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Capital and most populous city of Mexico
Photo: Gobierno CDMX, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mexico City (Spanish: México, Ciudad de México or CDMX) is the capital of the Mexican Republic, the most populous city in the country, and one of the most important financial and cultural centers of the American continent. The city center is built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, and later came to be the capital of New Spain, which included much of North America. The city grew fast in the 20th century, and today is North America's largest city (and the world's largest Spanish-speaking city) with 9.2 million inhabitants in the city proper, and 22 million in the urban area (in 2020).
Where the city began. The historic city center is focused around the Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) and extends in all directions for a number of blocks, with its furthest extent being west to the Alameda Central. Many historic colonial landmarks, and the famous Aztec Templo Mayor, can be found here. This also includes Colonia Santa Maria La Ribera.
Chapultepec is one of the biggest urban parks in the world. The park hosts the main city zoo, a castle (now a museum), lakes, an amusement park and many museums. Nearby Lomas de Chapultepec is the wealthiest district in the city, filled with walled off mansions.
A wealthy residential area in Mission (colonial) style containing some of the most expensive designer boutique stores in the city. Filled with embassies, upscale restaurants, night clubs and hotels.
Also known to tourists as the Reforma district because it embraces Paseo de la Reforma Avenue, it is an important business and entertainment district. It is widely known to be the gay center of town.
A colonial town swallowed by the urban sprawl, it is now a center for counter-culture, art, students, and intellectuals. It's where Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera hung out, and near the city's largest university.
Reborn after decades of oblivion, now brimming with the city's trendiest restaurants, bistros, clubs, pubs and shops. The neighborhoods are on opposite sides of Avenida Insurgentes, around Parque Mexico and España.
Trendy, gentrified area lined with cobblestone streets, upscale boutiques and many restaurants. It is a wealthy residential area as well, and known for its arts market.
Also known as the Mexican Venice for its extended series of Aztec irrigation canals — all that remains of the ancient Xochimilco lake. Xochimilco has kept its ancient traditions, such as the yearly feasts of its many villages, even though its proximity to Mexico City has caused the area to urbanize.
A modern, redeveloped business district at the city's western tip that consists mainly of high rise buildings, surrounding a large shopping mall.
High class residential, business and shopping area in the south central city.
Tlalpan is home of the Ajusco, a volcanic mountain peak and National Park, the highest mountain inside Mexico City proper. The center of Tlalpan is a colonial town now surrounded by the urban sprawl. Pedregal is a wealthy residential area built on top of (and using) the volcanic stone from the eruption of the Xitle volcano.
Residential and shopping area north of the city.
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Commonly known as Palace of Fine Arts or Cathedral of Arts in Mexico, host of art events and art exhibitions, along with a number of enormous murals including Diego Rivera's El hombre controlador del universo and Jorge González Camarena's Liberación.
Commonly known as Zócalo, it is one of the largest squares in the world, surrounded by historic buildings, including the City Hall and the Cathedral.
Next to El Zocalo in the city center. The biggest cathedral in the Americas. Containing many altars, its principal altar is made from solid gold.
El Angel
A monument in Reforma Avenue that celebrates Mexico's independence in 1810.
Catholicism's holiest place in the Americas, and the destination of pilgrims from all over the world, especially during the yearly celebration on the 12th of December. It is the shrine that guards the poncho of Juan Diego that contains the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and is in the northernmost part of the city.
The main campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Located on Insurgentes Sur Avenue, it is one of the world's largest universities, with more than 270,000 students every semester. In 2007 it was declared a .
Historic Colonial Arts district which was home to Frida Kahlo, Leon Trotsky, and Diego Rivera, among others.
The square is surrounded by cafés and restaurants much favored by tourists, and in these and in the square itself groups of musicians play folk music. Most of these groups are "mariachis" from Jalisco, dressed in Charro costume and playing trumpets, violins, guitars and the guitarrón or bass guitar.
Reform Avenue
A 12 km long grand avenue built for the Emperor Maximilian's wife in the 19th century. Its name commemorates the liberal reforms of Mexican President Benito Juarez.
National Film Archive
It was the first to screen art films, and is known for its forums, retrospectives and homages. It has four screening rooms, a video and a film library, as well as a cafeteria.
For stunning views of the city. Its central location, height (183 m or 597 ft; 45 stories), and history make it one of Mexico City's most important landmarks.
