30 Best Museums in Mexico City 2024

Looking for the best museums in Mexico City? Here’s my curated list of the top museums in Mexico City that you should visit in 2024.

Mexico City has an impressive collection of museums — in fact it’s ranks #2 in the list of cities with the most museums (after Paris). Mexico City museums cover a wide spectrum of topics: from history to contemporary art, cartography to geology. There are even museums that display impressive collections of shoes, vintage toys, and chocolate!

In this article, I’ve handpicked some of the best Mexico City museums. I’ve included information on entry fees and any special amnesties that are available too. So, if you’re looking for unique things to do, be sure to check out some of these Mexico City museums.

Top Museums in Mexico City

This section includes my personal picks of the best museums in Mexico City for all kinds of interests, from Mexican history and art, to science and politics. I have personally been to all of these museums. 

1. Museo Nacional de Antropología

This world-renowned museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Mexico City. Of the 150 museums in Mexico City, National Anthropology Museum is easily the most popular. Get here at 9am when it opens (otherwise expect to be in line) and plan to spend at least 3 hours here.

The museum has exhibits on everything you’d ever wanted to know about Mexico’s ancient cultures, from the Mayans and the Aztecs to the Toltecs. Housed within the city’s central park, Bosque de Chapultepec, the Anthropology Museum is located just north of the lake and next to the charming bookstore, Libreria Porrúa, that boasts a lakeside location and an inviting open-air cafe.

I would suggest this to be the first museum to include in your Mexico City itinerary as it gives you a foundational knowledge of Mexico’s history.  Book your tickets here!

• Entry fee: 85 MXN/US$4, Parking 20 MXN/US$1
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00AM-5:00PM (Closed Mondays)
• How to get there: Take the metro to Chapultepec or Auditorio stations or take buses 295 or 7.

2. Casa Azul

Dedicated to one of the most famous Mexican artists, the Museo Frida Kahlo is housed in an indigo building that stands out in the bohemian enclave of Coyoacán. This house was where the artist was born, lived, and died. Today, it largely remains holds a large collection of her personal belongings. 

Walk through her art studio, glimpse her beautiful kitchen, see the bed where she slept and the garden in which she spent her afternoons dreaming or entertaining guests. Tickets must be booked online, you’ll not be allowed in without a prepaid ticket. They can be sold out for weeks, so book your tickets at least a month in advance!

• Entry fee: 230 MXN/US$12 (foreign visitors) | 100 MXN/US$5 (Mexican citizens)
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00AM-6:00PM (Closed Mondays)
• How to get there: Take buses 133, 146, or 159. The nearest metro station is Coyoacan.

3. Museo Templo Mayor

Just behind Mexico City’s Cathedral lies one of the city’s most impressive sights – the Templo Mayor. These are the ruins left behind from the great Aztec temple and the ancient city of Tenochtitlán, which was destroyed when the Spaniards conquered Mexico City.

It wasn’t until the 1970s, that some electricity workers discovered this amazing site, buried beneath the ground. It’s free to see the temple ruins from the viewing platforms. Thereafter, head into the Museo del Templo Mayor to learn all about the Mexican history and the story behind the city of Tenochtitlán . The stone carvings and sacrificial offerings found in the Templo Mayor ruins are exhibited here, and they’re seriously impressive.

• Entry fee: 80 MXN/US$4
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00AM-5:00PM (Closed Mondays)
• How to get there: Get the metro to the Allende station and it’s just a 4-minute walk away. You can also walk here right from the Zocalo in the heart of the city.

4. Museo Soumaya

Museo Soumaya has an ultra cool and iconic facade that you won’t miss. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece designed by Fernando Romero. It’s a private museum that was established in 1994 and contains the art collection of Mexican businessman Carlos Slim.

Soumaya is one of the largest museums in Mexico with over 66,000 pieces of contemporary art. The museum’s six spiraled floors display works from artists like Auguste Rodin, Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí as well as a large number of Mexican artists. It’s located in the upscale residential area of Polanco (one of the best areas to stay in Mexico City).

