Mexico city: what activities to do in the great capital?
What to do in CDMX? 7 unmissable plans
Wondering what to do in CDMX? Mexico City is a metropolis full of options for every taste. From family-friendly activities to cultural events, CDMX offers plans for those seeking relaxation or full-on urban exploration. Let’s dive into it!
What are the best activities to do in CDMX?
In CDMX, you’ll find parks, art galleries, historical sites, museums, restaurants, and even traditional cantinas. However, the city is so vast that it’s impossible to explore it all in just one trip. To make the most of the top spots, go for car rental in CDMX. Don’t miss a thing! Museums The museums in Mexico City represent an invaluable cultural and popular heritage. Visiting them all can be overwhelming due to the wide range of options. Each one offers unique exhibits, giving you the chance to discover something new with every visit as you explore the rest of the facilities. Visiting museums is definitely one of the best cultural activities CDMX has to offer! Frida Kahlo Museum
National Museum of Art
Museum of Modern Art
Dolores Olmedo Museum
Soumaya Museum
Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum
National Museum of Anthropology
Palace of Fine Arts
CDMX Neighborhoods
Much of the city’s charm lies in the variety of neighborhoods that make up the capital, each with its own unique character. Touring these neighborhoods is a must on your list of things to do in CDMX. Cuauhtémoc
Coyoacán
Garibaldi
La Condesa
Xochimilco
Polanco
Zona Rosa
San Ángel
Roma
Narvarte
Magical Towns
Another great plan in CDMX is visiting nearby magical towns. The surroundings of the city are full of charming villages to explore. If you’re visiting, car rental is a great option to make the most of your stay in CDMX and explore these towns. Huasca de Ocampo
Cuetzalan
Tequisquiapan
Malinalco
Villa del Carbón
Gastronomy
Mexico City is a culinary paradise where tradition meets innovation. The city offers a gastronomic experience that will captivate you instantly. A food tour is a must-do activity in CDMX. Here are some dishes you can’t miss during your stay: Tacos al pastor
Pozole
Traditional Mexican sweets like alegrías, ate, and meringues
Chilaquiles
Stew tacos (tacos de guisado)
Tamales
Quesadillas (with or without cheese) filled with mushrooms, chicken or beef tinga, pork rinds, or huitlacoche
Chiles en nogada (if you’re visiting during Independence Month)
Architecture
Mexico City is a cultural and architectural mosaic that blends different periods of national history. From north to south, the urban landscape reflects a rich legacy built through bold structures and monuments that tell the story of pre-Hispanic times, the colonial era, 20th-century avant-garde, and the present. Touring the architecture is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in CDMX. Central Zone: includes the boroughs of Cuauhtémoc, Miguel Hidalgo, Álvaro Obregón, Azcapotzalco, and Cuajimalpa. Visit the Torre Latinoamericana, the Palace of Fine Arts, Casa de los Azulejos, Templo Mayor, and the National Lottery building.
Western Zone: home to some of the city’s most dynamic economic areas, known for skyscrapers and exclusive residences. Unlike the historical center, this area features luxury, high-tech, and aesthetically avant-garde buildings. Visit the Calakmul Building, Arcos Bosques, BBVA Tower, Uno Chapultepec, Torre Virreyes, and Casa en el Aire.
Northern Zone: offers a more functional and authentic approach, less focused on luxury. Architecture here follows a more practical logic. Don’t miss the Basilica of Guadalupe and the Lecumberri Palace.
Southern Zone: one of the 20th century’s major cultural hubs, and home to prominent intellectual figures. Visit Ciudad Universitaria, the Blue House – Frida Kahlo Museum, Anahuacalli Museum, Polyforum Siqueiros, and the National Arts Center (CENART).
Eastern Zone: includes Iztapalapa, Tláhuac, Xochimilco, and Milpa Alta. It stands out for initiatives that improve cultural and environmental access for locals. Visit the Sierra de Santa Catarina-Yecahuizotl Protected Natural Area and the Museo del Fuego Nuevo.
Outdoor Activities
Mexico City offers a wide variety of outdoor activities where you can enjoy its natural, cultural, and historical richness. Here are a few options: Stroll through Chapultepec Forest
Ride a bike along Paseo de la Reforma
Visit Parque de los Venados
Hike in the Ajusco
Nightlife
CDMX nightlife reflects its diversity and vibrancy. From hidden bars and rooftops with stunning views to live music venues and laid-back lounges, there’s always something for everyone. Historic bars and cantinas: the Mexican cantina tradition lives on in CDMX, with places like La Ópera. Don’t miss El Tenampa, famous for its mariachis and festive vibe.
Rooftop terraces: if you’re looking for a stylish yet chill plan in CDMX, rooftop terraces will charm you. Recommended spots include Parker & Lenox in Polanco or Apero in Santa Fe.
Live music: venues like Arena Ciudad de México and Estadio GNP Seguros host top national and international artists. For a more intimate vibe, Mama Rumba is perfect for live salsa, while La Casa del Lago offers outdoor classical music events.
Late-night cafés and alternative spaces: for something less conventional, CDMX offers cozy cafés and alternative venues. Café de Nadie and Café El Jarocho are great spots to unwind. If you enjoy creative activities, some galleries and cultural centers host nighttime art and indie film events — like at Cineteca Nacional.
What to do today in CDMX?
Looking for something to do in CDMX today? If you don’t have a plan yet, explore all the options waiting for you: exhibitions, concerts, theater shows, workshops, festivals, and plenty of free activities. No excuses to stay bored!
- La Revolución Impresionista: Monet to Matisse – Dallas Museum of Art
The Museum of Fine Arts presents an exhibition in collaboration with the Dallas Museum of Art featuring works by Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, Matisse, Renoir, and more.
- La Mirada Esencial
This exhibit at the Centro de la Imagen showcases over a century of documentary photography in Latin America, with works by key figures like Manuel Álvarez Bravo and Gabriel Figueroa, as well as contemporary voices like Yael Martínez and Greta Rico.
- Lu y Solito
If you’re looking for something to do in CDMX with kids, check out this children’s play. Lu y Solito breaks away from traditional stories by portraying the friendship between a hare and a fox. Don’t miss it!
- Expedición Monstruos Marinos
This new exhibit invites you to explore marine myths through an underwater adventure. Discover legendary creatures like the Kraken, the Loch Ness Monster, the Megalodon, and more.
- Las reglas del juego
This new exhibit at the Museum of the Object of the Object (MODO) features over 100 works created by psychiatric patients in confinement. It shows how art can be a means of expression and connection to the outside world.
- Politécnico Nacional
Gabriel Orozco returns to CDMX with a major exhibition at Museo Jumex after nearly 20 years. The show explores key themes in his work such as chance, games, public space interaction, and the relationship between art and nature.
Now that you know what activities to do in CDMX, start planning your trip and embark on your journey with Hertz México, your best ally for a comfortable and flexible adventure. Just remember the importance of safety tips for exploring CDMX by car and enjoy your own experience.