A local insider's 10 best hidden gems in Mexico City

Mexico's capital is a vibrant metropolitan city rich in history and culture. Mexico City is sprawling and complex, meaning that there are plenty of hidden gems to discover. Once you've visited the famous landmarks in Mexico City, like Zócalo, go beyond the crowds to find ancient palaces, markets, museums, art relics, and more.

From a Mexican Folklore ballet performance to trying Mexican wine at a winery to the prisms of Peña del Aire, these hidden gems in Mexico City will help you see a different side of the city and create your own unique experience.

Mexico City’s must-see hidden gems at a glance

Off-the-beaten-track places for history lovers: Museum of El Carmen – A former monastery with real mummies and religious artifacts.

Hidden gems for kids and families: UNAM Central Library – Explore stunning murals and enjoy picnics under blooming jacaranda trees.

Secret spots for romantic moments: Peña del Aire – Breathtaking landscapes and secluded hiking trails for a scenic escape.

Lesser-known places with great views: Peña de Bernal – Hike up this ancient monolith for panoramic views of the countryside.

1. Discover unusual flavors and traditions at Mercado de Sonora

Food lovers will adore the delicious street food (called antojitos) at Mercado de Sonora. Aside from Mexico City's must-try delights that you will find there, a tour of the market gives you a chance to discover medicinal plants and the mystic traditions of the city.

Highlights:

Look for traditional souvenirs and artisanal creations like jacaranda tea.

Address:

Fray Servando Teresa de Mier 419, 15810 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.

Opening hours:

The market is open Monday-Sunday, 7:00 AM-6:00 PM.

2. View religious art pieces at the Museum of El Carmen

Get up close and personal with 12 real mummies at the Museum of El Carmen. At this museum, you will experience impressive innovation, outstanding preservation, ancient art pieces, and an insight into 15th-century monastic life.

Highlights:

After the museum, head to Bazar Sábado, one of the most colorful places, just a 7-minute walk away, and the quiet colonial neighborhood of Chimalistac.

Address:

Av. Revolución 6-no 4 y, 01000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.

Opening hours:

Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

3. Attend the Mexican Folklore Ballet at the Fine Arts Palace

With breathtaking architecture and great art from multiple centuries, the Fine Arts Palace is a must-visit. Spare an evening to attend the Mexican Folklore Ballet in the museum's small but beautiful theatre. The show will immerse you in Mexican dance, music, and costumes, and is one of the most unique things to do in Mexico City.

Highlights:

The museum also contains temporary exhibitions that change frequently, so you are likely to see some precious art pieces.

Address:

Av. de la República 140, Tabacalera, Cuauhtémoc, 06030 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.

Opening hours:

Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. Mexican Folklore Ballet performance dates vary.

4. Tour the magical town of San Martín de las Pirámides

San Martin de las Pirámides is a small beautiful town with a wonderful range of lesser-known attractions. A trip to the Teotihuacan Pyramids takes you to explore the caves in this town, as well as the ancient Mesoamerican city, and you can learn about semi-precious stones like obsidian at the craft shop.

Highlights:

Want to eat like a local? Don’t miss out on top food spots like La Catrina.

Address:

San Martín de las Pirámides, State of Mexico, Mexico.

Opening hours:

The tour is open Monday-Sunday, from 8:00 AM.

5. Immerse yourself in art at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)

See the architectural wonders like the mesmerizing central library in the hidden places of UNAM. Take a boat ride to the Xochimilco neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and do a university tour of the library's intricate mural, designed like a codex.

Highlights:

The jacaranda trees on campus bloom in spring and make an absolutely spectacular spot for picnics.

Address:

University City, Coyoacán, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico.

Opening hours:

The campus is open to the public from Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM.

6. Visit Polanco, a beautiful neighborhood in Mexico City

Considered the fanciest neighborhood in Mexico City, Polanco is a nice place to shop for emerging Mexican and Latin American designer items. The area is very beautiful, with colonial houses and tree-lined streets.