• Entry fee: Free 
• Opening hours: Everyday, 10:30AM-6:30PM
• How to get there: Get the metro to Polanco or San Joaquín stations but it’s a 10-minute away. You can take the bus 1, 109, Reforma – Bicentenario, Ruta 18, Ruta 71 that drops you closer.

5. Museo Nacional de la Revolución

This museum is housed in the former Presidential Palace, which was the site of some pinnacle events in Mexican history. The museum tells the story of the Mexican Revolution, with exhibits on the main figures and events of that time.

Located in the historic center of Mexico City, the revolution museum is close to other attractions such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. The building itself is one of the most beautiful examples of Art Deco architecture in Mexico City. For the best view of this landmark, head to the Terrazza Cha Cha Cha across the road; it’s one of the best rooftop bars in Mexico City.

• Entry fee: 34 MXN/US$1.70 adults, 17 MXN/US$1 students, teachers, and seniors
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00AM-5:00PM (Closed Mondays)
• How to get there: Take metro 2 to Revoluction, Hidalgo or Juárez or take bus number 2.

6. Museo Dolores Olmedo

On the southern side of Mexico City, the Dolores Olmedo Museum is located in Xochimilco, a 20-minute drive from the city center. Xochimilco in itself is worth a day trip from Mexico City, not just for this museum but also for the famous trajinera boat ride through its canals.

The museum has a large collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts, as well as works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. But the real highlight of the museum is its gardens, which are home to over 200 peacocks. Housed in an old hacienda, this was once home to Mexican business mogul Dolores Olmedo.

• Entry fee: 130 MXN/US$6.50 (foreign visitors) or 70 MXN/US$3.50 (Mexican citizens)
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00AM-6:00PM (Closed Mondays)
• How to get there: It’s a bit out of the center so you’ll need to take the metro to Chabacano and then a tram to La Noria. It takes just over an hour to get there from the city center. 

Mexico Travel Requirements
Mexico has no travel restrictions, and there’s no need for proof of vaccine or PCR tests on the plane. Anyone is welcomed to travel to Mexico.
However, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance, whether you’re traveling for a year or a week. These days, it is particularly important to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19. Read my travel insurance guide.
Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date.

7. Museo Memoria y Tolerancia

History buffs out there should not miss this museum, dedicated to the memory of the Holocaust and other genocides throughout history. The museum took over 10 years to build, and it has an impressive collection of artifacts, photos, and documents related to the Holocaust, plus exhibits on other genocides such as those in Armenia, Cambodia, Rwanda, and Bosnia.

This museum is one that touched me on a personal level; the pain and suffering that has occurred throughout history is abhorrent. I love history and this museum is by far one of my favorites in the world.

• Entry fee: General 105 MXN/US$5 | Student, Teachers, and INAPAM 85 MXN/US$4
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00AM-6:00PM; Last entry 5:30PM
• How to get there: Take the metro to Juárez, Allende, Hidalgo, or San Juan de Letrán stations or take bus 100, Reforma – Bicentenario or Ruta 99.

8. Museo de Arte Popular

Those traveling Mexico City at Day of the Dead definitely have to check out the Museo de Arte Popular (MAPP) and its  collection of Mexican folk art, crafts, textiles, pottery, and more. There’s everything from traditional embroidery to Day of the Dead symbols, including papier-mâché figures and fantastical wooden Mexican alebrijes (mythical creatures).

You’ll find representations of the whole country in this gallery. My daughter absolutely loved the colorful sculptures of alebrijes and it’s definitely her favorite museum in Mexico City! Read more about alebrijes here.

Day of the Dead is the best time to visit Mexico City, and I highly recommend timing your trip to coincide with the festival.

