TIME NOW IN
Mexico City, México
INTRO CDMX
Discover Mexico City through the most searched questions by travelers. Our quick and practical answers will make your visit to CDMX easy, educational, and exciting.
WHAT IS IT?
WHAT IS IT LIKE?
WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
WHEN TO VISIT?
WHEN IS SUMMER?
RAINY SEASON?
KEY AREAS OF CDMX
WHAT IS IT?
Mexico City is a gigantic, vibrant, and diverse metropolis, where history, art, and modernity intertwine in its streets, museums, and markets. The whole world is in CDMX! There’s a bit of every culture on the planet in this place.
Moreover, it is the cultural epicenter of Latin America, filled with architectural treasures, iconic murals, unique cuisine, and bohemian neighborhoods, offering authentic and profound experiences to those who seek to explore its human, artistic, and cultural richness.
WHAT IS IT LIKE?
Mexico City is HUGE, dynamic, culturally rich, and multifaceted. It’s an urban marvel where the old meets the new: historic neighborhoods, colonial and modern architecture, world-class museums, urban art, traditional markets, and a vibrant multicultural blend.
CDMX is both chaotic and charming, with an unparalleled energy and a spirit that reflects its indigenous roots as well as its cosmopolitan character. All of this is enveloped in exceptional warmth, both from the locals and expatriates who have found a new home here.
WHEN TO VISIT?
Any time is perfect for visiting Mexico City! This stunning metropolis boasts multicultural events all year round. There’s always something fun happening in CDMX.
When the rest of the world is experiencing freezing winter temperatures, CDMX enjoys a perpetual spring with pleasant temperatures and blue skies.
TIP: It’s wise to visit Mexico City when schools and universities are on break.
WHEN IS SUMMER?
From mid-November onwards, Mexico City is truly delightful, boasting clear blue skies and pleasant temperatures through February, with chilly nights and sunny days.
The warmest months are from March to late August, when heavy rains begin.
RAINY SEASON?
Rain is common from May to November. The heaviest rains typically occur from late August to November in Mexico City, often bringing some grey days and occasional hail.
Due to the city’s high elevation and strong winds, it is rare for rain to last all day. Usually, it pours for just a couple of hours.
Mobility in cdmx
Mexico City offers a variety of public transportation options to help you navigate this vast metropolis with ease. Try them all! Purchase an integrated system card to access all modes of transportation.
Remember to avoid traveling during peak hours or heavy traffic times. Instead, spend a couple of hours enjoying the recommended spots.
UBER
METRO
METROBUS
CABLEBUS
TURIBUS
ECOBICI
WALKING AROUND
PEAK HOURS
top museums cdmx
After London, Mexico City has the most museums in the world.
Here is our selection of the best and must-see museums in CDMX.
MUNAL
TEMPLO MAYOR
MUSEO DE LAS CULTURAS
COLEGIO SAN ILDEFONSO
PALACIO DE BELLAS ARTES
MUSEO DE SAN CARLOS
MAM
MUSEO DE ANTROPOLOGÍA
CASTILLO DE CHAPULTEPEC
MUSEO SOUMAYA
JUMEX
MUAC
SEP
munal
The National Museum of Art (MUNAL), located in the Historic Center, is housed in an impressive neoclassical building. Its mission is to preserve and exhibit Mexico’s artistic heritage, allowing visitors to understand the evolution of art in the country and its connection to history.
TEMPLO MAYOR
It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico City and the Americas.
It was the religious and ceremonial center of Tenochtitlan, the ancient capital of the Mexica Empire at the time of Hernán Cortés’ arrival and the Spanish colonization.
museo NACIONAL
de las culturas
The National Museum of Cultures of the World exhibits objects of international origin, organized according to various ways of life, values, customs, and beliefs, with the aim of helping us understand cultural diversity rather than focusing on their beauty or historical value.
COLEGIO
SAN ILDEFONSO
Founded in the 16th century as a Jesuit College, it is now a museum that houses exciting murals by artists such as Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros.
PALACIO DE
BELLAS ARTES
This cultural icon impresses not only with its majestic architecture but also with its profound artistic significance.
The facade, made of white Carrara marble, is a masterpiece that blends Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, while its dome, adorned with vibrant shades of orange and yellow, is crowned by the figure of Pegasus, an unmistakable symbol of the building.
MUSEO NACIONAL
DE SAN CARLOS
This is an important art museum specializing in European art. Opened in 1968, it is housed in a building that was originally a convent and later a school.
