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    Mexico City

    Mexico

    Mexico City

    CityCulture

    Mexico City, the country's capital, is located at approximately 2,240 meters in a high valley surrounded by volcanoes, and its metropolitan area has nearly 22 million inhabitants.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Mexico
    7. Central Mexican Highlands
    9. Mexico City
    Mexico City, the country's capital, is located at approximately 2,240 meters in a high valley surrounded by volcanoes, and its metropolitan area has nearly 22 million inhabitants. You travel here for the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán beneath the colonial center, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987; for museums like the National Museum of Anthropology; and for a cuisine ranging from taco stands to tasting menus. Green residential neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa, the canals of Xochimilco, and day trips to Teotihuacán round out the stay.
    Centro Histórico

    District 1 of 4

    Centro Histórico

    The Historic Centre of Mexico City has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. Around the Zócalo you'll find the Templo Mayor, Cathedral, and National Palace, while to the west, Madero pedestrian street leads to Bellas Artes and the Alameda.

    Discover
    Condesa

    District 2 of 4

    Condesa

    West of Roma, Condesa developed from the early 20th century on the land of the Hacienda of the Condesa de Miravalle. In the 1920s, the grounds of the former horse racetrack around today's Parque México were added.

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    Coyoacán

    District 3 of 4

    Coyoacán

    Coyoacán in southern Mexico City was an independent town even before its incorporation; Hernán Cortés established his first headquarters here after the conquest.

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    Polanco

    District 4 of 4

    Polanco

    Polanco, north of Chapultepec Park, is one of the city's most affluent neighborhoods. Avenida Presidente Masaryk is lined with luxury shops, while side streets feature embassies, hotels, and some of Mexico's most renowned restaurants.

    Discover

    More districts in Mexico City

    Roma Norte

    Roma Norte

    Roma Norte emerged circa 1900 as a wealthy residential area. French-style villas, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco buildings line tree-lined streets like Avenida Álvaro Obregón and Calle Colima. Today, the district features cafés, galleries, bars, and top city restaurants, plus popular lodging.

    Sights in Mexico City

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Palacio de Bellas Artes

    1Palacio de Bellas Artes

    The white marble Palace of Fine Arts, at the east end of the Alameda, was begun in 1904 by Adamo Boari and completed in 1934; Art Nouveau on the exterior, Art Deco on the interior. On the upper floors hang murals by Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Rufino Tamayo. The theater hall hosts opera, concerts, and the Ballet Folklórico; its glass stage curtain depicts the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl.
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    Templo Mayor

    2Templo Mayor

    The excavation next to the Cathedral reveals the Main Temple of Tenochtitlán, which was built over in several construction phases. A walkway leads through the ruins. The attached museum displays finds from the excavation, including the circular stone disc of the moon goddess Coyolxauhqui, whose 1978 discovery prompted the excavations. Open Tuesday to Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM, closed Mondays.
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    National Museum of Art (MUNAL)

    3National Museum of Art (MUNAL)

    The National Art Museum, located in the opulent palace of the former Ministry of Communications on Calle Tacuba, showcases Mexican art from the mid-16th to the mid-20th century, spanning from the colonial period to after the Revolution. In front of the building stands Manuel Tolsá's equestrian statue of Charles IV, El Caballito.
    Open in Google Maps
    Museo de Arte Popular

    4Museo de Arte Popular

    The Museum of Folk Art south of the Alameda is housed in a former fire station, an Art Deco building by Vicente Mendiola from 1927; the courtyard, where the fire engines once stood, is now glass-roofed. It displays handicrafts from all regions of the country: textiles, ceramics, glass, furniture, piñatas, and colorful alebrijes.
    Open in Google Maps
    El Ángel de la Independencia

    5El Ángel de la Independencia

    The Victory Column with a gilded angel figure stands in a roundabout on Paseo de la Reforma. It was inaugurated in 1910 for the centenary of the War of Independence; in its base rest heroes of independence. The Angel is a meeting point for celebrations and demonstrations.
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    Metropolitan Cathedral

    6Metropolitan Cathedral

    The Cathedral on the north side of the Zócalo, one of the largest churches in the Americas, was built from 1573 to 1813; its long construction period explains the mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and Classicism. Behind the main altar stands the 18th-century gilded Churrigueresque Altar de los Reyes. Because the soft ground of the former lake bed yields, the structure has subsided unevenly; between 1993 and 1998, its foundation was extensively stabilized.
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    City walks in Mexico City

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Mexiko-Stadts Historisches Herz: Eine Zeitreise durch Kultur & Pracht

    Entdecken Sie auf diesem angenehmen zweistündigen Spaziergang das pulsierende Herz von Mexiko-Stadt. Von präkolumbianischen Wurzeln über die koloniale Pracht bis zur Jugendstil-Eleganz führt Sie diese Tour durch die faszinierendsten Sehenswürdigkeiten des Centro Histórico.