• Entry fee: 70 MXN/US$3.50
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00AM-6:00PM (Closed Mondays)
• How to get there: Take the metro to Juárez, Allende, San Juan de Letrán or Hidalgo stations or take buses 100, 3, Ruta 29, Ruta 99.

9. Museo Rufino Tamayo

Also located in the Chapultepec central park, the Museo Rufino Tamayo is an art museum that has a collection of national and international contemporary art. The building was designed by Teodoro González de León and its unique architecture has made it a landmark in Mexico City. As you stroll upon its entrance, passing through the towering totem poles at either terminus, you’ll see why.

There’s a permanent collection by Mexican artists as well as international artists like Pablo Picasso, Isamu Noguchi, Henry Moore, Wifredo Lam, and Franz Kline. In addition to the local collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art fairly often.

• Entry fee: 80 MXN/US$4 | Parking 65 MXN/$3.20
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00AM-6:00PM (Closed Mondays)
• How to get there: Take the metro to Chapultepec or Auditorio station or take bus 153, 295, or Reforma – Bicentenario, Simesa. 

10. Museo Nacional de Arquitectura

Housed in the iconic Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Museo Nacional de Arquitectura is one of the most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau and Neoclassical architecture. Even if you’re not an architecture enthusiast, you have to visit the museum just to see its exterior.

Jaime Ortiz Monasterio, Carlos Mijares Bracho, Adamo Boari, and Luis Barragán are some of the big architects featured within the museum. There are sections of the museum dedicated solely to each of them. 

• Entry fee: 80 MXN/US$4
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00AM-5:45PM | (Closed Mondays)
• How to get there: Take the metro to Hidalgo or Juárez station or take the bus to Bella Artes station.

How Many Museums are There in Mexico City?
It can be difficult to say the exact number of museums in any city. From my research, Mexico City has around 145 to 170 museums depending on how you want to classify things. The numbers speak for themselves, but Mexico City hosts the second highest number of museums in a single city, after legendary Paris.

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Best Art Museums in Mexico City

Now that we know a little about the best museums in Mexico City, let’s get into the different genre of museums, starting with art. Here’s a list of my favorite ones for art lovers. 

11. Museo Nacional de Arte

The National Art Museum (MUNAL) is an art lover’s dream and a frontrunner of art museums in all of Latin America. It’s home to a large collection of Mexican and European art from across the ages. Housed in a neoclassical building this is the national art museum of Mexico. 

The museum takes you on a panoramic journey of the evolution of Mexico’s fine art from the colonial period right through to the mid-twentieth century. The journey is perpetuated by the stunning interior architecture that fully encapsulates your visual senses. 

• Entry fee: 75 MXN/US$3.70 General Admission | Free Admission for students, teachers, seniors, children <13 years old, people of disability, “MNAL Friends”
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00AM-6:00PM (Closed Mondays)
• How to get there: Get the metro to Bellas Artes or Allende or catch the bus’s Reforma – Bicentenario or Ruta 99.

12. Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo

This was one of the houses and studios of two of Mexico’s most famous artists, Diego Rivera, and Frida Kahlo. It was designed by Diego himself and Mexican architect Juan O’Gorman. 

The interior of the house still contains many original objects belonging to the couple as well as some of their works of art. This museum gives you a great insight into the life and work of these two icons. 

• Entry fee: 40 MXN/US$2 General Admission | Free Admission for everyone on Sunday
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11:00AM-5:00PM (Closed Monday)
• How to get there: Miguel Ángel de Quevedo is the closest metro station but it’s at least a 20 minute walk away. Bus is your best bet here, look at buses 116, 121A, 150, 57C, Ruta 89.

13. Colección Jumex

The Colección Jumex is a private contemporary art museum in Mexico City that was established in 2013. It’s one of the largest museums of contemporary art in Latin America and it’s definitely worth a visit. 

Owned by Eugenio López Alonso, the collection is made up of over 2,800 pieces including works by Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Marcel Duchamp. 

