15 Things to Do in Mexico City on Mondays
Looking for things to do in Mexico City on Mondays seems daunting? Yes, many museums and attractions in the big city close for maintenance, but worry not, as Mexico City’s landscape offers a myriad of options to kickstart your week with art, culture, history, food, and nature.
If you’ve been advised to avoid Mexico City on Mondays, think twice about it, because you’re sure to find plenty to do, and in many cases it is the best day of the week to avoid crowds in touristy attractions.
15 Things to Do in Mexico City on Mondays
1. Breakfast in Mercado de Coyoacán
Start your week with a traditional Mexican breakfast in Coyoacán, a picturesque neighborhood with cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a friendly vibe.
There are a number of restaurants in Coyoacán that range from small, inexpensive cozy spots to larger and more exclusive venues. However, if you want to go the really authentic way, the Mercado de Coyoacán is a wonderful choice.
A favorite with locals, Mercado de Coyoacán has a number of breakfast options like tamales, chilaquiles, and quesadillas, as well as fresh fruit juices and salads. The bustling market offers an immersive food experience where you can enjoy local flavors while you interact with welcoming vendors.
- Location: Ignacio Allende s/n, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, Mexico City
2. Explore Plaza Hidalgo and Jardín Centenario in Coyoacán
While you´re in the Coyoacán area, you can take a stroll through Plaza Hidalgo and Jardín Centenario, the main squares that make up the epicenter of the colonial neighborhood. These charming plaza and garden house beautiful fountains, art vendors, and street performers, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
You’ll also find the famous San Juan Bautista Church, a 16th-century colonial landmark, as well as the Mercado de Coyoacán and other important buildings that surround them.
Several quaint stores, cafés, and restaurants are located within a few steps, so you can do some shopping and grab a snack while you visit.
- Location: Felipe Carrillo Puerto s/n, Coyoacán, Mexico City
3. Bike Along Paseo de la Reforma
Mexico City’s wide and iconic Paseo de la Reforma offers and ideal route for a leisurely bike ride that will take you from Bosque de Chapultepec all the way to Av. Juárez, which is the street that leads to El Zócalo. Bike lanes make it accessible and safe.
This is a great way to appreciate some of the city’s landmarks, such as the Angel of Independence and he Diana Cazadora Fountain, at your own pace, as well as the imposing skyscrapers that make up the city’s skyline.
Many hotels and shops rent bicycles, and you´ll also come across Mexico´s City government’s bike stations. And yes, there are vendors every day of the week, so you can go ahead and shop for some souvenirs.
- Location: All along Av. Paseo de la Reforma, Miguel Hidalgo and Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
4. Museo Soumaya
While most museums in Mexico City close on Mondays, Museo Soumaya is a notable exception. This architectural marvel house an extensive collection of Mexican and international art, including works by Renoir, Matisse, Cézanne, Diego Rivera, Rodin, Dalí, and more.
6,200 pieces that span 30 centuries of world art are distributed in exhibits located in the 6 floors of the building, which is a masterpiece in and of itself created by architect Fernando Romero for Mexican mogul Carlos Slim.
Museo Soumaya has an on-site souvenir shop and restaurant, so it is good for spending a few hours and one of the best things to do in Mexico City on Mondays.
- Location: Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City
5. Relax at Bosque de Chapultepec
Nestled in the heart of Mexico City and beloved by both locals and visitors, Bosque de Chapultepec is one of the largest urban parks in the Western Hemisphere, more than doubling the size of New York City’s Central Park!
While the parks eight museums, which include Chapultepec Castle and the National Museum of Anthropology close on Mondays, the park´s expansive green areas, exercise stations, and walking trails remain open.
You can have a picnic, do some exercise, or simply relax in the so-called green lung of Mexico’s capital city.
- Location: Av. Paseo de la Reforma, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City
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6. Day Trip to Teotihuacán Pyramids
Hand-down one of the best things to do in Mexico City on Mondays is to arrange a visit to the Teotihuacán archaeological site. They are open every day of the week, and it is a great way to avoid the weekend crowds.
Located only 32 miles from Mexico City, a visit to Teotihuacán is a unique opportunity to witness first-hand the past glory of the most important pre-Columbian city in the Americas. Whether you want to prefer a tour or go on your own, the archaeological site is easily accessible.
Visit the Sun and Moon pyramids, which you can climb if you wish – the views from the top are spectacular – and walk along Calzada de los Muertos, the avenue that links the pyramids with Templo de Quetzalcóatl. You´ll also find a museum with pre hispanic artifacts, as well as restaurants that serve authentic Mexican food, and tons of small stores and vendors selling souvenirs.
