23 Fun Things to Do in Mexico City at Night- The Ultimate Guide [2023]

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. Please see my disclaimer policy here.

If you are planning to visit Mexico City, this post on the top fun things to do in Mexico City at night is what you need to navigate through the unmissable nightlife in the vibrant Mexican capital city.

Ciudad de Mexico, or Mexico City, is a diverse, sprawling metropolis filled with cultural activities aplenty. One thing that makes Mexico City so great is that there’s never a bad time to explore.

Thanks to year-round mild temperatures, easy transit options, and a plethora of things to do, you don’t need to worry about only being able to sightsee during the day when visiting Mexico City.

There are so many things to do in Mexico City at night that allow you to see the city from a different perspective. 

In the evening, Mexico City comes alive. Restaurants and shops are open late, bars are buzzing, and people are out and about at all hours.

Whether you’re interested in museums, food, dancing, or just exploring the sights, Mexico City has something for everyone. 

Mexico City is also the perfect place for solo travelers because you don’t need friends to experience all that the city has to offer at night. I personally love going out in Mexico City and after reading this guide, you will too. 

23 fun things to do in Mexico City at night

1. Experience Fine Dining

Mexico City is known for its food and for good reason. Home to some of the most fantastic restaurants in the world, one of the best things to do in Mexico City at night is to eat. Whether you’re seeking Mexican, Italian, Asian, or everything in between, you can find it here on any budget.

Mexico City is particularly famous for its fine dining options, however.  While you’re in the city, be sure to book a tasty dining experience you’ll remember forever. 

If you’re interested in trying a tasting menu at a Michelin-recommended place, head to the Polanco neighborhood to try Pujol or Quintonil.

Both of these restaurants have won numerous awards and offer fantastic tasting menus highlighting traditional Mexican cuisine. You definitely need to make reservations far in advance, however. 

If you can’t get a table or are looking for something a little more budget-friendly, there are two other places I’d recommend in Roma for fine dining.

Em is a fantastic Japanese/ Mexican fusion.

They offer a tasting menu that I thought was better than Pujol, as well as ala carte options.

Lastly, Rosetta is a renowned Italian fusion restaurant run by an incredible local female chef in La Roma neighborhood.

2. Visit the Museums At Night

On the last Wednesday of the month, you can visit some of the best museums in the city at night. “Noche de Museos” is a really fun activity to do if you’re solo traveling and a great way to learn about history, art, and culture.

Many of the museums put on special programs or events during this time and some are even free to enter. 

Mexico City has the most museums per capita, so this is a fantastic way to visit some at night. It’s important to note that not all museums participate, so it’s best to look up the museums you want to see beforehand and confirm that they are a part of Museum night. 

In general, some of the best museums in Mexico City are the Frida Kahlo Museum, MUNAL, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the Museum of Anthropology.

If you have to pick one, the Frida Kahlo Museum is one of the most famous museums in Mexico City.

It’s located in Coyoacan, a neighborhood filled with rich history and culture that is also worth seeing. 

👉 Check out this tour to the historical monuments by night on AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

3. Take a Salsa Dancing Class

If you like to dance, then why not do as the locals do and learn some salsa dancing? Participating in Mexican salsa dancing is one of the best things you can do at night.

There are numerous places to take salsa classes in Mexico City as well as popular spots where locals go to just dance salsa together. Both are great options for solo travelers. 

The Condesa neighborhood has the most accessible options for travelers. If you’re looking to take a class, I’d suggest visiting Mama Ruba, a Latin salsa dance hall.

They have lessons on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 pm. If you want to just dance salsa, head to Parque Mexico and join the crowd after 5 pm or check out the popular Pata Negra. 

4. Have a Night Picnic in Chapultepec Park’s Botanic Gardens

Chapultepec Park is one of the biggest urban parks in the world, almost twice the size of Central Park. Located in Polanco, this expansive park is worth exploring and one of the best free things to do in Mexico City. 

A fun way to experience Chapultepec Park in the evening is to have a night picnic in the Botanic Gardens. Once a month you can have a romantic solo or date night here.