• Entry fee: Free
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00AM-5:00PM | Saturday, 10:00PM-7:00PM | Sunday, 10:00AM-5:00PM (Closed Monday) 
• How to get there: The nearest metro is Polanco or San Joaquín stations. By bus look at routes 1, 109, Reforma – Bicentenario, Ruta 18, Ruta 71.

14. Museo Universitario de Arte Contemporáneo (MUAC)

MUAC is a contemporary art museum located on the main campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). The museum was opened in 2008 and holds works from over 300 artists.

The building is quite unique in that it’s an inverted pyramid which allows for a lot of natural light to enter the galleries. The museum’s focus is on contemporary Mexican art but also has a large international collection. Book your tickets here.

• Entry fee: 40 MXN/US$2
• Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00AM-06:00PM (Closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
• How to get there: Take the metro to Universidad station and walk towards the main UNAM campus. The museum will be on your left-hand side. You can also take bus routes 1 or Ruta 29.

15. Museo José Luis Cuevas

The museum’s major exhibit areas include works by Cuevas, including a space dedicated to his and his wife Bertha Cuevas’ work, as well as the ‘Pablo Picasso room,’ which features his sketches.

In the museum’s courtyard, La Giganta, an enormous tall bronze lady figure is the centerpiece. Towering over 8 meters tall and weighing in at 8 tons, you come away feeling very small. 

• Entry fee: $30MXN/$1.45USD | Sunday Free
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30AM-5:30PM (Closed Monday)
• How to get there: Zócalo/tenochtitlan for the metro. 109, 4, RUTA 22, Ruta 71 for the bus. 

How to Get Around Mexico City
The metro is the easiest way to get around the city. Just buy a ticket (“bolleto” in Spanish) from the booth. A metro ticket costs only 5 Pesos (US$0.23). You can change as many times as you need to without having to purchase the ticket. 

We mostly take Uber around Mexico City as it's just so convenient and affordable. There are a lot of Uber drivers in the city, so you’ll never have to wait long for a car. A 10-15 minute journey in the city usually sets you back around 40-100 MXN or US$2-5.

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Science Museums in Mexico City

Among some of Mexico City’s museums are some of the best science museums. These museums offer a great opportunity to learn about science and explore its many wonders. I have found these to be the most engaging for me, my partner, and the kids. 

16. Universum

Universum Museo de las Ciencias is Mexico City’s leading science museum. The museum has over 200 interactive exhibits that make learning about science fascinating. It has a planetarium, IMAX theater, and a butterfly garden. 

The building itself is an architectural masterpiece and it’s surrounded by beautiful gardens. If you’re visiting Mexico City with your children, then this is a great place to take them. 

• Entry fee: 90 MXN/US$4.5 General Admission | Free Admission on Sundays
• Opening hours: Friday-Sunday, 10:00AM-05:00PM 
• How to get there: Take the metro to Universidad or use buses 137, 139, 375, 76, Ruta 60.

17. Museo de Historia Natural 

Museo Historia Natural is located in the historic center of Mexico City and it’s housed in a beautiful 19th-century building. The museum has exhibits on evolution, biodiversity, ecology, and human anatomy. 

It has a planetarium, library, and botanical garden. This is a great place to learn about the natural world and it’s definitely worth a visit. I loved this place when I went, I especially remember the erected fossilized dinosaurs which were wonderful.  

• Entry fee: 32 MXN/US$1.6
• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00AM-5:00PM (Closed Mondays)
• How to get there: Take the metro to Constituyentes then walk through the park or look for buses 58 and 70. 

18. Museo Tezozómoc

This science and technology museum is a small but interesting museum located in the north of Mexico City. Tezozómoc answers many of life’s questions and doubts when it comes to subjects ranging from thermodynamics to geographical catastrophes. Curiosity is the stance that should be taken when visiting this place.

