Mexico City holidays

The city’s fantastic art scene – made famous by Mexico’s celebrated daughter, Frida Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera – also draws in travellers. Their home, the famed Casa Azul, and their House-Studio Museum are both worth a visit, as is the grand Palacio de Bellas Artes, housing pieces by the country’s best artists.

One thing that can’t be denied is that Mexico City is one of Mexico’s foodie hotspots, home to everything from street food stands on almost every corner to great cafes and upscale restaurants.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

Summer has higher rainfall and sometimes, it can rain every afternoon. While prices are fairly consistent throughout the year, you’re more likely to find a cheap Mexico City holiday if you choose to visit in these months. Keep in mind that you might be spending a lot of time sheltering inside the city’s museums. December and January can also be good times to visit if you’re on a budget – but don’t expect warm weather.

When to go for the best of both

September through November are top choices for a Mexico City holiday. Expect weather in the mid to late-teens and tons of events, such as the Day of the Dead festival in November.

A ginormous Mexican flag waves over the Zocalo, the heart of Mexico City and the very centre of the Centro Histórico. It’s flanked by some of the city’s most popular sights: to one side sits the grand Metropolitan Cathedral and to the other, the National Palace. In the centre, surrounded by indigenous street performers and a lively atmosphere, you’ll find the impressive Templo Mayor, the remains of the ancient city of Tenochtitlán, founded by the Aztecs.

Museo Nacional de Antropología

Situated in the vast Chapultepec Park, the National Museum of Anthropology is one of the city’s best museums, particularly if you want to learn more about Mexico’s indigenous cultures. The museum showcases replica temples from the Aztecs and the Toltecs to the Mayans, as well as many original artefacts. Various exhibitions are also hosted throughout the year.

Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum)

The Casa Azul is the name given to Frida Kahlo’s house, because of its deep azure walls. One of Mexico’s most prominent artists, Frida was born and died in the house. It was built by Frida’s father in 1904 and today is a house museum, much of it left exactly the way it was when Frida lived there. Visitors can even tour her studio and see her bedroom. Towards the end of her life, Frida also shared the house with her husband, the Mexican muralist Diego Rivera.

Xochimilco

Like a floating fiesta on the canals, Xochimilco is a unique neighbourhood located on the outskirts of the city. Once a huge water transport system created by the Aztecs, today it’s filled with an array of colourful gondolas. Visitors can tour the canal on the boats, being serenaded by live mariachi music and stopping to buy snacks from the street food stalls on the water. It’s quite touristy and crowded, but a fun experience nonetheless. Xochimilco can be reached by a combination of metro and train or by Uber.

Teotihuacán

If you have time on your Mexico City holiday, take a day trip north of the ancient Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacán. An archaeological complex, it’s home to several temples and pyramids, which date back more than a thousand years. Public buses run to Teotihuacán, or you can visit on an organised tour.

For travellers on a budget

The Centro Histórico is one of the best neighbourhoods for budget travellers, with a range of accommodation options. Being in the centre means you can explore most of this neighbourhood on foot, enabling you to save on transport during your cheap Mexico City holiday. Besides being packed with cultural and historic sights, this is also one of the best areas for Mexico’s famous street food, meaning you’ll save on eating out too.

For food and drink

The hip neighbourhoods of Roma and La Condesa, to the west of the Centro Histórico, have become known for their excellent cafes and restaurants. You’ll find everything here from small street food joints and chic taco bars to upscale restaurants.

For nightlife

If happening bars and lively clubs are your scene, base yourself in La Zona Rosa, part of the neighbourhood of Colonia Juárez. Also known for its great shopping and vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, this is where the party’s at on any night of the week. If hipster bars and funky night spots are more you’ll style, then choose to stay in La Condesa or Colonia Roma instead.

For culture

If it’s culture you’re after, you can’t beat staying in the Centro Histórico. The neighbourhood is packed with museums such as the grand Palacio de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum) and is home to the ancient Templo Mayor and the grand Metropolitan Cathedral.