We Tried the Most Popular Tour in Mexico City — Is It Overrated or Totally Worth It?
Mexico City is one of the most crowded and exciting places in the country. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—especially if it’s your first time.
That’s why tours that cover multiple highlights can be a great way to explore.
On our third visit, we finally made time for the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul). We booked a top-rated tour that included Casa Azul along with other major stops. The reviews were glowing—thousands of people swore it was a must.
So, is it worth the hype? In this post, we’ll share exactly what to expect, and whether we’d recommend it.
Why Mexico City Is One Of The Best Places To Visit In North America
Mexico City isn’t just one of the most densely populated cities in Mexico—it’s one of the largest in North America too.
The city pulses with life. It’s filled with rich culture, fascinating history, ancient Aztec influence, and some of the best food you’ll ever try.
What makes it even more interesting is its diversity. Each neighborhood feels like a different world, offering something unique.
You’ll find everything from bustling local areas full of color and chaos to sleek, upscale districts like Condesa, known for its beauty and charm. There are also modern business hubs filled with high-rise buildings and professionals on the go.
This blend of history, food, ruins, and vibrant energy is exactly why Mexico City has exploded in popularity. Both foreign visitors and locals are now seeing it as a must-visit destination.
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Felipe Ángeles vs Benito Juarez: Pros and Cons of Mexico City’s Two Airports
When flying into Mexico City, there are two airport options to consider — Benito Juarez or Felipe Ángeles.
Benito Juarez is the older, more established airport. Felipe Ángeles is new, modern, and opened in March 2022. We personally prefer Felipe Ángeles for several reasons, which we’ll explain shortly. But it does come with a big downside. Felipe Ángeles is located more than an hour outside the city. Currently, only a few buses run there, which limits accessibility.
For ease and convenience, Benito Juarez is the better option—especially if it’s your first time visiting. Benito Juarez Airport is located closer to Mexico City’s most popular neighborhoods. That makes getting into the city quicker and cheaper.
You’ll likely spend between 200 and 400 pesos (around US\$22–40) for an Uber, depending on your destination. The main downside? The airport is quite dated and can feel a little chaotic, especially during busy times.
Felipe Ángeles Airport, on the other hand, is clean, stylish, and spacious. Most domestic flights seem to use this airport now. We expect better public transport options soon, as more passengers and airlines start to use it. It’s already serviced by international hubs like Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, Toronto, and more.
Find Your Flights to Mexico City Here 👇
What really stood out for us was the airport lounge—one of the best we’ve visited anywhere in the world. We used our Priority Pass to access Hacienda Santa Lucia by The Grand Lounge Elite for free, and it was an absolute treat.
We were served fancy cocktails and got to choose one main dish each. Everything was surprisingly high quality. Our favorite drink? The carajillo—a Mexican cocktail made with coffee and Licor 43.
Highly recommended if you want a little luxury before your flight.
Packed with everything you need to make the most of your trip to Mexico City. You’ll find daily schedules, insider tips and top-rated tours – all easily accessible right on your phone!
Is Mexico City Safe to Visit? Tips For First-Time Travelers
Mexico often gets a bad reputation, especially from news reports in countries like the United States. This negative press stops many people from visiting what is truly a beautiful and vibrant part of the world.
We’ve visited Mexico City three times and have never felt unsafe. In fact, we absolutely love spending time there.
Like any large city, Mexico City is densely populated. And with that, there’s always a certain level of crime to be aware of. But if you stay alert and make smart choices, you’re unlikely to run into any trouble.
Knowing which neighborhoods to avoid—and which ones to stay in—can make a huge difference to your overall experience. We recommend choosing areas like Insurgentes Sur, Roma, or Condesa.
They’re calmer and more relaxed than the Historic Centre, which is busier and louder. These neighborhoods also have plenty of great restaurants, green spaces, and a more walkable, friendly vibe.
To stay extra safe, we also suggest wearing a bum bag or crossbody bag and keeping your valuables in front of you.
Avoid flashing expensive jewelry, phones, or cameras in crowded places. That goes for public transport too.
With basic precautions and some common sense, you’ll likely feel as comfortable here as you would in any other major city.
Best Mexico City Day Tour: Frida Kahlo Museum, Xochimilco, and Coyoacán Adventure
This is the exact tour we took. You can check the details and prices by using the handy widget below.
Why We Chose A Tour Over Exploring Mexico City On Our Own
We usually love to travel like locals. Still, we often choose tours instead of planning everything ourselves—mostly for ease and convenience.
If it’s your first time in Mexico City, a well-organized tour helps you experience more than you might on your own.
While researching our trip, we came across a tour with over 2,500 glowing reviews. That immediately caught our attention. No other tour in Mexico City we found had that kind of praise or popularity. We felt we had to give it a try and find out whether it truly lived up to the hype.