• Entry fee: 23 MXN/US$1.2
• Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00AM-5:30PM | Saturday-Sunday 10:00AM-5:00PM 
• How to get there: The nearest metros are Tezozómoc and Azcapotzalco or you can take the bus. Look for 119, L6, Ruta 23, and Ruta 99. 

19. Museo de Geología

Museo de Geología is a geological museum located in the Chapultepec Park, the green lungs of Mexico City. The museum has a large collection of minerals, rocks, and fossils. The museum is spread over two floors and has a wide range of exhibits. 

The ground floor is home to the museum’s permanent exhibitions which are: Pre-Hispanic Mexico, Mexican Geology, Volcanoes of Mexico, Minerals of Mexico, and Gemstones of Mexico. Its interactive exhibits and workshops keeps the young ones happy for hours.

• Entry fee: 25 MXN/US$1.2
• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00AM-5:00PM (Closed Mondays)
• How to get there: The nearest metro is Buenavista. Buses 108, Copattsa, Cotobusa, and Ruta 2 all go nearby too. 

Which Mexico City Museums Open on Mondays?
It's important to know that most museums in Mexico City are closed on Mondays. However, there are still a few museums that are open. Here is a list of some of the museums that you can visit on a Monday in Mexico City: 
Salón de la Plástica Mexicana
Palacio de la Escuela de Medicina
Museo Soumaya
Mucho Chocolate Museum
Museo Escuela Bancaria Comercial
Mr Ripley's museum
For a more complete list, click here. 

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Best Mexico City Museums for Kids

Mexico City is full of museums that pique the interest of children, covering ancient mysteries, archeological remnants, and fascinating contemporary art. We’ve gathered some of the most child-centric museums that kids of all ages – from tiny toddlers to teens – will enjoy.

20. Papalote Museo del Niño

Papalote Museo del Niño is honestly the best spot for kids in Mexico City. The museum is divided into 6 sections which take you and your children through a sensory adventure.

They will learn about body anatomy, geography, Mexico City, technology, and the environment in a fun and interactive way. There are also giant legos, dinosaur figures, and a massive indoor playground. The museum is wheelchair friendly too. 

• Entry fee: 199 MXN/US$10 
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday ,10:00AM-6:00PM | Saturday-Sunday, 10:00AM-7:00PM (Closed Monday)
• How to get there: Constituyentes metro station is right next to the museum. Or buses 006, 25-01, 34a, 57c, 89, reforma – bicentenario, ruta 89 all go past.

21. MUCHO: Mundo Chocolate Museo

Take your (and your kids’) tastebuds on a rollercoaster ride in this well-established chocolate museum! The museum is located in Coyoacan, which is a quaint suburb in the south of Mexico City that I highly recommend including in your Mexico City itinerary.

This place is a great spot to show your kids where cacao comes from, how chocolate is made, and the entire history of chocolate. They’ll even get to try making some themselves and of course taste the end results!

• Entry fee: 75 MXN/US$2.7 Adults | Children 50 MXN/US$2.5
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00AM-6:00PM | Saturday-Sunday, 10:00AM-7:00PM
• How to get there: Cuauhtémoc station is your best option via the metro. There are many buses that go past, look for 7, Coaveo, Reforma – Bicentenario, and Ruta 29 routes. 

22. Ripley’s Museum México

This is a weird place. There are wax figures including the fattest man ever and the tallest man on record, Robert Wadlow. Also, you’ll struggle to keep your balance as you precariously step through the color-changing tunnel, it’s quite literally mind-bending.

The museum has five floors spread over a large area. There are many different sections in the museum such as: Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Ripley’s Moving Theater, LaseAway, Mirror Maze, and Louis Tussauds Waxworks. 

• Entry fee: 150 MXN/US$7.5 Adults; 125 MXN/US$6 Children
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00AM-5:00PM (Closed Mondays)
• Hot to get there: The Cuauhtémoc station on the subway is your best bet. Other buses, including 7, Coaveo, Reforma – Bicentenario, and Ruta 29 routes all pass by as well.