You can either bring your own food and enter for free or purchase a picnic basket at the gardens for $300 Mexican pesos. 

5. Go Out Dancing

If salsa isn’t your thing but you love to dance at the club, then you’re in luck in Mexico City. Throughout the city, you’ll find numerous clubs to socialize and dance to live music.

Most of the clubs will play a variation of house music and are located in Roma or Juarez. 

A very popular nightclub with live DJs to dance to is Departamento, in Roma Norte. Cafe Paraiso is another hip nightclub that’s fun to dance at. 

If you’re in Mexico City on a Friday night, then a visit to Patrick Miller is a must.

This eighties-themed club is only open on Friday nights and attracts a crowd that takes dancing seriously. You’ll often see dance battles here from people that are professional dancers. 

6. See a Soccer Game

If you like sports, then you have to see a football game while in Mexico City. Soccer, or football as they call it in Mexico, is one of the most popular sports in the country.

There are several stadiums throughout the city to watch a match at but the most popular one is Estadio Azteca.

It’s also one of the largest stadiums in the world. You haven’t been to a football game until you’ve been to a Mexican football game.

Expect an incredibly lively and engaged crowd, massive beers bigger than your head, and to be at the game for several hours. 

If you want to see a soccer match in Mexico City you can buy your tickets at the door or book your tickets online at Ticketmaster.

They can cost anything from 200-700 Mexican pesos, depending on the game you’re seeing. Alternatively, you can book an Airbnb experience to go with a local guide. 

To get to the stadium, you can take an Uber or the metro but traffic will most likely be intense, as will the crowds on transit.

I’d recommend going several hours earlier and exploring a nearby neighborhood before the game to beat the crowds. If you’re visiting Estadio Azteca, it’s just south of Coyoacan, a beautiful neighborhood with tons of things to do. 

7. Take a Cooking Class

A fun thing to do at night in Mexico City is to take a cooking class! If you’re traveling alone, it’s an easy way to socialize over a delicious meal and learn about Mexican cuisine. 

Most cooking classes are hosted during the day and involve a market tour, but you can book private evening cooking classes easily through Airbnb or Viator. Learn how to make traditional Mexican dishes like salsa, tacos, mole, or tamales from scratch with a local chef. They’ll often host the classes at their house. 

If you have more of a sweet tooth, check out this Airbnb experience to learn how to make churros from scratch in Condesa or this one on how to make tortillas!

More cooking class experiences in Mexico City

8. Sign Up for a Night Tour

If your days are already booked, or you only have one night in Mexico City, why not do a night tour? Many tour companies offer the chance to book a private night tour and explore the best things the city has to offer. 

Alternatively, some tour companies just offer night tours to give you a different perspective of Mexico City. This is a fantastic way to beat the crowds and learn more about Mexican culture. 

One of my favorite things to do in Mexico City at night is a bike tour or a food tour. You can even combine them both with this Mexico City night tour by bike

There’s nothing like biking down Paseo de la Reforma, wandering Coyoacan, or eating tacos in Roma at night time.

9. Visit a Speakeasy 

Some of the best bars in Mexico City are speakeasies. You’ll find most of the speakeasies in the city are in Juarez, particularly in the Zona Rosa area.

However, there are plenty of speakeasies in Roma, Condesa, and Polanco. Some offer live music, a cozy atmosphere, or unique decor.

Be sure to make a reservation if you want to get in – they fill up quickly and some require reservations now. 

It’s a good idea to research the speakeasy beforehand so you can easily find the address and the entrance to get in.

My favorite speakeasies in Mexico City are Hanky Panky for the ambiance, Tokyo Music Bar for the cocktails, and Leonor for dancing.  

10. Soak Up Rooftop Views

The best way to see Mexico City at night is from above. Whether you’d like to dine above the city, sip a cocktail with a view, or listen to music with the stars, there’s a rooftop option for all of the above. 

Stop by Torre Latinoamerica for panoramic views of the city. It’s one of the city’s major landmarks, as it’s been internationally recognized as the first skyscraper built on an active seismic area.

