14 things to do in Mexico City for a true local experience

I’ve had the privilege of living in Latin America’s greatest capital, and in this post I’ll share the most authentic things to do in Mexico City for a true local experience

When I think about the best things to do in Mexico City, it’s not the obvious attractions that come to mind—it’s the way the city makes you feel.

Living here has taught me that authenticity isn’t found in guidebook checklists, but in the rhythm of daily life: the conversations that spill into the streets, the neighborhoods that vibrate with creativity, and the quiet moments that remind you this city is alive in a thousand different ways.

Mexico City is layered: historic yet modern, chaotic yet grounding, and the most meaningful experiences are the ones that connect you to its people and its spirit. This isn’t about being a tourist; it’s about belonging, even if just for a moment. 

Here are the most authentic things to do in Mexico City for a true local experience.

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🎊 All the experiences in this article are carefully curated by our local experts. Meaning, we've done them ourselves! Use the code MXINSIDER10 to get a 10% discount on all things to do in Mexico City! [VIEW ALL THINGS TO DO]

Top-rated things to do in Mexico City

1. Dive into Frida’s artistic world at Frida Kahlo Museum

Visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum, or Casa Azul, is one of the most enriching things to do in Mexico City. This cobalt-blue home in Coyoacán preserves the artist’s intimate world—her vibrant dresses, personal artifacts, and studio where she painted through pain and passion.

Walking through its sunlit rooms and lush garden offers a sensory journey into Mexico’s cultural soul, blending history, resilience, and artistry in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally inspiring.

• Best time to go: Weekday mornings, especially in spring or fall
• Cost range: About $19 USD general admission; discounts for locals and students
• How to get there: Coyoacán neighborhood; nearest metro stop Coyoacán (Line 3), then a short taxi or 20-minute walk
• Duration: 1–2 hours inside; half-day if combined with Coyoacán plaza and market
• Insider Tip: Step into the museum’s kitchen and look closely at the clay pots. Some still bear hand-painted motifs Kahlo designed herself, a detail often overlooked by visitors.

🎨 Join a locally guided Coyoacán tour that pairs Casa Azul with hidden markets and neighborhood legends, unlocking stories and flavors you’d never find on your own.
BOOK FRIDA KAHLO MUSEUM & COYOACAN TOUR →

2. Sail Xochimilco’s vivid canals

Sailing through Xochimilco’s canals is one of the most vibrant and unforgettable things to do in Mexico City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this network of waterways dates back to Aztec times and today bursts with life as trajineras (brightly painted wooden boats) float past chinampas (ancient floating gardens), mariachi bands, and vendors selling everything from tacos to micheladas.

The experience is a sensory feast: music echoing across the water, the scent of roasted corn, and a kaleidoscope of colors that make the canals feel like a living festival of history and culture.

• Best time to go: Late mornings on weekdays for a relaxed ride; weekends for a lively, party-like atmosphere
• Cost range: Around $25–$35 USD per boat per hour (fits up to 15–20 people)
• How to get there: Take Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña or Line 12 to Xochimilco, then a short taxi/Uber to the embarcaderos (docks)
• Duration: 2–3 hours is ideal; half-day if combined with nearby markets and gardens
• Insider Tip: Skip the crowded Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas and launch from Embarcadero Cuemanco instead. You’ll find quieter canals, authentic chinampas, and fewer tourist traps, making the ride feel closer to its pre-Hispanic roots.

🚣‍♀️ Float Xochimilco’s canals the way locals do: music, food, laughter all around. With a local host, you’re not observing the party, you’re part of it!
CHECK PRICES FOR XOCHIMILCO EXPERIENCE →

3. Learn about ancient civilizations in Teotihuacan

Exploring Teotihuacan is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in Mexico City. Just an hour from the capital, this UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals the grandeur of an ancient civilization that thrived long before the Aztecs.

Walking the Avenue of the Dead, you’ll encounter the towering Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, vibrant murals, and remnants of a city that once held over 100,000 people. The scale, symmetry, and mystery of Teotihuacan make it a cultural pilgrimage into Mexico’s deep past.