23. Museo Interactivo de Economía (MIDE)

MIDE is an interactive museum of economics located in Mexico City. The museum is aimed at children and aims to teach them about the economy in a fun and interactive way. There are a number of interactive exhibits on each floor, where children can learn about topics such as inflation, interest rates, and supply and demand.

The museum is spread over three floors, with each floor having its own theme. The first floor is dedicated to the history of money, the second floor focuses on trade and commerce, and the third floor looks at different economic systems.

• Entry fee: 95 MXN/US$475
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11:00AM-6:00PM (Closed Mondays)
• How to get there: The closest metro link is Bellas Artes and Allende. Otherwise, catch buses 1, 108, Reforma – Bicentenario, or Ruta 99.

24. Museo del Juguete Antiguo México

The outside building looks like a run-down set of flats, but when you go inside it’s a different story. This is a great museum for kids, as it is full of vintage toys and games. One section is dedicated to traditional Mexican toys, and the second includes international toys. It isn’t the biggest or most popular museum, but it’s worth the visit with the little ones. 

• Entry fee: $60MXN/$3.00USD Adults | $30MXN/$1.50USD Children
• Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-5:00PM | Saturday, 9:00AM-4:00PM | Sunday, 10:00AM-4:00PM
• How to get there: The best way to get to the museum is by metro, as it is located near the Obrera station. Alternatively, you can take bus routes 146, 149, 152, l1, l2, and Sausa.

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Unique Museums in Mexico City

Some of the world’s most distinctive museums are located in Mexico City. From chocolate and economic museums to weird and wacky encapsulations, you’ll find things here that you can’t find anywhere else. 

25. Museo del Calzado El Borceguí

Shoe fanatics alert! Museo del Calzado El Borcegui is a shoe museum with a collection of over 15,000 shoes. The shoes are arranged within large glass cabinets and come from all over the world. 

The museum’s collection includes shoes worn by famous people such as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. There is a section on traditional Mexican shoes and a section on modern fashion.

• Entry fee: Free
• Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00AM-2:00PM, 3:00PM-6:00PM | Saturday, 10:00AM-6:00PM (Closed Sunday)
• How to get there: Allende, Bellas Artes and San Juan de Letrán are the local metro stops. For the bus take 1, 108, Reforma – Bicentenario, or Ruta 99.

26. Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal

This is a museum dedicated to Mexico’s most famous liquors – tequila & mezcal. Mezcal is a smoky liquor made from algave, and it’s an underrated cousin of tequila; in fact tequila is a type of mezcal.

The Tequila & Mezcal Museum is located in Garibaldi Square, a popular tourist spot.  The museum has a number of interactive parts that teach visitors about the history and production of tequila and mezcal. There is a tasting room where you can sample some of the different types of tequila on offer. 

• Entry fee: 69 MXN/US$3.50 Adults; 34.50 MXN/$1.50 Children
• Opening hours: Everyday 2:00PM-9:00PM
• How to get there: Garibaldi/Lagunilla, Allende and Bellas Artes are this museum’s closest metro links. You can catch buses 144, 20, 27a, 4, l1, Reforma – Bicentenario, Ruta 18, Ruta 99.

27. Museo del Objeto del Objeto (MODO)

This place is hard to explain but I’ll do my best. MODO is a museum about design and everyday objects. Why we use certain things, who was the first person to use them, and why it was invented in the first place.

There are artifacts over 200 years old, but also new stuff that’s used today in our everyday lives. The site hosts a number of temporary exhibitions which are usually free to enter. This place is bonkers, and I feel like I enjoyed it more than I should have.

• Entry fee: $50MXN/$2.40USD | Under 12’s Free
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00AM-6:00PM
• How to get there: Walk from Niños Héroes/Poder Judicial CDMX metro station or hail a buses Reforma – Bicentenario, Ruta 110, Trepsa.