One of the best museums worldwide over, it was built in late 1960s and designed by Pedro Ramírez Vázquez. Notice the huge, impressive fountain in the courtyard. It gathers the best collection of sculptures, jewels and handcrafts from ancient Mexican cultures, and could take many hours to see everything. They also have interesting international special exhibits.
Examples of modern, colonial, and pre-Columbian architecture, all around one square.
Here you will find paintings from Frida Kahlo, Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo, as well as a sculpture garden.
An art philanthropist left her former home, the grand Hacienda La Noria, as a museum featuring the works of her friend Diego Rivera. At least 137 of his works are displayed here, as are 25 paintings of Frida Kahlo. The premises also feature beautiful gardens full of peacocks and a weird species of Aztec dog. However, the museum is under renovation and is sched to reopen sometime in 2026.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
A concert hall and an arts center, it houses some of Mexico's finest murals and the Art Deco interior is worth seeing alone.
A private museum and collection of many well-known European artists, including an extensive selection of works by Auguste Rodin.
Contains the works of Mexican painter, Rufino Tamayo.
Opened in 1992 and is filled with about 1,000 paintings, drawings, and sculptures from notorious artist, Jose Cuevas.
The Museum's nineteen rooms contain, in addition to a collection of pre-Columbian material and reproductions of old manuscripts, a vast range of exhibits illustrating the history of Mexico since the Spanish conquest.
If you've got kids, they'll love it! Bright, colorful, and filled with educational experiences for children of all ages.
National University's Museum
A science museum maintained by UNAM, the largest university in Latin America. Take some time to wander around the Campus.
Contains murals of acclaimed artist, Diego Rivera.
You can see some impressive Diego Rivera frescoes.
There are some of Orozco's best frescoes. The temporary exhibitions are usually very good.
Display the collections of Franz Mayer, it holds Mexico's largest decorative art collection and also hosts temporary exhibits in the fields of design and photography.
Great place to learn about Mexico City's eclectic history.
Contains the ruins and last remnants of the Aztec empire. attached to the huge archeological site where the foundations of the temple were accidentally found in the 1970s.
The San Carlos Museum holds some of Mexico's best paintings and exhibit 15th and 16th century paintings.
The National Art Museum, houses a rich collection of Mexican art ranging from the 16th to the first half of the 20th centuries.
Casa Azul
The former house of the painter since she was born to her death, and full of some of her works, and many of her personal artifacts.
An impressive modern representation of Mayan architecture, it houses Diego Rivera’s collection of Aztec and other precolumbian cultures' sculptures.
This was the house where Trotsky lived in exile during the last 1.5 years of his life, and was murdered by one of Stalin's agents. Guided tours are provided by members of the Workers/ Revolutionary Party.
Most Mexican kids receive toys from the Three Wise Men (Reyes Magos). This is a celebration that pays homage to the aforementioned Bible story. To celebrate it the family gather to eat the "Rosca de Reyes", a sort of bundt cake filled with plastic baby Jesus figures. Traditionally, people who get a figure in their slice of cake are expected to host a feast with tamales on Candelaria Day, February 2. The surroundings of the Alameda Central park are filled with costumed Reyes Magos on the days leading to January 6.
Each year in February, the world of contemporary art focuses on Mexico City's Art Week when parties, celebrations, special gallery exhibitions and myriad galas take place throughout the city. The event takes place at the same time as two other major art events, ZsONA MACO, and Feria Material as well as numerous other events at galleries and museums throughout the city.
In the evening, the President of the country (or the city mayor) salutes the crowds from the presidential balcony in the National Palace in the Constitution Square (Zocalo) and shouts the famous "Viva Mexico". The Zocalo (and the rest of the city) is decorated with ornaments and lights. This is an incredible expression of Mexican patriotism combined with a party mood. Expect big crowds with a big revelery. If you want smaller crowds, the squares at the center of every borough usually host similar celebrations.
In the morning, there is a military parade that runs across Paseo de la Reforma, turns right at Juarez Avenue which later becomes Madero Street and ends at the Zocalo. 15,000 to 30,000 soldiers of the Mexican Army, Navy and Air Force march through the streets displaying its equipment and weapons.
Alebrijes are brightly colored fanciful animal figures that are one of Mexico's most iconic pop art genres. Each year, enormous Alebrijes floats are created and a parade is held along Paseo de la Reforma and then on to the Zocalo. Pink polka-dotted pigs, Purple-winged dragons, orange dogs with spiked haircuts....these and more will march in the parade. After the parade, the giant Alebrijes will be placed in plazas and public spaces along Avenida Reforma for a 3-4 week period when the public can get up close to take their Instagram-ready selfies.
