The 28 Best Things to Do in Mexico City in 2024

Mexico City is the largest city in North America, with a population of more than 9 million, and there's a reason it's so popular. While the list below includes some of the best things to do in Mexico City for couples, it's only scratching the surface, as the city offers almost any activity you could want while traveling. The official city was established in the 1200s, and its culture, art, history and importance have continued to grow ever since.

When you're in Mexico City, often abbreviated as CDMX, it's hard to not get swept up in the colors, sounds and excitement. It feels like there's always something going on, from the lively sidewalk cafes of the La Roma neighborhood to the street vendors and musicians in the gorgeous squares of the city's Centro Histórico. Mexico City also has a very noteworthy culinary and nightlife scene, making it a popular destination for groups traveling together, especially bachelorette parties. But that also makes it a romantic destination for couples, as there's no shortage of places to celebrate an anniversary, discover a new favorite artist, or enjoy mezcal cocktails with views of the city.

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These are the 28 best things to do in Mexico City for couples, whether you're outdoorsy adventurers, foodie travelers or history buffs eager to explore the city's rich Aztec history.

Take a Boat Tour on the Xochimilco Canals

Photo: David Espejo / Getty Images

A boat tour on the canals around Xochimilco is considered a must-do in the city by pretty much anyone who's been there. The canals, first built by the Aztecs, aren't the place for your standard romantic boat tour, a la the Venice canals of Italy. The boats are colorful and packed into the canals, and you won't be on the water for more than five minutes before a mariachi band goes floating by or horchata and elote vendors start hawking their freshly made snacks. Most tours are about three hours long, and while you can show up and book a tour on the spot, it's usually easier for non-Spanish speaking couples to book tours that include transportation to the canals from downtown Mexico City. It's a little cheesy, but a lot of fun.

Have Lunch in a Natural Cave

La Gruta is a cave restaurant fairly close to the famous Teotihuacán archaeological site. The highly-rated restaurant serves traditional Mexican dishes in the volcanic cave, with live music and traditional dance performances on the weekends. The mouth of the cave is large and viewable at all times, so even diners who sometimes get claustrophobic will probably be OK. You'll want to make a reservation for lunch since the cooler, shadier atmosphere makes it a popular spot for a midday break.

Circuito Arqueologico, Av. del Puente S/N, 55820 San Francisco Mazapa, Méx., Mexico

Visit the City's Anthropology Museum

The National Museum of Anthropology is the most popular museum in Mexico, and it has the largest collection of Mexican historical artifacts in the world. It'd be easy to fill multiple days in the museum's many exhibits, and it's one of the best things to do in Mexico City for couples with an interest in Mexican history, art and culture. The museum also has a tasty on-site restaurant with dishes inspired by the history and regions of Mexico.

Av. P.º de la Reforma s/n, Polanco, Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over an Ancient City

Photo: Max shen / Getty Images

For a truly unforgettable experience in Mexico City, book a hot air balloon ride over the ancient archaeological site of Teotihuacán. While soaring over the many impressive pyramids, temples and structures of the massive site, you'll have views of the surrounding high-desert landscape and the mountains cradling Mexico City. Most hot air balloon flights include transportation from Mexico City, snacks and drinks, and a Champagne toast during the flight.

Shop at an Artisan Market

Mexico City has dozens of huge outdoor markets, but many cater to locals who swing by for day-to-day items like fresh veggies and home items. Couples on vacation will want to head to one of the city's artist markets, like La Ciudadela. It's near the historic center of Mexico City, and you'll find art, textiles, jewelry, gifts and other affordable and high-end items from artists across the country. Bring cash, and know that while it's OK to barter on the price, for some vendors, selling their work is how they support their families.

Balderas S/N, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06040 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Day Trip to Mexico's Prettiest Hot Springs

"Grutas Tolantongo," or the Tolantongo hot springs, are some of the prettiest in Mexico, with multiple pools of turquoise water cascading down white limestone rock. The canyon is several hours from Mexico CIty, so it's best to book a day trip that picks you up early in the morning and arranges your admission fees. You can book shared or private tours, some of which include breakfast, lunch or both.

San Cristóbal S/N Ejido San cristobal, 42375 Cardonal, Hgo., Mexico

Visit a Butterfly Sanctuary

Photo: Bob Hilscher / Getty Images

Monarch butterflies have one of the largest annual migrations on Earth, covering more than 2,500 miles as they fly from their winter homes in Mexico to as far north as the US-Canadian border. Thousands of them spend winter at the Sierra Chincua Butterfly Sanctuary in Mexico, and taking a day trip there is one of the best things to do in Mexico City for couples looking for a unique experience. At the sanctuary, you'll stroll through the forest as hundreds of monarchs flutter around you. The monarchs are only there in large numbers in the winter, and you'll have a less-crowded experience if you visit mid-week.

Experience an Evening of Lucha Libre

If you're not familiar with lucha libre, get ready to be overwhelmed. Lucha libre is Mexico's version of professional wrestling, but it's way more over-the-top, complete with colorful masks and costumes. While going to a wrestling match may not be romantic, it is incredibly fun and something you can only experience in Mexico City. Lucha libra is a big part of the city's culture—as are taqueria and mezcal, which are also part of this fun nighttime experience.

