Mexico

18 Best Things to Do in Mexico City – And How to Plan Your Stay


The capital of Mexico and home to 180 Museums: Mexico City can’t be fully explored in just one day. The 2 million-inhabitant capital of Mexico is diverse and vibrant, and at first glance, you might not know where to start your trip. But no worries, I’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll start from the heart of the city, the zócalao (main square). I’ll list the highlights of Mexico that you should have heard of, and how to best plan your stay before you arrive. Be it architecture, museums, culture, or history – the capital of Mexico has so much to offer for everyone. Even if you’ve been to Mexico City before, I’m sure you haven’t seen it all. This vibrant metropolis awaits you!

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General Tips for Visiting Mexico City

Not all museums or places worth visiting have an English translation of their signs and labels; I suggest downloading a translation app to make sure you get the best out of your trip. Use the offline version.

To get around Mexico City quickly (if traffic allows), you can use Uber. Safe, easy, and no rip-offs.

When walking through the city center, make sure to keep your belongings safe. If you have a backpack, ensure no one can open the zippers behind your back (if in doubt, wear it to the front). This isn’t a usually required measure in Mexico, but I found it to be required in the city center of Mexico City. In cafes, keep your luggage close at all times and so that no-one can reach it while you’re sipping your coffee.

Many museums are closed on Mondays; many offer free entrance on Sundays for Mexicans and residents, so remember that it might be more crowded on Sundays.

At a Glance: TOP 18 Highlights of Mexico City

  1. Start at the Zócalo (Main Square)
  2. Visit the National Palace and its Murals by Diego Rivera
  3. Visit the City Government Office (Antiguo Edificio del Ayuntamiento)
  4. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City
  5. Explore Aztec Ruins at Templo Mayor
  6. Enjoy Art Nouveau at the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México
  7. Admire the House of Tiles
  8. Visit the Bellas Artes Palace
  9. Enjoy the View from the Torre Latinoamericana Skyscraper
  10. Admire the Architecture of the Palacio Postal Post Office
  11. Let Off Steam at a Lucha Libre Wrestling Show
  12. Visit the Mansion of Guillermo Tovar de Teresa
  13. Go for a Walk in Chapultepec Park
  14. Visit the Anthropology Museum in Chapultepec
  15. Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum
  16. Take a Boat Trip through the Floating Gardens (Xochimilco) – Half-Day Trip
  17. Visit the Pyramids of Teotihuacán – Day Trip
  18. Take a Walk in Nature: Sierra de los Leones – Half-Day Trip

Not to Miss in Mexico City

The Blue House of Frida Kahlo: Where Mexico’s most popular female painter lived

The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco: A fun boat trip in the south of the city

The Aztec Pyramids of Teotihuacán: One of the most popular archaeological sites in Mexico

1. Start at the Zócalo (Main Square)

Originally the gathering point of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán on which Mexico City was built, the Zócalo (main square) – also called Plaza de la Constitución – is an impressive plaza surrounded by important buildings. In its middle, the Mexican flag is hissed and many events, from concerts to the celebration of national holidays like September 16 (watch out: on the night of September 15) are being celebrated on the main square.

On its north side, you find the Metropolitan Cathedral, and on its south side, the city government office. On its eastern side, you can find the National Palace, and on its western side several restaurants and shops.

Fun fact: The Zócalo and the nearby Gran Hotel were featured in the 2015 James Bond movie “Spectre” and hit off a new tradition in Mexico City: The parade of the Day of the Dead at the beginning of November. Invented originally for the movie, the tourist secretary was afraid that visitors might be disappointed if there was no parade when they came to visit the city.

Zócalo Mexico City, with the cathedral in the background and the Mexican flag in the foreground
Zócalo Mexico City

2. Visit the National Palace and the Murals by Diego Rivera

The National Palace (Palacio Nacional) stretches along the complete eastern side of the Zócalo. It’s over 200 m (660 ft) long. President AMLO uses this government building for his daily work; he broke with the tradition of having the presidential residence in Los Pinos, Chapultepec.

It’s worth entering for its beautiful architecture with patios, fountains, and gardens. On the second floor, you can admire the History of Mexico mural by the famous Diego Rivera alongside the big marble staircase.

The Aztec leader Moctezuma resided in this place before the Spaniards conquered Mexico. Part of the Aztec palace’s stones has been reused to build the National Palace. Nowadays, on September 15 at 11 PM, the evening before the Mexican Independence Day, the President calls the Grito de Dolores „¡Viva México!” from the main balcony of this building.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9 AM – 5 PM. Mondays closed. Free entry.