You can simply go up to the top and admire the city’s lights from below, or have a meal or drink at the restaurant. This is hands down Mexico City’s best viewpoint. 

If you want to enjoy a rooftop dinner, check out Ling Ling near Polanco for sushi over the city lights.

Alternatively, head to Balcon del Zocalo for a great view of Plaza de la Constitución, Mexico City’s main square.

If you’re looking for beautiful sunset views and cocktails, visit Hotel Condesa DF in the Condesa neighborhood. 

Lastly, if you’re hoping to get a good view of the historic and beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes, you’ll need to get on a rooftop.

Head to Finca Don Porfirio for a late-night espresso. They are located on top of the Sears building and open until 8 pm. Drinks are not special but the view is!

11. Enjoy a Street Food Tour 

One of the best things to do in CDMX is to experience traditional street food during the night.

There are so many food stalls and markets selling the best tacos and esquites you’ll ever taste.

Food stands are particularly lively in the evening when you’ll find locals enjoying dinner or stopping for late-night eats after a night out.

Not only is street food delicious, but it’s also the most budget-friendly food you’ll find in Mexico City, with many street tacos starting at 15 pesos. 

If you want to learn about traditional Mexican food while tasting it, I’d suggest taking a street food tour.

One fantastic option is with Eat Like a Local, a woman-owned and locally-run tour company.

They provide a unique and authentic Mexican food tour at night. It’s a perfect thing to do especially as a solo female traveler, as they cater to women and are run by women. 

👉 Book this Taco tour by bus on VIATOR (Highly recommended)

12. Eat Churros and People Watch at the Park

One of my favorite things to do in Mexico City is to get churros and hot chocolate and watch the crowds at the park.

The best place to do this is at the first and most famous churreria in the city, El Moro. They have several locations throughout the city which will all be packed in the evenings. 

If you have some free time and want to make eating churros an experience, I’d suggest going to the Condesa location and sitting outside of Parque Mexico.

You can observe the happenings in the park such as live music, street performers, dance or workout classes, and dogs playing. This is a fun and cheap thing to do at night in Mexico City. 

If you’re in Polanco, you can have a similar experience at the El Moro location in front of Parque Lincoln. 

13. Sign Up for a Bar Crawl

One of the best things to do, and the pillar of Mexico City nightlife, is to go drinking at the lively cantinas and trendy bars found on practically every street in the city.

I love going out in Roma and Condesa where you can find some of the best bars to drink craft beer, mezcal, natural wine, or fun cocktails.

If you’re not comfortable heading to bars solo, why not book a bar crawl so you can still experience the Mexico City nightlife?

This way you can meet new friends and see where the locals drink around the neighborhood with the help of a guide. You can find a variety of bar crawls on Airbnb Experiences or if you’re staying at a hostel, through them. 

► Night Tacos and Mezcal Crawl

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 473 Reviews

This is one of the most highly rated tours of Mexico City. The knowledgeable guide will take you through the most beautiful and interesting neighborhoods of the city, Colonia Roma, the epicenter of the cultural scene in Mexico, with its impressive architecture, we will immerse ourselves in authentic Mexican life.

You will taste some of the most delicious tacos in the City and Mezcal of course! Go hungry and wear comfortable shoes. ► Book your experience on VIATOR

14. Watch a Drag Show

One of my personal favorite things to do in Mexico City at night is to see a Drag Show. There are several options throughout the city but one of Mexico City’s best drag shows is Sirenito.

They host super fun performances with the best impersonators, hip music, and often a somewhat famous crowd. Shows run Thursday-Sunday in Polanco, Roma, and Condesa. 

My favorite show is the one in the Condesa neighborhood on Saturdays. It costs $350 Mexican pesos and you need to pay in cash.

You can reserve your table by messaging them on Instagram but be warned that their weekend slots are often booked up a few weeks in advance. 

If can’t get a reservation, there are several other more casual drag shows in Mexico City such as Thursday nights at Blow Bar in Zona Rosa. 

15. Attend a Lucha Libre Match

A trip to Mexico City isn’t complete without seeing the famous Lucha Libre match. Lucha Libre is one of the most popular activities that are unique to Mexico and a really fun thing to do solo. 

