Mexico City’s historical tours cut right to the heart of this ancient capital’s fascinating past. Two must-do experiences stand out: The magnificent Teotihuacan pyramids (best visited early morning with a local guide) and the historic downtown walking tours (perfect for understanding Spanish colonial influence).
I especially love the UNAM campus tour for its stunning murals and modernist architecture – it’s like an open-air museum without the crowds. The evening mezcal-tasting Teotihuacan tours offer a perfect blend of archaeology and local culture, while downtown walks reveal hidden courtyards and colonial mansions most travelers miss.
Let’s explore the top historical tours in Mexico City.
Key Points
- Teotihuacan and Historic Center Tour offers a comprehensive nine-hour tour to UNESCO-listed Teotihuacan pyramids and Mexico City’s historic center.
- Historical Downtown & Mezcal Tasting Tour explores ancient Tenochtitlan and downtown Mexico City, including a Mezcal or Tequila tasting.
- Private Walking Tour Legends and Events Historic Center CDMX provides a 2.5-hour private tour focusing on the rich history and spiritual elements of the historic center.
- Mexico City: Historical Walking Tour of Tenochtitlan is a 3-hour tour led by a professor, covering key landmarks and the cultural evolution from Aztec to Republic.
- Gastronomy Walking Tour is a 5.5-hour immersive tour highlighting the diverse flavors and cultural influences in Mexican cuisine.
Walk Around UNAM Campus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Situated in the heart of Mexico City, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) campus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Mexico’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
This 3-hour, 4-km walking tour allows you to explore the campus’ famous murals by renowned artists like Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros, while also learning about Mexico’s modernist architecture and the historical significance of the site.
The tour is accessible via Uber or Metrobús, and it operates rain or shine, with water provided.
With an overall 5/5 rating based on 13 reviews, this tour is highly recommended for those interested in design, politics, sociology, and anyone seeking a unique insight into Mexico.
Read our full review: Walk Around UNAM Campus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Review
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Teotihuacan Mexico City Tour: Ruins and Historic Center
For those seeking a comprehensive exploration of Mexico City’s rich history, the Teotihuacan Mexico City Tour: Ruins and Historic Center offers an immersive nine-hour experience.
Priced at $433.00 per group, the tour includes a guided visit to the UNESCO-listed Teotihuacan pyramids and a walking tour of Mexico City’s historic center.
Highlights include the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, the Avenue of the Dead, and the iconic Metropolitan Cathedral.
Along the way, knowledgeable local guides share historical anecdotes and insights.
While not suitable for wheelchair users, the tour provides an opportunity to discover the city’s ancient Aztec and colonial treasures.
Read our full review: Teotihuacan Mexico City Tour: Ruins and Historic Center Review
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Historical Downtown & Teotihuacan Pyramids Mezcal Tasting
This comprehensive nine-hour tour offers an immersive exploration of Mexico City’s storied past.
It takes visitors to the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, now known as the Teotihuacan Pyramids, and the vibrant downtown area. Guests can marvel at the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, as well as the Templo Mayor, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The tour also includes a visit to the Zocalo, the world’s third-largest square. Participants will savor a Mezcal or Tequila tasting and have the option to enjoy an included lunch.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, a live guide, and free cancellation, this tour provides a well-rounded experience of Mexico City’s rich history and culture.
Read our full review: Historical Downtown & Teotihuacan Pyramids Mezcal Tasting Review
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Mexico City: Historic Downtown Walking Tour
Enjoy the rich tapestry of Mexico City’s historic downtown on this captivating walking tour.
The 3-hour experience showcases the city’s iconic landmarks, including the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral, the ruins of the ancient Aztec city, and the stunning Post Office Building.
Explore the vibrant Zocalo square, the heart of Mexico, and learn about the country’s 700+ years of history, architecture, and culture.
With an expert local guide leading the way, you’ll also discover the Palace of Fine Arts and a traditional Mexican bakery.