Pro Tip

Although the entry is free, you have to be part of a tour or reserve your spot online by sending an email to visitas_guiadas@hacienda.gob.mx. Mention how many people you are and which time you prefer. You can see the tour schedule at https://www.gob.mx/palacionacional/documentos/visita-palacio-nacional. Bring a valid ID with a photo (not a copy). A US driver’s license with a photo is fine.

Elongated colonial stone building of 3 floors with green sunsails over the windows on the second floor
Palacio Nacional in Mexico City

3. Visit the City Government Office (Antiguo Edificio del Ayuntamiento)

This impressive building with baroque and neoclassical elements is the headquarters of the government of Mexico City. It lies on the south side of the zócalo. It is also declared a World Heritage Site of Humanity.

Built under Hernán Cortés to house the government, it houses the Cabildos Hall, an Art Nouveau hall on the first floor used for official ceremonies. The ceiling shows an oil painting from 1893 by Francisco Parra, depicting historical figures relevant to the city’s history. You can find the official web page at https://sic.cultura.gob.mx/ficha.php?table=museo&table_id=2067.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10 AM- 5 PM, Sat-Sun 10 AM-7 PM. Entry is free.

City Government Office in Mexico City, an antique stone buiding with many glass windows and the Mexican flag on the roof
City Government Office in Mexico City

4. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City

At the north side of the Zócalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City (Catedral Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México) dominates the view. This Roman Catholic cathedral is Latin America’s oldest and largest. It has many ornate chapels.

The cathedral is connected to the church Sagrario Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México to the right of it.

The cathedral, like so many other buildings in Mexico City, is slowly sinking due to the unstable ground. You can see it on the right side of the building if you look closely.

Opening hours: 9 AM – 5.30 PM; free entry.

Cathedral Mexico City
Cathedral Mexico City

5. Explore Aztec Ruins at Templo Mayor

To the right of the Cathedral, you can find the remnants of the major temple of Tenochtitlán (Templo Mayor de México-Tenochtitlán). It was dedicated to the God of War, Huitzilopochtli, and the God of Rain, Tláloc. Not much seems to have survived the Spanish Conquista, but adjacent you can find the museum with archaeological artifacts of ritual and sacrifice, tribute and commerce, the two gods the temple was dedicated to, as well as the flora and fauna.

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9 AM – 5 PM. The fee is 95 pesos (5 USD), and Sundays are free for Mexicans and residents. See the official site at https://www.templomayor.inah.gob.mx/.

Templo Mayor Aztec ruins with houses in the background

6. Enjoy Art Nouveau at Gran Hotel Ciudad de México

This 4-star art nouveau-style hotel is worth visiting just for the beautiful lobby, or to have a drink on its roof terrace with a great view of the Zócalo.

You enter the hotel by a staircase and a beautiful chandelier hanging over you. The lobby has a colorful stained-glass ceiling, so make sure to look up to not miss it. The historic elevators are also a treat for the eyes. 

Colorful art-nouveau glass ceiling of the Gran Hotel Mexico City
Glass Ceiling of the Gran Hotel Mexico City

7. Admire the House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos)

This 18th-century building stands out due to its blue-and-white tile facade. It now houses a restaurant that offers typical Mexican dishes. It’s worth going inside even if just for the architecture, murals, and tile decor. The restaurant belongs to the Sanborns chain; I like their rice with eggs dish.

Opening hours: 7 AM – 1 AM

A colonial building with blue-grey tiled facade and balconies
House of Tiles in Mexico City

8. Visit the Bellas Artes Palace

Another beautiful building in this city that you can’t miss! On the first floor, the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) are mural paintings and photo exhibits. There are often shows and performances, make sure to check the website for anything upcoming during your stay.

Afterward, visit the Alameda Central Park west of the Bellas Artes building, the city’s oldest public park. Relax on the benches under the trees, and admire the fountains. There are many smaller museums located all around this park that you might want to check out. For example, the Diego Rivera Mural Museum at its western side.

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10 AM – 6 PM. The entrance fee is 90 pesos (5 USD) and you have to pay in cash in pesos; Sundays are free. Official website under https://museopalaciodebellasartes.inba.gob.mx/permanent-collection-of-murals/.

