Mexico City

Museo Nacional de Antropología

National Anthropological Museum

One of the top anthropology museums in the world. This enormous complex highlights the development and cultures of Mexico's many indigenous peoples from thousands of years ago to today, and is full to the brim with ancient artifacts and artwork. Also, the museum itself is famous for its architecture. It is possible to spend days here to see everything – allocate two hours at the very least, prioritize your specific interests, and be sure not to miss the Aztec sun stone in the big room at the end of the plaza. Interpretive signage is underwhelming and mostly in Spanish - you'll enjoy the museum more if you go just to enjoy the ancient artwork rather than to get a history lesson. Bags must be checked; personal photography is permitted (no flash or tripods). If possible it is best to avoid visiting on Sundays, when it is usually mobbed. There is a restaurant on-site.

Tue-Sun 09:00-19:00 · Adult M$210, Mexican citizens and residents M$105 (ID required); seniors over 60, children under 13, teachers: free; free on Sundays for Mexican citizens and residents · Entry 90 MXN · Wheelchair accessible

Museo Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo Museum

Also known as La Casa Azul, this walled hacienda painted brilliant indigo blue, is where the much-revered Mexican artist spent the last years of her life. Admission includes access to the courtyard, a small series of galleries with ever-changing displays, and the historical portion of the house, which has been preserved from the days when Kahlo was alive. A small snack bar and museum shop are also on the premises, and lectures are given periodically. An iPod tour can be taken for an extra fee and if you'd like to take pictures or videos, an extra fee of M$30 will be assessed. Tickets tend to sell out a week (or more!) in advance, so if you really want to visit this site, reserve your ticket online early.

Tue 10:00-17:45, Wed 11:00-17:45, Thu-Sun 10:00-17:45 · M$320 (foreign adults), M$160 (Mexican nationals/residents), M$60 (students/teachers), M$30 (children/seniors); weekends: M$267.50 (adults), M$128.40 (Mexican nationals/residents), M$48.15 (students/teachers), M$21.50 (children/seniors), free (children under 6) · Wheelchair accessible

Palacio Nacional

National Palace

The palace in its current form began construction in 1693 and served as the Palace of the Viceroy of New Spain until the Mexican War of Independence, when it became the executive seat of the President (though today it is no longer his official residence). The walls inside the palace display murals by Diego Rivera depicting the history of Mexico from the pre-Columbian age to the Mexican Revolution. You can also visit the Recinto Legislativo, a replica of the first Mexican Congress, and tour the home of Benito Juárez. Tours in English are free; ask for one at the information desk across the street. It’s strongly recommended to get there early in the day, and you’ll likely be given a reserved time to return later that afternoon.

Daily 09:00-17:00 · Free admission with photo ID (national driver's license is acceptable)

Luis Barragán House and Studio

Casa Luis Barragán

The home and studio of the famed Mexican architect Luis Barragán has been turned into a museum dedicated to his life and work. The house looks plain from the outside, but inside it opens up and exemplifies Barragan's modernist design philosophy of integrating light, and nature with open, aesthetically pleasing spaces and surfaces to create a serene and functional living space for humans. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mon-Fri 11:00 - 17:00, Sat Sun 11:00-14:00 · M$400 adults, M$300 Mexican citizens, M$200 students · Heritage listed

Catedral Metropolitana de México

Metropolitan Cathedral

The largest cathedral in the American continent. Designed by Claudio de Arcinieaga, construction started in 1537 and lasted for 250 years. Be sure to check out the side chapels where parishioners leave offerings for the various saints. For a bird's-eye view of the plaza, you can take a 40-minute tour (Spanish language only) of the upper levels and bell towers of the cathedral (M$12).

Daily 07:00-19:00 · Free · Limited wheelchair access

Museo Nacional de Arte

MUNAL / National Art Museum

Housed in the former Palace of Telecommunications, this beautiful Porfirian-style building was built in 1904 by architect Silvio Contri. The museum presents a permanent collection of paintings and sculptures from the 16th century through the early 20th century, including a large number of very early Mexican paintings. The museum is famous for its enormous and ostentatiously decorated Reception Hall and for its Patio de los Leones, which houses much of its sculpture collection. The museum is very large with over 3,000 objects on display. It often hosts temporary exhibits on special subjects. Allow at least a half day to fully explore its many galleries.

Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00, last entry 17:30 · Adult M$95; children under 13, people with disabilities, students with a valid ID: free; photography permit (no flash or tripod) M$5, video permit (no tripod or lighting) M$30

Monumento a la Revolución

Unveiled in 1938, this striking monument honors the heroes of the Mexican Revolution, including Pancho Villa, Francisco Madero, and Lázaro Cárdenas, whose tombs are housed within. Originally intended as a legislative chamber, construction was halted by the Revolution itself and later repurposed as a symbol of Mexican independence and resilience. Visitors can take a glass elevator to the 65m-high Paseo Linternilla, a lookout platform with a spiral staircase offering panoramic city views (not suitable for young children). A 360-degree observation deck is accessible without an all-access pass.