Priced at €21.36 per person, this tour offers excellent value, with free cancellation and accessibility for wheelchair users.
Read our full review: Mexico City: Historic Downtown Walking Tour Review
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Mexico City: Walk & Eat Through Mexican Gastronomy History
Culinary enthusiasts embark on a captivating journey through Mexico City’s rich gastronomic history on this immersive walking tour.
Priced from $112.89 per person, the 5.5-hour experience offers a deep dive into the diverse flavors and cultural influences that have shaped Mexican cuisine.
Guests will visit restaurants, shops, and a market, sampling dishes like churros and tacos al pastor while learning from an expert guide with a graduate degree.
The tour highlights the impact of Spanish, Chinese, French, and Arabic cultures, as well as the contributions of native and immigrant groups.
With free cancellation and transportation provided, this tour delivers a thoroughly engaging and educational experience for food lovers.
Read our full review: Mexico City: Walk & Eat Through Mexican Gastronomy History Review
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Mexico City Tour: Walk the Iconic Historic Center
Discover the captivating history and vibrant culture of Mexico City’s iconic Historic Center on this engaging walking tour. Priced from $45 per person, the 3-hour excursion offers guided visits to must-see sites like the impressive Templo Mayor, the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral, and the historic Casa de los Azulejos.
With multilingual guides, a customizable itinerary, and free cancellation, this tour provides an immersive experience exploring UNESCO-listed architecture, learning about Aztec rituals, and admiring the city’s rich heritage.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to soak up the lively atmosphere, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Mexico City’s storied past.
Read our full review: Mexico City Tour: Walk the Iconic Historic Center Review
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Private Tour: Pyramids of Teotihuacan With Historic Center
Explore the captivating Pyramids of Teotihuacan and the vibrant Historic Center of Mexico City on this comprehensive private tour. At just $349.99 for up to 1 person, it’s an excellent value.
Over 7 hours, you’ll discover the archaeological wonders of Teotihuacan, including guided tours, photo stops, lunch, and time to shop for artisanal goods.
Then, venture to Tlatelolco and the iconic Zócalo, with optional guided explorations.
With pickup and drop-off at your convenience, a knowledgeable guide, and inclusions like entrance tickets and transportation, this tour offers an immersive cultural experience.
Suitable for most travelers, it’s the perfect way to maximize your time in Mexico City.
Read our full review: Private Tour: Pyramids of Teotihuacan With Historic Center Review
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Street Food Tour Mexico City: Yummy Flavors and History
A captivating street food tour awaits visitors in the vibrant heart of Mexico City. For $99 per person, this 4-hour experience showcases the city’s iconic and lesser-known street food spots.
Guests will sample traditional Mexican “antojitos” and drinks, enjoy churros and chocolate at the oldest churrería, and taste tacos al pastor like locals.
The tour also includes an orientation walk of the Historic Center and opportunities to interact with the local culture and cuisine.
With available languages, private group options, and free cancellation, this tour provides an immersive and flexible way to discover Mexico City’s vibrant street food scene.
Customers note the knowledgeable guide and cultural insights, though some found the food variety repetitive.
Read our full review: Street Food Tour Mexico City: Yummy Flavors and History Review
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This immersive full-day tour from Mexico City takes visitors on a journey to uncover the rich histories of Taxco and Cuernavaca.
Guests will explore the charming colonial town of Taxco, known for its impressive silver-mining heritage and beautiful architecture. They’ll visit the famous Santa Prisca Cathedral and wander the winding streets, observing the artisanal craftsmanship.
Next, the tour heads to Cuernavaca, the “City of Eternal Spring,” where highlights include the iconic Palacio de Cortés, a 16th-century palace, and the Jardín Borda, a lush botanical garden.
Throughout the day, knowledgeable guides provide insights into the regions’ pivotal roles in Mexico’s past, offering a comprehensive historical experience.