Guided tours:

  • History and Architecture of the Bellas Artes Palace – 12 and 4 PM, Tue-Sun
  • Permanent collection of Murals – 12:30 and 4:30 PM, Tue-Sun

Pro Tip

To take the perfect picture of the building, go to the terrace of the Finca Don Porfirio cafe on the 8th floor of the Sears department building opposite Bellas Artes. You might have to wait to be seated, though, and you can only enter if you order something.

Palacio Bellas Artes in Mexico City, a stone building with columns and a yellow-orange domed roof
Palacio Bellas Artes in Mexico City

9. Enjoy the View from the Torre Latinoamericana Skyscraper

A breathtaking 360 view over the city awaits you on the mirador of this skyscraper. An elevator takes you up to floor 37 where you change for another elevator leading up to floor 44. For an additional 20 MXN ( USD), you can also visit the museum on floor 38 which tells the history of Mexico City.

If you want to save all that money, you can take pictures from the cafe on the 37th floor through the windows.

Opening hours: 9 AM – 10 PM. The fee is 200 MXN (11 USD) for adults, and 150 MXN (8 USD) for children 5-12 years. To buy your tickets online and avoid queuing at the ticket booth, get your tickets here*. You might still have to queue at the elevator, though.

Skyscarper Torre Latinoamericana with other buildings around it and the main street in the foreground
Torre Latinoamericana

10. Admire the Architecture of the Palacio Postal Post Office

One of the most beautiful buildings in Mexico City! Built in 1907 by Italian architect Adamo Boari, it combines still functions as a post office. Admire the brass and marble architecture on the first floor. It’s a mixture of Art Nouveau, Rococo, Gothic, and neoclassical elements. It also houses a small postal museum. If you want to visit the second floor, you’d have to reserve a free guided tour under the official website (https://www.portal.correosdemexico.com.mx/museopostal/index.php/museo/agenda-tu-visita).

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM – 4 PM, Sat 8 AM – 12 PM.

Marble floor with 2 stone staircases leading up to the second floor, decorated with golden brass railings
Palacio Postal in Mexico City

11. Let Off Steam at a Lucha Libre Wrestling Show

Experience how Mexicans like to let off steam by visiting a Lucha Libre! The Lucha Libre is similar to the choreographed wrestling shows in the US, but it also includes the typical colorful masks that the luchadores (fighters) and their fans wear. It’s crowded, loud, and fun!

There are two arenas in Mexico City where you can see the Lucha Libre: The Arena Coliseo and the Arena México. The Arena Coliseo is the oldest Lucha Libre arena in the world and opened in 1943. It’s only 5 blocks north of the Zócalo. The Arena México is further from the city center, about 3 km to the southwest. Prices vary on the date, the event, and the seats; they usually range from 120-500 pesos (6-27 USD). You can buy half an hour before the event starts at the venue, or prebook if you prefer specific seats (especially close to the ring). A show lasts around 2 hours.

Currently, the shows in the Arena Coliseo are on Saturdays at 7:30 PM, and in the Arena México Tuesdays at 7:30, and Fridays at 8:30. Go on Sundays at 5 PM for the family-friendly version for kids in the Arena México. Check the current schedule under https://www.ticketmaster.com.mx/artist/1156538.

Pro Tip

Make sure to bring cash if you want to buy food and drinks from the vendors.

The seats can be a bit uncomfortable, so you might want to bring a cushion or a jacket to sit on.

View from the balcony onto the ring of the Arena Coliseo in Mexico City, with many spectators sitting on their chairs
Arena Coliseo in Mexico City

12. Visit the Mansion of Guillermo Tovar de Teresa  

In the Roma Norte district, you can visit this small museum in the Porfirian mansion of historian and art collector Guillermo Tovar de Teresa. The museum opened its doors to the public in 2018, 5 years after his death.

Interested in Mexican history and art, he acquired a collection of oil paintings, literature, books, and other pieces of art that you can now admire in the Casa Museo on its first floor. The museum space consists of a lobby, the reception room, the Red Room, the Blue Room, the dining room, the Chess Hall, the bedroom, the library, the Victorian Garden, and the backyard. All spaces are decorated with paintings, sculptures, tapestries, curtains, and furniture. Don’t forget to visit the tranquil outdoor garden before leaving.

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10.30 AM – 6.30 PM. Free entry, and free guided tours in Spanish. Official website under https://sic.cultura.gob.mx/ficha.php?table=museo&table_id=2069.

