I am now based in Mexico City, happily married to Miss CDMX. La Ciudad de México is a fabulous city to live in.
There are numerous wonderful museums in Mexico City, both free and paid, as well as historical buildings and interesting neighbourhoods such as Tepito. Alternatively, you can sign up for the Azteca Stadium Tour at Mexico’s largest football stadium.
But sometimes you need to escape the chaos. Here are seven awesome day trips that you can make from Mexico City, all using public transportation, that are worth considering, whether you live here or are just visiting for a week or two.
1. Ex Convento Desierto de los Leones
We visited the Ex Convento Desierto de Los Leones on the day that it reopened, having been shut for 1 year due to the COVID pandemic. This was back in March ’21.
It makes for a great day out from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City.
2. Teotihuacán
Teotihuacán, the most famous archaeological site in Mexico.
I have been here three times.. The first time was in December of 2020, shortly after arriving in Mexico, before I had even met Miss CDMX.
We went back again in 2021, and I returned alone in 2024. I don’t have a full post about Teotihuacan, but I have one detailing how to get to Teotihuacan from Mexico City.
3. Tepoztlán
Tepoztlán makes a great day trip from Mexico City. We came here shortly before I buggered off to Guatemala for 10 weeks. It’s only 1 hr 20 minutes by bus. We hiked up Tepozteco Mountain, but sadly, at that time, the El Tepozteco archaeological site at the top was still closed.
The city is great to explore as well. Make sure to check out the ‘Itacates’, the local speciality at the Mercado de Tepoztlán.
4. Centro Ceremonial Otomi
The Centro Ceremonial Otomi was built in the ’80s for the indigenous people of the highlands of Central Mexico.
You may have seen it in the James Bond film Licence to Kill, starring Timothy Dalton.
5. Puebla – The City of Angels
Puebla, the City of Angels, is definitely one place that should not be missed if you are in Mexico. Top sights in Puebla include the Catedral de Puebla, the tallest of the old cathedrals in Mexico, the Museo Nacional de Los Ferrocarriles Mexicanos and the Secret Tunnels.
6. City of Taxco
With the Church of Santa Prisca, overlooking the Zocalo, and the El Cristo Monumental de Taxco, high on the hill above town, the City of Taxco should not be missed.
7. Zona Arqueológica de Tula
Despite being overshadowed by near by Teotihuacán, Tula is very much worth the effort. It is just 90 kilometres north of Mexico City.
Tula was one of the most important cities of Ancient Mexico.
We visited just after it reopened. Awesomeness without the crowds.