Explore the collection of works by European masters from the Renaissance to the 20th century, including artists such as El Greco, Ribera, Goya, and Van Gogh.
mam
The Museum of Modern Art in Mexico City, inaugurated in 1964, houses an extensive collection of works by Mexican and international artists from the 20th and 21st centuries.
It is home to “The Two Fridas,” one of Frida Kahlo’s masterpieces that you cannot miss.
MUSEO DE
ANTROPOLOGÍA
The National Museum of Anthropology is one of the most important museums in Latin America.
It houses an astonishing pre-Hispanic collection, full of colors and textures. One of the favorite spots on the map of Mexico City.
CASTILLO DE CHAPULTEPEC
It is the only royal castle in the Americas. It served as an imperial residence, presidential home, and military academy.
Today, it is the National History Museum, with exhibits of artifacts, paintings, and furniture about Mexico from the colonial period to the Revolution, housed in a historic building atop Chapultepec Hill.
MUSEO SOUMAYA
Belonging to the Slim Foundation, the spectacular Soumaya Museum is home to the most important private collection in Mexico City. A tribute to the memory of Soumaya Domit and her love for art and culture.
jumex
The Jumex Museum is a renowned contemporary art museum on the map of Mexico City, known for its innovative architecture and its focus on modern art.
muac
The MUAC (University Museum of Contemporary Art) is one of the most important spaces dedicated to art in Mexico.
It is part of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). A surprising cultural oasis in the vibrant university citadel.
SEP
The Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) Building, also known as the Site Museum, is an iconic building located in the Historic Center of Mexico City.
It is an amazing living artwork, completely painted on the inside by Diego Rivera.
Look for Frida on the third floor, as seen through Diego’s eyes.
EL ZÓCALO
It is the main square of Mexico City and one of the most emblematic places in the country.
Officially called Constitution Square, it is one of the largest squares in the world and has been the center of Mexico’s political, social, and cultural life since Aztec times, when it was the heart of Tenochtitlan.
CATEDRAL METROPOLITANA
TEMPLO MAYOR
MAF – PHOTOGRAPHY
COLEGIO SAN ILDEFONSO
MUSEO DE LAS CULTURAS
MUSEO DEL ESTANQUILLO
PALACIO DE ITURBIDE
CATEDRAL METROPOLITANA
It is the largest and oldest Catholic temple in Latin America, located in the Zócalo. Its construction began in 1573 and lasted for three centuries, resulting in a mix of architectural styles such as Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Neoclassical.
TEMPLO MAYOR
This archaeological site is one of the most prominent not only in Mexico City but in all of the Americas. It served as the religious and ceremonial epicenter of Tenochtitlan, the ancient capital of the powerful Mexica Empire, which thrived until the arrival of Hernán Cortés and the subsequent Spanish colonization.
MAF – fotografía
The Photography Archive Museum in Mexico City is a space dedicated to the conservation, exhibition, and dissemination of the city’s photographic heritage. The museum showcases a collection of images that document the architectural, social, and cultural evolution of Mexico City from the late 19th century to the present day.
COLEGIO SAN ILDEFONSO
Founded in the 16th century as a Jesuit College, today it is a museum that houses exciting murals by artists such as Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros.
MUSEO DE
LAS CULTURAS
The National Museum of World Cultures is the only museum that exhibits objects of international origin organized according to various ways of life, values, customs, and beliefs, with the purpose of helping us understand cultural diversity, rather than focusing on their beauty or historical value.
MUSEO DEL ESTANQUILLO
Located on the famous pedestrian street Francisco Madero, it houses the personal collection of Carlos Monsiváis, a prominent Mexican writer.
This museum is a treasure trove of diversity, holding a rich variety of objects that capture the essence of the country’s history, popular culture, and daily life, including photographs, caricatures, folk art, models, prints, and historical documents.
PALACIO
DE ITURBIDE
Built in the 18th century in Baroque style, it was originally a residential palace, and in the 19th century, it hosted Agustín de Iturbide, who was Emperor of Mexico, hence its name. Not only is the building a true gem, but its art collection belonging to the Jumex Foundation is also fantastic and inspiring.
la Alameda
It is the oldest and one of the most beautiful parks in America. Alameda Central houses the impressive Palacio de Bellas Artes and several outdoor gardens with fascinating fountains.
Find the following recommended places in the map of Mexico City:
PALACIO DE BELLAS ARTES
MUSEO FRANZ MAYER
MUSEO MURAL DIEGO RIVERA
MERCADO DE SAN JUAN
MONUMENTO A LA REVOLUCIÓN
BARRIO CHINO
PALACIO DE
BELLAS ARTES
This cultural icon not only impresses with its majestic architecture but also with its profound artistic significance.