    ~2 Std.
    Open in Google Maps
    Stops (7)

    Essen & Trinken

    1

    El Cardenal

    Traditional restaurant on Calle Palma in the Centro Histórico since 1969, serving classic Mexican cuisine. Known for its breakfast with Conchas and fresh Nata, and its homemade hot chocolate.
    Show on Google Maps
    2

    Al Andalus

    Lebanese restaurant on Calle Mesones 171 in the east of the Historic Center, near La Merced, where many Lebanese immigrants settled at the beginning of the 20th century. The menu features Labneh, hummus, raw kibbeh, and grilled dishes like Shawarma.
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    3

    Restaurant Bar Catedral

    Mexican restaurant with a bar at Calle Donceles 95, just north of the Cathedral and near the Templo Mayor. Besides lunch and dinner, breakfast is also available.
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    4

    Restaurant Ehden

    Lebanese family restaurant on the first floor of a corner building on Calle Venustiano Carranza in the eastern Centro Histórico, founded by the Frangie Harfuch family. It is known for the Cazuela Edén with chicken liver fried in olive oil, alongside classic Lebanese dishes.
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    5

    Churreria El Moro Centro

    The Churrería's original branch on Avenida Eje Central, formerly Calle San Juan de Letrán, opened in 1935 and is open 24/7. Freshly fried churros are available with hot chocolate in various varieties.
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    6

    Nonsolo

    Italian restaurant on Calle Motolinía 37 in the Centro Histórico, a few steps from the Madero pedestrian street. Convenient for a lunch or dinner break between the Old Town's attractions.
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    7

    Azul Histórico

    The restaurant serves regional Mexican cuisine in the courtyard of a colonial building at Calle Isabel la Católica 30, under trees with lamps hanging from their branches. The menu changes with themed offerings focusing on specific regions or seasonal ingredients; upscale pricing.
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    8

    Ex Convento Café

    Café-restaurant at Avenida Hidalgo 107, on the north edge of Alameda Central, handy for a break between Bellas Artes, Museo Franz Mayer and Alameda.
    Show on Google Maps
    9

    La Terraza del Conquistador

    Terrace restaurant at Plaza de la Constitución 13 on the west side of the Zócalo, overlooking the square. Serves breakfast and grilled dishes.
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    Starbucks

    Kaffeehauskette aus Seattle, bekannt für besondere Röstungen, leichte Snacks und WLAN.
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    10

    Café La Blanca

    Traditional cafe at Avenida 5 de Mayo 40, which started around 1915 as dairy La Blanca Asturiana and has been at this address since 1943. Besides Café con leche, it offers Mexican breakfast and lunch dishes such as Chilaquiles, Enchiladas, and Cochinita pibil.
    Show on Google Maps

    Food & Drink

    Mexico City is the capital of street food: Taquerías and stalls are on almost every corner. Also, there are market halls, traditional cantinas, and internationally known restaurants.

    Tacos al pastor

    Marinated pork from the rotisserie with pineapple, onions, and coriander, the city's classic.

    Tlacoyos and Quesadillas

    Oval corn flatbreads with beans or cheese, freshly baked on the Comal, at stands throughout the city.

    Chilaquiles

    Fried tortilla pieces in green or red salsa, the typical breakfast, often with egg or chicken.

    Churros with Chocolate

    Freshly fried and with hot chocolate, for example at Churrería El Moro.

    Pulque and Mezcal

    The fermented agave juice Pulque is served in traditional Pulquerías; Mezcal in numerous bars.

    Culture & Character

    From Tenochtitlán to MetropolisThe Mexica founded Tenochtitlán around 1325 on an island in Lake Texcoco. After the conquest in 1521, the Spanish built their capital directly on its ruins; the lake was gradually drained. The soft lakebed is still noticeable today: many colonial buildings have subsided, and earthquakes like 1985 and 2017 hit the city hard.Art and MuseumsMexico City has an exceptionally dense museum landscape; several major museums are located in Chapultepec Park alone. Distinctive features include the murals by the Muralists in public buildings, the Anthropological Museum, and an active contemporary art scene with galleries in Roma, San Rafael, and Polanco. Día de Muertos is celebrated with altars, parades, and cemetery visits.