- Location: Pirámide del Sol, 54273 Teotihuacán de Arista, México
7. Eat Japanese Food in a Cool Speakeasy
Mexico City has become a big fan of speakeasies, which are basically spots that are designed as “clandestine” bars reminiscent of Prohibition era in the 1920s in the US.
Funky Lee is, in addition to one of the coolest speakeasies in CDMX, a unique Japanese restaurant in the heart Polanco, a very exclusive neighborhood. If you like good food and are on the lookout for a vibrant night out on a Monday, this is one of the best things to do in Mexico City on a Monday.
To access Funky Lee, you must cross the threshold hidden behind a bookcase in the Diego y Yo restaurant. As soon as you enter, you will notice the excellent atmosphere, the good music, and the delicious drinks that include both fun cocktails and traditional drinks.
But there is more, because Funky Lee is also an excellent Japanese food restaurant with unmissable dishes. Among the favorites, our recommendations include the Rock Shrimp and the Kanji Roll with clarified butter.
- Location: Av. Pdte. Masaryk 123, Polanco V Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, CDMX
- Reservations: 55 9237 6022
- Instagram:@funkeleespk
8. Take a Look at the Buildings in Mexico City’s Historic Center
One of the best things to do in Mexico City on Mondays is to explore the Zócalo and the streets of Mexico City’s Historic Center. With architectural marvels like the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest and oldest cathedral in Latin America, the area is ideal for sightseeing.
Having been the center of commercial, political, and spiritual life for centuries, fist as Tenochtitlan and later on as as the most important city in Mexico during the Spanish conquest and after independence, the Centro Histórico has a rich cultural and historical legacy.
Although most museums in the area are closed on Mondays, simply walking around the Zócalo and surrounding street allow you to have a full insight into the area’s cultural and historical allure. Of course, you will find plenty of shops, churches, and other buildings where you can take a peek, as well as a smorgasbord of eating options that go from street tacos to fine dining restaurants.
- Location: Plaza de la Constitución s/n and surrounding streets, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
9. Unwind at Condesas’s Cafés and Bakeries
If you’re craving a snack or a coffee break, Condesa has numerous spots where you can relax and enjoy freshly brewed coffee with a sweet and delicious pastry.
Coffee shops and bakeries like Saint Panadería, Café Budapest, Ficelle, Panadería Rosetta, and Tomasa Amasando Conchas are pretty trendy, but you´re sure to find a place that is just right for you by walking and exploring the streets of this chic-boho neighborhood.
Nestled between Bosque de Chapultepec and the artsy Roma neighborhood, Condesa tree-lined streets make for a pleasant stroll, with a couple of nice parks (Parque México and Parque España) plenty of Art Nouveau and Art Déco buildings that will surely catch your eye, as well as charming shops.
- Location: Condesa neighborhood, Mexico City
10. Have Some Drinks at Licorería Limantour
For a relaxed Monday evening with expertly prepared cocktails and snacks, head to Licorería Limantour, which is open seven days of the week.
Ranked as number 32 in the World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 edition due to its excellence in mixology, this bar in the Roma neighborhood offers an extensive cocktail menu that includes both reinvented versions of the classics as well as unique creations.
Licorería Limantour is a favorite with both locals and visitors, who are attracted to the friendly neighborhood bar vibe, the location in the heart of the trendy Roma neighborhood, and their creative specialties.
- Location: Álvaro Obregón 106, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, CDMX
11. Try an Exotic Lunch at Mercado de San Juan
If you´re a food lover who likes to try new and exotic ingredients and dishes, Mercado de San Juan is a gem for gastronomic exploration. This traditional market in the downtown are of Mexico City offers a wide range of delicacies.
From locally sourced meats and cheeses to exotic fare like crocodile, Ostrich, and even scorpions this is a great spot to try the diversity of Mexican food culture. Don´t worry if you´re not too fond of the idea of trying out strange food, they also have “normal” fare like delicious Angus meat cuts, chicken, and seafood for less adventurous clients.
Recommended food stands in the Mercado de San Juan include Lobo de Mar, El Gran Cazador, Carpaccio, and Triana café Gourmet.
- Location: 2ᵃ Calle de Ernesto Pugibet 21, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
12. Hike at Desierto de los Leones National Park
Situated around 17 miles southwest of Mexico City’s Historic Center, Desierto de los Leones is a lush national park that spans over 3,700 acres, offering a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The natural landscape, which is attractive enough, also harbors a few restaurants as well as historical constructions – including the beautiful Ex Convento de los leones, which housed Carmelite monks during colonial times,
If you´re a nature lover wishing to get a dose of fresh air and a break from the busy streets, this is one of the best things to do in Mexico City on Mondays. Despite its name, the protected area is far from barren, as it harbors dense oak and pine forests, misty trails, and abundant wildlife.
