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National Museum of Anthropology
2026 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do

National Museum of Anthropology

8.4
4.6/5
182 reviews

The National Museum of Anthropology officially opened in September 1964, focusing on archaeological findings from pre-Hispanic ancient American civilizations and the contemporary indigenous cultures of Mexico. The museum has two floors. The ground floor houses 12 exhibition halls, displaying archaeological artifacts from the pre-Hispanic era, organized by civilization and region into themes such as Mexica, Maya, Teotihuacan, Olmec, Toltec, Oaxaca, the Gulf Coast, and the West and North, systematically presenting the development of civilizations from the earliest migrants to the Americas through to the eve of the Spanish conquest. Highlights of the collection include painted figure vessels, painted pottery bowls, jaguar urns, maize god incense burners, smiling figure figurines, incense burners with human face motifs, and rain god urns. In the Mexica hall, the Sun Stone (the Aztec calendar stone), weighing approx. 24 tonnes, is an iconic artifact bearing witness to the splendor of Aztec civilization and serves as the centerpiece of the entire museum. The exhibition halls on the second floor roughly correspond in position to those on the first floor and constitute the ethnography section, showcasing the traditional cultures of Mexico's indigenous peoples through clothing, musical instruments, weapons, religious implements, and everyday objects, introducing the culture, art, beliefs, and customs of various indigenous groups. The museum building itself is a masterpiece of modern Mexican architecture, designed by architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and others. The giant umbrella-shaped structure in the central courtyard (known locally as "El Paraguas," meaning "the umbrella") is an iconic view—a single intricately carved column supports a massive concrete umbrella canopy, with water cascading down from the top of the column. This image has become a widely recognized architectural symbol of Mexico City. The museum also features introductions to general anthropology, prehistoric eras, and topics related to early migrants to the Americas.

Mexico City · 9.7 km from Coyoacan
Constitution Plaza
No. 2 of Night Attractions in Mexico

Constitution Plaza

6.9
4.4/5
145 reviews

Constitution Plaza is the main square in the historic center of Mexico City, though locals prefer to call it by its nickname, "Zócalo." This open space, with sides about 240m long and covering nearly 60,000 square meters, sits on the former site of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire—after the Spanish destroyed the ancient city, they planned the plaza on the original site in the 16th century. In the 18th century, it became famous for the Parian Market, a hub for merchants. For hundreds of years, it has remained the center of city celebrations and daily life. The name "Constitution" comes from the Spanish Constitution of Cádiz of 1812, while "Zócalo" comes from an interesting piece of history: in the 19th century, there was a plan to build an independence monument in the plaza, but only the base (called "zócalo" in Spanish) was completed. Although the base was long ago removed, the name has stuck and has even become the common term for the main squares in many Mexican cities. Today, the plaza is surrounded by iconic buildings: to the north is the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, which blends various colonial styles; the National Palace on the east side houses massive murals by Rivera; to the west is the historic National Pawn Shop building; and the Templo Mayor ruins are located just to the northeast. The Zócalo subway station is right next to the plaza. A flagpole about 50m tall stands in the center of the plaza, where soldiers hold flag-raising and lowering ceremonies every morning and evening. Major celebrations and cultural performances are also often held here. On the eve of Independence Day in mid-September each year, the plaza is filled with celebratory crowds.

Mexico City · 10.2 km from Coyoacan
Av. P.º de la Reforma

Av. P.º de la Reforma

6.7
3.9/5
33 reviews

Av. P.º de la Reforma is an iconic main thoroughfare in Mexico City, stretching over 10 km, cutting diagonally across the city center and connecting theChapultepecarea with the old town. It was planned after the pattern of European boulevards like the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Originally, it was a royal road built during the reign of Emperor Maximilian to connect the National Palace and Chapultepec Castle. After the fall of the empire, it was renamed to commemorate the "Reform." The road layout still retains the feel of an old-fashioned boulevard: a wide expressway in the center, with rows of greenery and gardens separating the side roads from the sidewalks. Almost every roundabout along the route features a monument or sculpture. The centerpiece of the entire avenue is the Angel of Independence—a victory column about 36m high, topped with a golden statue of the Winged Victory. The column houses the remains of independence war heroes like Hidalgo. The nearby Diana the Huntress Fountain and the Cuauhtémoc Monument are also worth a stop. On most Sunday mornings, a section of the city center is closed to motor vehicles, giving the road over to cyclists, rollerbladers, and joggers. This long-standing Sunday car-free event has become a permanent fixture of the avenue. When the jacaranda trees bloom in spring, the entire street is enveloped in a sea of lavender flowers; the eastern section is lined with high-rises, where skyscrapers and monuments intermingle along the street.

