Mexico City

Museo Nacional de Antropología

National Anthropological Museum

One of the top anthropology museums in the world. This enormous complex highlights the development and cultures of Mexico's many indigenous peoples from thousands of years ago to today, and is full to the brim with ancient artifacts and artwork. Also, the museum itself is famous for its architecture. It is possible to spend days here to see everything – allocate two hours at the very least, prioritize your specific interests, and be sure not to miss the Aztec sun stone in the big room at the end of the plaza. Interpretive signage is underwhelming and mostly in Spanish - you'll enjoy the museum more if you go just to enjoy the ancient artwork rather than to get a history lesson. Bags must be checked; personal photography is permitted (no flash or tripods). If possible it is best to avoid visiting on Sundays, when it is usually mobbed. There is a restaurant on-site.

Tue-Sun 09:00-19:00 · Adult M$210, Mexican citizens and residents M$105 (ID required); seniors over 60, children under 13, teachers: free; free on Sundays for Mexican citizens and residents · Entry 90 MXN · Wheelchair accessible

Museo Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo Museum

Also known as La Casa Azul, this walled hacienda painted brilliant indigo blue, is where the much-revered Mexican artist spent the last years of her life. Admission includes access to the courtyard, a small series of galleries with ever-changing displays, and the historical portion of the house, which has been preserved from the days when Kahlo was alive. A small snack bar and museum shop are also on the premises, and lectures are given periodically. An iPod tour can be taken for an extra fee and if you'd like to take pictures or videos, an extra fee of M$30 will be assessed. Tickets tend to sell out a week (or more!) in advance, so if you really want to visit this site, reserve your ticket online early.

Tue 10:00-17:45, Wed 11:00-17:45, Thu-Sun 10:00-17:45 · M$320 (foreign adults), M$160 (Mexican nationals/residents), M$60 (students/teachers), M$30 (children/seniors); weekends: M$267.50 (adults), M$128.40 (Mexican nationals/residents), M$48.15 (students/teachers), M$21.50 (children/seniors), free (children under 6) · Wheelchair accessible

Museo Nacional de Arte

MUNAL / National Art Museum

Housed in the former Palace of Telecommunications, this beautiful Porfirian-style building was built in 1904 by architect Silvio Contri. The museum presents a permanent collection of paintings and sculptures from the 16th century through the early 20th century, including a large number of very early Mexican paintings. The museum is famous for its enormous and ostentatiously decorated Reception Hall and for its Patio de los Leones, which houses much of its sculpture collection. The museum is very large with over 3,000 objects on display. It often hosts temporary exhibits on special subjects. Allow at least a half day to fully explore its many galleries.

Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00, last entry 17:30 · Adult M$95; children under 13, people with disabilities, students with a valid ID: free; photography permit (no flash or tripod) M$5, video permit (no tripod or lighting) M$30

Monumento a la Revolución

Unveiled in 1938, this striking monument honors the heroes of the Mexican Revolution, including Pancho Villa, Francisco Madero, and Lázaro Cárdenas, whose tombs are housed within. Originally intended as a legislative chamber, construction was halted by the Revolution itself and later repurposed as a symbol of Mexican independence and resilience. Visitors can take a glass elevator to the 65m-high Paseo Linternilla, a lookout platform with a spiral staircase offering panoramic city views (not suitable for young children). A 360-degree observation deck is accessible without an all-access pass.

Built 1938

Templo Mayor

The site of the main Aztec temple of Tenochtitlan, it was destroyed by Spanish conquistadors in 1521, who then promptly erected the Cathedral roughly over it – but not quite. Centuries later, nearly completely forgotten, its actual location was discovered by accident in 1978 when electrical workers found a piece of a large stone disc depicting the goddess Coyolxauhqui. This set off a few furious years of archaeological digging, resulting in a rather surprising (and extremely significant) discovery that nested underneath the original Aztec temple was six distinct smaller, older temples. You can see each layer walking through the dig site.

Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00 · M$59, free for children under 12 and students with valid ID

Castillo de Chapultepec y Museo Nacional de Historia (MNH)

Chapultepec Castle

The imposing castle on top of the hill calls to visitors. Over its history, it has been the home of the Spanish Viceroys, a military college, a scene of historic battle during the Mexican-American War, the palace of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlotta, the national observatory, and the presidential palace. It is now a museum. You can walk about 1 km up the winding hill road, or take the tram that departs every twenty minutes for M$13. There are two parts to the museum: the Alcazar (with the exhibits on the life of its former residents – the emperor and the presidents), and the Castillo (now the Museum of National History). Both are decorated with remarkable murals depicting the nation's and the site's history. Don't miss the Roman-style gardens and observatory on the roof of the Alcazar. The castle also boasts a fine view of Mexico City and its surroundings. While visiting the site, you can leave your bag in the locker room for a fee near the entry to the site (at the bottom of the hill). Storing your bag is mandatory if it contains any food, and you will need to empty your water bottle at the top.

Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00 · Adult M$210, Mexican citizens and residents M$105 (ID required); seniors over 60, children under 13, teachers: free; free on Sundays for Mexican citizens and residents; video camera and flash photography is not permitted

Zoologico de Chapultepec

Chapultepec Zoo

Large, modern zoo in the same style as major ones in the U.S., famous for its pandas. Very crowded on weekends. Highlights for foreign visitors are the Anfibium axolotl center showcasing the unique endangered salamanders native to Mexico City, and the tropical forests section which is relatively uncrowded and has a large proportion of animals native to Mexico and Central America, like jaguars, spider monkeys, and tapirs. Backpacks are allowed inside, but not food or drinks (a bottle of water may or may not be allowed). It is customary to stop first at the vendors outside the entrance to buy a toy spider monkey ("changuito") to wear on your head during your visit.

Tue-Sun 09:00-16:30, closed 25 Dec and 1 Jan · Free except for the butterfly or reptile houses · Free entry

Auditorio Nacional

Venue for performing arts and popular entertainers. Shows include family friendly events like the Nutcracker Suite, Placido Domingo, and Disney on Ice as well as popular Latin and international performers including Chayanne and Gilberto Santa Rosa. Seats 10,000. Tickets available through TicketMaster.

Wheelchair accessible

Museo de San Ildefonso

Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso / San Ildefonso College

Managed by the National University, this museum features some stunning murals and hosts great permanent and temporary art exhibits.

Tue 10:00-20:00, Wed-Sun 10:00-18:00 · M$50 (adults), M$25 (students/teachers), free (children under 12); free admission on Tu

Museo de Arte Popular

Museum of Folk Art

The Museo de Arte Popular in Mexico City is a vibrant showcase of folk art from every Mexican state, housed in a stunning 1920s art deco former fire station designed by Vicente Mendiola. Spread across three levels and five thematic halls, it displays crafts like Chiapas carnaval masks, Oaxaca alebrijes, regional costumes, and Day of the Dead artifacts. An illustrated wall map highlights Mexico’s regional traditions. Even museum skeptics and kids love its colorful exhibits, and the ground-level shop offers unique, high-quality handicrafts.

Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00 · Wheelchair accessible

Templo de San Francisco

This church was started in the 16th century and completed in the 19th century; it was built in the grounds of the zoo of Aztec Emperor Moctezuma.

Museo Franz Mayer

Franz Mayer Museum

Housed in an 18th-century building, houses the largest and finest collection of decorative arts in Mexico. The collection, including objects from Mexico, Europe and Asia ranging from the 16th to the 19th century was a donation of German-Mexican philanthropist Franz Mayer.

Tue-Sun 10:00-19:00 · M$45 (adults), M$25 (students/teachers), free (seniors/children under 12/museum members)

Museo Rufino Tamayo

The original collection of this modern art museum was donated by the late Oaxacan-Zapoteca artist Rufino Tamayo and his wife, and includes works by Picasso, Rothko, and Miró, Georgia O'Keefe and many others. The collection also includes works from pre-Hispanic civilizations and works by Tamayo himself. Tamayo was heavily influenced by pre-Hispanic cultures, as were other modern artists in Mexico during the 20th century. The museum is handicap accessible with elevators, ramps, and loaner wheelchairs available. An upscale on-site restaurant includes an outdoor garden dining area. An on-site museum store has a good variety of books, prints, and contemporary art objects.

Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00 · Adult M$95; seniors over 60, children under 13, teachers: free; free on Sundays

Parque Hundido

Large urban greenspace that is popular with families on weekends. The park features about 50 reproductions of pre-Hispanic sculptures including a large Olmec head.

Museo de la Luz

Museum of Light

Managed by the National University, this museum is mostly for students on everything to do with light (photography, electricity, vision, etc).

Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00, Sat Sun and holidays 10:00-17:00 · M$35 (adults), M$25 (concessions), free (children under 2)

Parque Aztlan

Modern urban theme park opened in 2024. Thrill rides like roller coaster, swing, giant Ferris wheel and more. Requires a rechargeable card to pay for rides, which cost up to M$120 per ride. Restrooms cost M$5 to use (also paid via rechargeable card). Variety of concessions.

Tue-Fri 12:00 - 20:00, Sat-Sun 12:00 - 22:00, closed Mon · Free, fees for each ride vary · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible

Acuario Inbursa

Large, very modern aquarium extending 5 floors below street level. 45 exhibition areas, including coral reefs, an Antarctic habitat for our tuxedo clad penguin friends, an enormous shark tank and many more.

10:00 - 18:00 · M$260

Café El Jarocho

This is a very old, family-owned coffee roaster's shop, and there are now at least three locations in Coyoacán. They have really good and cheap coffee, bad and cheap tortas (sandwiches in French bread), and reasonably standard American-style donuts. There are benches on the sidewalk just outside the Jarocho shops where you can sit to drink your coffee, or you can do like everyone else in Coyoacán and just stroll around the park with your Jarocho foam cup in your hand. On weekends, expect to wait in line to order your coffee. A long wait in line for coffee, a bag of fresh churros, and a conversation in Coyoacán's plaza is a quintessential Mexico City date.

