10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Mexico City

Bosque de Chapultepec is one of the largest parks in the Western hemisphere, measuring just over 686 hectares. Found in the heart of the city, it is home to countless attractions and activities – several museums, a zoo, a botanical garden, a recreational lake and an archeological site, Montezuma's Baths. Also littered across this sprawling city park are historical monuments commemorating Mexican patriots and international heroes as well as food vendors and street performers. Whether you are looking to relax in the green of the park or partake in its facilities, Bosque de Chapultepec offers a little something for each couple.

Approximately 40 minutes from the city, Xochimilco is a gritty neighborhood that hosts the famous canals, which were built by the Aztecs as a water transportation system. A visit to the canal and lake system is a fascinating display of history and culture and allows us to see what the Valley of Mexico would’ve looked like hundreds of years ago. Trajineras are gondola-esque boats painted in gorgeous shades of neon color. A ride on one of these boats will put you and your partner in and among the enchanting beauty of Mexican nature. Start your visit at Embarcadero Belem dock, where you can board a trajinera that will take you across the dark waterways to visit artificial islands. Weekends get especially busy, so if you’re seeking a more peaceful atmosphere, come on a weekday.

Coyoacán is regarded as a historical center within Mexico City. Many of its streets and plazas retain their original structure and layout dating back from the 16th century to the early 20th century. Its narrow streets and charming plazas make for picturesque walks and snap-worthy settings. The neighborhood is also famed for being home to multiple influential artists, such as Frida Kahlo and Leon Trotsky. Found in the center of Coyoacán, Jardín Centenario and the adjoining Plaza Hidalgo are quintessential romantic settings with leafy pathways lined with quaint benches. Before heading here, grab a stellar coffee from either Café El Jarocho or Café Avellaneda, then indulge in some churros from Café Negro or Churrería General de la República.

San Ángel is as scenic as it comes – colorful displays of bougainvillea cover colonial-style houses, and cobblestone streets meander throughout the neighborhood, past plazas and churches. This peaceful neighborhood hosts an artsy atmosphere grounded in its impressive collection of art galleries and artisanal markets. Make sure to check out Plaza San Jacinto, the heart of San Ángel, where you’ll find Bazaar del Sábado – an excellent open-air market selling high-quality Mexican handicrafts. For tranquil scenes, visit Parroquia San Jacinto, a church with lush green gardens and a stunning bright blue façade, that’s adorned with fragrant bougainvillea.

Few things are more romantic than a cocktail in one hand and your partner’s hand in the other, overlooking a stunning view of the city, so it’s all the better that Mexico City has endless supplies of fantastic rooftop bars. Given the extensive variety of bars, you’ll find one to your liking – whether it’s for a quick daytime drink or a night-long escapade. Highly recommended places include the historical center’s Miralto, which looks out upon the Zócalo and the Metropolitan Cathedral, Condesa DF’s rooftop terrace and Bellini – the famous rotating restaurant-bar in the city’s World Trade Center.

Plaza de la Ciudadela, also known as Plaza de Danzónas, welcomes throngs of danzón enthusiasts every Saturday, who gather to enjoy traditional live bands and indulge in a little dancing. Danzón is a Cuban style of music and dance that dates back to the 1800s. Though it’s died out in its home country, it continues to thrive in the Mexican capital (especially among elders). These crowds of people, often decked in glamorous outfits, have been congregating at the plaza for more than 20 years, making it a cultural tradition within the city. The atmosphere of the plaza is truly heartwarming, as hundreds of people from all walks of life come to simply enjoy the music and have some fun.

Many of Mexico City’s best hotels offer superb spa treatments for two, drawing influences from the Aztecs and other indigenous tribes. A staple for all spas tends to be locally sourced ingredients such as Mexican cacao, cinnamon, agave, vanilla and nopal (cactus paddle). Mexico City is huge, so it’s understandable that you and your significant other may be feeling a bit tired. A visit to the spa, whether you’re staying in the hotel or not, will help you on the road to relaxation. 

The Aurora Spa in Polanco’s Las Alcobas features amazing massages and body wraps using the Mexican staple ingredients. In the same neighborhood, AWAY Spa in W Hotel offers the centuries-old temezcal – an ancient Mexican bath ritual that aims to purify the body and soul. Treat yourselves to a day of relaxation in each other’s company.

Teotihuacán holds one of the most important and most-visited ancient complexes from pre-Hispanic times. Known as the City of Gods, a trip on a hot-air balloon above these ruins is a remarkable sight. Will yourself to wake up for the break of dawn, when most hot-air balloon excursions start. As the light seeps through from behind the mountains, you’ll get the wake-up call you needed. As you ascend higher into the sky, you and your partner will be left in awe. Watch the golden hues of light illuminate the dark stone of the pyramids creating a truly celestial image and very romantic setting.

Mercado de Artesanias la Ciudadela is a traditional-style Mexican market that sells handicrafts and folk art. Found in the historical center of Mexico City, the market has over 200 stalls, most of which are covered. Expect fabulous souvenirs such as lucha libre masks, hammocks, jewelry, as well as eccentric furniture such as carved animal heads. As one of the best artisanal markets in the city, it is also one of the most visited, and to get the most out of it, you should probably come more than once. Wander around this bustling market with your loved one and enjoy the friendly atmosphere, where vendors greet you with smiles. Don’t be afraid to barter for your price.

Polanco is known as one of the most fashionable and upmarket neighborhoods of Mexico City. You’ll find many trendy bars offering up cosmopolitan vibes and crafty cocktails. As well as excellent bars, the area also has some of the top restaurants in the city. Restaurants here do well to mix traditional foods with flavors from across the world. Places worth mentioning are Quintonil, Pujol and Biko. Enjoy an eccentric dish at one of these world-class restaurants then head over to a swanky bar. For mezcal fun, head to Mezcalería Los Amantes, which offers over 300 labels to choose from. For mixology magic, visit Limantour – a bar featured more than once in the World’s Best Bars list.