Mexico City · 10 km from Coyoacan
Palacio de Bellas Artes
No. 13 of Best Things to Do in Mexico

Palacio de Bellas Artes

6.6
4.3/5
55 reviews

Palacio de Bellas Artes is a cultural landmark that integrates a gallery, theater, and concert hall. This white marble building was halted for nearly 20 years due to political instability and soft soil foundations. The facade was designed by Italian architect Adamo Boari in the Art Nouveau style, while the interior was completed by Mexican architect Federico Mariscal in the Art Deco style, layering two eras of aesthetics in one building. The palace hosts operas, plays, concerts, and dance performances year-round, with the Ballet Folklórico de México and the National Symphony Orchestra being long-term resident companies. Inside the theater, the Tiffany stained-glass stage curtain is composed of nearly one million pieces of colored glass, depicting two snow-capped volcanoes and the landscape of the Valley of Mexico. Don't forget to take a look at this unique curtain when attending a performance. For most visitors, the mural floor upstairs is the highlight. The second floor features two murals by Rufino Tamayo: "Mexico Today" and "Birth of a Nation"; on the west side of the third floor is Diego Rivera's "Man at the Crossroads"—the original was commissioned by Rockefeller Center in New York, but was destroyed due to a dispute over the imagery. Rivera returned to Mexico and repainted it according to the original concept, and it has now become the signature mural of the palace. On the same floor, you can also see masterpieces such as Siqueiros's "New Democracy" and Orozco's "Catharsis," bringing together almost the entire lineup of the Mexican Muralism movement.

Mexico City · 10.3 km from Coyoacan

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Experiences you can't miss in Coyoacan

Featured Culture & history in Coyoacan

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Mexico City Coyoacan Food Tour & Optional Frida Kahlo Museum
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5.0/5
· 18 reviews
Duration: 1.5–5 hrs
Free cancellation
FromJPY 10,929
Small Group: Xochimilco, UNAM & Anthropology Museum Tour
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Duration: 5.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromJPY 28,042
Frida Kahlo VIP [Museum Tickets Included] Bike, Markets & Churros
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4.9/5
· 413 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
23 consecutive positive reviews
FromJPY 15,209
Frida Kahlo VIP [Museum Tickets Included] Walk, Markets & Churros
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4.9/5
· 191 reviews
Duration: 3–4 hrs
Free cancellation
98.4% of travelers recommend
FromJPY 15,209

Featured Food & drink in Coyoacan

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Xochimilco & Coyoacán Private Tour: Canals, Markets & Local Food
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4.7/5
· 23 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
21 consecutive positive reviews
FromJPY 20,596
Mexico City: Coyoacán Market Tour with Food Tastings
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromJPY 7,870
Xochimilco Natural Reserve, Original Doll Island & Coyoacan
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4.6/5
· 13 reviews
Duration: 3–8 hrs
Free cancellation
FromJPY 4,162
10 wonders of the Historic Center of Mexico City food and music
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FromJPY 12,516
Mexico: Xochimilco floating gardens cruise (includes tacos and drinks)
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Book now for today
FromJPY 12,611

Featured Outdoor & sports in Coyoacan

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Mexico City: Chapultepec Park Yoga Class with Sound Bath
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromJPY 6,713
Teotihuacan: Pyramids, Caves & Culinary Experience
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5.0/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 7–8 hrs
Free cancellation
FromJPY 15,685
From Mexico City: Hike Iztaccihuatl Volcano with an Alpinist
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4.8/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 11 hrs
Free cancellation
FromJPY 26,621
CDMX: Bike Ride, Cable Car & Hidden Chapultepec Experience
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
FromJPY 7,230
CDMX: Anthropology Museum, Chapultepec Castle and Train
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4.6/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
Free cancellation
FromJPY 2,935

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What travellers say about Coyoacan

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JoeeeeAugust 18, 2025
5.0
a must go! It was really awesome going through and learning the history from different parts of Mexico. Last Wednesday of each month, you can go in at night and free of charge, really cool. Not as crowded as the days can be. But a few exhibits are closed, so I will have to go again in the future. haha.