• Best time to go: Early morning to avoid crowds and midday heat; spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather
• Cost range: About $5 USD entry; guided tours or air balloon rides range from $100–$220 USD depending on inclusions
• How to get there: 1-hour drive from Mexico City; buses depart from Terminal del Norte, or join a guided tour for convenience
• Duration: Half-day minimum; full day if combining with museums, caves, or local pulque tastings
• Insider Tip: After exploring the pyramids, visit the nearby village of San Martín de las Pirámides—local families still produce obsidian crafts and traditional foods, offering a glimpse of living heritage often missed by day-trippers.

📜 Explore Teotihuacan with a local guide who brings the ruins alive. Bike or walk—the pyramids feel different when someone shares their hidden stories with you!
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR TEOTIHUACAN TOURS →

4. Experience the thrill of a Lucha Libre show

Catching a Lucha Libre match is one of the most electrifying things to do in Mexico City. More than wrestling, it’s a theatrical spectacle where masked heroes and villains clash in high-flying battles that blend sport, drama, and comedy.

The roar of the crowd, the glittering masks, and the playful banter between wrestlers and fans create an atmosphere that’s uniquely Mexican—equal parts carnival and cultural ritual. Whether you’re ringside at Arena México or tucked into the upper tiers, the energy is contagious and unforgettable!

• Best time to go: Tuesday, Friday, or Sunday evenings (Friday nights at Arena México are the most iconic)
• Cost range: Tickets start around $10 USD for upper seats; premium ringside seats can reach $40–$60 USD. You can also get VIP tickets here (rows 1-8)
• How to get there: Arena México is in Colonia Doctores; nearest metro stop is Cuauhtémoc (Line 1) or Doctores(Line 8)
• Duration: 2–3 hours for a full card of matches
• Insider Tip: Skip the souvenir stands outside and instead join a mask-making workshop in Condesa, giving you a more authentic keepsake.

🦸🏽 Cheer alongside a local at Arena México. They’ll explain the masks, the drama, the heroes. Suddenly, you’re not just watching—you’re living Lucha Libre!
CHECK PRICES FOR LUCHA LIBRE WITH TACO CRAWL →

5. Unearth Mexico’s historic gems at the Anthropology Museum

Visiting the National Museum of Anthropology is one of the most essential things to do in Mexico City. This world-class institution in Chapultepec Park houses the largest collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts in the country, including the iconic Aztec Sun Stone, colossal Olmec heads, and treasures from the Maya, Mixtec, and Zapotec civilizations.

Designed by architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, the museum itself is an architectural masterpiece, with its vast courtyard and dramatic “umbrella” fountain. Each gallery immerses you in Mexico’s layered history, offering a sensory journey through millennia of culture, artistry, and innovation.

• Best time to go: Weekday mornings; avoid Sundays when admission is free and crowds are heaviest
• Cost range: About $5 USD general admission; free for children under 13, students, teachers, and seniors with ID
• How to get there: Located in Chapultepec Park; nearest metro stop is Auditorio (Line 7) or Chapultepec (Line 1), then a short walk
• Duration: Half-day to explore highlights; full day if diving deep into multiple halls
• Insider Tip: Don’t just stop at the Aztec Sun Stone—head upstairs to the less-visited Oaxaca and Gulf Coast rooms, where you’ll find exquisite Mixtec goldwork and Totonac figurines rarely highlighted in guidebooks.

🏺 I visited the Anthropology Museum because of my Mexican citizenship exam and I would’ve not understood everything if it wasn’t for my local guide! Taking an exam or not, it’s easier to understand everything with a person guiding you to the rooms.
BOOK A GUIDED ANTHROPOLOGY MUSEUM TOUR →

6. Wander Roma: Mexico City’s bohemian heart

If you’re looking for authentic things to do in Mexico City, wandering Roma is a must. This eclectic neighborhood is the city’s bohemian heart, where leafy boulevards, art deco mansions, indie galleries, and buzzing cafés create a world that feels both historic and cutting‑edge.

