Because we received a variety of responses on what folks are interested in while visiting Mexico City, we won't be coordinating any activities unrelated to the wedding. However, one of the best ways to experience Mexico City is to stroll around La Condesa and Roma (where most of you are staying), and check out the parks, cafes and restaurants. Outside of La Condesa and Roma, here are some of our favorite tourist activities:

Pyramids

An hour north of the city lies the pyramids of Teotihuacan. It’s incredible and if you’ve never been, we recommend not missing it. The best time to go is first thing in the morning, so this would be an ideal activity for Friday or Saturday morning.

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• Getting there on your own: You can take an uber out there/back for about $30.  If you’re only going for a couple hours, you can offer your driver cash to wait and drive you home. This can make it easier to get home if it’s crowded.

• Driver for the day: The best way to see the pyramids, especially if you have a group of 6 or less, is to hire a driver for the day. You can leave your stuff in the car, and it will be easy to go straight back to your hotel or make additional stops. This can be done through your hotel or probably through your Airbnb host. The price for a car and driver for the day should be around $100-$150USD.

• On the way back: In between the city and the pyramids is the most-visited Catholic site in the world, The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared. If that’s the sort of thing you’re into, it’s worth a stop.

• Booking a tour: If you have a larger group or don’t want the hassle of figuring stuff out yourself, you can book a tour:

  • Early Morning Group Tour

  • Private Tour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Centro Histórico and the Ballet Folklórico

If you do nothing else touristy while in Mexico City, check out the historic center of town. A great time to do this would be Sunday before or after our luncheon: you can stroll the sites and hit the Ballet Folklórico at either 9:30am or 8:00pm. Take an Uber to the Zócalo or to the Palacio de Bellas Artes and then make your way around by foot. Everything listed below is walking distance from Zócalo and can be found on Google Maps.

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• Cathedral Metropolitan: Main cathedral of Mexico City that sits on the Zocalo. take note of the uneven floors, it’s sinking.

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• Templo Mayor: Next to the cathedral is a massive Aztec archaeological site and museum open from 9am-5pm (closed Monday).

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• Palacio Nacional: Also on the Zócalo, this government building houses an amazing Diego Rivera Mural. Open 9am-5pm (closed Monday).

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• Gran Hotel de Ciudad de México: If you like Arte Nouveau stuff, swing by the lobby of this hotel, also located on the Zócalo. There’s also a café on the roof to grab a drink and look out over the Zócalo.

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• Casa de los Azulejos: Now a department store and restaurant, this 18th-century palace is easy to do a quick walkthrough. Located near the Palacio de Bellas Artes.

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• Palacio de Correos de México: Also located next to the Palacio de Bellas Artes, this post office is an architectural sight to behold. They may still be repairing after the earthquake, but if not, do not miss this.

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• Ballet Folklórico: The city’s folk ballet takes place on Sunday morning and night at the Palacio de Bellas Artes and explores Mexico’s history and identity through dance. If you can make it, we highly recommend it. Additionally you’ll get to see the inside of the theater, which is a sight unto itself.

  • More info

  • Buy tickets

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• Places to eat/drink:

  • La Ópera: Opened in 1876, this bar embodies the late 19th century glamour of Mexico City’s pre-revolutionary elite. Pancho Villa famously shot a hole through the ceiling.

  • El Cardenal: A classic restaurant, great for traditional breakfast.

  • Cafe de Tacuba: In operation since 1912, great traditional food in an iconic setting. 

  • La Terraza: Located on top of the Gran Hotel de Ciudad de México, the view from this terrace can’t be beat.

  • La Casa de Las Sirenas: Located next to the Templo Mayor and Cathedral in an old residence, this place offers some cool views and good food.

 

Xochimilco

Located in the south of the city, these floating gardens and canals are awesome to explore. Hire a chauffeured boat and cruise the canals while eating and drinking. It’s about an hour south of the city. If you don’t speak Spanish, hiring a bilingual driver to take you out there will make it easier, or you can ask your hotel to arrange your visit.

• Going on your own

• Guided Tour

 

Coyoacán 

Also in the south of the city is the neighborhood of Coyoacán, a beautiful vibrant neighborhood that Frida Kahlo called home. Here’s a decent guide.

 

San Ángel Inn

We had to include this restaurant on our list, as it’s one of our favorite places to visit in Mexico. It’s located southwest of the center in San Ángel (not too far from Coyoacán), across the street from Diego Rivera’s old house. Make sure to go during the day and request a table outside in the garden.

 

Biking La Reforma

Closed to car traffic on Sundays, take a bike ride down the Paseo de la Reforma, the monument-lined main thoroughfare of central Mexico City.

 

Lucha Libre

Lucha Libre happens on Tuesdays and Friday nights, here’s a handy guide to checking it out.

 

Guided Tours

If you are uncertain about exploring on your own, here are some highly-rated tour companies/experiences:

• Bikes and Munchies

• Sabores Mexico Food Tours

• Urban Adventures

• 500 Years of Jewish History in Mexico City