Our guide to Mexico City

Mexico City is one of the great ancient and modern metropolises of the world. It's home to lush parks, over a hundred museums, pre-Hispanic ruins, delicious street food, and more than 20 million people. We spent a month there and were barely able to scratch the surface. Hopefully we'll have a chance to go back, but in the meantime, here are some of our top recommendations for places to see and things to do.

Teotihuacán

The Valley of Mexico City isn't just the modern capital of Mexico; it was also a major trade hub and cultural epicenter of the Mesoamerican world. Teotihuacán's massive pyramids rise up from the lush valley and are sure to impress. Check out our post "Teotihuacán: The place where the gods were created" to read all about it and plan a trip of your own.

The Zócalo

Many Mexican cities are designed around a central square called the zócalo, but Mexico City's is the largest. Surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, this site was once the ceremonial center of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. Take a stroll, grab a bite to eat, and take it its grandness.

Templo Mayor

Templo Mayor is an archaeological site and museum located to the northeast of the Zócalo. Once a great temple in Tenochtitlan, like just about all Aztec structures, it was razed by the Spanish conquistadors who built a colonial city on top. It wasn't until the 20th century that archaeologists began slowly excavating the area. Today it is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Entrance is $70 pesos.

El Palacio Nacional

Along the eastern side of the Zócalo is the massive National Palace. Since the Aztec empire, this has been the site of political power in Mexico. Inside the palace is a lovely succulent garden and courtyard with plants from across the country. But the real highlights are the Diego Rivera murals that take up entire walls and stairwells. These stellar works depict the history of Mexico, from pre-Hispanic life through the Mexican Revolution. Entrance is free, but make sure to bring either a license or passport as identification to get inside.

La Catedral Metropolitana

Located on the northern side of the Zócalo is the largest cathedral in the Americas. Built over the course of 240 years, the structure includes Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-Classical architectural details. Walk around inside and marvel at the extravagance. Entrance is free.

El Palacio de Bellas Artes

This opulent building has showcased some of the most important art exhibits and performances in Mexico. The outside is a blend of Art Nouveau and Neo-Classical designs, while the inside features Art Deco glamor. Both a theater and a museum, there is always a world-class show happening here. Catch an art exhibit or a performance by the Ballet Folklórico de México for a spectacular night out. Entrance to the museum is $60 pesos but free on Sundays. Tickets for performances can be purchased online and generally start around $300 pesos.

The Frida Kahlo Museum

If you love Frida Kahlo, a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as La Casa Azul, is a must. Located in the southern barrio of Coyoacán, La Casa Azul is the famous residence where Kahlo was born and died and where she spent many years with Diego Rivera. The cobalt blue house and gardens contain some of their works along with personal items like photos, books, paint supplies, and correspondences with other artists and influencers such as Pablo Picasso and Leon Trotsky. Entrance to the museum is $200 pesos, plus an extra $60 pesos if you want to take photos inside the house.

Museo Dolores Olmedo

Like the Frida Kahlo Museum, the Dolores Olmedo Museum is also a must-visit for Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera fans. Located in the southern borough of Xochimilco, this estate belonged to Dolores Olmedo, a close friend to Diego. After Frida's death, Dolores Olmedo cared for Diego towards the end of his life and purchased more than a hundred of his paintings and many of Frida's. Today, the estate houses the largest collection of Frida's and Diego's works. Entrance to the museum is $40 pesos for Mexican nationals and $100 pesos for foreigners but free on Tuesdays. There is an extra fee of $60 pesos to take photos of the works inside.

National Museum of Anthropology

This is the largest museum in the country and houses the most extensive collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts from across Mexico. With an impressive 23 exhibit halls, this museum documents both the history and present life of Mexico's indigenous peoples. One of the most famous pieces, the Stone of the Sun, is housed in the Mexica (Aztec) hall. We definitely recommend arriving early to see it all, which can easily take up a full day or even multiple trips! Entrance to the museum is $70 pesos, and as long as you hold on to your ticket you can enter and exit the museum to grab a bite to eat from the food stands in the park.

Lucha libre

Across Mexico, people love lucha libre — a type of dramatic, freestyle wrestling. From young children to grandparents, people of all generations and backgrounds turn out for these shows to watch fighters dressed like superheros battle in the ring. The event is lively with laser beams, show girls, and some dramatic music to amp up the fighters and spectators. The crowd adds to the atmosphere with their wild cheers and frequent profanities. While you can catch smaller versions of these fights in cities and towns across the country, the biggest shows are at Arena México in Mexico City. With shows every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday night, it's something you shouldn't miss for an entertaining evening. Make sure to grab a printed playbill with the night's lineup of fights and sit back with some popcorn and a beer. Seats in the arena range from $53-$466 pesos depending on the night and the location in the arena.

Salsa dancing at Pata Negra

There are dance halls in every corner of the city offering live music. From Cuban jazz to salsa and from laid back cantinas to swanky night clubs, there's something for everyone. But if salsa dancing is your thing, head to Pata Negra in the Condesa neighborhood on a weekend. This bar and club offers live salsa music and a cozy floor to dance the night away. Dress code is comfortable and nothing too fancy. Entrance is free, but you'll probably want to grab a drink at the bar.

Xochimilco

This southern borough in Mexico City is home to the famous colorful, gondola-like trajineras (boats, also known as lanchas) that cruise through the canals. The Valley of Mexico used to contain a big lake, and these canals are remnants of the water that existed during Aztec times. While you can take a ride on one of the trajineras any day of the week, Sunday is the liveliest day when most Mexican families enjoy the canals. Once aboard, you can grab lunch from one of the boats selling food and drinks and even pay mariachi's to play a song or two for you. A ride on a trajinera that fits 20 passengers costs $400 pesos an hour for the entire boat.

Indulge in street food

At every street corner and metro stop, people sell tacos, quesadillas, churros, chips, sopes, tortas, and more. For a few pesos you can grab a tasty snack or mouthwatering meal. There are also numerous markets scattered across the city serving up a wide range of fresh dishes every day.

Museum hop

With more than 140 museums, Mexico City has something for everyone. A few that we checked out: Museo Soumaya, Museo Jumex, the National Museum of Anthropology, the Frida Kahlo Museum, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Museo de la Medicina Mexicana, and the Diego Rivera Mural Museum. With a super cheap and easy-to-navigate metro system, museum hopping is a great way to spend a few days in the city.

Ever been to Mexico City? What are some of your favorite places to see and things to do there? Let us know in the comments below!