The white Carrara marble facade is a masterpiece that fuses art nouveau and art déco styles, while its dome, with vibrant shades of orange and yellow and crowned by the figure of Pegasus, stands as an unmistakable symbol of the building.
MUSEO
FRANZ MAYER
The Franz Mayer Museum is a treasure dedicated to decorative arts and design.
It safeguards the valuable personal collection of Franz Mayer, a passionate German collector who made Mexico his home. This iconic museum is located in a historic building dating back to the 16th century.
MUSEO MURAL
DIEGO RIVERA
The Diego Rivera Mural Museum, located in the historic center of Mexico City, was founded to house and preserve one of Rivera’s most iconic murals, titled “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central,” painted in 1947.
MERCADO
DE SAN JUAN
It is one of the most emblematic and traditional markets in Mexico City. It is known for its wide, unique, and exotic gastronomic offerings.
In this famous market, you can try the rarest proteins such as lion tacos or hamburgers, scorpion, or crocodile, among others.
MONUMENTO
A LA REVOLUCIÓN
This monument stands out for its art déco architecture and its imposing structure, crowned by a 67-meter-high dome. It houses mausoleums with the remains of historical figures of the Revolution, such as Francisco I. Madero, Pancho Villa, and Venustiano Carranza.
chinatown
It emerged in the 1940s with the arrival of Chinese migrants who established businesses and restaurants, contributing to the city’s cultural diversity. Although small, the neighborhood stands out for its Chinese restaurants, Asian product stores, and traditional decorations such as lanterns and typical arches.
la villa
The Villa of Guadalupe, officially known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is one of the most important Catholic shrines in Mexico and Latin America.
Located in the Gustavo Madero borough of Mexico City, this religious complex is visited by millions of pilgrims every year who come to pay homage to the Virgin of Guadalupe, considered the patron saint of Mexico. Find within the complex:
LA BASÍLICA NUEVA
LA BASÍLICA ANTIGUA
CASA DE LA VIRGEN
SANTUARIO DEL CERRO
CAPILLA DEL JURAMENTO
LA BASÍLICA NUEVA
It is the sanctuary built in 1976 to house the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe and to receive the millions of pilgrims who visit each year.
Designed by architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, this structure stands out for its circular architecture and its capacity to accommodate up to 10,000 people.
LA BASÍLICA ANTIGUA
The Expiatory Temple to Christ the King is a church built in the 18th century (1695-1709) on the site where, according to Catholic tradition, the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared to the indigenous Juan Diego in 1531.
Its architectural design is Baroque and Neoclassical. Its facade, doors, and ornamental details reflect the artistic style of the era, which stand out from afar with their yellow domes.
CASA DE LA VIRGEN
The House of the Virgin, also known as the Chapel of the Little Well, is a small chapel in the Villa of Guadalupe complex, one of the favorite spots on the map of Mexico City.
It was built near the old Basilica on the site where, according to tradition, a miraculous spring emerged following the appearance of the Virgin of Guadalupe to the indigenous Juan Diego in 1531. This spring was a symbol of healing and attracted many pilgrims over the years, looking for the miracle water.
SANTUARIO DEL CERRO
The Sanctuary of the Hill of Tepeyac is a complex of chapels and religious spaces located on the Hill of Tepeyac in Mexico City.
This site is sacred to Catholics, as, according to tradition, it was here that the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared four times to the indigenous Juan Diego in 1531. The sanctuary has become one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world.
CAPILLA DEL
JURAMENTO
Specifically dedicated to the fulfillment of promises and vows of faith by pilgrims.
This place holds special significance for those who visit the sanctuary, as it symbolizes the fulfillment of spiritual commitments and deep devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe, making it a place of intense emotional and spiritual significance.
la juárez
Located on Paseo de la Reforma, this neighborhood emerged at the end of the 19th century as a residential area of elegant mansions and European-style buildings. It has evolved to become a vibrant place that combines the traditional with the modern, with a great balance between the old and the contemporary.
EL ÁNGEL +++
AVE REFORMA
BIBLIOTECA DE MÉXICO
LA CIUDADELA
ZONA ROSA
AVE INSURGENTES
el Ángel de la independencia
Designed by architect Antonio Rivas Mercado, The Angel of Independence stands out for its 45-meter-high column, crowned by a majestic golden statue of Winged Victory.
It symbolizes independence and freedom and represents the resilient and triumphant spirit of the nation.