Stroll Through a "Magic Town"

Photo: Danny Lehman / Getty Images

Close to Mexico City is San Miguel de Allende, a pueblo magico, or "magic town." Mexico has 177 towns with this designation, meaning they're beautiful or historic towns that have significance in Mexican culture. One of the closest to Mexico City is San Miguel de Allende. You can book a tour that includes transportation from Mexico City, or get yourself to the town and book your own food tour, baroque architecture walking tour, or even go horseback riding on the outskirts of town. It makes for a great overnight trip or long-but-worth-it day trip.

Explore Frida Kahlo's Mexico City

Frida Kahlo was arguably the most influential artist to live in Mexico City, and the former home she once shared with fellow artist Diego Rivera is now a popular museum. Visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum is one of the best things to do in Mexico City for couples interested in art, but the lines can get quite long. Fortunately, there are plenty of "skip-the-line" tours available to book in advance, like this cycling tour of the neighborhood she lived in, which includes a stop for churros before touring her former home.

Frida Kahlo museum: Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Learn How to Make Fresh Salsa

They say the way to a man's (or woman's) heart is through the stomach, so why not learn the skills to bring home a taste of your Mexico City vacation? You'll find no shortage of cooking classes perfect for couples, but one of the easiest ones you can take is a class to learn how to make fresh Mexican salsas. You'll learn not just the right spices, ratios and ingredients to use, but also how to pick out the freshest vegetables and herbs with a pre-class visit to a local market.

Blend the Perfect Tequila or Mezcal Cocktail

Photo: Michael Sugrue / Getty Images

Most people associate Mexico with tequila, and cocktail enthusiasts up on current trends probably know that mezcal is pretty darn popular, too. But to really impress your friends back home at your next cocktail party, why not take a tasting and mixology class to learn the differences between the two? This two-hour class pairs students with an expert mixologist to learn the ins and outs of tequila and mezcal, plus how to make cocktails using each. It's paired with snacks during the class, of course.

Hike Through a National Park

Many people don't realize how high Mexico City's elevation is—it's more than 7,000 feet above sea level. So it shouldn't be surprising to learn there are plenty of volcanoes around Mexico, since it's geothermal and tectonic activity that shift landscapes so high. Outdoorsy couples can hike between two of those volcanoes at Iztaccihuatl - Popocatepetl National Park. Without traffic, it's about two hours from Mexico City. You can rent a car and visit as a long day trip, stay in a hotel in Amecameca near the park, or book a day tour that includes a guide, park admission and transportation from Mexico City.

Pl. de la Constitucion 9, Centro, 56900 Amecameca de Juárez, Méx., Mexico

Walk Through the Historic Town Center

Spend a morning or afternoon walking through the historic center of Mexico City, Centro Histórico. You can find guided tours online, but most guidebooks and planning websites should also have free, self-guided routes you can save or download. Don't miss spots like the National Museum of Art, the Palace of Tiles and the gorgeous Metropolitan Cathedral. There are lots of great restaurants in Centro Histórico, but be sure to have some pesos on hand as there are plenty of equally delicious street food vendors out and about, too.

Spend an Evening at the Ballet

You don't need to speak Spanish to appreciate the beauty of ballet, and Mexico's National Folkloric Ballet calls Mexico City home. So while you're in the city, consider spending an elegant evening at the ballet. Most shows start around 7 p.m., making it easy to enjoy the show before heading to dinner at a romantic restaurant nearby, like Limosneros or Sonora Grill Prime.

C. Violeta 31, Guerrero, Cuauhtémoc, 06300 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Take a Food Tour

Photo: Larisa Blinova / Getty Images

Mexico City has a reputation for being a culinary destination, but so many people visit and stick just to tacos and tequila. That's part of the experience, sure, but the city has hundreds of years of culinary traditions. Taking a walking food tour is one of the best things to do in Mexico City for foodie travelers, and you'll find no shortage of options. Sabores Mexico Food Tours offers a few different highly rated tours, but the half-day tour through the city's historic center is a good place to start if you're new to Mexican food, spices and offerings.

Sweat It out in a Couple's Temazcal Ceremony

A temazcal ceremony is a traditional Mexican sweat lodge ritual, translating to "steam house" in English. Ceremonies are spiritual and purifying experiences held inside small, dome-shaped adobe structures. During the ceremony, a guide will lead you through rituals and use heated rocks and herbs to create aromatic steam. The ceremony is considered a way to connect with the natural elements, and it's something anyone can participate in if they have a few hours. You'll find lots of hotels that offer temazcal ceremonies for guests, but if yours doesn't, you can book ceremonies online, like this one that includes transportation from central CDMX.

Explore the Countryside on Horseback

While the city has plenty to fill several weeks of vacationing, sometimes you need to slow things down a bit. One of the best ways to do that is by visiting a ranch outside the city. With this tour from Mexico City, couples will ride horses through the Ajusco Mountains near Ajusco National Park, then head to a locally owned ranch for a BBQ lunch and charrería (traditional Mexican dressage) demonstration. It's perfect for couples who feel most at home in the mountains or need a break from the city for a day.