Read our full review: From Mexico City: Taxco and Cuernavaca History Tour Review
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Mexico City: Xochimilco and Coyoacan Cultural Tour
The Mexico City: Xochimilco and Coyoacán Cultural Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of two distinct neighborhoods within the vibrant capital.
Priced at $220.87 per group (up to 4 participants), this 6-hour private tour includes a panoramic visit to CU (UNAM), a stroll through Coyoacán’s historic architecture, and a boat ride along Xochimilco’s iconic canals.
Highlights include exploring the replica of the Island of the Dolls and admiring the serene beauty of the Caltongo Lagoon.
With Spanish-speaking guides, free cancellation, and the convenience of a hotel pickup, this tour provides a comprehensive cultural experience in Mexico City.
Read our full review: Mexico City: Xochimilco and Coyoacan Cultural Tour Review
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Mexico City: Highlights of Historic District Part I
Immersing visitors in the city’s captivating past, the Mexico City: Highlights of Historic District Part I tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the capital’s historic heart.
Priced from $70.68 per person, the 3.5-hour English and Spanish-language tour takes guests on a journey through the city’s art, architecture, and history.
Highlights include admiring Diego Rivera’s murals, appreciating archaeological remains of the original pre-Hispanic city, and visiting a former convent showcasing Baroque art and colonial architecture.
With an expert guide, headsets for larger groups, and museum tickets included, this tour provides an immersive experience, rain or shine.
However, it may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.
Read our full review: Mexico City: Highlights of Historic District Part I Review
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Mexico City: History on Walls. Mexican Murals Walking Tour
Exploring the vibrant murals that adorn the walls of Mexico City offers visitors a captivating window into the nation’s rich cultural heritage and social ideologies.
The Mexico City: History on Walls – Mexican Murals Walking Tour provides a 3.5-hour immersion in this artistic legacy, featuring the iconic works of renowned Mexican muralists like Rivera, Siqueiros, and Orozco.
Participants will discover the development of the Muralistic project during the 1920s and admire murals showcasing the ideologies of early 20th-century Mexico.
The tour also includes a visit to the Fine Arts Palace and a coffee break with views of the Historic District from a rooftop.
Led by expert guides, this tour offers an engaging and informative exploration of Mexico City’s vibrant mural art.
Read our full review: Mexico City: History on Walls. Mexican Murals Walking Tour Review
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Mexico City: Chapultepec Castle History & Gossip + Picnic
Visitors often find themselves captivated by the rich history and architectural grandeur of Chapultepec Castle, a true gem nestled within Mexico City’s renowned Chapultepec Park.
This 3-hour guided tour invites guests to explore the castle’s European-style rooms and gardens, learning about its evolution from a sacred Aztec hill to a colonial palace and ultimately a majestic Imperial residence.
Led by expert guides, the experience also includes an opportunity to enjoy a picnic overlooking the serene Chapultepec Lake, complete with panini, snacks, and beverages.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, wheelchair accessibility, and a simple reservation process, this tour offers an immersive and convenient way to explore Mexico City’s fascinating past.
Read our full review: Mexico City: Chapultepec Castle History & Gossip + Picnic Review
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Mexico City: Historic Center Architecture Tour
On this 3-hour walking tour, guests explore the captivating architectural heritage of Mexico City’s historic center.
Led by a Spanish-speaking guide, the group explores the area’s legendary buildings and hears enthralling stories from various eras. Participants gain a deeper understanding of the architectural significance of the structures they encounter.
The tour concludes with a coffee and snack or tacos, giving visitors a chance to reflect on the experience.
With a maximum of 10 participants, the tour offers an intimate and personalized way to discover Mexico City’s rich history through the lens of its iconic architecture.
Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment and enjoy a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Mexico City: Historic Center Architecture Tour Review
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Mexico Citys Historical Sights: Audio Guided Walking Tour
Immerse oneself in the captivating historical sights of Mexico City with an audio-guided walking tour. This self-paced experience allows visitors to explore the city’s iconic landmarks at their own leisure, all while learning about the rich history and cultural significance of each site.
