What to See
6 highlights📍 Tap the pin for directions
Zócalo & the Historic Center
Mexico City's massive main square, one of the largest public plazas in the world, ringed by the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Palacio Nacional (home to Diego Rivera's epic murals depicting Mexican history — free to view with ID). Right next to the square, the excavated ruins of the Templo Mayor — the primary temple of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan — sit below street level, a startling reminder of what's underneath the modern city.
Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)
Frida Kahlo's vivid blue childhood home in the Coyoacán neighborhood, preserved with her artwork, personal belongings, and the studio where she painted. One of the most popular museums in the city — buy timed tickets online well in advance, as walk-up availability is limited most days.
Chapultepec Park & Castle
One of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere, home to Chapultepec Castle (the only royal castle in North America, with sweeping views over the city) and the world-class Museo Nacional de Antropología, which houses the Aztec Sun Stone and an extraordinary collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. Easily a half-day on its own.
Roma Norte & Condesa
Tree-lined streets, Art Deco and early-20th-century architecture, independent boutiques, and the best concentration of restaurants and cafés in the city. Parque México in Condesa is a pleasant place to sit and people-watch. This is where most independent travelers end up spending their time between sights.
Xochimilco's Floating Gardens
A network of ancient canals in the south of the city, remnants of the lake system the Aztecs built their chinampas (floating gardens) on. Rent a brightly painted trajinera boat (bring your own food and drinks, or buy from vendor boats along the way) for a lively, very Mexican afternoon. Go with a group and go early — it gets crowded and loud with mariachi bands by midday.
Tacos al Pastor & Street Food
Mexico City has one of the great street food scenes on earth. Tacos al pastor — spit-roasted marinated pork, shaved onto a small tortilla with pineapple, onion, and cilantro — is the dish to build a trip around. Look for the busiest stands with a visible trompo (vertical spit) and a line of locals. Also worth seeking out: elote (grilled corn), quesadillas de huitlacoche, and fresh-squeezed juice stands.