Exploring Roma is less about checking off landmarks and more about soaking in the atmosphere, where every corner reveals a mural, boutique, or hidden courtyard.

• Best time to go: Late morning into afternoon, when cafés and galleries are open, or early evening when bars and restaurants come alive
• Cost range: Free to wander; budget $20–$50 USD if you plan to stop for coffee, bites, or drinks along the way
• How to get there: Roma is central and walkable; nearest metro stops include Insurgentes (Line 1) and Chilpancingo (Line 9). Many visitors start at Plaza Río de Janeiro or Fuente de Cibeles
• Duration: 2–4 hours for a casual stroll; half‑day if you’re exploring galleries, shops, and dining spots
• Insider Tip: Don’t just stick to Roma Norte—cross into Roma Sur for quieter streets, traditional markets, and family‑run eateries that balance the neighborhood’s trendier side.

🔖 Wander Roma with our pocket guide and uncover Mexico City’s bohemian heart—art deco streets, leafy plazas, indie galleries, and hidden gems only locals know.
DOWNLOAD ROMA POCKET GUIDE →

Things to do in Mexico City for foodies

7. Eat and drink your way through Condesa

Exploring Condesa through its food and drink scene is one of the most stylish and satisfying things to do in Mexico City. This leafy, art‑deco neighborhood is packed with taquerías, cafés, mezcalerías, and hidden cantinas that locals love.

• Best time to go: Late afternoon into evening, when cafés transition into cocktail bars and the streets buzz with energy
• How to get there: Condesa is central and walkable; nearest metro stops include Chilpancingo (Line 9) or Patriotismo (Line 9). Many tours start near Parque México or Parque España
• Duration: 3–4 hours, covering 5–6 stops from street tacos to craft cocktails
• Insider Tip: Don’t just stick to tacos—ask your guide to include a stop at a traditional cantina or a mezcalería. The contrast between old‑school drinking halls and trendy cocktail bars shows Condesa’s layered personality.

🗺️ Get our pocket map of where to eat and drink in Condesa—your shortcut to the neighborhood’s best tacos, cafés, mezcalerías, and hidden gems.
DOWNLOAD CONDESA’S FOOD & DRINK MAP →

8. Join a historic center food tour (14+ tastings!)

Joining a historic center food tour is one of the most deliciously immersive things to do in Mexico City. With over 14 tastings, this guided walk through the Centro Histórico is a feast for both palate and mind.

You’ll sample everything from pre-Hispanic delicacies like tlacoyos and huitlacoche to iconic street foods such as tacos al pastor, alongside artisanal sweets and aguas frescas.

As you wander past colonial architecture and bustling markets, local guides weave in stories of Mexico’s culinary heritage, making each bite a window into centuries of tradition and innovation.

• Best time to go: Midday tours (11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) are ideal for catching markets at their liveliest
• Cost range: Around $100–$120 USD per person for a 4–5 hour guided experience with 14+ tastings
• How to get there: Tours typically begin in the Centro Histórico; nearest metro stops include Bellas Artes (Line 2/8) or Zócalo (Line 2)
• Duration: 4–5 hours, covering multiple neighborhoods and markets
• Insider Tip: Save room for dessert—the oldest candy shop in Mexico City is often included, where you can taste alegrías (amaranth bars) and camotes (sweet potato candies) rarely found outside the capital.

🌮 There’s only 1 food tour like this and it’s hosted by a local! This food tour pairs tastings with cultural storytelling—you’ll not only eat like a chilango but also uncover the hidden histories behind every dish.
SEE AVAILABILITY FOR HISTORIC CENTER FOOD TOUR →

9. Learn how to make authentic churros in Mexico City

Taking a churro-making class is one of the sweetest and most interactive things to do in Mexico City. More than just a dessert, churros are a beloved tradition tied to family gatherings, street stalls, and cozy cafés.

In a hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to prepare the dough, pipe it into sizzling oil, and roll the golden spirals in cinnamon sugar before dipping them into thick, spiced hot chocolate.

