Mexico City trips and vacations

To capture the capital at its most colorful, time your vacation to Mexico City during its annual ‘Dia de los Muertos’ (Day of the Dead) celebrations in October and November. The Grand Parade starts at Chapultepec Park and stretches to the city’s main square. Sit back and watch decorated floats as they pass through the jam-packed streets in a joyous celebration of death.

One of the best things to do on your vacation to Mexico City is eat. The city has some of the most exciting and inventive cuisine in the western hemisphere, from slow-cooked pork tacos served by neighborhood street vendors to innovative Michelin-starred menus. And you can’t leave town without a proper introduction to the country’s of-the-moment spirit, mezcal.

Dubbed the ‘City of Palaces’ thanks to its many opulent buildings, Mexico’s capital has plenty of pilgrimage-worthy architecture. You’ll find world-class beauties in the city’s central historic district, such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Palacio Postal, an ornate post office with one of the most beautiful staircases in Mexico.

Fashionable Condesa is prized for its plentiful green space, relaxed cafes and laid-back vibe. Seen as an alternative to the frenzy of the city’s historic center, the neighborhood showcases a steady mix of contemporary art at the House of Gaga gallery, rough-and-ready dive bars and a handful of secondhand bookstores whose aisles will keep you occupied for hours.

Good for: Parks, bookstores, bars

This upscale residential neighborhood west of downtown is where to stay in Mexico City if you want to be close to luxury shopping and fine-dining restaurants. Some of the city’s glitziest hotels reside here, along with high-end art galleries galore. But on Sundays locals trade their Louis Vuittons for sneakers and head for the manicured paths of Chapultepec Park.

Good for: Restaurants, galleries, shopping

The best neighborhood in Mexico City for sightseeing, Centro Historico boasts more palatial architecture and cultural institutions than some small countries. Start your day at the Zocalo, the great ancient square and beating heart of the capital, before exploring the endless attractions. Cool fact: The neighborhood was built on the foundations of Tenochtitlan, the former Aztec capital.

Good for: Palaces, museums, restaurants

The only thing more impressive than the city’s cultural institutions is how many of them are free to the public. The baroque Palacio de Cultura Banamex and the stunning, art-filled Museo Soumaya are admission-free every day, while other museums close their ticket boxes on Sundays. For big views on a budget, hike to the top of Pico del Aguila, the city’s highest peak.

Mexico City is renowned for its street food, with many restaurants originating from humble roadside stalls or taquerias. You could spend a lifetime trying to know them all. The very best specialize in fresh fish, colorful ingredients and handmade components, often with no frills. Try the ‘cochinita pibil’ (smoke-roasted pork) at El Turix and the meat tacos at Taqueria Orinoco.

Few places celebrate culture as loudly and proudly as Mexico City, where you’ll find more than a hundred museums. The world-class National Museum of Anthropology is massive and requires multiple afternoons to absorb. Art lovers won’t want to miss the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Palacio Nacional, the top spot for viewing Diego Rivera’s famous murals.

Mexico City has been a center of trading and commerce since the days of the Aztecs, and little has changed since. Designer boutiques, artisan stores and antique shops can be found in many neighborhoods. For an authentic look into Mexican culture, ‘tianguis’ (open-air bazaars) like the La Lagunilla flea market are also worth a visit for their affordable souvenirs, antiques and local crafts.

Mexico City is home to hundreds of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own thriving nightlife. The hipster charms of Roma and Condesa come to life in mezcal bars. Downtown, it’s all about the rooftop bars and swanky cocktail spots. For a glimpse into classic Mexican bar culture, book a tour of the city’s historic cantinas.

The list of things to do with family in Mexico City is endless and includes everything from gondola rides down the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco to roller coasters at Latin America’s favorite theme park, Six Flags Mexico. Kids can learn about science and art at the interactive Papalote Museo del Nino. And for something free, the city has plenty of sprawling public parks.