28. Museo Universitario del Chopo

El Chopo is part of the National University and promotes the work of artists that depart from conventional art world standards. The building itself is an architectural genius, so just going for this aspect is well worth the journey. 

Inside the art is random and sporadic. The big hot air balloon looming overhead is something I vividly remember. This place is huge, and you can spend hours inside wondering what the artists were thinking when they made this stuff.

• Entry fee: $30MXN/$1.45USD
• Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11:30AM-6:00PM
• How to get there: San Cosme or Revolucion are your best metro links here. You can take buses 108, 130, 28, Cotansapi, Ruta 99.

29. Museo Nacional de la Cartografía

Travel geeks will swoon over this Mexico City museum! The national cartography museum is dedicated to, you guessed it, maps. The museum has a large collection of ancient maps as well as modern ones. 

If you’re interested in maps, globes, and the way the world appears from afar, this is one for you. This unique museum chronicles Mexico’s history of cartography development.

• Entry fee: Free
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00AM-17:00PM (Closed Monday)
• How to get there: Take the metro to Tacubaya or use buses 6, 25-01, 57a, Ruta 4.

30. Museo Nacional de San Carlos

The Museo Nacional de San Carlos is an art museum that was founded in 1986. Within the Palace of the Count of Buenavista, which is an old courthouse. The building has a neoclassical design. 

It’s one of the only museums in Mexico City that focuses on European art. The majority of the artwork in the collection dates back to between the 16th and 18th centuries and includes works by artists like Lucas Cranach, Anthony van Dyck, Parmigianino, and Frans Hals.

• Entry fee: $60MXN/$3.00USD | Free on Sundays
• Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11:00AM-5:00PM (Closed Mondays)
• How to get there: Take metro to Revolucion or bus routes cotobusa, reforma – bicentenario, ruta 3, ruta 99.

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Mexico City Travel Guide

How to Get to Mexico City

The main gateway to Mexico City is the Mexico City Airport (also known as Benito Juarez International Airport). The national airline, AeroMexico, flies daily from many major cities in the US.

Flying into Mexico City from the US is quite affordable. You can fly from Los Angeles to Mexico City for as little as $300 return (4-hour flight). Flying from Europe to Mexico is also cheap, especially from London and Madrid. We took direct return flights from Madrid to Mexico City once for $400.

There is a very convenient and fast bus service that runs from Mexico City Airport to the city centre, the Metrobus line 4. These buses operate from 4:30 to 00:00 daily and take only 30 minutes to reach the centre of Mexico City. Tickets cost just 30 Pesos ($1.30) one-way.

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Best Time to Visit Mexico City

The best time to visit Mexico City is during the dry season between December and April, when there is virtually no rain. The coolest months are between December and February, although temperatures can reach averages of 82°F (28℃) during the dry season. The wet season begins in the south in May and lasts until October.

Mexico City celebrates many cultural festivals throughout the year. We celebrated Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead in Mexico City, and had a blast at some of the biggest celebrations in the country. The festivities usually span across one week (26 October to 2 November).

Read my guide on when to visit Mexico City.

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How Many Days in Mexico City?

Mexico City is HUGE, and if you want to see it all, I’d say you need 1 week in Mexico City. We spent 5 days in Mexico City, and definitely wished we had more time!

This Mexico City itinerary is pretty intense and packed with lots of things to do. Be prepared to be on the go from morning to night. For those who rather explore at a slower pace, I recommend removing the day trip to Teotihuacan. That way you will have more time in Mexico City to explore other neighborhoods.

If you have more time, I recommend doing a day trip to Taxco and Cuernavaca or the Monarch Butterflies Sanctuary. Check out our guide to the best day trips from Mexico City.

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How Safe is Mexico City?

Read my article on whether Mexico City is safe to visit. In short, my husband, daughter and I all felt super safe in Mexico City and had no security issues at all. 

As we visited Mexico City during Day of the Dead, it was crowded everywhere. But we kept our belongings close to us, brought minimal cash with us, and had no problems. Of course, we avoided seedy areas, and we weren’t hanging out late at night, or getting drunk on the streets.

