Mexico City

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

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

Parque México

The park at the center of La Condesa, the one that the neighborhood was built around, was once a horse racing track. The park was built in the early 1920s. The main square of the park hosts frequent music bands and they also have stalls selling handcrafts and clothing. The park has a famous fountain of a woman and also a clock erected by the Armenian community.

24/7 · Built 1927

Parque España

This park was inaugurated on September 21st, 1921 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the Mexican War of Independence. It contains statues such as the monument to Lázaro Cárdenas. The park was designed by the pioneer of modern urban Mexico, architect José Luis Cuevas. It has a small lake with a rustic cement bridge that resembles a wooden bridge.

Monumento a los Niños Héroes

Monument to the Heroic Cadets

This impressive white marble monument stands at the entrance to Chapultepec Park in front of the Castillo. It honors six youths who gave their lives defending the stronghold from US troops in 1847. In the most dramatic telling of the legend, a cadet jumped to his death wrapped in the Mexican flag rather than surrendering to the American troops.

Free

Museo Rufino Tamayo

The original collection of this modern art museum was donated by the late Oaxacan-Zapoteca artist Rufino Tamayo and his wife, and includes works by Picasso, Rothko, and Miró, Georgia O'Keefe and many others. The collection also includes works from pre-Hispanic civilizations and works by Tamayo himself. Tamayo was heavily influenced by pre-Hispanic cultures, as were other modern artists in Mexico during the 20th century. The museum is handicap accessible with elevators, ramps, and loaner wheelchairs available. An upscale on-site restaurant includes an outdoor garden dining area. An on-site museum store has a good variety of books, prints, and contemporary art objects.

Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00 · Adult M$95; seniors over 60, children under 13, teachers: free; free on Sundays

Parque Hundido

Large urban greenspace that is popular with families on weekends. The park features about 50 reproductions of pre-Hispanic sculptures including a large Olmec head.

Parque Aztlan

Modern urban theme park opened in 2024. Thrill rides like roller coaster, swing, giant Ferris wheel and more. Requires a rechargeable card to pay for rides, which cost up to M$120 per ride. Restrooms cost M$5 to use (also paid via rechargeable card). Variety of concessions.

Tue-Fri 12:00 - 20:00, Sat-Sun 12:00 - 22:00, closed Mon · Free, fees for each ride vary · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible

Museo Kaluz

Eclectic art museum that straddles the line between traditional artistic styles and the worlds of modern and contemporary art. The museum focuses on works that reflect the history and changing cultural values of Mexico City, a unique collection in a city crowded with outstanding arts venues. The museum itself is housed in a historic building, originally the Hospedería de Santo Tomás de Villanueva, but known to generations of Mexicans as the Hotel Cortes, the building was extensively restored and updated prior to the opening of Museo Kaluz in 2021. Roof top terrace with peaceful gardens and a popular cafe.

Wed-Mon 10:00 - 18:00, closed Tue · M$90 (foreigners), M$60 (Mexican citizens) · Wi-Fi · Wheelchair accessible

Bistro Chapultepec

Elegant lakeside dining in Chapultepec park, outdoor dining area available. Menu is more American or European than Mexican, which may appeal to some travelers. Reservations accepted.

7:30-19:30

Café El Jarocho

This is a very old, family-owned coffee roaster's shop, and there are now at least three locations in Coyoacán. They have really good and cheap coffee, bad and cheap tortas (sandwiches in French bread), and reasonably standard American-style donuts. There are benches on the sidewalk just outside the Jarocho shops where you can sit to drink your coffee, or you can do like everyone else in Coyoacán and just stroll around the park with your Jarocho foam cup in your hand. On weekends, expect to wait in line to order your coffee. A long wait in line for coffee, a bag of fresh churros, and a conversation in Coyoacán's plaza is a quintessential Mexico City date.

Sun-Thu 06:30-01:00, Fri Sat 06:30-02:00 · M$10-20

Centenario 107

Fascinating and fun bar, grill, garden, and nightclub. Just 2 blocks from the Frida Kahlo house, it makes a great lunch spot. In the evening the place comes alive with a more party crowd. Good selection of craft beers and artesanal tequilas and mezcals. Outdoor garden area with tables.

Thu-Sat 09:00 - 01:00; Sun 09:00 - 23:00, Mon-Wed 09:00 - 24:00

Hacienda de los Morales

Historic and cultural space that operates as a traditional Mexican restaurant specializing in brunch, but with a spectacular dinner menu as well. Set in a large historic hacienda dating from the mid 16th century, the opulent estate features several spacious dining rooms, along with event halls and an outdoor garden. The hacienda originally operated as an agricultural estate growing olives and mulberries. As the city grew, lands were sold and developed to become Polanco, though the great house remained as a residence of the Morales family until the 1960s when it was restored to its current form as a luxury restaurant and event space. The restaurant is particularly popular for Sunday brunch, accompanied by live Mexican music. It also hosts special events such as a traditional Christmas dinner and a New Years Eve dinner with dancing and a live orchestra. It is an opulent slice of genuine history and an experience: like having dinner with one of the old Spanish dons.

08:00 - 12:00 (breakfast), 13:00 - 00:00 (dinner) · M$300-400

Vecchio Forno

A slice of Italy just a couple blocks from Chapultepec Park. Pizzas, homemade pastas, veal piccata, in-house bakery, gelatos and an excellent wine selection.

Daily 13:00 - 23:30 · M$400

Tianguis Cultural del Chopo

El Chopo

Huge outdoor flea market. Focuses on alternative music including grunge, heavy metal, punk and ska. Bands play at one end of the park.