Highlights:

Enjoy a night at Ticuhi, a dimly lit bar with excellent mezcal and music. Make sure you ask for the delicious off-menu tamale.

Address:

Polanco I Secc, Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico.

7. Take a day trip to the Palace of Cortes

The Palace of Cortes is a 16th-century fort that was once the palace and home of Hernan Cortes and features a collection of Diego Rivera murals. Visit the famous Historia del Estado de Morelos, a fascinating mural by Diego Rivera. The ground floor of the palace focuses on pre-Hispanic exhibits and gives visitors an idea of the relationships between different cultures.

Highlights:

Are you into photography? You can snap photos of the panorama from the amazing Christ Statue in the city of Taxco.

Address:

Francisco Leyva 100, Cuernavaca Centro, Centro, 62000 Cuernavaca, Mor., Mexico.

Opening hours:

Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

8. Taste local Mexican wines at Freixenet Winery

Take a day trip to Peña de Bernal and the Freixenet Winery to learn all about vineyards, bottling, and wine-making. Then go down to the underground cellars to taste the wine, and then purchase your favorite one from their onsite shop.

Highlights:

Take a horseback ride through the vineyards.

Address:

Andrés Bello 10, Polanco, Polanco V Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.

Opening hours:

Open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

9. Explore the village of Bernal

The village of Bernal is considerably younger than its main attraction, the Peña de Bernal monolith. Any trip to Mexico City must include a visit to the monolith. This massive rock formation is over 8 million years old and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the village's charming streets and take photos in some of the most picturesque spots.

Highlights:

Hike up the monolith for great views.

Address:

Bernal, 76680 Qro., Mexico.

10. Admire the landscape of Peña del Aire

Peña del Aire is a great place to reconnect to nature as you enjoy jaw-dropping views of the roughly hewn landscapes. Book a trip from Mexico City to the Basaltic Prisms and Real del Monte and hike to your heart's content.

Highlights:

Stop at Huasco de Ocampo to admire the colonial architecture.

Address:

Ejido San Sebastián S/N San Sebastián La Barranca, 43538 Huasca de Ocampo, Hgo., Mexico.

Opening hours:

Open Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM.

FAQs

What are some lesser-known attractions in Mexico City that are worth visiting?

If you're craving something a little quieter than the top tourist attractions in Mexico City, Peña del Aire, the local village of Bernal, and Freixenet Winery are all hidden gems. You can learn about Mexico's history in the Palace of Cortes, a colonial-era building now used as a museum.

Are there any hidden or secret gardens in Mexico City that I can explore?

Some hidden gardens you must visit include Audiorama Chapultepec, Korean Pavilion, Masayoshi Ohira Park, and Greenhouse at Vasconcelos Library. You can also get close to nature at Peña del Aire.

Can you recommend any hidden or secret viewpoints in Mexico City with great views of the city?

You can visit secret viewpoints like the Malaquita rooftop, the terrace of Domingo Santo, and Desierto de los Leones National Park.

What are some lesser-known neighborhoods in Mexico City that are worth exploring?

One of the most underrated neighborhoods in Mexico City is Chimalistac, a place that is lined with cobblestone streets. This peaceful neighborhood is great for evening strolls. You can also visit Tlalpan to enjoy its old-world charm. You should especially spend time in the historic center of the neighborhood. Other places to explore include Santa María la Ribera, Azcapotzalco, and Mixcoac.

Can you recommend any hidden architectural gems in Mexico City that are not as crowded as the famous landmarks?

Yes, there are many secret architectural gems in Mexico City. Off the beaten path in Santa María La Ribera, you will discover a Moorish-style kiosk, Museo Universitario del Chopo, and Museo de Geología. You can also visit Lagunilla market in the historic center of the city. Locals typically spend family Sundays in this antique market.