Guided by local pastry chefs, the experience blends culinary technique with cultural storytelling, giving you a taste of Mexico’s sweeter side.

• Best time to go: Afternoon or early evening classes, when you can enjoy churros fresh as a pre-dinner treat
• Cost range: Around $65–$90 USD per person for a small-group class with tastings included 
• How to get there: Classes are typically held in central neighborhoods like Roma or Condesa; easily reached by metro (Insurgentes or Chilpancingo) or short taxi/Uber ride
• Duration: 2–3 hours, including cooking, tasting, and cultural context
• Insider Tip: Ask your instructor about churros rellenos—filled with cajeta (goat’s milk caramel) or chocolate. Many workshops will let you try this variation, though it’s rarely advertised.

🍫 Make churros with a local who knows the secrets. From mixing dough to dipping in chocolate, it’s sweet tradition you’ll never forget. Note: Age requirement is 12+ years old.
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR CHURRO-MAKING CLASS →

10. Take a taco cooking class

Learning to make tacos al pastor is one of the most flavorful and interactive things to do in Mexico City. This hands-on cooking class takes you beyond eating tacos into mastering the art of preparing them from scratch.

Guided by local chefs, you’ll visit a neighborhood market to select fresh ingredients, then learn the secrets of marinating pork with achiote and spices, stacking it on the vertical spit, and carving it just like the taqueros do.

Alongside tortillas pressed by hand and salsas blended to taste, you’ll discover the cultural history of Mexico’s most iconic street food while savoring every bite you create.

• Best time to go: Morning classes often include a market tour; afternoons are ideal for a relaxed cooking pace
• Cost range: Around $100–$130 USD per person for a 4–5 hour guided class with tastings included 
• How to get there: Classes are typically held in central neighborhoods like Roma Norte or Condesa; easily reached by metro (Insurgentes or Chilpancingo) or short taxi/Uber ride
• Duration: 4–5 hours, including market visit, cooking, and shared meal
• Insider Tip: Ask your instructor to show you how to make the pineapple salsa that’s traditionally shaved from the top of the spit. It’s a subtle but authentic touch rarely taught in standard classes.

🌮 Step into a local kitchen and master tacos al pastor. From market to grill, you’ll cook, taste, and laugh like family.
SEE AVAILABILITY FOR TACO COOKING CLASS →

11. Pedal and eat through the city’s dynamic streets

A taco bike tour through Roma, Condesa, and Polanco is one of the most dynamic and delicious things to do in Mexico City. It combines cycling through leafy boulevards and art deco streets with stops at hidden taquerías, where you’ll taste everything from classic tacos al pastor to gourmet creations.

Along the way, local guides share stories of each neighborhood’s history and culinary evolution, turning the ride into both a cultural and gastronomic adventure. It’s an active, social, and flavor-packed way to experience the city.

• Best time to go: Late morning or early afternoon tours (11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.) when taquerías are at their freshest and neighborhoods are lively
• Cost range: Around $100–$120 USD per person, including bike rental, guide, and 5–6 taco stops
• How to get there: Tours typically start in Roma Norte; nearest metro stops include Insurgentes (Line 1) or Chilpancingo (Line 9)
• Duration: 3–4 hours, covering Roma, Condesa, and Polanco with multiple food stops
• Insider Tip: Ask your guide to include a stop at a taco de guisado stand—these homestyle stews wrapped in tortillas are a local favorite but rarely featured on tourist routes.

🚲 Ride with a local through buzzing neighborhoods, stopping for tacos, tamales, and stories. The city feels different when you taste it on two wheels.
BOOK MEXICO CITY’S BEST TACO BIKE TOUR →

12. Make Mexican tortillas from scratch

Learning to make tortillas by hand is one of the most authentic and grounding things to do in Mexico City. More than just food, tortillas are the foundation of Mexican cuisine and culture, connecting daily life to centuries of tradition.

In a hands-on class, you’ll start with heirloom corn, grind it into masa, and press it into perfect rounds before cooking them on a hot comal. Alongside tortillas, you’ll often prepare fresh salsas or fillings, guided by local chefs who share stories of family kitchens and regional techniques.

