Top 10 Places to Take Photos in Mexico City

Mexico City Photo Spots

With ancient roots as the seat of the Aztec empire and now the modern capital of Mexico, Mexico City, or CDMX, is a bustling megacity and one of Latin America’s most important cultural centres. The city has stunning parks, ancient Aztec and Spanish heritage, and modern, trailblazing architecture which make up some of the best places to take photos in Mexico City. Artistic and lively, every corner of CDMX is beaming with life, colour, and thrilling activity.

Here at ​​Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our local photographers in Mexico City to show us around the very best spots to take photos. Here’s where they mentioned as their top 10 places. 🇲🇽

Photo: Natalia in Mexico City for Flytographer. Carissa and partner capture their honeymoon together in Mexico City at the Palacio de Bellas Artes with a couple photoshoot.

TLDR

1. Coyoacan. A colourful district of cobblestone streets, once home to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
2. Palacio de Bellas Artes. The city’s most splendid cultural centre is total eye candy.
3. Polanco. CDMX’s upper-class neighbourhood is filled with parks, museums, and a world-class dining scene.
4. Parque Mexico. An urban oasis known for its Art Deco monuments.
5. La Roma. Home to all things cool, La Roma is the hipster heart of CDMX.
6. Zocalo. An ancient sacred site and a larger-than-life-square in the historic centre.
7. Condessa. A Fashionable neighbourhood with chill vibes and chic hangouts.
8. Ayuntamiento de la Ciudad de México. An architecturally important historic building that houses the Mexican government offices.
9. Xochimilco. Life’s always a party on board the colourful boats of Xochimilco.
10. Chapultepec Castle. A castle on a hill and the only official royal residence in North America.

1. Coyoacan

Known for its cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and artsy vibe, Coyoacan has always been a hotbed for culture and creativity. This is where Frida Kahlo — the most famous Mexican personality of all time — spent a large part of her life. The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as La Casa Azul, or the Blue House, is considered one of the best museums in Mexico. It contains a collection of her artwork alongside pieces by her husband, Diego Rivera. The display also provides a glimpse into their lives. The iconic Blue House is incredibly instagrammable, especially when viewed from its delightful gardens. 💙

Coyoacan’s picturesque streets boast an old charm that will make you feel like you’re in a small village. The area also has beautiful parks and gardens. At Plaza Hidalgo, you’re likely to find many street performers and vendors, especially if you visit on weekends. Jardin Centenário is a little quieter and has a lovely fountain of two coyotes playing under the water, a monument that alludes to the area’s name, which means “the place of coyotes.” Opposite Jardin Centenário is San Juan Bautista Church, one of the first churches in the Americas, dating back to 1522.

Photo: Alejandra in Mexico City for Flytographer. Mayra and partner capture a day together in Mexico City at the Coyoacan with a couple photoshoot.

2. Palacio de Bellas Artes

This one is total eye candy! Built in the early twentieth century to house the National Theatre of Mexico, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is the most splendid cultural centre in the capital. It has such a prominent place in the local art scene that Mexicans call it “the cathedral of art.” The building’s exterior boasts an unusual mix of Neoclassic and Art Nouveau. The roof has three rotundas of yellow and orange tiles that gleam in the sunlight. On top of the main rotunda is a cluster of statues with the Mexican eagle at the very top surrounded by other figures representing the dramatic arts. 🎭

The building’s interior leaves nothing to be desired. It’s like something out of a movie with dazzling Art Deco style and murals by some of Mexico’s finest artists, including Diego Rivera. This unique feature makes it one of the most beautiful places to take photos in Mexico City. The main hall has an impressive “mosaic curtain” made of almost a million pieces of stained glass created by Tiffany & Co. Pretty snazzy, huh?

A great way to admire this architectural marvel is to head to Cafe Don Porfirio at Sears Centro Historico, the building right opposite Palacio de Bellas Artes. The cafe has a rooftop terrace with breathtaking vistas.

Extra tip: not too far from Palacio de Bellas Artes is Churrería El Moro, a local institution that has been selling crispy churros, a popular snack any time of the day or night, since 1935. 😋

Photo: Alejandra in Mexico City for Flytographer. Amber and partner capture their engagement in Mexico City at the Palacio de Bellas Artes with a couple photoshoot.

3. Polanco

Polanco, Mexico City’s most upper-class neighbourhood, is more than a go-to place for shopping and fine dining. It also has spectacular urban parks and museums where you can see world-class art and learn about Mexico’s glorious ancient civilization. To the south side of the neighbourhood is Chapultepec Park, a 1,700-acre urban oasis with a botanical garden, large lake, and a zoo. 🦁

One of the park’s highlights is the National Museum of Anthropology, possibly the most visited museum in the country. If you’re a history buff, this place is unmissable because it holds the world’s largest collection of ancient Mexican artifacts. For the best photo background, head to the central courtyard where you’ll find El Paraguas, also known as “the umbrella fountain,” where a cascade of water pours from a massive concrete roof supported only by a single towering pillar.

