Have you always wanted to visit Mexico City?
The sprawling metropolis of Mexico City continually proves to be one of the top tourist destinations in the entire country.
With a rich history and authentic culture, it’s not hard to see why many visitors visit the capital to experience a more authentic version of Mexican life.
Can you spare five days? We also have the best five-day itinerary for Mexico City so you can make the most of your stay in this fascinating city.
In this guide, we’ll cover all you’ll need to know about Mexico City, including how to stay safe, the best time to visit, our recommendations, and how long you’ll need to explore the capital. We’ll also cover 5 top things to do in Mexico City that you should see on your travels here.
Mexico City has some significant landmarks, but did you know that there are over 50 other landmarks in Mexico? You will want to return time and time again to enjoy every one of them.
A great time to visit is when the Day of the Dead in Mexico City is held in October/November—a month-long of festivities and celebrations of life.
Related reading: Unmissable Hidden Gems in Mexico City
Travelling further afield in Mexico? Try a Mexico tour or two using Mexico City as your base. There is so much to see in Mexico you may need to return a few times to enjoy all that Mexico has to offer.
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The Best 5 Things to Do in Mexico City
Honestly, there are dozens of cool things to do and see in Mexico City. However, here we’ll cover 5 of the best you’ll want to fit into your itinerary.
#1 – Teotihuacan
These infamous ruins are some of the best recognized in the World. With the classic pyramid of the Sun, which has been featured in many films and many other giant temples and statues, there’s no wonder this gem continues to top the list of the most visited in Mexico.
One of the popular activities to do is the Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Experience. A must for all visitors to the site.
Historically, this site was one of the most important during the Mesoamerican era, with the Aztecs naming it Teotihuacán (which translates to “the place where the gods were created”.
Nowadays, you won’t see any gods strolling around; however, you will see over 2,000 structures and ruins along the Avenue of the Dead.
Travellers who have had the chance to do some backpacking in Mexico may have visited similar structures, such as El Tepozteco, in the nearby town of Tepoztlán. However, aside from the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan, which is the tallest, other must-see ruins include the Pyramid of the Moon, the Ciudadela, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
This spectacular site is the only one on our list not located in Mexico City; however, it is included because it is a must-visit when here. To get here you’ll want to head to the North Bus Terminal, where you can take the two-hour bus directly to the ancient site.
The buses depart hourly to and from, making it quite a flexible and easy trip.
Be the first to enter to Teotihuacan with this GetYourGuide Exclusive with early access
#2 – Roma Norte Mexico City
This popular district is one of the trendiest and hip parts to stay in and visit when in Mexico City. The Avenida Álvaro Obregón, which is the central avenue running through the heart of the district, is one of the best places to explore a more upper-class version of Mexico City life.
Lined with rows upon rows of trees and shrubs, you’ll also find many boutique restaurants, classy bars, and buildings refurbished from previous mansions. One of the best things to explore in this district is Mercado Roma, a multi-level food hall famous for all things grub.
Here, you can try some of Mexico’s most authentic and tasty dishes, such as pico de gallo, burritos, and Alhambra. It’s open from 9:00 am daily; however, closing hours vary between 7:00 pm and 2:00 am depending on the day. Regardless of the day, it’s always a great place to grab lunch or dinner.
Check availability in the Roma Norte area of Mexico City here#3 – Isla de las Muñecas Mexico
Translated directly as the “Island of the Dolls”, we won’t lie – this one is pretty damn creepy. Located in the channels of the Xochimilco canal system, which is in the south of Mexico City, this island is infamous for being home to hundreds of strung-up and mutilated dolls.
The legend goes that the former owner of this island found a girl who had drowned near his island and started to hear voices and see things at night.
In an attempt to appease the spirits, he started to hang up these dolls but ultimately to no avail, as he was later found dead close to the same spot where the girl was discovered.
It’s pretty gruesome, but in terms of unique things to see and do in Mexico City, this one is a must-inclusion on our list. The only way to reach this gem is by trajinera, the colourful boats in the Xochimilco Canal. It takes roughly an hour and a half to reach, where you’ll stop and walk around the island.
Xochimilco & Coyoacan Tour with Frida Kahlo Museum Option#4 – Museo Soumaya Mexico
Known as housing one of the most comprehensive art collections in the world, Museo Soumaya has been a haven for everything from Mexico’s pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican era.
With over 1 million visitors annually, it is the country’s most visited museum. It’s best known for its art collection, which details the last 3000 years of Mexico, including folklore Mexican art as well as work from legendary global artists such as Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Tintoretto, and Auguste Rodin.
With over 66,000 sculptures, art pieces, historical documents, and more, it truly is a great way to explore Mexico’s colourful, impressive history and development.
The museum’s exterior alone draws many tourists, with its odd yet mesmerizing giant silver shape and snake-like textural design.
Museo Soumaya is located in the capital’s trendy district of Polanco, which is pretty safe in comparison with the rest. The best way to get here is by taking an Uber or the metro to Polanco and then walking several blocks to reach the gem.
#5 – Walking Tour of Mexico City
Free walking tours aren’t nearly as much utilised as travellers should. However, these are arguably the best way to get to know the streets of any city, and Mexico City is no different.