Parket floored rooms with antic furniture, in the middle a black-and-white tiled floor in a hallway with man-high windows on the right
Mansion of Guillermo Tovar de Teresa

13. Go for a Walk in Chapultepec Park

The Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec) is a huge area where you can relax in nature, take a walk, or visit the various fountains, statues, and monuments you can find here. Visit the Chapultepec Castle on top of the hill, or one of the many museums like the Anthropology Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, or the Tamayo Museum of Contemporary Art in its northeast.

Chapultepec Park in Mexico City with fountains in the background and a Greek statue in the foreground
Chapultepec Park in Mexico City, Fountain of Temperance

14. Visit the Anthropology Museum in Chapultepec

One of the most popular museums in Mexico City is the Anthropology Museum (Museo de Antropología) northeast of Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec). It displays archaeological pieces of the pre-Hispanic culture in Mexico and the ethnography of the indigenous people living in Mexico. With its over 45,000 m², it’s the biggest museum of Mexico! So plan enough time to visit. Its most important pieces are the Stone of the Sun, la Coatlicue, and the Stone of Tízoc.

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9 AM – 6 PM. Parking is free from 7 AM – 8 PM. The entrance fee is 95 MXN (5 USD), and Sundays are free for Mexicans and residents. The official website can be found under https://www.mna.inah.gob.mx/.

15. Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum

This museum gives an overview of the life of the renowned Mexican artist. It’s located in the bright-blue painted house where Frida Kahlo lived, worked, and died. She lived here first with her family, and later with the love of her life, Diego Rivera, from 1929-1954. The museum contains personal objects, some paintings from her and Diego, popular art, sculptures, furniture, and documents from the time she lived there. Get an impression of the environment that inspired her work and imagine her working in her studio. There’s also a nice garden at the backside of the house. The museum is small, however, and is more a representation of her life and personality rather than her famous pieces of work.

The museum lies in the Coyoacán district; you’ll need about 20 minutes by car from the Zócalo. The ticket also includes the entry to the museum Diego Rivera-Anahuacalli which lies a 15-minute car ride from the Frida Kahlo museum. The museum Anahuacalli shows pre-Hispanic artifacts and the rooms are decorated with mosaics by Diego Rivera. We didn’t have time to visit that museum when we went, but it might be worth checking out.

Opening hours: Tue, Thurs-Sun 10 AM – 6 PM; Wed 11 AM – 6 PM. Mondays closed. The entrance fee is 320 MXN (17 USD).

Pro Tip

It’s advisable to buy your tickets at least several days, if not weeks, in advance. Especially for the weekend slots, tickets are likely to sell out fast.

The cheapest option (but without a refund policy) is at the museum’s official page at https://www.boletosfridakahlo.org/. Tickets are still available where it says in green “Comprar Boletos” = Buy Tickets; don’t forget to select the “Ver Más” button at the bottom to see the later slots.

If you book under this GetYourGuide link, you get a full refund if you cancel 24 hours upfront. However, the ticket is also more expensive, so you have to consider whether it’s worth it.

Make sure to arrive 15 minutes before the selected timeslot at the museum.

Garden of Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City inside the Patio
Garden of the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City

16. Take a Boat Trip through the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco (Half-Day Trip)

Want to enjoy a fun gondola-like boat trip through the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco? Small colorful boats (called trajineras) take you through the canal system of this borough of Mexico City. The canals are what remained of the once extensive lake and canal system that Mexico City was built on. Most of it had been dried out by the Spaniards when they took over the city from the Aztecs to provide more building ground. But in Xochimilco some of it remains. Why are they also called Floating Gardens? The Aztecs built artificial islands called chinampas as farmland – an ingenious invention that rightly became a UNESCO World Heritage Site for preserving this old technique.

Opening hours: The usual fee for a boat trip is 500 pesos (27 USD) per boat and hour (so not per person!). The boatman appreciates a tip at the end of the trip.

Pro Tip

Xochimilco is about a 45-minute drive from the city center; you can get there by Uber or by booking a tour. If you go by Uber, select Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas as your destination. This is the official pier where you can also find shopping and restrooms.

Bring food and drinks to your boat trip! You can buy them at the pier or the nearby Mercado Xochimilco market. You can also buy food and drinks from the vendors on the canals during your boat trip, but this will be a bit more expensive.

You book the boats by the hour; I suggest going for a 2-3 hour boat trip to really enjoy the sight. As you book the complete boat, it’s most economical to go with a group. If you’re traveling by yourself and haven’t made any acquaintances yet who want to join you, I suggest booking a tour.

Xochimilco Boats
Xochimilco Boats

17. Visit the Pyramids in Teotihuacán (Day Trip)

A must-see on your stay in Mexico City is certainly the archaeological site of Teotihuacán, which is also the most visited in Mexico. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is mainly famous for its Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. Once the center of major power in Mesoamerica with over 125,000 inhabitants, it was already in ruins when the Aztecs took over.

The site lies 40 km northeast of Mexico City, and it’s worth planning a day trip due to the size of the archaeological site. There are also 2 museums with artifacts and explanations you might want to visit. Due to the huge size of the archaeological site, make sure to wear the appropriate footwear and something to protect you from the sun as there isn’t much shade. Climbing the pyramids is no longer allowed, unfortunately.

Opening hours: Every day from 8 AM – 5 PM, museums from 9 AM – 4.30 PM. The entrance fee is 90 MXN (5 USD), and 50 MXN (2.70 USD) for parking (carry the parking ticket with you, don’t leave it in the car).

Pro Tip

Have lunch or dinner at a restaurant with a unique atmosphere: In a large grotto at the east side of the archaeological site. The restaurant La Gruta offers Mexican dishes with a pre-Hispanic influence. Don’t expect high-end cuisine, it’s all about the atmosphere;-) Open from 8 AM – 7 PM, in Circuito Arqueologico, Av. del Puente S/N.

A similar experience can be had at the smaller cave restaurant La Cueva Teotihuacán. Open from 8.30 AM – 6 PM, in Av. Hombres ilustres street.

Pyramids of Teotihuacan Mexico
Pyramids of Teotihuacan Mexico

18. Take a Walk in Nature: Desierto de los Leones (Half-Day Trip)

This national park lies about a 1-hour drive southwest of Mexico City. The name translates literally to “The Lions’ Desert”, but it refers to “desert” in the sense of a sparsely populated area. Therefore, you’ll find lush forests, rivers, and ravines. You won’t find lions here, as Leones was the surname of the original landowner.

Inside the park lies the first convent in Mexico, the ex-convent Desierto de los Leones, founded in the 17th century. Now abandoned by the monks and mainly a tourist attraction, you can wander through its halls and gardens. It’s a great place to visit when it gets hot in the city, as the forests create a cooler climate.

It’s worth following the path down to the Lago de los Gansos, a nice small pond with geese and other birds south of the convent. On your way, you’ll pass several small restaurants and shops, so there are many options for having something to eat or drink. Access to this place is free of charge.

Opening hours (ex-convent Desierto de los Leones): Tue-Sun 10 AM – 5 PM. Mondays closed. The entrance fee to the ex-convent is 22 MXN (1 USD).

Pro Tip

Select the ex-convent Desierto de los Leones as your GPS destination. About 500 m (0.3 miles) before you arrive, you’ll see a parking lot. The person who directs you to your parking space normally expects a tip (20 MXN (1 USD) is fine).

It’s best to arrive by car, taxi, or with a guided tour. It’s a safe place as long as you stay within the tourist area, and don’t wander off into the woods by yourself.

Ex-Convent Desierto de los Leones in Mexico City
Ex-Convent Desierto de los Leones in Mexico City

Plan Your Stay in Mexico City

You should plan some things before you arrive in Mexico City, especially if you stay only for a short period.

Book Your Tickets in Advance

Most museums and sightseeing attractions don’t require booking upfront, but some do. Make sure not to miss out on your favorite thing on your bucket list because of bad planning.

Frida Kahlo Museum: Book at least several days in advance, especially if you want to go at the weekend. Tickets sell out quickly as this museum belongs to the most visited museums in the world. For more information, see here.

Murals by Diego Rivera in the National Palace: Book your place at least 24 hours in advance to be able to enter the building and see the murals inside. For more information, see here.

Boat Trip through the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco: If you travel alone, try and find some fellow travelers for a boat trip, or book a tour.

Install Helpful Apps

As mentioned, have a translation app ready for your museum visits (I suggest downloading the offline version). A transportation app like Uber can also be helpful.

…What Else Can You Do in Mexico City?

Mexico City is a perfect starting point for some trips to the surrounding area.