Sat

Parque de los Venados

Parque Pancho Villa

Large neighborhood park with playgrounds, walking paths, and a dog area. Home to a famous sculpture of deer (giving the park its name).

Parque Mariscal Sucre

Historic park set in a complex traffic roundabout (glorieta) that was closed to traffic. Shaded walkways under towering mature hardwood trees. The center of the park is the Kiosko Mariscal Sucre, also known as the French Kiosk, which isn't just a kiosk, but also a fountain with sculptures of lions resting on pedestals in a pool. There are nearby restaurants and pubs.

Jardín del Arte

Colorful market on Sundays with more than 100 artists exhibiting and selling their paintings and sculptures.

Alameda de Santa María la Ribera

This historic park, established in 1861, is the heart of Santa María la Ribera. Its centerpiece is the Kiosco Morisco, an Art Nouveau pavilion built in 1884 for the New Orleans World’s Fair and relocated here in 1910. Surrounded by jacaranda trees and tiled fountains, it hosts dance classes, markets, and music on weekends.

El Jardin del Pulpo

The "Octopus's Garden" is a casual marisqueria, or seafood place, featuring ceviche, seafood paella, whole roast fish, and even fish and chips. Dining is cafeteria-style at long tables under an awning. If you want fresh juices, agua frescas, or ice cream, those are available from two shops next door.

Daily 10:00-18:00 · M$50-300

Un Lugar de La Mancha

Eclectic independent bookstore in a restored mansion with an outdoor garden and terrace where you can sit and have coffee with light breakfast and lunch food. Classy background music and friendly staff make it a hidden gem for CDMX book lovers.

Daily 08:00 - 21:30

Del Bosque

Casual upscale dining with traditional Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is in Chapultepec Park, with a lakeside setting. The dining rooms features a glass wall with views of the lake right outside the restaurant.

Mon-Fri 07:30 - 18:00, Sat Sun 08:00 - 18:00

Lago/Algo

Sophisticated upscale dining in a landmark of modern architecture built on the edge of one of the lakes in Chapultepec Park. A cross between elegant dining and a cultural center that includes a gallery of contemporary art and spaces for cultural events. The menu is contemporary international cuisine with European favorites and seafood specialties that are less common in Mexico (like mussels). Tables can be reserved on Opentable.

Daily 08:30 - 19:00 · M$700+

Jardín Botánico

Botanical Garden

5.3 hectare garden showcasing more than 300 species of native Mexican plant life.

Tue-Sun 09:00-18:00 · Free

Los Pinos

Mexico's "White House", which isn't white, but is the official residence of recent presidents. Since Andres Lopez Obrador was elected president in 2018, he and his successor have chosen to live in the Capitol building (Palacio Nacional), believing Los Pinos to be too opulent for a Mexican public servant. That decision leaves the official residence and grounds open for public tours and cultural events. Los Pinos is actually referred to as a "complex" because it isn't just one building, but rather several, in a quiet, natural area of Chapultepec Park. The presidential residence is the Casa Lazaro Cardenas, a grand 2-story mansion with marble floors, a sweeping grand staircase, and huge windows creating a bright, cheery atmosphere. When heads of state would come to visit, they would be invited to stay in a separate mansionː either the Casa Miguel Aleman or the Casa Adolfo Ruiz Cortines. The complex also includeds nature trails, tennis courts, and a helicopter pad. Today, the complex hosts outdoor concerts and cultural performances, workshops in cooking and regional arts, and other cultural activities.

Tue-Sun 10ː00-17ː00, closed Mon

Lago de Chapultepec

Chapultepec Lake

There are actually two lakes that are connected, a bridge spanning them at mid-point. Lounge around the shore, or rent a canoe or paddleboat to explore.

Taquería Aguayo 1

Just off of the Plaza Hidalgo, this little hole in the wall has some of the best traditional food in Mexico City. Their flautas are especially delicious, both the cheese (queso) and steak (barbacoa) variety. A tight squeeze (they don't seat very many), but well worth it, and very clean. An order of flautas (brings 4) is $28 MXN ($7 apiece – best deal anywhere for something this good); quesadillas and tostadas are $7 each, and tacos $10; they also offer tortas and other traditional dishes. Very fast, efficient service. Located on Aguayo, north of the Plaza Hidalgo. If you are in the Jardín Hidalgo, with your back to the garden/kiosk and facing the colonial Casa Municipal, head left in front of the Casa Municipal and make a right on Aguayo (round the corner where the Banamex is). Stay on the right sidewalk; the taquería will be past the Restaurant El Tizoncito and Rosticería Molinos, and across the street from a BANORTE. A red awning hangs in front; the name is found only on the menu board inside.

M$5-12

Paseo de la Reforma

Reform Avenue

A 12 km long grand avenue built for the Emperor Maximilian's wife in the 19th century. Its name commemorates the liberal reforms of Mexican President Benito Juarez.

Jardín Botánico de UNAM

UNAM Botanical Garden

Large botanical garden showcasing thousands of plant species from across Mexico's many different ecosystems, including dry deserts, rocky mountain ranges, tropical and sub-tropical rainforests, and coastal wetlands. The gardens include an extensive collection of cacti. Visitors may be surprised at the extent of the collection (and Mexico's astounding biodiversity - the country is home to more plant and animal species than both the United States and Canada combined).

Mon-Fri 09:00 - 17:00, Sat 09:00 - 15:00 (closed Sun) · free