As you would expect of one of the oldest cities in the Americas and one of the most populated places in the world, Mexico City has an endless supply of activities from family-friendly to nightlife and everything in between.
Note that CDMX has plenty of options for getting around. Our primary mode of transportation was Uber. But if sitting in traffic for ages in a small car doesn’t sound like fun to you, look into taking the metro: It’s safe, clean and a cheap way to go from Point A to Point B.
Historic Center of Mexico City
Choosing where to visit first is always a tough decision, but you can’t go wrong with a stop at the Centro Histórico of Mexico City. Meander over to the Plaza de la Constitución (also known as Zócolo), Latin America’s largest public square. The area is flush with history, from recent to Mesoamerican. A tapestry of colonial architecture, you’ll find landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace. Take some time to immerse yourself in Aztec history at the Templo Mayor site and Mexico City Museum. And of course, savor authentic Mexican cuisine at local eateries. Here you’ll find vibrant markets and lively plazas.
Why we loved it: After a long day of travel, it was thrilling to head to the historic city center to stretch our legs and get a taste of Mexico’s amazing past. My kids couldn’t get over the gigantic flag sitting at the center of the square—this thing was ginormous! There are also loads of shops dotting the alleyways, gorgeous old cathedrals and street vendors selling the best of Mexican street food.
Coyoacán (Frida Kahlo Museum)
Nestled within Mexico City’s cultural enclave of Coyoacán, you’ll find the Frida Kahlo Museum. The museum’s vibrant exhibits, brimming with Kahlo’s masterpieces and personal artifacts, give you a glimpse into the life and artistry of the iconic Mexican artist.
But this neighborhood’s treasures extend beyond the museum’s cobalt blue walls. Just a quick walk up the road, and you’ll find the Coyoacán market, where you can overload your senses with various local crafts and cuisine. When you finish at the market, head to the heart of the district. Admire the San Juan Bautista Church, peep at the picturesque yellow church known as La Conchita Church and be captivated by the Neo-Romanesque style Templo de San Felipe de Jesús.
Why we loved it: In the spirit of full transparency, although we loved the Frida Kahlo museum, we didn’t love the crowds. It felt hard to take in the exhibits with so many people around. That said, the courtyard alone makes it worth the visit. There’s a shop and the area feels pretty magical. Our favorite thing to do on this day was to head to the district center and admire the architecture, eat the best food we had on our entire trip and explore a unique area of CDMX.
Xochimilco Canals
Like nearly everything in Mexico City, the Xochimilco Canals are entrenched in history. The canals, which are now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once supplied the Aztec capital with crops, but these days they are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. A visit to the canals involves deciding on how long of a boat ride you would like to take and then negotiating a price. Once you’ve agreed, it’s time to hop on your trajinera (flat-bottom boat) and begin your adventure.
Things you can see along the way include Isla de las Muñecas (island of the dolls)—creepy, abandoned dolls hanging from trees and fences—live mariachi bands, the rare salamander axolotl reserves, petting zoos and restaurants.
Why we loved it: Taking a boat ride down the Xochimilco Canals was like nothing we have ever experienced. Chaos could be one way to describe it but in the best sense of the word. Boats are “bumper to bumper,” the colors are loud, the music is louder and everyone is having a good time. The vendors on smaller boats floating by and selling everything from the corn known as elote to silly trinkets just add to the whole adventure.
Teotihuacan
The pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacan is most famous for its massive monuments built between the first and seventh centuries. Located about an hour’s drive from Mexico City, it’s easy enough to grab an Uber, taxi or bus. For travelers and history enthusiasts alike, a visit here is an unforgettable journey that takes you into the depths of human heritage.
Why we loved it: What’s not to love about humongous Aztec pyramids dating back to A.D. 100? The sheer size of the Pyramid of the Sun can send anyone on an existential journey contemplating their place in such a vast universe. My kids loved being able to freely roam the site. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes and a lot of water, though, because it’s a big place to explore and can get quite hot during the day. Lastly, don’t let the long walk out to the Temple of Quetzalcoatl keep you from visiting because this was hands down the coolest structure at the complex.