Go on a Trip to Puebla and Cholula

Visit Mexico City’s smaller sister, the beautiful colonial town of Puebla. Or visit Cholula and the world’s largest pyramid. You can reach both by bus or taxi within 2.5-3 hours.

Go on a Trip to Cuernavaca and Tepoztlán

Do as the Mexicans do and enjoy the City of Eternal Spring, Cuernavaca, south of the capital. Or visit the Magical Town (Pueblo Mágico) of Tepoztlán with its cobbled streets and many spas.

Where to Eat in Mexico City

Mexico City has an overwhelming amount of places to eat, and an unnumerous option for different cuisines. It’s hard to make a choice, but here are some tips.

Tezontle Restaurante (City Center)

This restaurant in the city center lies just 3 blocks south of the Zócalo. It offers Oaxacan-style Mexican dishes, and you can order salsa to be freshly prepared at your table. The restaurant is a bit pricier, so be ready to spend around 500 pesos (26 USD) per person.

Address: Rinconada de Jesús #7, Centro Histórico. Open from 1-11 PM, Sundays from 1-10 PM.

Animal Masaryk (Polanco)

This restaurant lies in Polanco and offers a variety of high-class dishes, from steak and seafood to tacos. Expect to spend between 200-500 pesos (10-26 USD) for a main dish, grilled dishes go up to 1200 pesos (62 USD). There’s also a variety of vegetarian options. If you prefer gourmet food and good service, this is your place to be!

Address: C. Calderón de la Barca 108, Polanco. Open Mo-Tue 1 PM – 1 AM, Wed-Sat 1 PM – 2 AM, and Sun 1 PM – 12 AM.

Where to Stay in Mexico City

There are so many nice places to stay in Mexico City. The most popular parts of the city for tourists are the city center, Roma, Condesa, and Polanco (more expensive).

Gran Hotel Ciudad de México

Of course, this 5-star hotel in the city center is first on the list for its beautiful architecture, the view of the Zócalo, and the fact that it’s been part of the opening scene of the 2015 James Bond movie “Spectre”. There’s a gym, a terrace with a view of the main square, and a restaurant for breakfast. Make sure to book a room with a view of the Zócalo. Click here to book your room.

Hotel San Fernando

This Deco hotel was our choice for our first stay in Mexico City. It lies in the Colonia Condesa close to the Parque México, and many nice restaurants and cafes are nearby. The rooms are spacious and the beds are big and comfortable. It has a roof terrace and a bar downstairs. Be aware that there’s no elevator, though. Click here to book your room.

Hotel Geneve

Our friends’ favorite hotel is this historical gem in the Juárez district, Mexico´s Zona Rosa. This district is known for its shopping, nightlife, the gay community, and the more recently established Korean community. The hotel is nostalgic, yet modern, and it offers a spa, restaurant, and free parking. The decoration of the entrance hall alone feels like a time travel to the beginning of the 20th century.

Fun fact: If you pick up the horn of an old telephone in the lobby, you hear the voice of the late President Porfirio Díaz, thanking Thomas Alva Eddison for sending him one of the first phonographs in the world. This might be the oldest recording in Mexican history! Click here to book your room.

How to Get to Mexico City

Mexico City is easily reachable through its international airport Benito Juárez, about 8 km (5 miles) east of the city center. Mexico City also has a big bus terminal, the TAPO (Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente) about 3 km (2 miles) east of the city center, which is the destination of the big Mexican bus companies.

Pro Tip

The traffic in Mexico City can be a nightmare. Be sure to plan extra buffer time to arrive at the airport to catch your flight back home, especially if you’re staying further away from the airport.

So…Is It For Me?

Mexico City has so much to offer for almost any taste: Museums, beautiful architecture, parks to relax, or fun attractions like the floating gardens in Xochimilco, all in a vibrant atmosphere. There’s so much to do that you’ll feel you haven’t seen it all when you leave. The capital of Mexico is worth a visit (or two, or three…) and is certainly something you don’t want to miss! It’s also a great starting point for exploring the country further through its airport and overland bus terminals.

Plan and Book Your Trip

– Where to find cheap flights: Skyscanner.com

– Get compensation for delayed or canceled flights: AirHelp

– Which Travel Insurance to use: safetywing.com

– Where to book accommodation: booking.com, hostelworld.com

– Where to book rental cars: Discover Cars

– Where to book tours: Get Your Guide, Tripadvisor, Viator

– Transportation: Busbud for sustainable travel by bus, inDrive for city-to-city transportation service

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