Built 1938

Templo Mayor

The site of the main Aztec temple of Tenochtitlan, it was destroyed by Spanish conquistadors in 1521, who then promptly erected the Cathedral roughly over it – but not quite. Centuries later, nearly completely forgotten, its actual location was discovered by accident in 1978 when electrical workers found a piece of a large stone disc depicting the goddess Coyolxauhqui. This set off a few furious years of archaeological digging, resulting in a rather surprising (and extremely significant) discovery that nested underneath the original Aztec temple was six distinct smaller, older temples. You can see each layer walking through the dig site.

Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00 · M$59, free for children under 12 and students with valid ID

Palacio de Iturbide

Palacio de Cultura Banamex / Palace of Iturbide

One of the oldest buildings in town, built in the late 16th century, it was first home to the local nobility and later the residence of Mexican Emperor Agustin de Iturbide. The building is owned today by the Cultural Trust of Banco Nacional de Mexico, the Mexican branch of Citibank.

Daily 10:00-19:00 · Free · Wi-Fi

Castillo de Chapultepec y Museo Nacional de Historia (MNH)

Chapultepec Castle

The imposing castle on top of the hill calls to visitors. Over its history, it has been the home of the Spanish Viceroys, a military college, a scene of historic battle during the Mexican-American War, the palace of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlotta, the national observatory, and the presidential palace. It is now a museum. You can walk about 1 km up the winding hill road, or take the tram that departs every twenty minutes for M$13. There are two parts to the museum: the Alcazar (with the exhibits on the life of its former residents – the emperor and the presidents), and the Castillo (now the Museum of National History). Both are decorated with remarkable murals depicting the nation's and the site's history. Don't miss the Roman-style gardens and observatory on the roof of the Alcazar. The castle also boasts a fine view of Mexico City and its surroundings. While visiting the site, you can leave your bag in the locker room for a fee near the entry to the site (at the bottom of the hill). Storing your bag is mandatory if it contains any food, and you will need to empty your water bottle at the top.

Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00 · Adult M$210, Mexican citizens and residents M$105 (ID required); seniors over 60, children under 13, teachers: free; free on Sundays for Mexican citizens and residents; video camera and flash photography is not permitted

Alameda Central

Established in 1592, this green garden with fountains and statues is the oldest public park in the Americas. The name comes from álamo, the Spanish word for poplar tree, that were planted here. Much of the current layout of the park, with its starburst pattern of paths around fountains and the central kiosk dates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Built 1592

Museo Nacional de Arte Moderno

Museum of Modern Art

It showcases temporary exhibitions of Mexican and international art, and has a permanent collection of work by artists including Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, David Siqueiros, José Orozco, and Leonora Carrington, among others.

Tue-Sun 10:30-17:30 · M$80

Zoologico de Chapultepec

Chapultepec Zoo

Large, modern zoo in the same style as major ones in the U.S., famous for its pandas. Very crowded on weekends. Highlights for foreign visitors are the Anfibium axolotl center showcasing the unique endangered salamanders native to Mexico City, and the tropical forests section which is relatively uncrowded and has a large proportion of animals native to Mexico and Central America, like jaguars, spider monkeys, and tapirs. Backpacks are allowed inside, but not food or drinks (a bottle of water may or may not be allowed). It is customary to stop first at the vendors outside the entrance to buy a toy spider monkey ("changuito") to wear on your head during your visit.

Tue-Sun 09:00-16:30, closed 25 Dec and 1 Jan · Free except for the butterfly or reptile houses · Free entry

Auditorio Nacional

Venue for performing arts and popular entertainers. Shows include family friendly events like the Nutcracker Suite, Placido Domingo, and Disney on Ice as well as popular Latin and international performers including Chayanne and Gilberto Santa Rosa. Seats 10,000. Tickets available through TicketMaster.

Wheelchair accessible

Palacio Postal

Palacio de Correos / Correos Mayor

One of the most beautiful buildings in the country and considered a National Heritage Building. Built in 1906, this European style building houses the main post office. Most of the materials used to build it were brought from Italy.

Mon-Fri 08:00-21:00, Sat 08:00-18:00 · Free

Museo Casa de León Trotsky

Leon Trotsky Museum

After being expelled from the Soviet Union, and subsequently from Turkey, France and Norway, Marxist theorist Leon Trotsky was granted asylum in Mexico, where he settled in Coyoacán in 1937. He continued to be vocally critical of Stalin's policies, however, and in 1940 he was assassinated in his home. The museum preserves the house in much the condition as it was in Trotsky's last days.

Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00 · M$40 (adults), M$10 (concessions); M$20 (photography permit) · Wheelchair accessible

Museo de la Ciudad de México

Museum of the City of Mexico

This museum presents the history of the city in an 18th-century mansion; the building is possibly more interesting than the contents. It is believed that a conquistador's house used to be on the site, as evidenced by the southwest cornerstone of an Aztec serpent head likely taken from the Templo Mayor.

Tue-Sat 10:00-18:00 · M$29 (adults), M$14.50 (students/teachers/INAPAM members); free on W

Palacio de Minería

Palace of Mining

Formerly the Mining College, this building dated from 1792 features an old library and a chapel. It serves as venue for the yearly Mexico City Book Fair.