You’ll also get to know all of the sites and unique gems you otherwise wouldn’t know about, as well as develop a solid mental map so you don’t get lost. And all for free, too! One of our top picks is the Estación Free Walking Tour in the Historic District.
Leaving every day from either 11 am or 2:30 pm, this fantastic tour explores all of the top sites in the area. This includes the Zócalo, with its famous massive Mexican flag, raised overhead, as well as the important buildings situated on the periphery of the giant plaza.
These include the Catedral Metropolitana, which features two giant bell towers, and the National Palace, which now serves as the official residence for the current president of Mexico.
Other interesting landmarks are the Templo Mayor, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Torre Latinoamericana, and Alameda Central. The tour is structured and organized to give you a great panoramic view of the historic centre while you learn lots of interesting and fun facts from the passionate guides who lead it.
Best Time to Visit Mexico City
Mexico City is surprisingly quite cool, which is not what most expect when first visiting here.
April until October is the warmest time to visit the capital, with a daily average of 63-64°F (17.2 – 17.8 degrees C)
Highs range from 73-77°F (22 – 25 deg C) with lows of between 52-54°F (11 – 12 deg C) (April and May are the overall hottest months).
Rainfall is heavier during this time of year, with anywhere from 40-60 mm of precipitation each month. September is the exception, with around 90 mm of a downpour.
November until March is much cooler, with average daily temperatures of 55-60°F (12 – 15 deg C). Highs can reach between 70-72°F (21 – 22 deg C) with lows of 41°F (5 deg C)(December and January are the coolest months overall to visit).
Rainfall is at its lowest during this time of year, with around 20 mm falling within each month. January and March are the driest months of the year to visit, with as little as 10 mm falling throughout each.
Mexico City Travel Tips
Mexico City is a fantastic destination—so much so that we’ve kept coming back again and again!
One of our first tips is to use the metro to get around. Due to its size, taxi fares can often be astronomical (and sometimes unreliable).
Using the metro you will pay just 25 cents for one journey, and the extensive system links the whole city and nearby suburbs well. It’s also well guarded with police presence and separate waiting areas for women and children.
With places such as Huasteca Potosina and San Luis de Potosí on the doorstep, check the Ado bus times to see if it’s worth spending a night outside the city.
Another key tip is to stay in the Roma and Condesa neighbourhoods (as touched upon earlier in this article). Not only are they the safest, but they’re close to all the action and main sights and are authentic areas to explore true Mexican culture.
Safety in Mexico City
Mexico,, in general,, is usually characterized by an over-the-top warning about safety and crime. Of course, it’s not quite Europe;; however, it’s still safe if you take proper precautions.
The best way to stay safe is to research the area you’re staying in properly and to avoid wandering out into unknown suburbs or out alone at night. All you’re doing is increasing the risk that something could happen, so don’t!
Another tip is to dress down and avoid wearing too many expensive articles or accessories. Again whilst you’ll feel pretty damn good, all you’ll do is advertise yourself well to opportunistic thieves.
A frequently asked question is whether you can drink the water in Mexico.?
If you are travelling in Mexico it is wise to understand that drinking water in Mexico is unsafe. For that reason, we recommend that you read this complete guide on Mexican water that fully explains the dos and dont’s.
How Many Days are needed in Mexico City?
To be honest, here, you could spend months in Mexico City and still only scratch the surface! It really is a giant and there’s so much to explore.
Now for the traveller who doesn’t have so much time or only wants to see the highlights, then we would recommend a minimum of 4 days in Mexico City.
This would be enough to see the very best of the capital, including all of the destinations on the list, as well as one or two day trips into the surrounding region.
General Travel Information for Mexico City
Mexico City Airport
Mexico’s International Airport is located 11.5 km from the CBD.
You can book a private car transfer from the Airport to your accommodation here. (BTW this is what we did as we were arriving late at night.
Airfare deals to Mexico City
For the latest airfare deals to Mexico City from your preferred departure airport click here.
One of the best ways to see Mexico City is on the Hop on Hop off Bus.
Pre-purchase your Hop on Hop off Bus Pass hereBus Travel Around Mexico
We have travelled for over 6 months around Mexico and have used ADO Buses each time. For the latest schedules and ticket prices click here.
Travel Insurance for Mexico
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Do you need an e-sim?
Using an eSIM from e-Simatic when you travel offers convenience, flexibility, and cost savings. With no physical SIM card required, you can easily activate a local or international data plan before or during your trip. e-Simatic’s eSIMs provide reliable mobile coverage in multiple countries, eliminating the hassle of swapping SIM cards or dealing with expensive roaming charges. Stay connected for navigation, communication, and sharing your adventures without interruption, making your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Join our Mexico Travel Planning Facebook Group here
Dive into a community of passionate Mexico travellers sharing honest, unfiltered advice and insider secrets! From hidden beaches to authentic local experiences, our private Facebook group is your gateway to discovering the Mexico tourists rarely see. Join us and plan your dream Mexican adventure with those who know and love this vibrant country!
Our other articles on destinations close to Mexico City
Top things to do in Cabo San Lucas
Things to do in San Miguel de Allende
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