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April 1, 2025

Insider Mexico City: Favorite Travel Experiences

With world-class museums, great restaurants, ancient ruins, notable works of public art, renowned architecture and luxurious hotels, Mexico City is an incredible destination.

Our private Mexico tours include highlights of Mexico City such as:

Visiting Frida Kahlo sites

Visiting notable museums dedicated to the life and work of iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is a must for travelers interested in art and architecture. One of our favorite places is the Frida Kahlo Museum (also known as La Casa Azul), her childhood home in Coyoacan where she lived for most of her life.

Also not to be missed is La Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, a compound designed by Juan O’Gorman for Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera. The complex includes two separate house-studios connected by a walkway, offering visitors insight into their relationship and artistic practices.

Enjoying amazing food

Enjoying Mexico City’s legendary food is a highlight of private touring, whether trying tacos al pastor at street food stands or savoring contemporary Mexican cuisine in fine-dining restaurants.

We take travelers to our favorite restaurants, food markets, historic pastry shops, artisanal chocolate shops, famous churrerias, specialty food shops and neighborhood cantinas that have changed little over time. Upon request, we can also arrange a private cooking lesson and a private tequila or mezcal tasting.

Seeing Aztec ruins in the UNESCO-listed historic center

Mexico City’s colorful UNESCO-listed Centro Historico offers rich history, cultural heritage, architectural landmarks and Aztec ruins. Templo Mayor, once the main temple of the ancient Aztec capital Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City) was destroyed during the Spanish conquest of 1521 and replaced with the vast Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral. It was rediscovered in the 1970s and since then, excavations have unearthed the structural remains and a wealth of artifacts now preserved in the on-site museum. 

Visiting world-class museums

Mexico City has an incredible range of world-class museums dedicated to different specialties, including anthropology, science and the arts.

Some of our favorite museums in Mexico City include the renowned National Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Popular Art and the Museum of Modern Art, dedicated to modern and contemporary Mexican artists.

We also take travelers to tour the Soumaya Museum, known for its distinctive modern design and extensive private collection of European and Mexican art; the nearby Jumex Museum, a contemporary art museum with rotating temporary exhibits; and the Anahuacalli Museum, founded and designed by Diego Rivera to showcase his extensive collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts.

Taking an excursion to the pyramids of Teotihuacan 

We arrange private excursions to the ruins of the ancient Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country. Built between 100 B.C. and A.D. 250 and abandoned around 700, the large complex is known for its vast stone pyramids, urban grid planning and well-preserved murals.

Art and architecture touring

With a rich artistic and architectural heritage, Mexico City has long been a powerhouse of art and design and continues to attract artists from around the world with its dynamic contemporary art scene.

For travelers interested in art and architecture, we arrange private tours of the city’s art and design highlights, including murals by Diego Rivera, opulent 19th- and early 20th-century landmarks and notable modern architecture sites.

We also take travelers to visit private art collections, contemporary art galleries, artist workshops, folk art shops and more.

Exploring vibrant neighborhoods

Mexico City has a number of interesting neighborhoods that offer a window into the history, culture and daily life in the capital. Favorite districts include Coyoacan, a charming historic area with leafy parks, historic houses and traditional markets; and Roma and Condesa, vibrant districts known for their tree-lined streets, Art Deco architecture, contemporary galleries and trendy restaurants. We also always enjoy strolling around Polanco, an upscale residential area with high-end shopping and fine dining, and San Angel, a picturesque neighborhood with cobblestone lanes and hacienda-style homes.

Taking a boat ride on the canals in Xochimilco

The colorful Xochimilco district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its network of canals and chinampas (artificial floating gardens), the remains of a pre-Hispanic irrigation system that connected settlements in the Valley of Mexico. A quintessential experience is floating down the canals on a colorful trajinera (a traditional wooden boat), enjoying food, drinks and live mariachi music.

Shopping

Mexico City is an incredible shopping destination with a wealth of traditional markets, upscale shops and high-end boutiques notable for antiques, textiles, folk art, ceramics, luxury fashion, cutting-edge concept stores and more.

Luxurious hotels with a sense of place

Mexico City has a number of luxury hotel options set in both historic landmarks and contemporary high-rises, offering an immersive experience of the city’s culture, cuisine and design. One of our favorite properties is the Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City, a sophisticated property centered around an expansive tranquil courtyard with a number of excellent dining options.

Contact Artisans of Leisure to begin planning a private Mexico tour featuring the highlights of Mexico City combined with other favorite destinations such as San Miguel de Allende and the Riviera Maya.

Destinations:  Latin America, Mexico, South America

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