Things to do in Central Mexico

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Central Mexico

Types of activities

Where to stay

Central Mexico travel guide

Chapultepec Park which includes a garden

Veracruz Harbour featuring a sunset and a bay or harbour as well as an individual female

Castillo de Chapultepec which includes art, a castle and interior views

Castillo de Chapultepec showing a garden

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Top places to visit

1. Paseo de la Reforma

Paseo de la Reforma is likely to be one of your daily reference points as you travel around Mexico City. See many historic buildings and monuments along the lengthy stretch of this wide and beautiful tree-lined avenue. Notice the important modern buildings that have been constructed over time as Mexico and Mexico City have grown internationally as important financial markets.

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Paseo de La Reforma avenue and Angel of Independence Monument - Mexico City, Mexico

2. Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

More than 12 million people visit the Basilica de Santa Maria each year. They come to see the site at which the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a poor Indian, and to see the cloak with her image that is displayed there.

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Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe showing a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture

3. Angel of Independence Monument

Mexico City’s Angel of Independence Monument stands as a tribute to the heroes of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. From 1521when Hernán Cortés defeated the Aztec nation, until the early 1800s, the vast country of Mexico was a colony of Spain, separated by the wide Atlantic Ocean. Learn about the decade-long battle that started in 1810 and finally led to Mexico’s status as an independent monarchy and then a republic.

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The Angel of Independence in Mexico City

4. Zócalo

The Zocalo is the epicenter of Mexico’s capital city. The massive square can hold more than 100,000 people, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world. Officially named Plaza de la Constitucion, the Zocalo was once the heart of Tenochtitlan, an ancient Aztec city. You can see the square’s history in the wide variety of architecture, which ranges from pre-Hispanic ruins to palatial structures and modern buildings. Make sure to step into the Zocalo Metro Station, where you can see models of how the square has changed over time.

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5. Africam Safari

Africam Safari is a fun and informative park offering the opportunity to see exotic animals in vast natural habitats. It has a drive-through safari as well as a walking tour for a closer look at some of the tamer animals. Attend some of the zoo’s fascinating shows and attractions.

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Africam Safari which includes zoo animals and land animals

6. Veracruz Harbour

Veracruz Harbor (Puerto de Veracruz) is a working harbor and the location of several significant city landmarks. On the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Veracruz Harbor was a trading center during the Spanish rule of Mexico. Explore an imposing castle, built to store treasures and ward off pirate attacks. Witness modern-day maritime activities while strolling along the waterfront promenade.

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Veracruz Harbour which includes a square or plaza, a sunset and a bay or harbor

7. Frida Kahlo Museum

Visit the Museo Frida Kahlo, also known as La Casa Azul, the Blue House where artist Frida Kahlo was born. She lived and created here for her entire life, sometimes joined by her husband Diego Rivera. Here you’ll see Frida’s intimate world, with colorful and whimsical possessions that inspired her art and reflected her lifestyle.

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8. Palacio de Bellas Artes

The Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) is Mexico City’s premier arts institution and one of its architectural landmarks. This palace was built in 1934 in the art nouveau style, with large domes and marble columns. Inside, the main hall is a cavernous space, filled with natural light from the glass dome above. Find three upper levels devoted to art, including works by famous Mexican muralists. At night, see a show at the palace’s theater, which hosts world-class opera, folk and classical music.

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Palacio de Bellas Artes or Palace of Fine Arts, a symbol of Mexico

What to do in Central Mexico

Popular places to visit

Reforma featuring a monument, a park and a city

Paseo de la Reforma

4.5/5(8 reviews)

Like the Champs Elysées in Paris, this famous wide avenue provides a distinctive elegance to the historic plan of this huge global city.

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

4.5/5(18 reviews)

Mexico’s patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, is believed to have appeared on the site of this church, making it an important pilgrimage site for many Catholics.

Angel of Independence Monument

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Gaze upon this tall and majestic structure that symbolizes for the whole nation’s citizens the country’s long struggle for independence.

Zócalo

4.5/5(40 reviews)

This is the heart of Mexico City with wide-ranging architecture, cultural events and a lively arts scene.

Africam Safari

Bring the whole family for an entertaining day out. In the car or on foot, spot lions, giraffes, elephants and more roaming together.

Veracruz Harbour

Watch the busy maritime activity, admire grand architectural structures and visit a 16th-century Spanish colonial fortress at this historic port.

World Trade Center Mexico City

5/5(3 reviews)

World Trade Center Mexico City is just one of the places to see in Mexico City, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the great live music and stunning cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Frida Kahlo Museum

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Understand the creative mind of one of Mexico’s most well-known artists when you explore her home from childhood through adulthood.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

5/5(25 reviews)

Mexico City’s historic arts center showcases art nouveau architecture, murals, and performances of ballet, opera and classical music.

Areas of Central Mexico

Roma Norte

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Roma Norte. Check out top attractions like Avenida Insurgentes and MUCA Roma, and jump on the metro at Insurgentes Station or Sevilla Station to see more of the city.

Polanco

5/5(6 area reviews)

Visit the most diverse section of Mexico City for sophisticated shopping, dining, accommodations and sightseeing.

La Condesa

Enjoy 20th-century history in these two sections of Mexico City, with interesting art and architecture reflecting European influences.

Metropolitan Cathedral which includes heritage elements, a church or cathedral and street scenes

Historic Center

Consider a visit to Zócalo and take some time to enjoy the interesting museums during your time in Historic Center. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Allende Station or Bellas Artes Station.

Reforma

Consider a visit to Paseo de la Reforma and take some time to enjoy the important monuments during your time in Reforma. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Insurgentes Station or Cuauhtemoc Station.