Mexico is one of the few countries in the world that celebrates this day (Dia de los Muertos), in which people go to the cemeteries to offer tribute to their departed ones, and decorate their graves with marigolds and bright colors. But this is not a sad celebration, on the contrary, people give family and friends candy treats in the shape of skulls and bones made of sugar and chocolate, as well as delicious bread called "Pan de Muerto". Don't miss a visit to a public market to find these delicacies, and watch out for the parades to and from the local cemeteries. In Mexico City, festivities include the lively Desfile de Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead Parade) which was inspired by the James Bond movie, Spectre. The parade includes people dressed as calaveras catrinas and huge colorful alebrije balloon as well as floats and marching bands. The parade route goes up Reforma and over to the Zocalo. In Xochimilco, there are Day of the Dead parties on the canals and the already colorful trajineras are decked out in marigolds, skeletons and wildly fanciful themes.
Largest amusement park in Latin America. The park is fitted with several million-dollar attractions, including Batman the Ride and not for the faint-hearted Medusa Roller Coaster.
Small urban amusement park in the heart of Chapultepec Park. Park entry is free but rides are paid for individually. Includes a giant Ferris wheel with 40 cabins, a large steel roller coaster, a carousel, and swings.
Estadio Banorte
The largest stadium in Latin America is also the eighth biggest soccer stadium in the world. It's the home of El Tri, the Mexico men's national team, and also home to two of the country's most famous soccer top-tier professional clubs: Club América and Cruz Azul. It also serves as venue for concerts and for occasional NFL regular-season games outside the United States. The stadium is undergoing renovations as it prepares to host the opening games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Simply known as "Estadio de C.U." Located south of the city, this was the site of the 1968 Olympic opening ceremony. It is home to Club Universidad Nacional, more often known as Pumas, a soccer team operated by the National University (UNAM). The Pumas began as an amateur team of UNAM students, but are now a top-tier professional team in the Liga MX (though still owned and operated by the university). The stadium hosts several sports, mainly soccer and American football.
Modernistic baseball stadium built in 2019 for 20,000 cheering fans. It is home field for the Diablos de Mexico, a Mexican League professional team.
Built in 1962, this 4.4 km track hosts Grand Prix Formula One and other motor racing such as NASCAR and A1-Grand Prix. The next Formula 1 races are 29 October to 1 November 2026.
Arena CDMX
With a full capacity of 22,300, Arena CDMX hosts indoor sporting events and a wide range of popular music events. It is the home for annual NBA basketball games played in Mexico, and also hosts home games of Capitanes de la Ciudad de México, the country's representative in the NBA G League.
Mexico City's home for horse racing, both thoroughbreds and quarter-horses. There are races nearly every day, with different zones for different budgets.
The most famous venue for lucha libre.
Another famous venue for lucha libre and boxing.
Opera, traditional Mexican and classical music.
Alternative music and metal.
Home to the Mexico City Symphonic Orchestra.
Home to the UNAM Symphonic Orchestra
Upscale shopping and dining district centered around Presidente Masaryk and Campos Eliseos streets. It also has several shopping malls.
Upscale shopping street.
Trendy district full with alternative stores and boutiques.
The city's oldest shopping district, you can find almost anything here. The old department stores are clustered around 20 de Noviembre St.
Northwest of Mexico City (State of Mexico) in the intersection of Periferico (Mexico Hwy #57) and the Chamapa La Venta highway, near Ciudad Satelite. You will need a taxi or a car to get there.
Mexico- Toluca highway Km. 50 in the intersection with Calzada Cholula in the City of Lerma, near Toluca. You will need a car to get there.
A crafts market where cultural groups from around Mexico distribute their crafts to other parts of the country and the world.
In San Angel. Every Saturday, artists show and sell their paintings in a beautiful, cobblestoned zone of the city. There are also stores where they sell handcrafts.
In Coyoacan on Saturdays, featuring handicrafts from all over the country, and classes for kids.
In Zona Rosa, Calle Londres (metro station Insurgentes). Mostly expensive antique shops, the famous Sunday collectibles market has nearly vanished.
In Colonia Roma
In Zona Rosa. Sunday art market.
