To say that I had the best time in Mexico City would be an understatement. Fabulous food, delicious drinks, thrilling wresting match, glittery drag shows, and boundless art. But most importantly, my first time in Ciudad de Mexico was filled with good friends and meeting locals with beautiful hearts. Here are some of the best things to do in Mexico City, hope you have as much of a blast as I did.

The central square of Mexico City is Zócalo, or today’s Plaza de la Constitución. Before Spain’s colonization of Mexico, the Aztecs used this place as a ceremonial site. It is framed by Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, Federal District buildingsand the Old Portal de Mercaderes. From here, you can wander through Centro and Centro Histórico.

Take a few minutes and stop by the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México to snap a photo of the Art Nouveau Dome. The immense stained-glass Tiffany ceiling designed by French artisan Jacques Gruber, is accompanied by a Louis XV-style chandelier in the lobby, and beautiful wrought-iron railings on the first three floors.

Then, walk over to Palacio de Bellas Artes, which is the Palace of Fine Arts where many calls it as the “Cathedral of Art in Mexico.” I didn’t have a chance to enter, but you’ll want to climb up to the second floor for famous murals completed by Mexican artists. 

You can admire the early works of painter Rufino Tamayo: México de hoy (Mexico Today) and Nacimiento de la nacionalidad (Birth of Nationality) – a significant portrayl of  of the mestizo (mixed ancestry) heritage. In addition, there’s a plethora of photography, sculptures and even more paintings inside the historic building.

Looking for some fantastic live mariachi music? Also in Centro Histórico, there’s Plaza Garibaldi, or home of the mariachi music. At any time of the day, you’ll see mariachi bands waiting for bust out a tune. The tradition has been around since the 1920s, prepare some cash, and enjoy a live performance.

If you love markets and you’re still in Centro, then check out Artisan market (Mercado De Artesanías) where I bought some locally-made clothes. The market was built before the 1968 Olympic Games to promote Mexico’s craft heritage.

Now we move from Centro to Polanco, there’s Museo Soumaya which is a free-entry museum, named after the wife of Carlos Slim – the Mexican business magnate. The iconic structure is, nonetheless, bewildering to the eye. Thousands of silver hexagons make up the breathtaking architecture designed by Mexican architect Fernando Romero, who was Slim’s son-in-law. The museum houses more than 66,000 pieces of artworks created by Rodin, da Vinci, Dali, Monet and many Mexican artists.

Neighboring the Soumaya, Museo Jumex is one of the largest contemporary art museums in Latin America. Funded by one of the most prominent juice companies in Mexico, Grupo Jumex, the refined gallery boasts creative works by Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Martin Kippenberger, Cy Twombly…and many more.

Local Mexicans will proudly present Museo Nacional de Antropología as, without question, the most quintessential museum in Latin America. It thoroughly showcases Mexican art, history, life and culture in the most comprehensive manner. At the entrance, you’ll see a massive pillar fountain referred to as el paraguas, or the umbrella. It’s a symbol of our bond with nature.

This is the largest and the most popular museum in the country as it contains archeological and anthropological artifacts from the pre-Columbian era. You don’t want to miss the Stone of the Sun and the Aztec Xochipilli statue, and the Olmec head carvings of two stones that weigh almost 20 tonnes.

To change the pace a bit, after an abundance of art in Polanco, you might want to do a little shopping. Then stop by Xinú Perfumes, a concept store where the company infuses premiere perfumery with aromatic botany. Lotions, candles, perfumes…each makes the most fragrant souvenir.

If you find yourself in the Roma neighborhood, check out Mercado Medellín where fresh produce and beautiful flowers are being sold. It is also nicknamed “La Pequeña Habana” which means Little Havana.

Looking for something fun to do on a Friday night? Head on over to Roma’s Guilt night club where a drag show will cheer up anyone in town. Cher, Whitney, Celine; the spectacular performances are essentially high production shows that quite literally belong on cruise ships. Guilt hosts different themes on various nights of the week, but the drag shows on Friday nights are absolute fabulousity and total blasts.

The Chapultepec Castle or Castillo de Chapultepec means “on the hill of the grasshopper in the Nahuatl language. Situated in the grandiose Chapultepec Park, the castle was originally a sacred location for the Aztecs and it eventually shifted to the home of Military Academy, Imperial residence, Presidential residence, an observatory, and the National Museum of History. Reserve a few hours for your visit, since the castle is immense, boasting enormous art and various sections to stroll through and admire.

A trip to Mexico City is even more thrilling with a live match of Lucha Libre. The Mexican wrestling, literally translates to “free fight,” was originated in Mexico and has now shifted to an entertaining show and battles with bright masks, high-flying throws and loud falls. When you purchase tickets online, there’s a bus tour that gifts free masks and a ride to Arena Coliseo via a double decker bus. During the match, fans will scream: Otra, otra, otra (again.) Or beso, beso, beso (which means “kiss.”) At this match, we particularly rooted for our favorite wrestler: Pikachu.

The Frida Kahlo Museum is located outside of city center, in the neighborhood of Coyoacán. Known as the Blue House, or La Casa Azul, this is home where Kahlo grew up then eventually lived with her husband. Later, the iconic Mexican painter passed away in a room on the upper floor of the house. During the visit, you can see her paintings, her rooms, kitchen, and gaze at several of her paintings.

While you’re in Coyoacán to visit the Frida Museum, you’ll see that the charming neighborhood’s main square is delightful and full of allure. Definitely stroll through Mercado de Coyoacán to shop for local handicrafts, clothing and souvenirs to bring home. The market came to live in 1921 and has since then become one of Mexico City’s signature mercados.

Right next to Lucha Libre on this list, cruising through the canals of Xochimilco is another exciting must-do, especially for any special celebrations like, birthday or bachelor/bachelorette parties. This working class neighborhood is situated an hour away from city center, the canals were originally part of a water support system built by the Aztecs. There are mariachi bands that you can hire for live performances. Since it’s BYOB, make sure to bring your own beers and tequila for a memorable experience.

A trip to Mexico City wouldn’t be complete without a day trip to Teotihuacan – the ancient Mesoamerican city located approximately an hour away from Mexico City by car. This is where you can see both Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. From 1 CE to 500 CE, Teotihuacan was the biggest city in the Americas with 125,000 population and operated as an incredibly advanced civilization on earth. Put on your walking shoes since the 8 square miles of land is vast, as it showcases the Avenue of the Dead, various murals and residences for multi-families. Make sure you reserve a ride back after your visit, so you’re not stuck out there – in the middle of nowhere.

If you have some time left on your trip, I highly suggest taking a few photos near Biblioteca Vasconcelos, for those who love a stunning Instagram post. Situated in downtown, this megalibrary honors Mexican philosopher and politician, José Vasconcelos. The use of interior space, and the design of bookshelves mounted throughout the library is beyond a magnificent sight for any bookworm. Spend a few quiet moments here, and reflect upon your splendid memories in one of the best cities in the world!