City: Mexico City
Top Things to do in Mexico City
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Mexico City, Mexico
Rising from the ruins of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, Mexico City offers a unique collision of contemporary city life and historic preservation. World-class museums, restaurants and parks rub shoulders with the remains of several cultures. The nightlife, the shopping and the history make it a must-see regardless of your travel style.
Restaurants in Mexico City
1. Murales de Diego Rivera en la Secretaria de Educacion Publica
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,755 reviews
Reviewed By LHOVancouver - Vancouver, Canada
Free entry with lineup and Pass. Inside the upper Corridors (second level) of the Palacio. Reminder no English descriptions so bring a guide or Book. You'll see ancient to modern. Diego Riviera foresaw the rise of Hitler and other Fascist regimes in his paintins (this done early 1920's). Also look for His self-portrait and that of his lover/wife, Frida Kahlo (on the final panel!) Good luck and enjoy!
2. Bosque de Chapultepec
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,364 reviews
This 1,600-acre bucolic park has enough activities to fill days at a time and is particularly popular among families with children.
Reviewed By 759elib - Sydney, Australia
Its got to be one of the largest, best planned green spaces in the world, twice the size of NYC’s Central Park. There are nine museums within its confines giving me access to some of the best art and artefacts in the entire city. Lungfulls of clean oxygen in a city chocking with pollution. One of my fav spots is home to the Fuente de Tlaloc and the Carcamo de Dolores, featuring two of Rivera’s more unique and lesser known works of art- the massive mosaic tile fountain and mural. Its nice to sit and contemplate one’s navel or watch the never still locomotion of the populace at play or rest. I am in the reading garden audiorama sitting on the comfy multicoloured bench while all around me children, elderly folk and tourists like me take time out to let this marvel of great planning, seep- in and invade my pleasured sensorium. Its perfectly positioned opposite the amazing Anthropological Museum on the Paseo de la Reforma. Its a zig-zag kind of adventure with terrific views like nowhere else. All roads bordering the park have the best preserved Art Deco buildings which form a non ending eye-candy for this architectural buff. the best in my time in the capitol were: Avenida Mexico, Avenida Amsterdam, Campeche and Queretaro.
3. Zocalo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,522 reviews
One of the largest public plazas in the world, the Zócalo is the heart of Mexico City and is one of the city's most famous attractions.
Reviewed By susanaquerida - Vancouver, Canada
We saw the zocalo for the 2nd time at Christmas. Wow. The lights on the municipal hall, there was a stage for performers, an ice rink, it was amazing. Of course it's very crowded, but that's Mexico City.
4. National Palace (Palacio Nacional)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,308 reviews
This historic building was once occupied by Hernán Cortés, the Spanish explorer who conquered the Aztecs, and includes a famous panoramic mural of Mexican history by Diego Rivera.
Reviewed By k7vidya - London, United Kingdom
The National Palace building covers the one side of Zocala. Entry to this amazing Spanish Colonial building is free, but you must hand in a photo ID when you enter and get it back on your way out. Just make sure they are originals, not photo copies. The National Palace houses some of Diego Revera's murals. The one by the big staircase was my favorite. There are other exhibitions about Mexican history and culture along with a museum dedicated to Benito Juarez, the father of Mexico - showing the history of Mexico and his living area along with beautiful ground around the building. Again it's a shame that most of the information was in Spanish not in English.
5. Polanco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,203 reviews
One of Mexico City's more upscale neighborhoods with a variety of interesting shops and quality restaurants.
Reviewed By MarinaB650 - Merida, Mexico
A very elegant and eclectic residential area, where most of the Embassies are located. I have visited the Embassy of my country and took the opportunity to walk the elegant streets of Polanco, guarded and shaded by majestic pine trees and palm trees. Palacio de Hierro is close-by, high international cuisine restarurants and a general atmosphere to make one believe one was in Beverly Hills. I would definitely live here if I ever move to CDMX.
6. Mercado De Artesanias La Ciudadela
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 945 reviews
For a great selection of Mexican crafts, visit the Ciudadela, four blocks south of the Alameda Park on Balderas Avenue just south of Paseo de la Reforma. It's a semi-covered market that covers 16,000 square meters with more than 200 stalls. It's worth quite a chunk of time if you want the full tour. There are some great comedores (food stalls) if you need a pick-me-up snack or beverage.
Reviewed By jjbeaumier - Hartsville, United States
We we’re looking for Alebrije (paper mache colorful monsters) and we found a great selection. Lots of junk but the gems are here too.
7. Plaza San Jacinto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
Selected artists gather at this city square to display and sell their works.
Reviewed By theresahZ9359CE
The plaza itself is a nice resting place for people watching but it's the surrounding shops, restaurants and accommodations that get 5-stars! Saks restaurant food & service are 5☆, and the tequileria is an homage to this favoured drink. The galleries and fine shopping in the white marble hotel across from Saks, highlights Mexican artists and designers. Shops line the street at the top of the plaza supporting rural Mexican artisans still handmaking clothing, other textiles & products to beautify your home.
8. Coyoacan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,805 reviews
Coyoacan, a former village and now one of the 16 boroughs of Mexico City, is a historic center. It is a popular place to visit, especially on weekends, because many of the original layouts, plazas and narrow streets have been preserved and date from the 16th to the early 20th centuries.
Reviewed By lorrainew241 - San Francisco, United States
We stayed in this neighborhood in an AirBnB and loved this charming and historic part of Mexico City. Especially wonderful is the main square in which you can see all types of people of all ages enjoying the outdoors, kissing on benches and enjoying the fountains and performers. We delighted in how vibrant and alive everything was in the evenings - so many families and kids strolling even after 10-11pm. Loved it!
9. San Angel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 880 reviews
This neighborhood is known for its narrow cobblestone streets and is an oasis in otherwise bustling Mexico City.
Reviewed By advntr_skr - San Francisco, United States
Check it out on a Saturday. I stumbled upon this walk when downloading self guided walks on GPSmycity app
10. Paseo de la Reforma
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,352 reviews
Mexico City's main street runs through an upscale residential neighborhood as well as the city's historic district.
Reviewed By vagabondginger - San Diego, United States
This wide avenue runs for miles and shows the architecture of Mexico City from the historic areas around the Zocolo to El Angel to Chapultepec Park and then to the "new". Mexico City with modern sleek new skyscrapers that look like works of art. This boulevard is designed after those in Europe with benches, median gardens, fountains, public art exhibitions, many monuments like statues honoring Christopher Columbus and the equestrian one with Charles IV of Spain. It has wide walkways, good lighting, is clean and safe. Driving it or walking, it's the main artery of Mexico City.