For more unusual architectural feats and photo ops, don’t miss the Museo Soumaya. This curvy building is covered with thousands of silver hexagon tiles — a sight like no other in the CDMX’s cityscape. The multicoloured Hotel Camino Real also plays an important role in the pantheon of modern Mexican architecture. The whole place looks more like a museum with several works of art. Its continuingly swirling Fountain of Eternal Movement is the highlight for Instagram photos. Once you’re done marvelling at all this incredible architecture, end your day in one of Polanco’s many high-end restaurants and trendy bars – the hard part is picking one. Dress to impress. 👗

Photo: Alejandra in Mexico City for Flytographer. Vicky and family capture a trip together in Mexico City at the Polanco with a family photoshoot.

4. Parque Mexico

In the heart of Hipódromo Condesa sits Parque Mexico, a beautiful place distinguished by its Art Deco monuments. Opened to the public in 1927, the park follows the layout of a Jockey Club. The grounds belonged to a countess in the past who held horse races near her home — yes, she had a racecourse in her backyard! Designed in the outline of the original racing track, Parque Mexico is a local favourite for exercising and recreation. There are outdoor gyms, sandboxes, pathways, and attractive ponds populated by ducks. 🦆

Look for the Charles Lindbergh Forum, an open arena in Art Deco style with two beautiful pergolas. This space makes one of the best places to take photos in Mexico City. The famous aviator Charles Lindbergh landed in this spot when he flew over Mexican territory. Another photo op is by the bust of Albert Einstein. 👅 The bronze artwork also features his famous quote, “If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” The area surrounding the park is full of restaurants and cafes catering to all tastes and budgets, and you can also find some great street food vendors selling tacos and churros for just a few pesos.

Photo: Flytographer in Mexico City. Allison and partner capture a trip together in Mexico City at the Parque Mexico with a couple photoshoot.

5. La Roma

Dubbed “the Williamsburg of Mexico City,” La Roma is the hipster epicentre of the Mexican capital. Its leafy streets are lined with beautiful colonial-era buildings, many of which are highly instagrammable, boasting stunning Juliet-like balconies. Once the homes of the upper class, these buildings now house a seemingly endless array of cafes, restaurants, boutiques, museums, and galleries. 🎨

Shop till you drop, and then take a break in one of the many leafy plazas. You can take great pics at Plaza Rio de Janeiro with its replica of Michelangelo’s David. Another excellent spot for a photo session is Plaza Luis Cabrera. The square is decorated with old buses and cars that have become canvases for street artists to demonstrate their talent. Truly a visual feast!

Hungry yet? Mercado Medellín is a farmer’s market with many options for delicious and inexpensive food. Suppose you want something more stylish? Head to Mercado Roma, an indoor food court with stalls of some of the city’s best eateries. This place is excellent for snacks, lunch, and dinner. Trendy during happy hour, it’s also the perfect way to end your day in La Roma. 🍸

Photo: Natalia in Mexico City for Flytographer.  Nemeth and parter capture anniversary together in Mexico City at La Roma with a couple photoshoot.

6. Zocalo

Zócalo, also known as Centro Historico, or just Centro, is the historic centre of Mexico City. The name comes from a monumental main square, and it is the largest plaza in Latin America. That’s where you’ll find the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is also breathtakingly large. Built between 1573 and 1813, the cathedral mixes Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. One of the best places to take photos in Mexico City is the cathedral and the colossal flagpole bearing the Mexican flag at the centre of the square. ​​📸

Next to the cathedral sits the Templo Mayor Museum, an archeological site with the ruins of the Aztec temple the cathedral was built upon. It’s a sacred spot; the Aztecs believed it to be the centre of the universe. 

Zocalo square is a stone’s throw away from more iconic buildings. One of them is Casa de Los Azulejos, or the House of Tiles. This building’s facade is covered in blue, white, and yellow tiles. Nearby, Palacio Postal, also known as Correo Mayor, or the Main Post Office, boasts an incredible hybrid style mixing Art Nouveau, Moorish and Venetian Gothic revival. Guess what: the post office is still in operation. Can you think of a better place to send a letter from? 💌

A little more modern, completed in 1956, Torre Latinoamericana is the local equivalent of the Empire State Building, an iconic skyscraper in the city’s skyline. Head to the top floor for a jaw-dropping 360-degree view of everything in Mexico’s capital.

