A Week in Mexico City – BEST Things to Do and See

I planned my solo trip to Mexico City after reading a travel blog city guide. I was inspired by all of the great architecture, art museums, and archaeological sites. With just over a week in Mexico City I had plenty of time to explore on my own.

If you love art and food and history as much as I do you will LOVE Mexico City :)

For many years I envisioned visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum. I had seen photos of Diego Rivera’s murals and I wanted to see them in person.

I had a yearning to see the pyramids that were built by the native inhabitants of Mexico many centuries ago. My previous visits to Mexico I visited beach destinations of  Cancun, Cozumel, and Huatulco.

 

 

I had planned to go to Mexico City with a friend a few years ago but she had to cancel, as happens so many times when I plan travel with others! One more reason why I prefer to travel alone.

Booking the trip around the US Thanksgiving holiday I only missed 4 weekdays but I had a total of 10 days off in a row.

 

 

How many days in Mexico City?

If you are not sure how long to spend in Mexico City I suggest making a list of all the sights you feel you need to see in Mexico City. Then figure out how may days you will need.

Personally I think about one week in Mexico City is a enough to see plenty and not feel rushed. Maybe 1 week to 10 days would be best if you plan to take lots of day trips.

Even if you only have a weekend in Mexico City you can still do a lot. If you only have 2 or 3 days I would stay in the central historic district near many of the top tourist sites in Mexico City. You don’t want to spend too much time stuck in traffic or on the subway.

Things to do in Mexico City on your own

Trust me when I tell you there is no shortage of things to do in Mexico City all by yourself. For one thing there are world class art museums.

Secondly, it’s an archaeological lovers dream, complete with ruins and a top rated museum that is the number one tourist attraction in the city.

Third, the food is outstanding in variety of cuisine as well as price points. Enjoy everything from street food to dining at 5-star restaurants.

You’ll find it’s easy to get around on your own either walking or using the super cheap metro that has special cars for women and children only.

Perfect for the solo female traveler! Although I used the regular metro cars and didn’t have any problems it’s nice to have the option of women only cars.

Have a look at some of the top things to do in Mexico City.

Archaeological ruins at Teotihuacan – City of the Gods

This amazing archaeological site is about a one-hour bus ride from the city. The buses leave every 20 minutes from Terminal Autobuses del Norte, across the street from Autobuses del Norte Metro (line 5) station.

Teotihuacan entrance fee

Tickets to get into Teotihuacan cost 70 pesos. You can purchase the ticket when you get off the bus at the site.

 

 

Diego Rivera mural at Palacio de Bellas Artes

While I didn’t get to see a performance at the Palacio de Bellas Artes at least I did get to visit and I highly recommend it.

The art work is incredible and includes Diego Rivera’s mural Man, Controller of the Universe. Read more about my visit to Palacio de Bellas Artes.

 

 

Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacan

One of the big highlights for me included visiting the house where Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera lived in Coyoacan neighborhood. You can find more about visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum here.

 

 

Frida and Diego’s house is known as Casa Azul for the beautiful blue exterior of the house.

 

 

When you visit the Frida Kahlo museum I suggest spending some time in the neighborhood. A good place to have lunch in Coyoacan is Restaurante El Morral.

 

 

National Museum of Anthropology

The largest and most visited museum in Mexico City is worthy of a few hours. Located within Chapultepec Park

Entrance fee

70 pesos for adults. Free entry for nationals, seniors over age 60, children under 13, people with disabilities, teachers, and students.

Attend a guided tour Tuesday to Saturday at 10:30 am 12:30 am 1:30 pm 3 pm and 5 pm

Hours

Tuesday to Sunday 9 am to 7 pm (closed every Monday)

 

 

Museum of Modern Art at Chapultepec Park

 

After visiting the indoor exhibits I enjoyed a stroll through the outdoor sculpture garden at the Museum of Modern Art.

 

Museo de Arte Moderno outdoor sculpture gardens

 

Via Corta Cafe de Autor at Museo de Arte Moderno

There is also a wonderful coffee shop at the Museum of Modern Art. I sat outside enjoying my cappuccino and tiramisu.

 

 

Rufino Tamayo Museum

Just a short walk from the Museum of Modern Art in Chapultepec Park is the Rufino Tamayo Museum. It is a small museum so there is often a queue to get into the museum especially on weekends.

 

 

National History Museum Mexico City

The National History Museum and Chapultepec Castle are located on the top of a hill in Chapultepec Park.

 

 

Chapultepec Castle

Adjacent to the National History Museum is the extravagant Castillo de Chapultepec where Maximilian I and Empress Carlota once resided.

 

 

Here is one more photo from Chapultepec Park featuring one of the tiny residents of the park. The squirrels are a great amusement to many visitors at the park.

 

 

Angel of Independence monument – Paseo de la Reforma

There are wonderful views from the balcony of Chapultepec Castle including Paseo de la Reforma where there are several monuments.

 

 

Best view of Mexico City Historical District

Besides the balcony of the Chapultepec Castle the best view of Mexico City is from atop the Torre Latinoamericana building located in Centro Historico – the central historical district.

There are several metro stops in the area so it is easy to get to.

 

 

There is a restaurant and bar on the 41st floor of the Torre Latinoamericana building where you can enjoy a coffee or cocktail along with a magnificent view of Mexico City.

 

Centro Historico – Zócalo

The Central Historic District features the large plaza known as Zócalo which was originally the ceremonial center of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan.

The official name of the plaza is Plaza de la Constitución but everyone refers to it as Zócalo.

 

 

Tacos in Mexico City

You gotta try the tacos in Mexico City! Along with great architecture and historical sites there were some delicious tacos to be had for only a few pesos.

Delicious carnitas – which means little meats were a favorite. Although I am not a big meat-eater these tacos were so tasty!

 

 

La Condesa neighborhood

Traveling alone it is important to feel safe and secure and I felt perfectly safe in my neighborhood La Condesa in Mexico City.

I stayed on Amsterdam Avenue which is an oval-shaped road with a center pedestrian walkway all around. It took me around 45 minutes to walk the whole loop and I walked the loop several evenings.

 

 

 

Walking around La Condesa early in the morning is pleasant because it’s not so busy and I was more observant of the beautiful architecture and design.

 

 

While I enjoyed my 8 days of solo travel in Mexico City I could spend another week or two to see more of the sights that I missed.

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