All in all, stick to the tourist areas and you’ll be fine (that means centro historico, Roma, Condesa, Coyoacan and Xochimilco). The areas covered in this Mexico City itinerary are all safe to visit. Avoid areas like Iztapalapa, Tepito, La Lagunia, Mercado Merced, Doctores and Ciudad Neza.

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Where to Stay in Mexico City

The Centro Histórico (historic center) is a convenient location to stay, as most attractions, events and the parade take place here. We loved the location of our hotel, just a few blocks from the Zocalo. Many travelers also choose to stay in the green, leafy neighborhoods of La Condesa and Polanco.

Here is a summary of my hotel recommendations. For a full guide, check out my post on the best places to stay in Mexico City.

Budget: La Querencia DF

This budget-friendly bed & breakfast is housed in a colonial-style home in Roma Norte, one of the city’s hippest neighborhoods. You’ll notice it straight away because of its bright orange color and cute little balconies. Rooms are brightly colored, clean and cozy. Check the rates here.

Midrange: Hampton Inn & Suites

We stayed at this hotel in the historic center and loved the location, just two blocks from the main square (Zocalo). Highly recommend it for families who need extra space. Check the rates here.

Luxury: Hotel Zocalo Central

Right next to the Cathedral overlooking the Zocalo (main square), this centrally located hotel is housed in a 1890s building and features a gorgeous design. Their rooftop restaurant is my favorite place to eat in Mexico City. Check the rates here.

Luxury: The St Regis Mexico City

Located along the famous Paseo de la Reforma, this luxurious hotel has a nice location in the centro historico but away from the crowded area. Check the rates here.

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How to Get Around Mexico City

One of the best ways to get around Mexico City is the metro system, which is cheap and easy to use. Just buy a ticket (“bolleto” in Spanish) from the booth. A metro ticket costs only 5 Pesos ($0.23). You can change as many times as you need to without having to purchase the ticket.

We mostly took Uber as it was just so convenient and affordable. There are a lot of Uber drivers in the city, so you’ll never have to wait long for a car. It usually costs around US$2-6 to take an Uber in the historical center. To get to Coyoacan or Xochimilco, it ranges from US$15 to 30 depending on the time of travel.

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How to Stay Connected in Mexico City 

Internet in Mexico is pretty fast and reliable, and you can get WiFi in most hotels and guesthouses. But I recommend getting an eSIM before traveling or a SIM card at the airport upon arrival. You can also get it at any OXXO shop in Mexico. 

A SIM card itself costs between 29 and 149 pesos (around $1-6 USD). You can get 3GB of data valid for 30 days on the sin limite plan (unlimited) for 200 pesos (~8 USD.) That will also give you unlimited calls, texts, and most social media within North America. 

Read my guide on how to get a SIM card in Mexico.

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Further Reading on Mexico City

Mexico City is a great place to visit for many reasons. The museums are definitely one of the highlights – there are SO many to choose from, whether it’s art, history, or ethnography you’re interested in. And entry fees are relatively affordable, especially if you take advantage of free days or discounts for students/seniors/children. 

Museum buffs might also want to check out Monterrey, another city in Mexico brimming with world-class museums. The metropolis also packs in tons of top-notch restaurants, green parks and entertainment spots. Plus it’s just a 3-hour drive from Houston! Check out my list of

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Read some of my other articles on Mexico below:

• • 5 Days in Mexico City Itinerary
  • Is Mexico City Safe to Visit?
  • Best Time to Visit Mexico City
  • Where to Stay in Mexico City
  • Best Rooftop Bars in Mexico City
  • Day of the Dead in Mexico City
  • Best Day Trips from Mexico City
  • Visiting Teotihuacan: A Guide to the Mexico City Pyramids
  • Monterrey Mexico Travel Guide

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you making a booking or purchase through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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