• Best time to go: Morning or midday classes, when markets are open and ingredients are freshest
• Cost range: Around $60–$90 USD per person, often including a market visit and tastings
• How to get there: Classes are usually held in central neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, or Coyoacán; accessible by metro (Insurgentes, Chilpancingo, or Coyoacán) or short taxi/Uber ride
• Duration: 2–3 hours for a focused tortilla and salsa class; half-day if combined with a market tour
• Insider Tip: Ask your instructor about nixtamalization—the ancient process of soaking corn in limewater. Some classes let you try it yourself, giving you a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the step that makes Mexican tortillas unique worldwide.

🌯 Learn the art of tortilla‑making with a local host. Feel the masa, press it by hand, and taste Mexico’s soul in every bite.
SEE AVAILABILITY FOR TORTILLA COOKING CLASS →

Adults-only things to do in Mexico City

13. Experience flavor with a mezcal tasting in Mexico City

Experiencing a mezcal tasting is one of the most flavorful and eye‑opening things to do in Mexico City. Far beyond a simple drink, mezcal is a centuries‑old tradition rooted in Oaxaca and other agave‑growing regions. In Mexico City, guided mezcal tastings introduce you to the spirit’s smoky complexity, from earthy espadín to rare wild varietals like tobalá or tepeztate.

Local experts walk you through the production process, the cultural rituals tied to mezcal, and the art of sipping it slowly (never as a shot). Paired with orange slices, sal de gusano (worm salt), and stories of mezcaleros, the experience is both sensory and cultural.

• Best time to go: Evenings, when tastings often pair with food or live music; weekends for a lively atmosphere
• Cost range: Around $40–$70 USD per person for guided tastings; premium flights with rare varietals can reach $100+
• How to get there: Tastings are hosted in mezcalerías across Roma, Condesa, and Centro Histórico; easily reached by metro (Insurgentes, Hidalgo, or Bellas Artes) or short taxi/Uber ride
• Duration: 1.5–3 hours depending on the tasting flight and storytelling depth
• Insider Tip: Ask if the tasting includes ancestral mezcales distilled in clay pots—these small‑batch bottles are rarely exported and offer a flavor profile you won’t find outside Mexico.

🥃 Sip smoky mezcal with a local guide who explains every agave’s story. It’s not just a tasting—it’s Mexico distilled in a glass.
CHECK PRICES FOR MEZCAL TASTING IN CDMX →

14. Bite into Mexico City’s nightlife with tacos and mezcal

An evening taco crawl with mezcal is one of the most exciting things to do in Mexico City. It’s nightlife, street food, and culture rolled into one unforgettable experience.

By night, the city’s taco stands come alive—glowing grills, sizzling meats, and the hum of locals grabbing their favorite late‑night bites. On a guided crawl, you’ll taste a variety of tacos: al pastor carved fresh from the spit, juicy suadero, rich carnitas, and even adventurous cuts like lengua.

Each stop is paired with artisanal mezcal, where local guides explain the smoky spirit’s origins and rituals. The combination of tacos and mezcal creates a sensory journey that’s equal parts flavor and storytelling, giving you a true taste of Mexico City after dark.

• Best time to go: Evenings, typically starting around 7:00 p.m.; weekdays for a more relaxed vibe, weekends for full energy
• Cost range: Around $95–$120 USD per person, including tacos, mezcal tastings, and guide
• How to get there: Tours usually begin in Roma or Centro Histórico; nearest metro stops include Insurgentes (Line 1) or Bellas Artes (Line 2/8)
• Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours, covering multiple taquerías and mezcalerías
• Insider Tip: Ask your guide to include a stop at a taco de canasta vendor—these “basket tacos” are a beloved late‑night snack, often sold from bicycles, and rarely featured on tourist crawls.

🌙 Follow a local into the city after dark. Tacos, mezcal, neon streets—this is nightlife you don’t just see, you devour!
JOIN A GROUP FOR A NIGHT TACO + MEZCAL TOUR →

FAQ: Things to do in Mexico City