Take an Overnight Trip to Wine Country

Photo: ferrantraite / Getty Images

Mexico's Guadalupe Valley is the best-known wine region in the country, but it's not the only one. Queretaro is about four hours north of Mexico City, and it's a great destination for an overnight trip. You can rent a car in CDMX and explore the region's wineries, including Freixenet México, De Cote Casa Vitivinicola, Viñedos La Redonda and more. You can book guided tours in Queretaro, but they're easy enough to visit on your own if you have a car. You'll also find cute (and extremely affordable) hotels in Queretaro for an overnight stay, like Hotel Hercules and Casa del Atrio.

Walk Through the City With a Local

Mexico City is absolutely enormous, and it's easy to be overwhelmed by how many places there are to see. One of the best things to do in Mexico City for couples who haven't been there before is book a private city tour tailored to what you're most passionate about. City Unscripted offers tours by locals that are focused on anything from murals and outdoor art to historical sites, shopping, culture or even stops at the prettiest photo ops in the city.

Stroll Through Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec Park is the largest park in Mexico City, which means a lot since the city has hundreds of parks and green spaces. It's home to several museums (including the aforementioned National Museum of Anthropology), the city's peaceful botanical garden and Chapultepec Castle, among other can't-miss sights in the city. Picnicking in the park is a popular activity, thanks to dozens of great restaurants in the nearby La Condesa neighborhood, which has lots of sidewalk cafes that can pack your food to go.

Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

Splurge on a Romantic Dinner

Photo: Pujol

While there are no Michelin-starred restaurants in Mexico City yet, there are several world-renowned chefs leading kitchens in CDMX. For an elegant, romantic dinner, make a reservation at one of the city's top restaurants like Rosetta, led by Elena Reygadas, often regarded as one of the world's best female chefs; Pujol, considered one of the best restaurants in the world (make your reservations early); and Quintonil, which offers a high-end, multi-course tasting dinner.

Pujol: Tennyson 133, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11570 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Rosetta: Colima 166, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Quintonil: Av. Isaac Newton 55, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Catch a Rooftop Sunset

Mexico City has lots of rooftop bars, but many are on top of historic buildings, perched maybe five or 10 stories above the city. For the best views, you'll want to head to a more modern building, like the Sofitel in the Reforma neighborhood. The hotel's Cityzen Restaurant is on the 38th floor and has fantastic views of the city. Stopping by for an afternoon cocktail is one of the most romantic things to do for couples in Mexico City, especially if it's your first stop on an evening of drinking and dining.

297 Avenue, Av. P.º de la Reforma 297-Piso 38, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Up Your Photography Game

If you're the type of couple who meticulously edits your travel photos the moment you get home, consider taking a class to improve your travel photography game. Mexico City-based photographer Alex Coghe offers private street photography tours of the city, giving you a chance to improve your skills when it comes to candid travel photos. Take a class at the start of your trip, and you can put the skills you learn to use during the rest of your time in the city.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

One of Mexico's signature deserts is the churro—crispy, flakey dough covered in cinnamon and sugar, among other indulgent toppings. You'll find them nearly everywhere in the city, but if you want to learn how to make them at home, you'll want to take a baking class. This highly-rated Airbnb experience will teach you and your partner how to make churros from scratch using ingredients and techniques you'll be able to recreate at home. Classes last two hours and are taught in English.

Beat the Crowds to Teotihuacán

Photo: Starcevic / Getty Images

Teotihuacán is one of the largest archaeological sites in Central America, and it's made even more fascinating by the fact that no one is sure exactly who built it. (It was used by the Aztecs, but they didn't establish the site.) It's probably the most popular day trip from Mexico City, so if you're keen to stroll the ruins, plan to get there first thing in the morning (provided you don't mind an early wake-up call, of course). This affordable tour includes admission to the first tour of the morning, pickup from your hotel, and even tastings of local spirits like pulque and mezcal.

55825 San Martín de las Pirámides, State of Mexico, Mexico

Visit the Palace of Fine Arts

Frida Kahlo may be Mexico's most well-known artist, but a close second is probably her former husband Diego Rivera. You'll find his work, as well as work from other famous artists, at Mexico City's Palace of Fine Arts. Touring the museum is one of the best things artistically inclined couples can do in the city, especially on rainy or unbearably hot days. The museum is open every day except Monday and costs 90 pesos (around $10) per person, cash only. Guided tours are free with admission.

Av. Juarez S/N, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06050 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

See the City After Dark

One of the best things to do in Mexico City at night is watch the city light up, both literally and metaphorically. You can certainly do your own evening tour simply by strolling around a pretty neighborhood like La Condesa or Coyoacán around sunset. But if you want some insider knowledge on the prettiest places in the city at sunset, book an evening walking tour. This particular tour will take couples past some of the most historic buildings in the city at night, ending with a visit to the top of the 545-foot-tall Torre Latinoamericana, which has arguably the best views in the entire city.