The main flea market for the counterculture in Mexico City. Along Aldama Street between Sol and Luna. Metro Station Buenavista.
Near Centro Historico (metro station Cuauhtemoc), every Saturday 9AM-5PM.
Near Centro Historico (metro stations Lagunilla and Garibaldi). La Lagunilla has some of the best antiques, and is a maze of interesting thing, although it is a high crime area with 317 reported robberies in 2006. Tepito is more for pirated CDs, stolen things, and knock-offs. This area is huge and it's very easy to get lost. Shopkeepers are mostly friendly and will point you toward the nearest Metro station. For safety, visitors to this market should dress down, go with someone else, and arrive early in the day when it's less crowded. If you don't speak Spanish it's probably better to stay away. The collectibles market takes place every Sunday from 9AM, mainly along Paseo de la Reforma at intersection with Allende.
Chedraui Selecto, Supercito, Supercito Selecto
Mexican owned supermarket, offers you a wide variety of groceries, beers and spirits, beauty and personal care items. They offer in store pickup or delivery. Some stores offer kosher section.
If you're staying in the Centro Histórico, a useful central one is inside the Forum Buenavista shopping mall, reachable by Metro Station Buenavista. From Roma and Condesa, you can easily reach the one inside the Paruqe Delta shopping mall (Metro Centro Médico).
Also owned by them are the high-end Superama and discount-store Bodega Aurrerá supermarkets. Several throughout the city, including one near the airport. Stock just about everything, much like the supercenters found in the US. An easily accessible one is right next to the Nativitas Metro station (Line 2) on the west side of the Calzada de Tlalpan. Exit the Metro on the west side (toward Calle Lago Pte.) and make a left as you exit the station. The first thing on your left, just next to the station building, is the ramp going up to the Wal-Mart entrance. Visible from the train, impossible to miss.
South of the city, they sell Korean, Chinese and Japanese groceries.
Lots of Japanese food ingredients, candy and drinks
Mostly Japanese food stuff but they also sell other Asian foods. They also sell Japanese dinnerware.
By carpooling
You can have a look for shared rides on Blablacar. These are around 30-50% cheaper than first-class intercity buses.
By bus
Being the national transportation hub there are various bus lines going into and out of Mexico City in all directions, from/to around the country at varying distances.
By train
The Ferrocarril Suburbano is a commuter rail system that connects downtown Mexico City with northern Mexico State municipalities.
By metro
4 million people every day. The metro is relatively quick and efficient, especially as an alternative to taxis during rush hours when the streets are essentially parking lots.
By bus
There are several kinds of buses. The fastest and nicest are the BRT (bus rapid transit) buses discussed in the next section, "Metrobus and Mexibus".
By Metrobús and Mexibús
The Metrobús is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that operates seven routes (líneas) in dedicated lanes along Insurgentes, Eje 4 Sur, Eje 1 Poniente (Cuauhtémoc/Vallejo), Eje 3 Oriente, Eje 5 Norte…
By trolleybus
Trolleybuses are operated by the Electric Transport Services. There are 15 trolley bus lines that spread around for more than 400 km.
By light rail
The Tren Ligero consists of one single line that runs to Xochimilco, south of the city, from the Tasqueña Metro Station (Line 2, blue; often spelled as Taxqueña).
By Cablebus
The cablecar system is not intended for tourists but can be a fun experience and a way to get a bird's eye view of some neighborhoods that are not friendly to outsiders.
By ride hailing
Uber, Cabify and Didi are available. Beat offers electric cars (Beat Zero) for a similar price to Uber, and Teslas for a higher fee.
By taxi
There are more than 250,000 registered cabs in the city and they are one of the most efficient ways to get around.14 per quarter kilometer or 45 seconds thereafter, for the normal taxis (taxi libre).
By double-decker tourist bus
The Turibus is a sightseeing hop-in hop-off bus that is a good alternative to see the city if you don't have too much time. The one-day ticket costs M$140 Monday-Friday and M$165 Saturday-Sunday.
By car
Driving around by car is the least advised way to visit the city due to the complicated road structure, generally reckless drivers, and the 5 million vehicles moving around the city.
By bike
Cycling in most parts of Mexico City is challenging, but central tourist areas are quite bike friendly.
By foot
Unfortunately, although public transport is frequent and reliable, taxis blanket the city, and Uber comes almost instantly, the traffic and crowds in the central neighborhoods (Chapultepec, Zona…
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