Avenida Reforma
Paseo de la Reforma Avenue is one of the most iconic arteries of Mexico City, symbolizing its history and modernity. Conceived in the 19th century by Maximilian of Habsburg to connect Chapultepec Castle with the National Palace, it was inspired by European boulevards.
santa maría
Santa María La Ribera is a fascinating enclave that combines the elegance of Porfirian architecture with a vibrant bohemian and cultural atmosphere. Its streets are adorned with old mansions that tell stories of the past, while its plazas and parks are settings for artistic and cultural activities.
KIOSKO MORISCO
MUSEO DE GEOLOGÍA UNAM
MUSEO DEL CHOPO
kiosko morisco
The Kiosco Morisco is an impressive iron structure in Mudéjar style, notable for its intricate design and colorfulness.
Originally exhibited at the World’s Fair in New Orleans in 1884, this iconic kiosk was later moved to Santa María la Ribera, where it has become an iconic symbol of the neighborhood.
MUSEO DE GEOLOGÍA
Founded in 1906, it is one of the oldest museums of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and is dedicated to the study of geology, paleontology, and mineralogy.
Its neoclassical-style building is considered an architectural gem of the early 20th century, with ornamental details that include fossils and minerals.
la roma
Divided into Roma Norte and Roma Sur, it is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods on the map of Mexico City, famous for its mix of history, art, culture, and gastronomy. It is characterized by its tree-lined streets, eclectic architecture, modernity, and creativity. La Roma is also very popular for its nightlife with bars, terraces, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
PLAZA RIO DE JANEIRO
FUENTE DE CIBELES
MERCADO MEDELLÍN
PLAZA LUIS CABRERA
AVE ÁLVARO OBREGÓN
la fuente
de cibeles
Around the Fuente de Cibeles, in the Roma neighborhood, there is a vibrant area full of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops that reflect a bohemian and cosmopolitan style, a favorite spot on the map of Mexico City. It is an ideal area to enjoy international cuisine, mingle with locals, or simply relax in a dynamic and friendly atmosphere.
PLAZA RÍO DE JANEIRO
Plaza Río de Janeiro is one of the most charming spaces in the Roma neighborhood, a favorite on the map of Mexico City. With its tranquil atmosphere and surrounded by elegant Porfirian and Art Deco buildings, this plaza is a meeting point for everyone.
la condesa
La Condesa is one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in Mexico City, known for its bohemian and cultural atmosphere. Built around the old hippodrome of CDMX, it is very popular for its pedestrian zones like Parque México, Parque España, and the various boulevards in the neighborhood, where you can find a variety of cozy cafes, signature restaurants, bars with terraces, and boutiques.
CALLE ÁMSTERDAM
PARQUE MÉXICO
CLL ALFONSO REYES
PARQUE ESPAÑA
AVENIDA MAZATLÁN
PARQUE MÉXICO
It is one of the most emblematic and beautiful green spaces in Mexico City, located in the heart of the Hipódromo Condesa neighborhood. Famous for its Art Deco style, the park features fountains, sculptures, tree-lined walkways, resting benches, and a unique dog park in the area.
chapultepec
If New York has Central Park, Mexico City has Chapultepec. It is the green lung of Mexico City, a place that invites you to discover the city in a thousand different ways.
What makes Chapultepec even more special is that it is not just a park, but also connects different neighborhoods through its magical tree-lined paths. A natural refuge among trees, lakes, art, and vibrant spaces that tell the stories of a multifaceted Mexico you must explore.
CASTILLO DE CHAPULTEPEC
MUSEO DE ANTROPOLOGÍA
MAM – MUSEO
MUSEO TAMAYO
ZOOLÓGICO
JARDÍN BOTÁNICO
LOS PINOS
MAM
Inaugurated in 1964, it houses an extensive collection of works by Mexican and international artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. It is home to “Las dos Fridas,” one of Frida Kahlo’s masterpieces and a favorite on the map of Mexico City that you must not miss.
museo tamayo
Founded in 1981 by the renowned Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo, the museum was created to house his collection of international modern art and to promote contemporary artistic expressions from both Mexico and the rest of the world.
polanco
The Polanco neighborhood is one of the most sophisticated and favorite areas on the map of Mexico City, recognized for its mix of luxury, culture, and vibrant social life. Polanco stands out for the names of its streets, dedicated to great figures, scholars, and intellectuals such as Molière, Homer, Horace, Newton, among others.