What makes this tour stand out is the range of places it covers in and around the city. It doesn’t just focus on the typical tourist zones. Instead, it takes you beyond them and into areas with real local flavor.
You’ll get to explore Coyoacán, one of the most charming neighborhoods in Mexico City.
There’s also time to visit the famous Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul), located right in the heart of Coyoacán.
Later, you head to the colorful ancient Aztec canals of Xochimilco, where the fiesta atmosphere is unlike anywhere else. It’s a packed day, but one that gives you a deep and varied look at what makes Mexico City so special.
We’ll break down exactly how this tour in Mexico City works and what to expect later in this post.
The 9-Day Mexico City Itinerary & Map
✔︎ Step-by-Step Itinerary:
every day is thoughtfully planned to maximize your experience.
✔︎ Coordinated Google Map:
which means no more getting lost or wasting time.
✔︎ Essential Travel Tips:
all the insight needed to ensure your trip is smooth & stress-free.
Other Fun Mexico City Tours To Take
We’ve visited Mexico City several times and discovered a few must-do experiences to add to your itinerary.
First, don’t miss La Lucha Libre. It’s a classic Mexican event and such a unique cultural experience—so much fun to watch live!
We also recommend the hop-on-hop-off bus. It covers several routes and makes it really easy to explore more of the city.
And if you’re planning to visit Chapultepec Castle (which you should), consider hiring a guide. We went on our own and later regretted it after overhearing a guide sharing fascinating history with another group.
Here’s What You Can Expect of This Tour In Mexico City
When they say this is a full-day tour, they’re not exaggerating. We met for pick-up around 7 a.m. and didn’t get dropped off until about 7 p.m.
The timing can change a little depending on traffic—and in Mexico City, there’s usually a lot of it. This is what’s included:
Round Trip Transportation
This tour covers a lot of ground in Mexico City, so having comfortable transport is a big plus. You’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the changing scenery without worrying about directions or traffic.
The only thing to keep in mind is that they don’t offer individual hotel pick-up. Instead, you’ll need to meet at a few set locations across the city.
Multiple Unique Stops
One of the first stops is at a local workshop, where a skilled craftsman carves intricate designs into mirrors. It’s a short but fascinating demonstration of traditional artistry.
Later, you’ll visit Coyoacán—one of the most charming and historic neighborhoods in Mexico City. It’s a colorful area full of colonial architecture, local shops, and leafy plazas. You’ll have time to explore and soak up the atmosphere.
Local Bilingual Guide
Your guide will be with you the entire day—from the first pick-up to the final drop-off. Most guides are bilingual, so communication is easy.
Our guide, Leonardo, stood out for his passion and storytelling skills. He brought the history and culture to life with real energy. He also created a relaxed and friendly vibe within the group right away.
Why This Tour In Mexico City is Worth It
Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) Entrance Included
Casa Azul is one of the most visited places in the city. Because of its popularity, booking is essential—walk-ins aren’t allowed.
A major benefit of this tour is that your entry ticket is already taken care of. You’ll skip the hassle of booking and waiting.
You’ll get about 60 minutes to walk through the museum and gardens at your own pace. It’s just enough time to appreciate the art, decor, and personal touches that reveal Frida’s world.
Gondola Ride In Xochimilco
Toward the end of the tour, you’ll head to Xochimilco to experience a traditional canal boat ride. These boats, called trajineras, are brightly painted and often filled with musicians playing mariachi, banda, or marimba.
It’s a festive experience with a true Mexican feel. However, you only get 60 minutes here, which does feel a bit rushed. Still, reaching Xochimilco on your own can be tricky, so the tour offers an easy solution.
If you have extra time during your trip, consider returning to Xochimilco with friends. Bring your own snacks and drinks for a longer, more relaxed visit.
We wrote a full guide on how to explore Xochimilco independently and avoid common tourist scams:
Overall, the ticket offers great value. It includes transport, a local guide, museum entry, and several experiences across the city.
Just remember to budget extra for food, drinks, tips, and any souvenirs you might want to pick up along the way.
What’s Not Included At This Tour In Mexico City
This tour isn’t all-inclusive, so there are a few extra costs you’ll want to plan for in advance. These aren’t hidden fees, but small add-ons that can enhance your experience and help support local businesses along the way.
Food and Beverages
You’ll need to budget for your own food and drinks throughout the day. Thankfully, the stops offer delicious local options.
We grabbed a chocolatin at Miga Café, enjoyed crispy fried fish with salad for lunch, and had snacks at Xochimilco. There’s usually time at each stop to grab something quick or sit down for a more relaxed meal if you prefer.
Local Art and Souvenirs
Handcrafted souvenirs are easy to find—especially in Coyoacán and the gift shop at the Frida Kahlo Museum. Although we didn’t buy anything, we saw some gorgeous handmade pieces that were hard to walk away from. It’s a great opportunity to support local artisans, so we’d suggest setting aside a bit of money for a keepsake.