The tour covers the Zócalo, the massive central square lined with colonial-era buildings, as well as the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral and the Palacio Nacional, home to renowned murals by Diego Rivera.
With the ability to pause, rewind, and revisit points of interest, this tour provides an in-depth and flexible way to discover Mexico City’s remarkable past.
Read our full review: Mexico Citys Historical Sights: Audio Guided Walking Tour Review
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Mexico City: Coyoacán Bohemian History Tour
Steeped in a rich bohemian heritage, the Coyoacán Bohemian History Tour offers an immersive journey through the charming neighborhoods of this vibrant Mexico City district.
During the 3-hour walking tour, a local guide will share legends and stories that reveal Coyoacán’s essence. Guests will explore the area’s historic architecture, vibrant coffee culture, and popular art scene, all while seeing the bohemian atmosphere.
The tour includes coffee, snacks, and gratuities, and allows participants to discover Coyoacán’s unique charm at their own pace.
With a group size limited to 10 and the option to reserve and pay later, this tour provides a personalized and flexible experience.
Read our full review: Mexico City: Coyoacán Bohemian History Tour Review
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Mexico City: Historical Walking Tour of Tenochtitlan
Exploring the rich history of Mexico City, the Historical Walking Tour of Tenochtitlan offers an immersive experience for travelers.
The 3-hour tour takes visitors through key landmarks, including the Templo Mayor, Catedral Metropolitana, and the Palace of Fine Arts. Led by the knowledgeable Professor Cristina Ríos, the small group experience provides detailed explanations and opportunities to ask questions.
Highlights include discovering hidden gems and learning about Mexican culture from the Aztec era to the Republic. With wheelchair accessibility and free cancellation, the tour is both inclusive and convenient.
Reviewers praise Cristina’s expertise and the tour’s ability to provide a memorable glimpse into Mexico City’s storied past.
Read our full review: Mexico City: Historical Walking Tour of Tenochtitlan Review
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Private Walking Tour Legends and Events Historic Center CDMX
The Private Walking Tour Legends and Events Historic Center CDMX invites travelers to uncover the captivating stories that have shaped Mexico City’s historic center.
This 2.5-hour private tour explores five emblematic places at night, led by an official guide with expertise in ethnology and anthropology. Participants will learn a minimum of eight legends and anecdotes, including the tale of Nun Casilda and the prayer of the father with souls.
The tour also offers the opportunity to take night photos of the Zócalo, Cathedral, and other key points. With a rating of 4.8/5 based on nine reviews, this tour provides an engaging and enlightening experience for those seeking to explore the city’s rich history and spirituality.
Read our full review: Private Walking Tour Legends and Events Historic Center CDMX Review
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Mexico City: Comprehensive Tour of the Historic Center
Travelers seeking an in-depth exploration of Mexico City’s historic heart will find the Comprehensive Tour of the Historic Center an excellent choice.
Priced at $196.33 for up to 4 participants, the 6-hour tour takes visitors through the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Chapultepec Castle.
Along the way, the live guide provides cultural and historical insights, from ancient Aztec ruins to the grandeur of Paseos de la Reforma Avenue.
With free cancellation, pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a leisurely stroll through Chapultepec Forest, this private group experience offers a well-rounded introduction to Mexico City’s rich heritage.
Read our full review: Mexico City: Comprehensive Tour of the Historic Center Review
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Sum Up
Mexico City offers a wealth of historical tours that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. From walking tours of the UNAM campus to exploring the Teotihuacan ruins and tasting mezcal, there’s something for every history enthusiast. Whether you’re interested in the city’s downtown, bohemian neighborhoods, or the ancient Aztec capital, these tours provide a comprehensive and immersive experience that’ll leave you with a deeper appreciation for Mexico City’s captivating history.