15 Unique Things to do in Mexico City – Recommended by a Local
TL;DR
Skip the tourist traps – these 15 unique Mexico City experiences include hidden gems, local favourites, and surprisingly cool places you can visit for free.
Mexico City is huge, chaotic, and full of incredible things to discover – but knowing where to look beyond the famous sights can be overwhelming. If you’re searching for unique things to do in Mexico City or non-touristy Mexico City experiences, this guide is for you.
The good news? Some of the coolest places in Mexico City are completely free and hiding in plain sight. From secret art exhibitions and beautiful historic buildings to local markets and free viewpoints, you don’t have to follow the usual tourist trail to have an amazing time.
We were lucky enough to explore Mexico City with our local friend Tina, who showed us a completely different side of the city. Together, we put together this easy self-guided walking route featuring the best non-touristy things to do in Mexico City – most of them free or very budget-friendly.
Whether it’s your first time visiting Mexico City or you’ve already ticked off the main attractions, these hidden gems will help you experience the city like a local.
- 15 Non-touristy Things to Do in Mexico City
- Unique Things to do in Mexico City Map
- 1. Metro Station Palacio de Bellas Artes
- 2. Palacio de Correos de Mexico
- 3. See real meteorites at the Palacio de Mineria
- 4. Public toilets at Casa de los Azulejos
- 5. Exhibitions at Atrio de San Francisco
- 6. Chinatown Mexico City
- 7. San Juan Market
- 8. Hotel Imperial
- 9. Monumento a la Revolucion
- 10. Mariachi restaurants
- 11. Ride a cable car
- 12. Skyline views at Parque La Mexicana
- Unique Mexico City cafes
15 Non-touristy Things to Do in Mexico City
Unique Things to do in Mexico City Map
1. Metro Station Palacio de Bellas Artes
Start your tour at the Palacio de Bellas Artes Metro Station. It’s not only a convenient starting point but also features the Galeria Metro - an art exhibition that’s free to visit for everybody with a Metro Ticket. On some days you can even see a light installation!
2. Palacio de Correos de Mexico
The Postal Palace of Mexico City is a hidden gem, which is completely free to visit. Its architectural style is a mixture of Art Nouveau, Plateresque, and many more. The staircase and the dome are its most noteworthy features but don’t miss the elevator- it’s one of the first three elevators that were installed in Mexico City!
3. See real meteorites at the Palacio de Mineria
You have probably learned in school that a meteorite was responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period. Did you know that this meteorite came down in Mexico on the Yucatan peninsular near the town of Chicxulub? You can see two meteorites in front of the Palacio de Mineria - for free!
4. Public toilets at Casa de los Azulejos
I know the Casa de los Azulejos is not exactly a hidden gem. But did you know that it features the most beautiful public toilets in Mexico City which you can use free of charge? Additionally, you can find the mural Omniscience by Jose Clemente Orozco in the stairwell.
5. Exhibitions at Atrio de San Francisco
Right across the street from the Casa de los Azulejos at Atrio de San Francisco, you can find a varying display of free exhibitions. When we visited, there was a Dali exhibition!
6. Chinatown Mexico City
A stroll through Chinatown with its many colourful lanterns and umbrellas will lead you to your next stop, San Juan Market. Don’t miss the big Chinese style gates!
7. San Juan Market
Strengthen yourself on San Juan Market for the next leg of your tour. Here, you can not only find Mexican street food classics but also very unique dishes. Why not try insects like grasshoppers (which I really liked) or tarantulas (which I was not brave enough for)? You can also try exotic meats like crocodile, armadillo or even lion!
8. Hotel Imperial
Hotel Imperial is the Flatiron Building of Mexico City. But it’s not the only highlight in this area. Keep your eyes open for some amazing art installations at Banco Santander. Additionally, this is a good place to admire some of Mexico City’s many skyscrapers.
9. Monumento a la Revolucion
The Monument to the Revolution is the world’s tallest triumphal arch with a height of 65m (213 ft). The monument was built in the 1930s. While the monument itself is well-known, the glass elevator leading you to an observation deck inside the cupola is lesser-known. Why not go up and enjoy an off-the-beaten-path view of Mexico City’s skyline?
10. Mariachi restaurants
Going to a mariachi restaurant sounds super touristy and tacky. To our surprise, we were the only tourists in the place. All other people were Mexican. They knew the songs, sang a along and had an awesome time - a surprisingly unique experience.
11. Ride a cable car
Full disclosure: We did not do it ourselves because we only stumbled across them on the way to Teotihuacan. Apparantly, you can even see rooftop murals along the way. What a cool non-touristy thing to do in Mexico City.
12. Skyline views at Parque La Mexicana
Thanks again to our friend globewanderlove for introducing this hidden gem to us. Who would have guessed that you can find skyline views like that in Mexico City…
Unique Mexico City cafes
13. Torre Latinoamericana
While the Torre Latinoamerica is a well-known sight, only a few people know that it also features a restaurant and a bar. Here, you can enjoy a reasonably priced drink with the best view of Mexico City without having to pay the entrance fee of the observation deck.
A little lower but also with a free entry you can find the cafe of the Sears shopping centre right next door. Here, you have a great view over the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
14. Churreria El Moro
Make a stop a Churreria El Moro for the best churros in town. Not much more to say here.
15. Isabella pink cafe
While it’s not exactly on the route of our walking tour, I still had to mention this beautiful motto cafe. Everything is pink here - from the outside over the decorations to the drinks. This is probably the most instagrammable spot in Mexico City!