Mariachi Boat Performances
In Xochimilco, mariachi or banda boats often pull up beside yours to offer live music for a fee. Our group chipped in and bargained for a fun mini-concert. It added so much to the festive vibe on the canal. These performances aren’t included, but they’re definitely worth it if you want the full Xochimilco experience.
Tipping Your Guide and Driver
Your guide and driver work long days to make sure everything runs smoothly and everyone has fun. They’re often not paid much directly, so tips go a long way in showing appreciation for their effort. A good tip is around 15-20%, but if your guide goes above and beyond, more is always welcomed.
What You’ll See and Do on the Most Popular Tour in Mexico City
Here’s a rough outline of the day based on our experience. Times may shift slightly due to Mexico City’s unpredictable traffic.
7:30 a.m. – Pick-Up at Miga Café
Miga Café was the closest pick-up point for us. The other option was in Centro Histórico. We arrived early to grab a coffee before departure. Miga Café opened about 20 minutes before pick-up. We ordered a chocolatin and a cappuccino. The pastry wasn’t fresh, and the service felt a bit cold—but it did the job.
8:30 a.m. – Platería Rafael Mexico City
Our first stop was a well-known silver and souvenir store run by Rafael, a master craftsman with decades of experience. He gave a quick talk about his work—he even made jewelry for the cast of Titanic, which was cool to hear.
After that, we had time to browse and shop. The craftsmanship was stunning, and it’s a great place for quality souvenirs.
10:30 a.m. – Coyoacán Mexico City
We arrived at the main plaza of Coyoacán and got a quick overview of this historic and artistic neighborhood. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in Mexico City. We only had 45 minutes, so we kept it short and sweet.
We grabbed street food and a pastry from a local bakery before meeting at the colorful Coyoacán letter sign. Leonardo, our guide, then led us back to the bus to continue the tour.
11:00 a.m. – Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) In Mexico City
Next was the iconic blue and red home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera—one of the city’s most visited places. The streets outside were lined with vendors selling Frida-inspired art. We saw some truly beautiful and unique handmade pieces.
You’ll have about 60 minutes to explore the home and gardens. It felt like the perfect amount of time. The experience was smooth and well-organized. We absolutely recommend adding Casa Azul to your Mexico City itinerary.
12:30 p.m. – UNAM Mexico City
We made a quick stop at the UNAM Stadium before walking around the UNAM University campus. This is the largest university in Latin America, but we only saw a small section of it.
The highlight here was viewing Diego Rivera’s massive mural, which covers the side of one of the campus buildings. Rivera may be known as Frida’s husband, but he was also a world-renowned muralist with a powerful artistic voice.
2:00 p.m. – Lunch at Fredericks
By now, everyone was hungry. Fredericks had a large buffet ready, which most of the group chose. We ordered garlic fish from the menu instead. The buffet felt overpriced, and we were saving room for dinner.
Service was pushy, and we felt rushed—like we were just there for tourist tips. That part wasn’t our favorite. Although the fish was decent, we would’ve preferred having more restaurant options at this stop.
3:30 p.m. – Xochimilco Aztec Canals
Our final stop was Xochimilco—one of Mexico City’s most iconic and colorful destinations. We boarded a bright trajinera (gondola) and floated through the canals for an hour with our tour group.
Along the way, you’ll hear live music, enjoy a Michelada, and learn about the Aztecs who once traded here. Even with the limited time, it’s a fun and festive way to end the day.
7:30 p.m. – Return to Miga Café
The tour dropped us off where we started, and we walked 20 minutes to Mercado Roma for dinner. Mercado Roma is a stylish food hall with stalls offering flavors from around the world.
We ordered Chicken Tikka Masala from a kind Nepalese couple—and it was one of the best meals we’ve ever had. If you enjoy Indian food, don’t miss their stand. Trust us, it’s worth it.
These times are estimates, but the tour ran smoothly. We loved how much we saw and did in one single day.
Our Honest Thoughts on This Tour In Mexico City (Is It Worth It?)
What we were most excited about was visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum, since we’d never been before—and we’re so glad we finally got to go. This tour is great value for money. It includes entry to Casa Azul and Xochimilco, plus round-trip transportation and several interesting stops.
We also appreciated how spacious and comfortable the bus was. Our guide, Leonardo, was knowledgeable, friendly, and truly passionate—he made the experience extra special.
Our only real complaint was the lunch stop. Fredericks was the only option, and while the food was fine, the atmosphere wasn’t great.
One thing to be aware of: although the tour is advertised as 10 hours, ours lasted over 12. Mexico City’s size and traffic make travel time long. Still, with everything included, there’s no way to do it faster.
Overall, we had a fantastic day, saw a lot, and would definitely recommend this tour if you’re visiting Mexico City.
Have any questions? Drop them in the comments. And if you know someone heading to CDMX, feel free to share this article with them! 👇
