The Best Things to Do in Mexico City (includes map)

Last Updated: November 11, 2024

Mexico City is massive. It consists of 16 neighborhoods, and almost 23 million people are calling it home. That’s the seventh most populous city in the world as of 2024. Surprisingly though, it doesn’t feel busy. In fact, CDMX, as it’s often referred to, is very organized and easy to get around. The difficulty lies in attempting to see all of the amazing places in Mexico City in a limited time. 

Strolling the charming neighborhoods, visiting world-class museums, admiring the architecture, art, and everything in between. There are so many activities to pick from. And don’t get us started on all the food to try in Mexico City! We dedicated an entire post to that, so go check it out.

Despite being full of unique attractions, CDMX is often no more than a 48 hour stop over for visitors on their way to other Mexico destinations. But what a privilege it is to be able to return to this city over and over and peel back the layers one visit at a time. This was our second trip to Mexico City, and we know we’ll be back.

So, first timers, we picked out the best and the must-see attractions, organized them by zones, and packaged them in an efficient 2 day Mexico City itinerary just for you! Our only word of warning is to be prepared to cover a lot of ground. And if you are a foodie too, follow our guide to top Mexico City foods alongside this itinerary.

Best Things to Do in Mexico City for 2 Days

Day 1: Centro Historico and Chapultepec

Torre Latinoamericana

First things first was to get the lay of the land from the most emblematic building that adorns Mexico City’s skyline – Torre Latinoamericana. Completed in 1956, it was once the city’s tallest building and the world’s first skyscraper built in an active seismic zone. It made history having withstood significant earthquakes, including one of 8-point magnitude in 1985. Head to the observatory on the 44th floor, offering 360 degree views to get a good look at just how enormous Mexico City really is. 

Zocalo

Next on the itinerary is the Zocalo, the main square and the heart of Mexico City’s historic center. From here, you’ll be able to tick off a few major Mexico City attractions on foot. Stand in the center of the plaza next to the giant flag pole, spin on your heel, and take in the panorama of stunning architecture. 

Templo Mayor

Start by visiting Templo Mayor, an archaeological zone of the Aztec capital amidst a modern city. Destroyed by the Spanish to make way for the Metropolitan Cathedral, its excavations began in the late 1970s, and today, we have the opportunity to walk through the ruins on designated paths. Prepare to be blown away by the giant stone serpents and other artifacts. 

Metropolitan Cathedral

Then, pop over next door to the Metropolitan Cathedral – the largest and oldest in Latin America, built over the destroyed Templo Mayor and boasting three architectural styles. This was because the Cathedral took nearly 250 years to build, churning through many workers and design trends. The result is a rich blend of artwork and sculptures that are truly captivating. 

National Palace

The long building that takes up an entire stretch of the square is the National Palace. The main attraction here, apart from the architecture, is the mural called “History of Mexico” – the biggest and most elaborate painting by Diego Rivera, a renowned Mexican artist and husband of Frida Kahlo.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

And a short walk from the Zocalo, you’ll spot the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a building so stunning inside and out, that it takes your breath away. It features more murals by Diego Rivera, but the theater was the biggest highlight for us. To be precise, the mosaic curtain by Tiffany Studios – a work of art that depicts Mexico’s two volcanoes and an engineering wonder. If you get the chance, watch a Folkloric Ballet performance that blends traditional and contemporary dance with Mexican cultural heritage.

Chapultepec Park

Next, make your way to Bosque de Chapultepec, which translates to “forest at the grasshopper hill”. It’s a fitting name for a park that’s nearly twice the size of Central Park. Inside, there is a lake, a castle, museums and even a zoo!

There are so many incredible museums in Mexico City, but if you must pick one, then it has to be the Anthropological Museum situated in the park. No visit to CDMX is complete without spending some time here. The museum is a behemoth, housing one of the biggest collections of artifacts from pre-Columbian civilization within its concrete walls and courtyard.

Finish your first day of Mexico City sightseeing at Chapultepec Castle, the former residence of emperors and presidents. Today, it houses the National Museum of History, which is opulent and educational. Finish your visit on the iconic checkered wrap-around balcony for breathtaking views of the Mexico City skyline.

Day 2: Teotihuacan, Coyoacan and Xochimilco

Teotihuacan Pyramids

Start your second day in Mexico City the best way possible – with an early morning trip to the Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan. This is by far the most popular Mexico City attraction that dates back to somewhere around 400 B.C. The highlights are the two giant Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Pyramid of the Sun being the third largest in the world. Located 30 miles north, which is only an hour’s drive, this can be considered a half day trip from Mexico City, depending on how long you want to stick around. The scale of this ancient city is absolutely mind-blowing, especially after exploring the more modern sites of CDMX. 

There are a few ways to get to Teotihuacan. You can, of course, book an organized tour, and logistics will be covered for you. But since we prefer to take things at our own pace, we ended up going the public transportation route, which involves taking the metro and bus. Should you be in the mood for a bucket list experience, there is nothing better than a hot air balloon ride over the Teotihuacan Pyramids at sunrise.

After walking up and down the Avenue of the Dead, the main path that runs across the ancient city, you will probably have worked up an appetite. The nearby La Gruta is a historic restaurant situated in a cave. It has welcomed various public figures like Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Queen Elizabeth, and (ha!) Retirement Travelers, not once but twice! Let that be a testament to how memorable of an experience it was to enjoy pre-Hispanic cuisine in such a unique atmosphere. 

Frida Kahlo Museum

Also known as Casa Azul, the Frida Kahlo Museum is probably the second most visited museum in Mexico City after the Museum of Anthropology. Located across town in Coyoacan, the museum is easy to spot thanks to the bright blue color and queues snaking down the street. Its popularity is unmistakable. This blue house is the very place where painter Frida Kahlo lived and died. Today, it is home to her paintings, her outfits, and the story of her life. The experience is deeply moving as the exhibition portrays her resilience despite living a painful life – physically and emotionally. To have a seamless visit and avoid wasting time queuing, we recommend booking your tickets in advance.

Xochimilco

Lastly, take a trip to one of the most unique places to visit in Mexico City – Xochimilco floating gardens. The name translates to “where flowers grow” and perfectly captures the essence of the place. The best thing to do here is to ride a colorful trajinera boat along the canals that surround artificial islands. What makes the experience even more impressive is the fact that these islands were originally constructed by Aztec people and what we see today is just a small portion. The floating islands were the solution to lakes and marshes covering the valley.

So Many Things to do in Xochimilco

The Aztecs lived and grew sustenance on these floats, which still feed Mexico City residents to this day. A visit to Xochimilco is a popular activity. There will be many vendors taking advantage of the footfall, but it is not a tourist trap. We see it as an opportunity to sip micheladas, listen to mariachis, and admire the engineering of the 14th century. If you are into dark tourism, pay a visit to Island of the Dolls. It is the story of which is just as eerie as the sight. 

Ps. If you want to see dozens of mariachi bands in their natural habitat, make time to visit Plaza Garibaldi after sunset.

And with that, your 2 days in Mexico City will be educational, engaging, and unforgettable. To stay well-fueled on this adventure, check out our Mexico City food guide. Let us know which part you enjoyed the most!