Desierto de los Leones is a fantastic spot for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, and horseback riding. The cool climate and peaceful atmosphere make it a favorite for both locals and visitors looking to reconnect with nature.
- Location: Carretera México-Toluca s/n, Col. La Venta, Cuajimalpa, Mexico City.
13. Visit Parque México and Parque España
The bohemian Condesa neighborhood is home to a couple of relatively small parks that are open to the public 24/7: Parque España.
The parks are very close to one another – meaning a few steps- so you can visit both of them in one go. These green areas are favorites with locals and tourists for strolling, walking the dogs, doing some exercise, and people-watching while relaxing under the shade of its trees for a while.
The parks are not without attractions other than plants and trees. They host fountains, statues, and you´ll even find a small man-made lake with ducks in Parque México. Parque España is also home to an “Ahuehuete” tree (Montezuma Cypress) that is over 100 years old.
The area around Parque México is full of restaurants. cafés, ice cream shops, and convenience store, so you can enjoy them from afar or easily sit in one of the wooden benches or on a blanket while enjoying a beverage and sweet treat.
- Locations: Parque México (Av. México s/n, Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City) Parque España (Parque España s/n, Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City)
14. Explore Museo del Estanquillo
Contrary to most museums in Mexico City, Museo del Estanquillo closes on Tuesdays for maintenance, so a visit to this place is one of the ideal things to do in Mexico City on Mondays.
Museo del Estanquillo combines culture and history with relaxation and great city vistas. Founded by Carlos Monsiváis, one of Mexico’s most beloved writers and political critics, the museum harbors an extensive collection of photographs, political cartoons, memorabilia, and folk art.
The three-story building also houses a rooftop café, offering splendid vistas of Mexico City’s skyline and Centro Historico’s architecture, as well as comforting beverages and snacks.
- Location: Isabel La Católica 26, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
- Instagram: @museodelestanquillo
15. Do Some Shopping
Shopping in Mexico City offers a variety of experiences, and Mondays are perfect for exploring different retail landscapes—from traditional markets to high-end boutiques. Whether you’re looking for artisanal crafts, trendy fashion, or luxury goods, Mexico City has you covered.
For arts and crafts, Mercado La Ciudadela, Mercado de Coyoacán, and de FONART shops are ideal. For a more luxurious shopping experience, Presidente Masaryk Avenue in Polanco is the place to be, with prestigious international brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, as well as luxury Mexican designers. If a shopping mall is what you want, CDMX has several, including the open-air Antara Fashion Hall, Mitikah in Coyoacán, and Reforma 222.
Even on a Monday, you can spend the day browsing high fashion and enjoying the chic atmosphere of this glamorous district. For a more relaxed shopping experience, Polanco also has numerous galleries, home decor shops, and concept stores that cater to discerning tastes.
- Locations: La Ciudadela (Balderas S/N, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City), Mercado de Coyoacán ( Ignacio Allende s/n, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, Mexico City), FONART shops ((check locations here), Masaryk (Av. Presidente Masaryk s/n, Polanco, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City), Antara Fashion Hall (Av. Ejército Nacional Mexicano 843-B, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City), Centro Comercial Mitikah (Av. Río Churubusco 601, Xoco, Benito Juárez, Mexico City), Reforma 222 (Av. P.aseo de la Reforma 222, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City)
15. Things to Do in Mexico City on Mondays: Conclusion
It is true that Mexico City quiets down a little on Mondays, with an emphasis on “a little”. Many businesses and important cultural attractions close down for maintenance, but the sprawling capital of Mexico never disappoints.
As one of the busiest cities in the world, there is always many things going on in terms of culture, dining, natural escapes, and nightlife. Exploring Mexico City on a Monday opens up unique opportunities to experience its food, art, history, and local traditions from a fresh perspective.
Whether you prefer museums and historic sites, outdoor adventures, or indulging in world-class cuisine, this vibrant metropolis has something for everyone—even on a day when many attractions close their doors. With this guide, your Monday in Mexico City is set to be as vibrant, flavorful, and memorable as any other day of the week.
So, if you happen to visit Mexico City at the beginning of the week, worry not, as you’re sure to find plenty of things to do to in Mexico City on Mondays that guarantee you have a rewarding stay in CDMX.