Photo: Flytographer in Mexico City. Ellen and family capture Family trip together in Mexico City at the Zocalo with a family photoshoot.

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7. Condesa neighbourhood

The fashionable neighbourhood of Condessa is absolutely delightful with its chill vibe and chic hangouts. The area is home to a young, artsy, and bohemian crowd, which makes it even cooler. The best way to explore is on foot, strolling the tree-lined avenidas. Avenues Michoacán, Amsterdam, Tamaulipas, and Vicente Suárez are especially worth visiting, where you’ll find many designer boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries, and cafes. Speaking of coffee, the scene here is unbeatable. Even if you have very high standards, you won’t be disappointed. ☕

If you’re in the mood for something livelier, check out what’s on at El Plaza, a historical concert venue that hosts fantastic performers both from Mexico and abroad. La Condesa is also a nightlife hotspot with trendy lounges, bars, nightclubs, and even karaoke bars. This is the place to go to party the night away in Mexico City. 🕺

Photo: Alejandra in Mexico City for Flytographer. Michelle and partner capture Couples trip together in Mexico City at the Condesa neighbourhood with a couple photoshoot.

8. Ayuntamiento de la Ciudad de México

As an important part of the vast expanse of historical monuments in and around Zocalo square, Ayuntamiento de la Ciudad de México is impossible to miss — a larger-than-life building that houses several Mexican government offices. Also known as Ayuntamiento, or the Old City Hall Building, it dates back to 1527 and exhibits an incredible mix of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. Besides the three majestic facades, the two internal courtyards are also unmissable. Everything is so well preserved that it will transport you back to the past. 🕰️

If you visit during daytime, you can take a tour to learn more about the history of the building and the city that grew around it. It’s also great to visit at nighttime when the building is lit up with pretty colours and the square is cheerful and lively.

Photo: Natalia in Mexico City for Flytographer. Donald captures a Solo adventure in Mexico City with a solo photoshoot.

9. Xochimilco

Even though still in the metropolitan area, the town of Xochimilco feels like a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Mexico City. If you’re looking for the quintessential Mexican experience, make sure this spot is on your bucket list. 👌

Sometimes referred to as the Venice of Mexico, the area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its system of canals that predates Hispanic rule. A fun experience is to jump on a trajinera, a traditional boat colourfully decorated with flower patterns, and navigate the calm waters. Xochimilco is the best place to meet locals and learn about Mexican culture firsthand. This is their all-time favourite spot at weekends, where they head to relax and have a good time with their friends, enjoying some beers and music. Most people bring their speakers, but if you don’t have one, you can listen to the lively music of others. Mariachi bands will also come into the boats occasionally — Xochimilco is always a fiesta! 🎉

Photo: Flytographer in Mexico City. Monica and family capture Family trip together in Mexico City at the Parque Mexico and Confesa with a family photoshoot.

10. Chapultepec Castle

Majestically located on top of Chapultepec Hill and surrounded by Chapultepec Park, this national gem is one of the top things to do in the Mexican capital. An eighteenth-century palace with pristine gardens, this is the only building to have served as an official royal residence in North America. Completed in 1725, the castle became the residence and court of Emperor Maximilian I and his wife, Empress Carlota, rulers in Mexico’s brief European-style monarchy. Today, the castle is the National Museum of History, displaying artifacts and the beautifully preserved decor of the former royal residency. With its fair share of extravagance, the palace served as the Capulet mansion for the 1996 classic Romeo + Juliet. The castle’s grounds also include a well-manicured garden bearing a mesmerizing panoramic view of the city. 😍

Photo alert: 🚨 the balcony with black and white tiles on the floor is extra instagrammable. You’ll get the classic balustrade and incredible vistas of Paseo de la Reforma in Juárez neighbourhood.

Photo: Natalia in Mexico City for Flytographer. Suho and partner capture their engagement together in Mexico City with a proposal photoshoot.

Capturing Memories in Mexico City

There’s so much to see and do in Mexico City that this list could go on forever! A notable mention should go to the lovely Kiosco Morisco in the Ribera neighbourhood, a Moorish-style iron kiosk built for the World Fair of 1884. Another eye-catching building is Biblioteca Vasconcelos, a steel, concrete, and glass structure surrounded by greenery and water.

The best day trip you can take from Mexico City is to Teotihuacan, a vast archeological complex with several large structures of pre-Columbian America, like the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. A total must-see.

For more on what to do in CDMX, read this travel guide or check these recs from our community of travellers. We even have some packing hacks for you. 😉 To make your visit to the city even more memorable, book one of our local Flytographers and let them show you around this fascinating place.