From Aztec ruins to chef-driven restaurants, Mexico City Federal District offers a whirlwind of experiences. It’s one of the largest metropolises in the world and features dozens of different neighbourhoods, each with a unique flavour.
Things to do in Mexico City Federal District
Browse independent boutiques and dine at upmarket bistros in the trendy Roma district. Lively Calle Colima is a hotspot for art galleries and cocktail bars run by local entrepreneurs. You can find a similar vibe in Condesa, a hip neighbourhood known for leafy parks and sidewalk cafes.
Discover the cultural heart of Mexico City in Centro Histórico. Admire the centuries-old colonial architecture and visit landmarks like Catedral Metropolitana, one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Mexico. Visit a museum housed on the site of an ancient Aztec temple and see larger-than-life murals painted by iconic Mexican artist Diego Rivera at Palacio Nacional.
Centro Histórico is anchored by beautiful public spaces like Zócalo. It’s framed by magnificent historic buildings and is one of the largest urban plazas in Latin America. Plaza Garibaldi comes alive in the evenings when locals flock to dine at sidewalk cantinas and listen to mariachi music.
Coyoacán, a bohemian neighbourhood laced with cobblestone streets, is a former stomping ground for luminaries like Frida Kahlo. Visit the cobalt-blue house where Kahlo once lived and see rooms filled with colourful art, homewares and dresses worn by the famous painter.
You’ll find some of the city’s most authentic restaurants in Alameda Central. Order local favourites like “tacos al pastor” corn tortillas stuffed with spit-grilled pork and “barbacoa” lamb wrapped in green agave leaves and topped with fresh cilantro. Wash it all down with a shot of tequila or an ice-cold Corona in an atmospheric cantina.
Getting around Mexico City Federal District
With almost 200 stations dotted across the city, the metro system is a fast and affordable way to get around Mexico City Federal District. Taxis can be a comfortable way to get around, but traffic can be an issue. Other options include buses, trolleybuses and “peseros” minibuses. Bicycles are a good way to get around in some neighbourhoods. Mexico City International Airport is a 20 to 60-minute drive away, depending on traffic.