Once the bedrock of the ancient Aztec civilization, Mexico has a rich and captivating history. While this is evident in most parts of the country, I’ve found that only a few places capture the diversity, culture, and heritage of this place like Mexico city.
Considering how long Mexico City has been around, it’s no surprise there are so many fun and interesting things that you can do. I’ve had friends spend the better part of 6 months here and still groan that they missed out on so much.
So, if you’ve only got the weekend or a couple of days on your hands, you’ve simply got to make the most of it! Before I get into my top recommendations, it’s important to remember that this city lies at the heart of the tropics. As such, depending on when you visit, you could encounter hot and windy weather, cold and wet climes, and everything in between. That’s why it’s important you make sure you have the right outfit for the occasion.
Your Guide to the Top 4 Things to Do in Mexico City in 2024
As the 5th largest city in the entire world, there’s no doubt you’ve got your work cut out for you when it comes to making the most of your time in Mexico City. But some of the best things that can help you tap into the wealth and beauty of this amazing place include:
#1: Visit Teotihuacán
If you’ve only got a day to spend in Mexico City and you want to make sure it’s a truly memorable one, I’ll always vote for a day trip to Teotihuacán. An ancient Mesoamerican city just 30 miles northeast of the city, Teotihuacán was the peak of civilization during its day. You’ll see evidence of this in the sheer number of pyramids and the urban layout of the terrain.
Some of the top attractions you can expect to see here include the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl), the Avenue of the Dead, the Pyramid of the Sun, and lots more. You could visit this place several times and still not get enough of it. That’s not very surprising, though, considering it’s one of the most important archeological sites in the world.
#2: See the Museo Nacional de Antropologia
Sitting on more than 7 hectares of land, the Museo Nacional de Antropologia is the largest of the 150+ museums in the entire country. And because it’s home to more than 600,000 artifacts, nearly 3 million people visit this spot every year! It has pretty helpful bilingual signs you can follow to help you navigate its massive exhibitions. This museum also features a beautifully designed courtyard where you can rest your legs and watch people make their way in and out.
#3: Tour La Casa Azul
No story of the evolution of Mexican art would be complete without mentioning Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, her husband. More formally known as the Museo Frida Kahlo, a tour of La Casa Azul will give you deep insight into where and how this legend lived. If you’re an art buff, this is one experience you’ll surely never forget. In addition to a lovely garden you can lose yourself in, this place also hosts artistic workshops that’ll definitely be worth your while to try if you’ve got the time to spare.
#4: See a Lucha Libre Event
Lucha Libre is a form of professional wrestling that became popular in Mexico in the 20th century. Attending an event of this sort is simply a must-do! Not only is it a big part of the culture, but these matches are full of blink-and-you-miss-it moments, giving them lots of entertainment value. Plus, seeing a match is pretty cheap, as most shows can go for as low as 60 MXN at a taquilla (ticket booth). Resist the urge to buy from scalpers, as the police are almost always nearby.
In addition to the entertainment, you can enjoy chips and guacamole, mezcal, and a beer! On your way out, you’ll also be given your very own Lucha Libre mask.
If you’ve got a little more time on your hands, some great places worth checking out include:
- The Castillo de Chapultepec Park;
- UNAM Botanical Garden;
- Xochimilco Canals;
- Roma and Condesa;
- Zocalo
At the end of the day, Mexico City guarantees you a fun, entertaining, and enjoyable experience, whether you’re around for a day or several weeks. All you have to do is make sure you’re ready for the trip!