National Museum of Anthropology

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M25***40March 4, 2021
4.0
On Saturday morning, I took a walk in Mexico City, where traffic suddenly became less, and the air suddenly became better. I walked 2.5 kilometers and felt the joy of exercise. I saw many people in the park area on holidays, and I saw children happily visiting the zoo. Although there were not many animals, the natural ecology was well maintained.

Bosque de Chapultepec

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中西南北东January 30, 2026
4.0
Chapultepec Castle is a truly unique place. It is the only royal castle on the American continent, having served as a military fortress, royal palace, and presidential residence for centuries, and is now a historical museum. This weathered castle sits atop the lush Chapultepec Hill, overlooking the entire city.

Chapultepec Castle

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Sammyjake95August 8, 2025
4.0
The museum is so beautiful. Very tranquil and peaceful for a visit. It says you a limited to a 1 hour time, but that’s not accurate, you can kind of stay as long as you like. There was no real option of a guide in English or anything. In most museums you can have like an audio guide. But not here. I would also say it’s a little pricy considering the size of the museum. Make sure to book in advance on the official website for the best price.

Frida Kahlo Museum

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SalaafungFebruary 20, 2023
5.0
The Great Temple is located next to the central square. It is a super convenient attraction. The original temple has been destroyed by Spanish colonists. Only the tower base and stone steps remain, but the architecture of that time is still amazing👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Templo Mayor Museum

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读万卷书;行万里路September 18, 2019
5.0
The historic center of Mexico City is centered on the Constitution Square and has many historical buildings, including the National Palace, the Cathedral, the Great Temple, the Art Museum, the Latin American Tower, etc. It has both Mayan relics and many relics left by Spanish colonization. It is the most worth visiting place in Mexico City.

Historic center of Mexico City

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真的在一起的时候March 26, 2020
5.0
The Mexico City Cathedral is a massive structure constructed of basalt and gray sandstone. Its walls are thick and reinforced with thick iron chains for earthquake resistance. The cathedral is laid out in a traditional Latin cross pattern, with a central nave and two side aisles. The central nave is a long, rectangular structure, 110 meters long from north to south and 55 meters wide from east to west. The altar, deep within the central nave, is covered by a classic Renaissance dome. The vault features numerous ornate arches and reliefs. The side aisles, intersecting the central nave in a cross-shaped pattern, house numerous smaller altars and seven chapels. Some of these chapels have been subsequently renovated and altered by artists from various artistic schools.

Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral

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carrie888888March 26, 2023
4.0
Mexico City's Constitution Square is the center of the city. It is said that the very simple buildings around the square are where the president's office is located. As long as you register, you can enter the building for a visit. There is also a magnificent church with amazing interior decoration.

Constitution Plaza

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深山单骑March 28, 2026
5.0
I haven't been there, but it's worth a visit. There's nothing particularly special about it, though; it's just okay for a stroll.

Av. P.º de la Reforma

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M34***94December 24, 2019
5.0
Thanks to the tour guide Cindy for her patient explanation and help. The trip was very smooth and enjoyable! The recommended restaurants are all very good (*๓´╰╯`๓)♡

Palacio de Bellas Artes

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What are the must-do things in Coyoacan?

Don't miss these attractions in Coyoacan: National Museum of Anthropology, Bosque de Chapultepec, and Chapultepec Castle. If you like Culture & history, try Mexico City Coyoacan Food Tour & Optional Frida Kahlo Museum. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Xochimilco & Coyoacán Private Tour: Canals, Markets & Local Food.

You can give Xochimilco & Coyoacán Private Tour: Canals, Markets & Local Food and Mexico City: Coyoacán Market Tour with Food Tastings a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.