Filled with luxury boutiques, sensational restaurants, designer shops, and art galleries, Polanco is the most visited area in the vibrant CDMX.
MUSEO SOUMAYA
JUMEX – MUSEO
PARQUE LINCOLN
AVENIDA MASARYK
CALLE MOLIÈRE
museo soumaya
Belonging to the Slim Foundation, the spectacular and iconic Soumaya Museum is home to the most important private collection in Mexico City. A tribute to the memory of Soumaya Domit and her love for art and culture.
jumex
It is a renowned contemporary art museum and one of the favorite spots on the map of Mexico City for its innovative architecture and focus on modern art.
Inaugurated in 2013 in Plaza Carso in the Polanco neighborhood (right in front of the Soumaya), the Jumex Foundation’s art collection, one of the largest collections of contemporary art in Latin America, includes works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Damien Hirst.
san ángel
Originally, it was an independent town known for its rural character, colonial architecture, and agricultural production, especially flowers. San Ángel retains much of its historical charm, combining cobblestone streets, old mansions, gardens, and plazas with a warm and friendly urban life.
PLAZA SAN JACINTO
PARROQUIA SAN JACINTO
PLAZA LORETO
MUSEO SOUMAYA SUR
MUSEO EL CARMEN
MUAC – MUSEO
CIUDAD UNIVERSITARIA
plaza san jacinto
Parque San Jacinto is a public space in the historic center of Mexico City, located in the traditional, historic, and iconic neighborhood of San Ángel. With its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and bohemian atmosphere, it is a tranquil refuge with green areas and a rich history that can be felt in every corner.
parroquia san jacinto
The Parish of San Jacinto, in the heart of San Ángel, Mexico City, is a historical gem from the 16th century, built by Dominican friars. Dedicated to San Jacinto, a 13th-century saint prayed to for increasing faith, it stands out for its colonial architecture with Baroque elements. Its simple facade contrasts with the detailed interior, filled with valuable altarpieces and sculptures.
ciudad universitaria
Ciudad Universitaria (CU) is the vibrant heart of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), located in the south of Mexico City. Inaugurated in 1952, CU is an extensive educational, cultural, and sports complex covering more than 730 hectares, and is one of the largest and most prestigious campuses in Latin America.
coyoacán
Coyoacán, home of Frida Kahlo, is famous for its central plazas: Plaza Jardín Hidalgo and Jardín Centenario, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, galleries, and traditional markets. On Saturdays and Sundays, it comes to life with its artisan fairs and outdoor cultural events, full of the colorful, welcoming local spirit.
PLAZA JARDÍN CENTENARIO
MUSEO FRIDA KAHLO
PARROQUIA SAN JUAN
MUSEO DE LA ACUARELA
MUSEO DE CULTURA POPULAR
plaza jardín centenario
Also known as Jardín Centenario and Plaza Hidalgo, these two plazas are the vibrant heart of the Coyoacán neighborhood, a must-visit spot on the map of Mexico City. This picturesque public space is an emblematic place where history, culture, and everyday life intertwine in a unique, festive, and fabulous atmosphere.
museo frida kahlo
Also known as La Casa Azul, it is one of the most emblematic and spectacular cultural spaces on the map of Mexico City. Located in the heart of the Coyoacán neighborhood, this museum is the former residence of the famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, where she was born, lived much of her life, and passed away.
parroquia san juan bautista
The Church of San Juan Bautista is one of the oldest and most emblematic temples in Mexico City, located in the vibrant heart of the Coyoacán neighborhood. Built in the 16th century by Franciscan friars, this church stands as one of the first parishes in the region during the colonial era.
mercado de coyoacán
The Coyoacán Market is one of the most traditional and popular markets in Mexico City, located in the heart of the Coyoacán neighborhood. This space is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine after strolling through the area, and to purchase local products in a vibrant, folkloric, and colorful atmosphere.
santa fé
The Santa Fe neighborhood is one of the most modern and dynamic areas of Mexico City, known for its impressive urban development, towering skyscrapers, and being a major financial and business center.
Santa Fe is a fascinating blend, with exclusive residential areas, headquarters of national and international companies, prestigious universities such as the Tecnológico de Monterrey, large-scale shopping centers like Centro Santa Fe, and luxury hotels.
PARQUE LA MEXICANA
parque la mexicana
Parque La Mexicana is an extensive and modern public space located in the Santa Fe neighborhood, a favorite spot on the map of Mexico City. The park has become an urban oasis that combines nature, recreation, and contemporary architectural design. With an area of 30 hectares, it is one of the largest and best-equipped parks in the city.