Day of the Dead

Unlike other nations, Mexicans celebrate the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead, on November 2) with a feast. Instead of grieving the dead, cemeteries are decorated in bright colours and people meet up for a merry get together. Keep an eye out for city celebrations and join in!

• Address:

  Mexico City

Fuente de los Coyotes in Coyoacán

Two bronze coyotes are the centre of this magnificent fountain. The animals were of big significance to the Aztecs, reigning the grounds in and around Mexico City in the past; many still hold beliefs about the supernatural powers of coyotes to-date. The fountain is located in a park in Coyoacán, whose name translates as "place of abundant coyotes". The bohemian Coyoacán district is known for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. Come here for the Frida Kahlo Museum, the home of Leon Trotsky, art galleries, cosy cafes and restaurants, as well as colourful artisan markets.

• Address:

  Parque Centaria, Coroyacán, Mexico City

Independence Day & Parade

On September 15th (yes, not May 5th), chilangos gather in front of the National Palace to hear the President shout from the balcony "Viva México", and to shout it back — the famous Grito de Independencia or Cry of Independence. The Independence Day is celebrated with a big party in the evening and a military parade along Avenida Paseo de la Reforma the next morning. If you happen to be around at this time of the year, make sure not to miss the festivities.

• Address:

  Centro Histórico de la Ciudad de México, CDMX

• More info:

  September 16th, following "el grito", is a national holiday

• Subway:

  Metro Stop: Zócalo

Island of the Dolls

Not too far from the Xochimilco canals you'll find a small area with hundreds of chilling dolls dangling from bridges, trees and bushes. Legend has it that a girl once drowned in the canals and the dolls were placed here to quiet her wandering soul.

• Web:

  www.isladelasmunecas.com

• Address:

  Isla de las Muñecas, Mexico City

Metropolitan Cathedral

This monumental structure can't be missed — it is located right in the centre of Mexico City. Step in to admire the murals and religious statues or climb the bell tower to enjoy a stunning view. It's always worth a visit. The cathedral, inspired by Gothic churches of Spain, was built in sections from 1573 to 1813 around the original church that was constructed soon after the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlan, eventually replacing it completely.

• Web:

  catedralmetropolitana.mx

• Address:

  Plaza de la Constitución, Centro Histórico, CDMX

• Phone:

  +52 55 4165 4052

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–8pm. Bell tower 10:40am–6pm

Monument to the Revolution

The Monument to the Revolution is a major landmark that commemorates the Mexican Revolution. Go up to the observatory on the massive glass lift and get a stunning view over the city, or come here at night for the colourfully lit fountains. In the museum nearby you can learn more about Mexican history.

• Web:

  www.mrm.mx/eng

• E-mail:

  info@mrm.mx

• Address:

  Plaza de la República, Tabacalera, CDMX

• Phone:

  +52 55 5592 2038

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu noon–8pm, Fri & Sat noon–9pm, Sun 11am–8pm

• Subway:

  Metrobus: Plaza de la República

• Tickets:

  120 pesos

Frida Kahlo Museum

The Mexican painter and artist Frida Kahlo was born, lived and died in this bright blue house in Mexico City. It has been turned into a museum and now exhibits paintings that made the painter the icon she is today. Best time to visit is on a weekday morning.

• Web:

  www.museofridakahlo.org.mx

• E-mail:

  relacionespublicas@museofridakahlo.org.mx

• Address:

  Londres 247, Del Carmen, CDMX

• Phone:

  +52 55 5554 5999

• Opening hours:

  Tue 10am–6pm, Wed 11am–6pm, Thu–Sun 10am–6pm, Mon closed

• More info:

  Note that you can only buy tickets online: the queue used to extend around the block, so the museum administration decided things are better this way

House- Studio Museum of Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo

If you saw the movie Frida, Diego Rivera's and Frida Kahlo's studio and home is a must stop on your visit to Mexico City — some of the scenes were filmed here. The complex of buildings is a great example of functional architecture, with its abundance of soft light and free flowing creative atmosphere. The houses are linked with an elevated walkway, representing the separate yet linked lives the two great artists lived. Check for temporary visits before going! Some areas of the house might be closed if there is no exhibit.

• Web:

  inba.gob.mx/recinto/51

• Address:

  Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo,

• Phone:

  +52 55 8647 5470

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 11am–5pm, Mon closed

• More info:

  Not the same place as the Frida Kahlo Museum

• Subway:

  2km walk from Metrobus La Bombilla

Museo Jumex

Museo Jumex is a contemporary art museum that displays a private art collection owned by the sole heir to the Jumex fruit juice fortune. The exhibitions include works by big names like Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Marcel Duchamp, Andreas Gursky and Olafur Eliasson. Apart from the art on display, enjoy the beautiful building, a nice cafe and a view of the Soumaya building from the upper floor balcony.

• Web:

  www.fundacionjumex.org/en

• E-mail:

  info@fundacionjumex.org

• Address:

  Boulevard Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 303, CDMX

• Phone:

  +52 55 5395 2615

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 10am–5pm, Mon closed

• More info:

  Next to Museo Soumaya

• Tickets:

  Free admission

Museum of Folk Art

The Museum of Folk Art in the historical centre of CDMX promotes and preserves part of the Mexican handcrafts and folk art. The old fire house building is filled to the brim with textiles, pottery, glass, piñatas, alebrijes (brightly coloured sculptures of fantastical creatures), furniture and much more. Great for a quick visit, but you could also spend hours here exploring all the minute details of artisanal works.

• Web:

  www.map.cdmx.gob.mx

• E-mail:

  infomap@cdmx.gob.mx

• Address:

  Museo de Arte Popular, Calle Revillagigedo 11, Colonia Centro, CDMX

• Phone:

  +52 55 5510 2201

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 10am–6pm

• Tickets:

  60 pesos, cash only. Free admission on Sundays

Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art in Chapultepec park focuses on displaying modern Mexican art, mainly from the decade of 1930 onwards. The vast collection is presented through temporary exhibitions, usually three or four at a time. MAM is without a doubt the best place to see the widest possible variety of modern Mexican art within a short span of time. Frida Kahlo fans will always find a few of her works on display. Apart from the exhibitions in the main building, you'll find a large garden with numerous sculptures and a cosy cafe to keep your energy levels up.

• Web:

  mam.inba.gob.mx

• Address:

  Museo de Arte Moderno, Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, Bosque de Chapultepec, CDMX

• Phone:

  +52 55 8647 5530

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 10:15am–5:30pm, Mon closed

• More info:

  Do not confuse with the Tamayo Museum of Contemporary Art across the street

• Subway:

  Metrobus: Gandhi

• Tickets:

  70 pesos, cash only. Free on Sundays

National Museum of Anthropology

The National Anthropology Museum consists of permanent and temporary exhibitions of Mexican art, life and culture. Description texts and audio guides are available both in Spanish and in English making it easy for international travellers to learn about pre-Hispanic and contemporary history. Plan at least two hours to explore the thematic halls of this museum. There are enough exhibits to keep you coming back for days, though.

• Web:

  www.mna.inah.gob.mx

• E-mail:

  atencion.mna@inah.gob.mx

• Address:

  Avenida Paseo de la Reforma s/n, Polanco, Bosque de Chapultepec, CDMX

• Phone:

  +52 55 5553 6266

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 10am–5pm, Mon closed

• Subway:

  Metro: Auditorio or Chapultepec. Metrobus: Antropología

• Tickets:

  85 pesos