Guided tours on Sat Sun 11:00 and13:00 · M$30

Biblioteca Vasconcelos

Megabiblioteca

Next to Buenavista train station, it is the largest library in Mexico and functions as a central library for other libraries in the country. It is housed in an impressive modern building designed by architects Alberto Kalach and Juan Palomar. It is a must for visitors with an interest in architecture, not only for its stunning exterior design, but for its famous "floating stacks" that create the illusion of book shelves hanging from the ceiling. The library also houses a large contemporary art collection. The ground floor houses free temporary exhibits and the grounds include a botanical garden with native plants.

Daily 08:30-19:30 · Free

Sanborns

Casa de los Azulejos

This department store and restaurant is housed in the former residency of the Counts of the Valley of Orizaba. Revolutionist Emiliano Zapata had breakfast here during his entrance to Mexico City in September 1916. This was the first store of the Mexican Sanborns chain, founded by the Sanborn brothers, American immigrants in Mexico City and later sold to Walgreens in 1946 and then to Grupo Carso in 1985. There are more than 100 Sanborns stores in the country today.

Daily

Museo de San Ildefonso

Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso / San Ildefonso College

Managed by the National University, this museum features some stunning murals and hosts great permanent and temporary art exhibits.

Tue 10:00-20:00, Wed-Sun 10:00-18:00 · M$50 (adults), M$25 (students/teachers), free (children under 12); free admission on Tu

Teatro de la Ciudad

Esperanza Iris

Historic theatre that was built to resemble La Scala in Milan. It is a huge theatre with stacks of balcony levels looking onto the stage below. The best seats are on the 1st balcony level (better than main level seats). The theatre hosts a range of performances, many plays, but also dance, music, and other forms.

Limited wheelchair access

Museo Nacional de las Culturas

National Museum of Cultures

Housed in the former Mint building built in 1734. The museum is dedicated to anthropology of the world.

Tue-Sat 10:00-17:00 · Free

Museo de Arte Popular

Museum of Folk Art

The Museo de Arte Popular in Mexico City is a vibrant showcase of folk art from every Mexican state, housed in a stunning 1920s art deco former fire station designed by Vicente Mendiola. Spread across three levels and five thematic halls, it displays crafts like Chiapas carnaval masks, Oaxaca alebrijes, regional costumes, and Day of the Dead artifacts. An illustrated wall map highlights Mexico’s regional traditions. Even museum skeptics and kids love its colorful exhibits, and the ground-level shop offers unique, high-quality handicrafts.

Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00 · Wheelchair accessible

Academía de San Carlos

Museo Nacional de San Carlos / Academy of San Carlos

Housed in a building dated 1785 that was conceived as the Royal Academy of Beaux Arts. It is administered by the National University and features permanent and temporary painting collections. This is the oldest arts academy in the Americas and has trained large number of Mexico's most famous artists. Today, the academy is part of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) and only graduate courses are taught in the historic centro.

Mo-Fr 10:00-18:00

Museo Memoria y Tolerancia

Museum of Memory and Tolerance

Opened in 2010, this museum is dedicated to the remembrance of genocides and crimes against humanity committed around the globe, with the goal of promoting peace and tolerance. Separate sections of the museum are devoted to the Holocaust, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Rwanda, the Khmer Rouge, Darfur, Armenia, and Guatemala. Genocide is only one of the issues the museum confronts. Exhibits also explore hate crimes committed in the name of religion, racial purity, and especially sexual orientation, with a number of exhibits and lectures exploring LGBT issues (in Mexico, they tend to add a lot of extra letters so that you might see it as LGBTTTQIA).

Tue-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat Sun 10:00-19:00; last tickets sold ½ hr before closing · M$75 (adults), M$60 (students/teachers/seniors); temporary exhibits: M$30 (adults), M$15 (concessions)

Casa de la Primera Imprenta de América

House of the First Print Shop in the Americas

This building, which dates from 1524, housed the first printing press in the New World, which operated from 1539 until 1560. After this time the building was used for a number of purposes until it was restored by the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) in 1989; it now houses a museum displaying some of the first books printed in Mexico.

Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat 10:00-15:00 · Free

Teatro Metropolitan

The Teatro Metropólitan is a theater in Mexico City. It was previously known as the Cine Metropólitan, and was built as a movie palace. The architect was Pedro Gorozpe E. with interior decorations by Aurelio G. Mendoza.

Museo del Templo Mayor

This excellent four-story museum was designed by Mexican architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, and built in 1987 to showcase the many artifacts found on the site. Highlights include the Coyolxauhqui disc as well as the many thousands of offerings found during the still-ongoing excavation.

Tu-Su 09:00-17:00 · Entry 100 MXN · Wheelchair accessible

Museo Nacional de la Estampa

MUNAE / Museum of Graphic Arts

Features a collection of old engravings and other graphic arts.

Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00 · M$45 (adults), free (students/teachers/INAPAM members); free admission on Sundays