17 fun things to do in Mexico City everyone will love

Mexico's sprawling capital city is packed with iconic museums, restaurants, and landmarks. Amid these sightseeing essentials, Mexico City also knows how to have fun with exhilarating rural adventures, dance spectaculars and adrenaline-fueled family-friendly activities. Sprinkle some excitement into your vacation with these 17 fun things to do in Mexico City.

Cool things to do in Mexico City as a couple

1. Marvel at the amazing landscapes of Teotihuacán valley on a hot air balloon

There is no better way to drink in the stunning views of Teotihuacán valley than a hot air balloon flight. As you soar over one of the most famous landmarks in Mexico City, you’ll see the pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the magical town of San Juan Teotihuacán, and tour the ruins of the ancient Mesoamerican city in the valley.

Highlights:

With your feet firmly on the ground, you’ll also get to enjoy a delicious buffet meal.

Address and opening hours:

Francisco Villa 24, 55850 San Martín Centro, Méx., Mexico. Open Monday-Sunday, from 6:00 AM.

2. Take a swim or snorkeling tour at Las Estacas Natural Park

One of the most romantic activities in Mexico City, a trip to Las Estacas Natural Park offers diving, snorkeling and paddling in beautiful natural waters.

Highlights:

There are on-site restaurants, but there are also grills that you can use to whip up your own feast.

Address and opening hours:

Isabel La Católica 61, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Thursday and Saturday, from 6:00 AM.

3. Watch a live tablao flamenco show as you enjoy the best of Spanish cuisine

A great way to spice up your Mexico City vacation is to watch an authentic music and dance show. A live tablao flamenco show will expose you to the typical dance of Spain and Andalusia. You'll also get a chance to taste Spanish tapas.

Highlights:

Premium seats guarantee you the best view of the action.

Address and opening hours:

Av. Álvaro Obregón 291, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Wednesday-Saturday, from 9:00 PM.

4. Climb Nevado de Toluca with professional guides

Hiking to the snow-dusted summit of Nevado de Toluca, Mexico’s fourth-largest volcano, ranks among the coolest things to do in Mexico City. The experience will give you breathtaking views of the volcano, valleys, and lakes in the crater.

Highlights:

A professional mountain climber and guide will give you the inside track on local geography as you go.

Address and opening hours:

Av. Tamaulipas, Hipódromo Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06170 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Tuesday-Sunday, from 7:00 AM.

5. See the world's largest pyramid in the Cholula archaeological zone

Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza might be the tallest pyramid, but the world’s largest pyramid actually sits in the Cholula archaeological zone in Mexico City. A day trip from Mexico City will take you to the Great Pyramid of Cholula, as well as the works of Talavera and onyx craftsmen, and the colonial city of Puebla.

Highlights:

Get an eyeful of Mexican culture on a day trip that includes several points of significance.

Address and opening hours:

Av. de la República 154-Interior Sn, Tabacalera, Cuauhtémoc, 06030 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Tuesday and Saturday, from 9:00 AM.

6. Go mountain hiking at Iztaccihuatl and enjoy incredible views of the valleys below

There’s far more to Mexico than mezcal and tacos, and a trip there shouldn’t miss taking in its incredible topography. Among its tallest peaks is the Iztaccihuatl volcano, easily reached from Mexico City via an organized day trip. Climbing to its summit will reward you with jaw-dropping views of neighboring volcanoes and valleys.

Highlights:

Keen hikers will rejoice: this is a proper workout too. Which means space for extra tacos after, right?

Address and opening hours:

Av. Tamaulipas, Hipódromo Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06170 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Tuesday-Friday, from 6:45 AM.

Fun stuff to do in Mexico City with kids

7. Soar over the city in a cable car

For a one-of-a-kind perspective over Mexico City, take to the skies for a guided cable car tour on the Cablebús. You’ll get a whole new understanding of this megacity’s different neighborhoods, and a fascinating insight into the way it works — not to mention a majestic view of the volcanoes of the Sierra de Santa Catarina in the distance.

Highlights:

Far more than a cable car ride, this experience features a guide that will take things to the next level.

Address and opening hours:

Isabel La Católica 61, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Monday-Sunday, from 10:00 AM.

8. Get the Lucha Libre experience watching Mexican wrestling

For children who like an action-packed show, Lucha Libre is an unmissable experience. This is one of Mexico City's best shows and most beloved wrestling venues, with some 17,000 packed seats of lively spectators. Enjoy the colorful show (it’s more about theater than it is about fighting) as the good guys (técnicos) always prevail over the bad guys (rudos).

Highlights:

Adults should be sure to sample a glass of pulque, a fermented agave drink unique to Mexico.

Address and opening hours:

Dr. Lavista 189, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, 06720 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Pick-up available. Dates and times vary.

9. Experience traditional and lively Mexican mariachis

Enjoy a festive Mexican performance with a traditional dinner. Children over 5 are welcome at this mariachi extravaganza, with plenty of hip slapping, dancing, and singing along. You'll start the evening at the rotating Bellini Restaurant, providing fun for the kids before the show begins.

Highlights:

Of course there’s a show, but there’s a three-course dinner of local delicacies to enjoy, too.

Address and opening hours:

Av. de la República 140, Tabacalera, Cuauhtémoc, 06030 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Thursday-Saturday, from 5:00 PM.

