Nearby places

Planning a day around the festival and the city

The places listed here are spread across a very large city, so it helps to group them by area rather than trying to see everything at once. Chapultepec Castle and the National Museum of Anthropology both sit in or beside Bosque de Chapultepec, and the Angel of Independence stands a short walk east along Paseo de la Reforma. Polanco, with the Soumaya Museum and its many restaurants, borders the park to the north. Together they make a comfortable full day, and the museum alone can easily fill a morning.

The Zócalo lies in the historic centre, further east, and is best paired with a walk through the surrounding streets, where cathedrals, colonial buildings and long-established cafés sit close together. Coyoacán and Xochimilco are in the south of the city. Coyoacán's market is a good stop for a casual meal, with stalls serving tostadas, quesadillas and other everyday dishes. Xochimilco's canals and colourful trajineras are a relaxed half-day outing, especially with a group.

Practical tips for visitors

• Allow for traffic. Journeys between neighbourhoods can take far longer than the distance suggests, particularly at rush hour. The Metro and Metrobús are often quicker for crossing the city.
• Check opening days. Many museums in Mexico City close on Mondays, so confirm hours on each venue's official website before you go.
• Pace your eating. If you plan to taste several moles, keep sightseeing meals light so you arrive with an appetite.
• Stay hydrated and use sun protection. The city sits at high altitude, and the sun can be strong even on cool days.

Before heading out, look at the tasting map and the schedule so your visits to these places fit around the festival sessions you most want to attend. If a dish catches your attention along the way, the recipes section offers background on the moles and ingredients you are likely to meet across the city.