Sun-Thu 06:30-01:00, Fri Sat 06:30-02:00 · M$10-20

Hacienda de los Morales

Historic and cultural space that operates as a traditional Mexican restaurant specializing in brunch, but with a spectacular dinner menu as well. Set in a large historic hacienda dating from the mid 16th century, the opulent estate features several spacious dining rooms, along with event halls and an outdoor garden. The hacienda originally operated as an agricultural estate growing olives and mulberries. As the city grew, lands were sold and developed to become Polanco, though the great house remained as a residence of the Morales family until the 1960s when it was restored to its current form as a luxury restaurant and event space. The restaurant is particularly popular for Sunday brunch, accompanied by live Mexican music. It also hosts special events such as a traditional Christmas dinner and a New Years Eve dinner with dancing and a live orchestra. It is an opulent slice of genuine history and an experience: like having dinner with one of the old Spanish dons.

08:00 - 12:00 (breakfast), 13:00 - 00:00 (dinner) · M$300-400

Museo de Chocolate

Chocolate Museum

Explore the world of chocolate, from growing the beans through tasting candies or hot chocolate. A favorite of kids!

11:00 - 17:00 · M$90

Museo de Historia Natural y Cultura Ambiental

Museum of Natural History

Exhibits a history of evolution, with dinosaurs, whales, viruses, bugs, plants, human organs and more. If it's natural, it's here.

Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00 · M$23 adults; M$11 teachers, students, children 3-12; free for seniors, disabled, children under 3; free admission on Tuesday

Parrilla Quilmes

Authentic family-run Argentinian restaurant with wonderful meat, and good Italian pizza. Try the arrachera, and the four cheeses pizza. The Economist magazine calls it the place where carnivores with good karma meet their destiny.

Daily 13:00-21:00 · M$200-300

Sala de Arte Publico Siqueiros

David Alfaro Siquerios Museum

This museum showcases the works of famed Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siquerios.

Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00 · M$12 adults; free for students, teachers, seniors, children under 12; free admission on Sundays

Testal

Trendy casual restaurant serving traditional Mexican and regional dishes. Great breakfast and interesting dishes at lunch and dinner including nogales en chile, mole and more. Family friendly with affordable prices.

Sun-Wed 08:00 - 19:00, Thu-Sat 08:00 - 22:00

Cantina La Valenciana

Friendly neighborhood cantina where locals and families gather to drink and eat botanas (light plates or "snacks"). Besides cold beer and micheladas, locals come for the house specialty, molcajetes, which are bowls made of volcanic stone that are filled with delicious stews just begging to be eaten with pieces of fresh tortillas.

Mon-Sat 13:00-02:00, Sun 13:00-20:00

Memorial del 68

In UNAM's University Cultural Center Tlatelolco (CCUT) at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas (see Landmarks, above), Memorial 68 is a well-put together museum chronicling the events surrounding the police massacre of student protesters at Tlatelolco in 1968, around the time of the Summer Olympics, which were hosted in Mexico City that year. It's definitely worth a look, but all explanatory text and video interviews are in Spanish only, so brush up your vocabulary or bring a translator.

Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00 · M$30 (adults), M$15 (students), free (children under 6); free admission on Su

Basílica de Guadalupe

Catholicism's holiest place in the Americas, and the destination of pilgrims from all over the world, especially during the yearly celebration on the 12th of December. It is the shrine that guards the poncho of Juan Diego that contains the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and is in the northernmost part of the city.

ANFIBIUM: Museo del Axolote y Centro de Conservación de Anfibios

Museum of the Axolotl and Amphibian Conservation Center

Located inside the zoo, but an attraction of its own, this popular facility exhibits the axolotl, Mexico City's unusual native salamander species, which reproduces without ever reaching adulthood and can re-grow almost any part of its body, but is now almost extinct in the wild. On the first floor you can see the axolotls and several related species in naturalistic enclosures, and on the second floor you can see the tanks where they're breeding them to keep the species alive. The building has a limited capacity, and on crowded days (weekends) you'll have to line up to enter.

Tue-Sun 10:00-15:30, closed Mondays · Free · Free entry

Coyoacán

Historic Colonial Arts district which was home to Frida Kahlo, Leon Trotsky, and Diego Rivera, among others.

Convento del Carmen

Museo de El Carmen

An ancient convent where you can see the uncomfortable stone slabs where nuns slept, religious artwork, and, most importantly, a creepy underground crypt filled with mummified nuns. It is a truly enchanting old building, and connected to the Colegio de San Ángel.

Tue-Sat 10:00-17:00 · M$41 (adults), free (students/professors/children under 12); free admission on Sundays