Mexico City is the cosmopolitan capital of Mexico and is located at a high altitude. Among the normal tourist attractions, and surrounding the city’s main square — Plaza de la Constitucion — is a 13th-century Aztec temple, the Templo Mayor, and the baroque cathedral of the city, Catedral Metropolitana de Mexico. The Palacio Nacional with its historic murals by the artist Diego Rivera is also in this area. The city ranges from modern architecture to attractive Hispanic and colonial-era buildings. A range of dining adventures is available, from the local Mexican cuisine right through the various international delights. You can even learn how to cook these delicious meals at various cooking classes in the city. There is also a lively nightlife available, including the famous mariachis. One popular neighborhood for partying is in the area around Parque España in Condesa, where cheap drinks and fun are the order of the night. To act like a local in the city, enjoy browsing a selection of non-touristy things to do in Mexico City below.
1. Mexico City: three-hour Mexican cooking class (from USD 110.0)
While enjoying the traditional Mexican cuisine on a visit to Mexico City, what could be better than to learn how to prepare those tasty dishes yourself? This culinary treat in the heart of the city allows experienced and novice cooks alike to learn how to cook the most popular dishes of Mexico, before trying them out back at home. Along the way, learn about Mexico and its cuisine, while finding out how to cook those tasty tamales and moles. Cooking lessons are available in the morning or afternoon.
Mexico City: Mexican Cooking Class
Duration: 3.0 hour
2. Merced Adventure (from USD 95.0)
This tour takes you on Mexico City’s Metro to explore the lesser-known neighborhoods of the city. Along the way learn about Mexico’s history and culture while strolling through markets, where food, medicinal plants, sorcery, and mysticism are on offer. Taste some of the best street food available in Mexico City, just like a local, and then head into the old “Cantinas” to enjoy a drink. While in the area, have a listen to Mexico’s traditional mariachi musicians.
Deep Mexico (La Merced)
Duration: 4 hours
3. Tour Mixquic (from USD 78.0)
San Andrés Mixquic is the best place to experience the annual Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos celebration in Mexico. Mixquic offers a unique take on the annual holiday. Located on the outskirts of the city and easy to reach by public transport, Mixquic offers the opportunity to view an exciting, authentic and gorgeous celebration. While the Day of the Dead falls on the same day as Halloween elsewhere in the world, it keeps away from the more commercial aspects of the macabre holiday. It is so embedded in Mexico culture that UNESCO has recognized the Day of the Dead as part of the country’s cultural heritage. It is a time when families gather to honor the lives of their dead, but also to welcome back their spirits to earth. Altars festooned with flowers appear while everyone dresses in the appropriate costumes and make-up.
Mixquic Day of the Dead Celebration from Mexico City
Duration: 11.0 hour
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4. Mexico City Bike and Gastronomy Tour (from USD 75.0)
Your bike tour of Mexico City begins in Parque Mexico in the La Condesa area of the city. The tour includes your bike and helmet, all entrance fees, lunch, tastings, and water. Along the way, you will visit the neighborhoods of Mexico City and its culinary scene. You will first explore Condesa and learn its history. The next treat is the Museum of Chocolate where you will get the chance to enjoy some tasty products. Next is Alameda Central where you will visit the Zocalo and Palace of Fine Arts. San Juan Market is the next stop, for various Mexican food and the basics used to create those dishes. The tour ends by heading through the restaurant and bar area of the Roma neighborhood.
Mexico City Bike and Gastronomy Tour
Duration: 4 hours
5. Mexico City: Lucha Libre Wrestling Show Tickets (from USD 119.0)
For a different experience in Mexico City, get your tickets for the Lucha Libre show, a wrestling experience like no other. Wear a mask to watch the excitement at ringside, while cheering on your favorite wrestler. Lucha Libre is renowned worldwide for the masked wrestlers, performing all kinds of antics in the ring. You will also get two free shots of tequila to get into the fun mood. Bilingual guides will be available to let you know the rules and who the wrestlers actually are.
Mexico City: Lucha Libre Night
Duration: 3.5 hour
6. Dinner at La Fonda del Recuerdo (from USD 61.0)
Enjoy a three-course meal, with traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine at La Fonda del Recuerdo in the Polanco area of Mexico City, while viewing the famous and beautiful folklore-based ballet. Here you can immerse yourself in Mexico’s culture and end up singing and dancing along with everyone else. Along with the three-course meal, the tour includes a local non-alcoholic drink and a driver escort.
Dinner at La Fonda del Recuerdo & Show
Duration: 2 hours
7. Garibaldi by Night with dinner at Bellini (from USD 165.0)
Enjoy a night in Mexico City, starting with a romantic and delicious dinner at Bellini, the famous revolving restaurant which is set on the 45th floor of the World Trade Center. Enjoy beautiful night views of the city as the restaurant slowly turns. The award-winning restaurant offers a mix of Italian and international cuisine. After enjoying your meal, head down to the streets and take a drive down Tacuba Street to the famous “Garibaldi Plaza,” where you can enjoy the music of the famous Mexican musician groups, the mariachis. Here you can enjoy some of the best Mexican folklore and traditions in a truly festive atmosphere.
Garibaldi by Night with Dinner at Bellini
Duration: 4.0 hour
8. Mastering Mexican Salsas Cooking Class (from USD 56.0)
Learn how to cook the traditional Mexican salsas (sauces) at this cooking class in the Roma Norte neighborhood of Mexico City. Enjoy an “agua fresca,” a fruit-based drink, on arrival while finding out about the history of Mexican cuisine. During the cooking class, learn how to prepare 10 salsas using a variety of cooking methods, including roasted, raw, cooked and broth-based salsas. At the end of the lesson, enjoy eating those same salsas along with appetizers.
Mastering Mexican Salsas Cooking Class
Duration: 3 hours
9. White mole cooking class and lunch (from USD 72.0)
This cooking class takes you right into Mexico’s food culture, while you learn how to cook white mole. This traditional Mexican dish hails from central Mexico and is usually served at celebrations, including weddings. The mole consists of several light-colored ingredients including almonds, blond raisins, peanuts, and white pine nuts along with various other ingredients. The hands-on cooking class includes a delicious three-course meal. This cooking experience is held in the Roma Norte neighborhood of Mexico City.
Authentic Mexican Hands-On Cooking Class
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
10. Mexico City: Day of the Dead (from USD 51.0)
Instead of the normal, home-made Halloween celebration, head to Mexico City to enjoy the traditional Day of the Dead. The holiday is a mixture of Catholic and Aztec traditions and is how Mexicans celebrate their dead. As you tour through Xochimilco in the city, you will see shrines and graveyards decorated with marigolds, images of skeletons and food. Enjoy a ride in a trajinera down the decorated canals, viewing the chinampas, or floating gardens. Along the way learn about the traditions and folklore relating to the Day of the Dead, while surrounded by the people of the city with their traditional makeup and costumes.
Day of the Dead Tour in Mexico City with Xochimilco Canal Ride
Duration: 8 hours
Mexico City with a difference
Enjoy an experience of the exciting capital of Mexico, while doing non-touristy things in Mexico City.
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