10. Celebrate the city's chocolate culture with a visit to the Museum of Chocolate

Cacao is one of Mexico's oldest exports, and you can learn more about this celebrated sweet treat by visiting the MUCHO Museum of Chocolate. The museum covers everything about the culture surrounding chocolate. You will also discover the importance of cacao in ancient Maya and Aztec societies.

Highlights:

Don’t miss the MUCHO store, where you can buy products made by artisans and chocolatiers.

Address and opening hours:

C. Milan 45, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Monday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM.

11. Get a thrill from Latin America's fastest rollercoaster at the Six Flags amusement park

Everyone loves a good adrenaline rush. Go to Six Flags Mexico City to test your need for speed on Superman: The Last Escape, which was the fastest and tallest rollercoaster in Latin America when it opened. You will also get a good jump around on the Turbo Bungy.

Highlights:

The fun doesn’t stop after dark: every evening, there’s a special light display and events throughout the year.

Address and opening hours:

Carr. Picacho-Ajusco Km 1.5, Jardines del Ajusco, Tlalpan, 14200 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Tuesdays and Saturdays, from 9:00 AM.

Fun activities to do in Mexico City on your own

12. Sail over the canals of Xochimilco on a trajinera

One Mexico City must-do is taking to the canals at Xochimilco, and one of the coolest ways to experience it is via a guided boat ride. You’ll hear why the area has been marked a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn more about Coyoacán and the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Highlights:

Don’t miss the cooperative shop that celebrates the crafts of local artisans.

Address and opening hours:

Av. Guadalupe I. Ramírez s/n, San Juan, Xochimilco, 16000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Monday-Sunday, from 7:50 AM.

13. Observe the pyramids of the Sun and Moon on a Teotihuacán and Tlatelolco day trip

The Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon at Teotihuacán are truly a sight to behold, showcasing incredible architecture from pre-Colombian civilizations.

Highlights:

Learn about the different phases of history at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas.

Address and opening hours:

55800 San Juan Teotihuacán, State of Mexico, Mexico. Open Monday-Sunday, from 9:00 AM.

14. Learn about the life of Frida Kahlo on a tour of the Blue House

A visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum will give you insight into the life and work of the great artist. Also known as the Blue House, it is set in the same house where Kahlo lived with her husband, Diego Rivera.

Highlights:

This institution, one of the best museums in Mexico City, is about far more than Kahlo’s art: it remains filled with her possessions, and offers a deeply personal insight into the lives of one Mexico’s most eminent artists.

Address and opening hours:

Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday, from 10:30 AM.

Fun spots in Mexico City for food and drink

15. Taste authentic Mexican specialties

Mexico is famous for its tacos and tortillas, and there's no better way to try them than on a food tour of downtown Mexico City.

Highlights:

You’ll visit the San Juan Market, traditional restaurants, quintessential cantinas, and more, giving you a complete overview of one of the most diverse national cuisines in the world.

Address and opening hours:

Luis Moya 63, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Monday-Sunday, from 12:00 PM.

16. Discover traditional, classic, and modern taco spots in Mexico City

A taco comes in many different forms. Spend an evening celebrating these moreish morsels with a dedicated Mexico City food tour to find the best in town. You'll get to explore classic and traditional taquerías as well as the city's nightlife. Don't miss the first mezcal bar in Mexico City too.

Highlights:

Beer is a big deal in Mexico too, so be sure to sample a pint or two as you explore.

Address and opening hours:

Av. P.º de la Reforma 325, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Monday-Sunday, from 5:30 PM.

17. Sample Mexican street foods on a market secrets tour

Markets are always an incredible way to immerse yourself in local culture. You’ll learn about vegetables and fruits you might never have seen before, as well as understanding how they’re cooked and eaten. Discover some of the city’s most important producers on a tour of Mexico City's markets.

Highlights:

Roll up your sleeves and learn to make salsa as it was made to be eaten at a local family-run business.

Address and opening hours:

República de Guatemala 2, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Open Sunday-Friday, from 8:30 AM.

FAQs:

What are some fun things to do in Mexico City at night?

From mariachi performances to flamenco dancing and fine dining experiences, Mexico City has plenty of evening attractions. If you travel into the city on the last Wednesday of the month, museums like the Palacio de Bellas Artes are also open late until 10:00 PM.

Are there any fun day trips from Mexico City that I should consider?

Mexico City is blessed by its proximity to spellbinding natural scenery. From the Pyramids of Teotihuacán to the Desert of the Lions, these natural landscapes provide opportunities to hike, bike, and swim. You can also tread in the footsteps of Aztecs at Tula Archaeological Zone.

What are some popular festivals or events in Mexico City?

Plan your Mexico City vacation around festivals like the Ambulante Film Festival, Zona Maco, and Festival del Centro Histórico. Don't miss the iconic Festival del Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead, with its colorful parades and skeleton mariachis, too.

What are some family-friendly fun activities to do in Mexico City?

IYou can visit the Six Flags amusement park if you're visiting Mexico City with kids, or take them on a food tour. Museum visits can also be great for inquisitive children, particularly the hands-on Papalote Museo del Niño and treasure-filled Museo Nacional de Antropología.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Mexico City?

For a fun day in the outdoors, you can climb Iztaccihuatl or visit archeological sites like the Teotihuacán, a vast pre-Aztec complex of pyramid temples. You can also explore Tolantongo, a box canyon of hot springs with hikes and dips.