    Nightlife

    Mexico City's nightlife is diverse, ranging from traditional mezcal bars to modern clubs, which you'll find primarily in Roma Norte and Condesa. Here, you'll discover specialized venues like Templo Mezcaleria and established live music venues such as Zinco Jazz Club.
    1

    Zinco Jazz Club

    Jazz club on Calle Motolinía 20 in the Centro Histórico, housed in the underground vault of a former Banco de México building. Live jazz from Wednesday to Saturday from 9 PM, admission varies by program.
    Show on Google Maps
    2

    Kaito del Valle

    Cocktail bar modeled after a Japanese Izakaya at Calle Hamburgo 70B in Colonia Juárez, where it moved in summer 2025 from Colonia del Valle. The drinks are based on sake and Japanese ingredients, plus small sharing dishes; the bar is on the list North America's 50 Best Bars.
    Show on Google Maps
    3

    La Cumbancha Mezcal & Cerveza Artesanal

    Bar on the first floor of a building on Calle Isabel la Católica 14 in the Centro Histórico, specializing in Mezcal and craft beer.
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    4

    La Opera

    The bar-cantina at the corner of Avenida 5 de Mayo and Filomeno Mata dates back to a pastry shop founded in 1876 and has been at this location since 1895. Its separate booths are a typical feature; a bullet hole in the ceiling is attributed to Pancho Villa, though the stories surrounding it vary.
    Show on Google Maps
    5

    La Bodeguita del Medio

    Cuban bar in a three-story building on Calle Cozumel 37 in Roma Norte, modeled after the Havana bar of the same name. Every evening features live Son Cubano, along with Mojitos and Cuban dishes; the walls are covered with messages and signatures from guests.
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    6

    Parker & Lenox

    Through the Lenox restaurant, serving American cuisine at Calle General Prim 100 in Colonia Juárez, a dark passage leads you to a speakeasy-style jazz club. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday, with live music starting at 9 PM; Tuesdays feature a Jam Session, and admission varies by weekday.
    Show on Google Maps
    7

    La Reyna de San Pablo

    Bar with grill kitchen on Calle Jesús María 148 in the southeastern Historic Center, off the main tourist routes.
    Show on Google Maps

    Getting Around

    Metro, Metrobús and TaxiThe Metro, with twelve lines, is fast and affordable: a ride costs 5 pesos, including transfers. It gets very crowded during peak hours. It's complemented by Metrobús lines on dedicated lanes, such as along Avenida Insurgentes; the standard fare is 6 pesos. For both, you need the rechargeable Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada, available at vending machines in the stations. Many travelers also use app services like Uber and DiDi or taxis from official stands. You can easily explore Centro Histórico, Roma, Condesa and Coyoacán on foot; Ecobici offers a bike-sharing system.AirportsThe main airport, AICM, is located about 5 kilometers east of the city center. Terminal 1 has its own Metro station, Terminal Aérea (Line 5); Metrobús Line 4 runs from both terminals to the center and costs 30 pesos.Some domestic and international flights use AIFA Airport in Zumpango, about 35 kilometers north of the city. Since April 2026, the Tren Felipe Ángeles has connected it with Buenavista station in the city center.For information on safety and health, including the effects of altitude, see the UK FCDO Travel Advice for Mexico.

    Accommodations in Mexico City

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    Nearby

    Centro Histórico

    Centro Histórico

    The Historic Centre of Mexico City has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. Around the Zócalo you'll find the Templo Mayor, Cathedral, and National Palace, while to the west, Madero pedestrian street leads to Bellas Artes and the Alameda. In the side streets, you'll discover colonial palaces, churches, markets, and traditional cafes; the major sights are detailed on the Mexico City page.
    Roma Norte

    Roma Norte

    Roma Norte emerged circa 1900 as a wealthy residential area. French-style villas, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco buildings line tree-lined streets like Avenida Álvaro Obregón and Calle Colima. Today, the district features cafés, galleries, bars, and top city restaurants, plus popular lodging.
    Condesa

    Condesa

    West of Roma, Condesa developed from the early 20th century on the land of the Hacienda of the Condesa de Miravalle. In the 1920s, the grounds of the former horse racetrack around today's Parque México were added. It is characterized by Art Deco residential buildings, wide green median strips, and the México and España parks. The district is quiet and green, but comes alive in the evenings with restaurants and bars on Avenidas Tamaulipas and Michoacán.
    Polanco

    Polanco

    Polanco, north of Chapultepec Park, is one of the city's most affluent neighborhoods. Avenida Presidente Masaryk is lined with luxury shops, while side streets feature embassies, hotels, and some of Mexico's most renowned restaurants. In the northwest, in Nuevo Polanco, are the Soumaya and Jumex museums.
    Coyoacán

    Coyoacán

    Coyoacán in southern Mexico City was an independent town even before its incorporation; Hernán Cortés established his first headquarters here after the conquest. Cobblestone streets, colonial houses, and tree-lined squares give the district a peaceful character. The most famous address is the Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo's home.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Pexels, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI