mexico, and it educates visitors on how Mexico’s indigenous descendants live today.
The National Museum of Anthropology is often cited as the most visited attraction in CDMX.
The exhibits are massive, beautifully curated, and totally immersive.
You’ll see everything from ancient Mayan sculptures to intricate jewelry and ceremonial masks.
I found myself stopping at almost every display, reading every plaque.
It’s one of those museums that makes you feel like you’re actually learning something meaningful.
And the building itself is gorgeous—especially the central courtyard with the huge stone umbrella fountain.
Don’t skip this.
Hunt Down the Best Markets for Food and Everything Else
One of the biggest and most vibrant central markets in Mexico City is Mercado La Merced, where you’ll find a bedazzling display of all things Mexican food.
Markets in CDMX are where the real magic happens.
La Merced is one of Mexico City’s largest and oldest markets that’s safe to visit during the day, with countless food stands where you can sample freshly grilled or fried street food.
Mercado Coyoacán is famed for being the market where Frida Kahlo did her weekly shop and is known for tostadas from Tostadas de Coyoacán.
I loved wandering through aisles piled high with chilies, fresh tortillas, tropical fruits I’d never seen before.
Mercado Medellín in Roma Sur is an atmospheric place to wander and experience a true Mexican market, with a food court where many stalls offer three courses with a drink for 100 pesos.
The smells, the colors, the sounds—it’s sensory overload in the best way.
Grab a fresh juice.
Try something you’ve never heard of.
Talk to the vendors.
This is where you’ll taste the soul of Mexico City.
Check Out a Lucha Libre Wrestling Match
Travelers have called out Lucha wrestling as a Friday night activity.
And let me tell you—it’s an experience.
I went to Arena México on a Friday night, bought a cheap seat, and watched masked wrestlers fly through the air like superheroes.
The crowd goes absolutely wild.
Kids are cheering, adults are yelling, vendors are selling beer and snacks up and down the aisles.
It’s theatrical, it’s dramatic, and it’s ridiculously fun.
You don’t need to know the storylines or the rules—you just get swept up in the energy.
The costumes are insane, the moves are wild, and honestly, it’s one of those things you just have to do in Mexico City.
Buy the mask.
Cheer for the good guy (or the bad guy, whatever).
Drink a beer.
This is pure, unfiltered Mexican entertainment, and I loved every second of it.
It’s chaotic and loud and totally worth your Friday night.
Sip Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar While the Sun Sets
Sipping a refreshing drink while gazing down on the cityscape is one of the most relaxing things to do in Mexico City, and Cityzen on the 38th floor of the Sofitel offers incredible views.
After a long day of walking and eating, there’s nothing better than watching the sunset from above.
Handshake is a must-visit cocktail bar, voted the best in the world.
Supra Roma has an awesome vibe and great tunes in the evening.
I loved grabbing a mezcal cocktail, leaning back, and watching the city lights flicker on as the sky turned pink and orange.
CDMX is huge—one of the biggest cities in the world—and seeing it from up high gives you this wild perspective on just how sprawling and alive it is.
Altanera is a special-occasion venue serving contemporary upscale Mexican with views, with standouts like guacamole with grasshoppers and chicken with mole negro.
Rooftop bars here aren’t just about the drinks—they’re about the moment.
The vibe.
The view.
Go at golden hour.
You won’t regret it.
🗼 I Wrote a Book About My Japan Travel Catastrophes!
Before I landed in Tokyo, I thought I was the “Final Boss” of international travel. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
🚅 I boarded the wrong Shinkansen and ended up in THE WRONG CITY. I confused locals with my “expert” bowing that was more awkward than accurate. I accidentally stumbled into a high-stakes Kendo practice thinking it was a tourist show. Sound like something you’d do?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my cringe-worthy mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, LIFE-SAVING tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
Day Trip to Teotihuacan Pyramids (Wake Up Early, It’s Worth It)
Travelers have called out the pyramids at Teotihuacan for those interested in history and archaeology, and it’s a standout attraction near Mexico City.
This was hands-down one of my favorite days in Mexico.
We left early—like, 6 AM early—to beat the crowds and the heat.
For many, the best things to do in and around Mexico City are probably either the Teotihuacan Pyramids or the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Climbing the Pyramid of the Sun is no joke.
It’s steep, the altitude kicks your butt, but when you reach the top and look out over the ancient city, it’s breathtaking.
You’re standing where people stood thousands of years ago.
The scale of it is insane.
The Pyramid of the Moon is equally impressive, and the Avenue of the Dead stretches out like something from a movie.
I could’ve spent the whole day there, just wandering, imagining what life was like back then.
Bring water.
Wear sunscreen.
And go early—seriously, the difference between 8 AM and noon is huge.
This place is magic.
