Is Mexico City worth visiting?
We loved visiting Mexico City and, yes, it's absolutely a city that any traveler should visit. By the end of our time here, it felt like a second home.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the amazing museums and attractions and fantastic food.
It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Time Magazine's World's Greatest Places in 2023.
While most vacationers head to the beach towns in Mexico, those that want to experience the heart of the country will go to Mexico City. This huge metropolis is filled with history, architecture, and culinary delights. There are beautiful squares and plazas, as well as parks and diverse neighborhoods.
Mexico City
7 Reasons to Visit Mexico City
1. Museums and Attractions
The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.
National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología) is known for housing extensive pre-Hispanic Mexican artifacts such as the Aztec Sun Stone and exhibits on Indigenous cultures of Mexico. ($85 MXN)
Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) is known for being the former home and collection space dedicated to the life and works of iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. ($250 MXN)
Diego Rivera Murals at Secretaría de Educación Pública are known for its extensive and historically rich murals depicting Mexican culture and history, painted by Diego Rivera. ($70 MXN)
Museo Soumaya is known for its extensive art collection spanning centuries and its striking modern architecture. (Free)
Palacio de Bellas Artes is known for its beautiful architecture, impressive murals, and diverse performing arts events. ($100 MXN)
Palacio Nacional is known for its magnificent Diego Rivera murals and status as the presidential residence and government building. (Free)
Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec) is known for its historic architecture, role in Mexican history, stunning views of Mexico City, and being the National Museum of History. (MXN$80)
Xochimilco Canals are known for colorful trajinera boat rides, lively mariachi music, and unique floating gardens called chinampas. ($500 MXN)
Torre Latinoamericana is known for its panoramic observation deck offering spectacular views of Mexico City and its impressive earthquake-resistant design. ($150 MXN)
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is known for the tilma of Juan Diego featuring the image of the Virgin Mary and being one of the largest Catholic pilgrimage sites worldwide. (Free)
2. Food
The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.
3. Nightlife
It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.
4. Shopping
The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.
Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) is known for being the historic and cultural heart of Mexico City with significant landmarks and large public events. (Free)
5. Historical Sights
Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.
Templo Mayor is known for its role as the central temple of the Aztec civilization and its archaeological significance. ($85 MXN)
Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) is known for being the historic and cultural heart of Mexico City with significant landmarks and large public events. (Free)
6. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Mexico City might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Mexico City here or see if Mexico City is expensive here.
7. Authenticity
Mexico City has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Mexico City
Not As Romantic
For couples, this destination does not have a great vibe for romance compared to other places.
Related
What is Mexico City most famous for?
Mexico City is most famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture. People visit this impressive city for its great museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Many people love the historical sights, too. It is often described as colorful, cultural, diverse, vibrant, and dynamic.
What is the most famous sight in Mexico City?
The most popular sight in Mexico City is Zócalo. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Mexico City on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Zócalo and other attractions here.
How touristy is Mexico City? Is it a popular city to visit?
Mexico City is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Teotihuacán: Private Tour from Mexico City: $128
- Tacos and Mezcal Experience in Polanco!: $49
- Walking tour in historic center CDMX + VR Experience.: $78
- Flight + Transportation + Breakfast + Tour and Pyramid Ascent.: $150
- Tour Museum of Anthropology a trip to the past-Small groups: $83
- Private & Tailor Made Tour to Teotihuacan Pyramids!: $131
- Teotihuacan Sunrise Tour from Mexico City: $45
- Private Tour to Teotihuacán with Transportation: $133
How long should I spend in Mexico City?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Mexico City is at least three or as many as five days. Since Mexico City has a variety of activities such as dining, nightlife, shopping, and museums and attractions, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Mexico City?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Mexico City?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Mexico City?.
More Things to Do in Mexico City
- Is Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe Worth Visiting?
- Is Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) Worth Visiting?
- Is Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec) Worth Visiting?
- Is National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología) Worth Visiting?
- Is Palacio de Bellas Artes Worth Visiting?
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico and The Best Historical Tours in Mexico.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers
We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Mexico City.
What makes Mexico City a budget-friendly destination? Or not?
We found a pretty cheap hotel that was still somewhat nice, so that made out budget go further. The local restaurants here are also terrific, and much less than in the more touristy areas of the country. Make sure you check out the street food options because they are so cheap but delicious and filling, too.