Lucha libre is the term for professional Mexican wrestling.

The luchadores (Mexican wrestlers) are known for wearing bright and bold costumes and theatrical performances.

During Lucha libre matches you’ll notice that the luchadores wear colorful masks to keep their identity a secret.

Luchadores are very iconic in Mexican culture – you’ll often see street art featuring them and markets selling replica masks. 

Lucha Libre shows are held at Arena Mexico and the most popular night to go is Friday.

You can book tickets easily at the box office even the day of the show. Expect to pay around $200-$400 pesos. 

👉 Prebook your tickets here!
👉 Watch the lucha libre with a guide and meet one of the luchadore (drinks included)- BOOK HERE

16. See a Mariachi Show in Plaza Garibaldi

One of the best things to do while in Mexico City is to see a traditional mariachi show. While there are several places to see mariachi bands, nothing compares to heading down to Plaza Garibaldi to hear awesome mariachi Mexican music. 

Throughout the plaza, there are several different restaurants to choose from that host incredible performances.

I’d recommend making a reservation at one so you can enjoy some margaritas, queso, and the show. Afterward, walk around the square to see street performers, vendors, lights, and food carts. 

One thing to note is that while Plaza Garibaldi is a very popular spot for tourists, it’s located right next to one of Mexico City’s least desirable neighborhoods.

SAFETY TIP – If you’re heading to Plaza Garibaldi at night, it’s important to use your street smarts and never leave the square. Get picked up right outside your venue – don’t go walking for public transit or out of the area. 

17. Go to the Movies

If you’re looking for a quiet night out, or have some free time, why not head to the movies in Mexico City? There are several large movie theater chains throughout CDMX, like Cinemex.

If you’re interested in a more unique cinema experience, however, then you need to check out some of Mexico City’s fantastic independent cinemas. 

If you’re close to the Roma neighborhood, I’d recommend Cine Tonala, a hip indy theater. Here you’ll find a bar and different events throughout the week, as well as independent movies playing. 

Just outside of Coyoacan is Cineteca Nacional de Mexico, one of the best independent movie theaters. It’s famous for its unique architecture and beloved locally. 

If you’re downtown, you can also visit La Casa del Cine MX, a cool arthouse theater with a library, bar, and vintage feel. 

Lastly, if you’re visiting Mexico City during the summer, you can see an outdoor movie in Chapultepec park at their boat cinema. 

18. Visit the “Witch Market”

Mexico City is filled with unique things to do but I think Mercado de Sonora is close to the top of that list. This traditional market is one of the oldest markets in Mexico, with a rich history. It’s located in the Centro, just outside of Mexico City’s main square.

What makes it special however is its association with santeria. It’s often called the witch market, due to one of the mystical sections that sell items you won’t find at other traditional markets.

In this corridor, you’ll find vendors selling items typically associated with the occult and herbology. You’ll even see practicing shamans and fortune tellers.

Mercado de Sonora is also a very popular spot for shopping during Dia de los Muertos, a national holiday in Mexico. 

Mercado de Sonora is open until 9 pm, but I’d recommend going in the early evening if you’re visiting alone.

You can also book guided tours of the market, which I’d highly suggest doing so you can learn more about the history and successfully navigate this rather large marketplace. 

➢ Do I need travel insurance in Mexico? Yes, you do! I can never stress enough what a lifesaver it can be in unexpected situations. Although I hope I never need it, it gives me peace of mind to know that whatever happens I am covered. I have been using  Safety Wing and I find it quite fair, covering a lot for its pricing level. Depending on your needs or you can compare different insurance companies on this useful site, TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER. Make sure you read carefully what’s included before making the purchase. If you are undecided yet you can read my post on the best travel insurance for Mexico for more clarity.

19. Watch the Teotihuacan Night Experience Show

The Teotihuacan pyramids are a Unesco World Heritage Site and some of the tallest pyramids in Mexico. While visiting the Teotihuacan pyramids is one of the best things to do during any trip to Mexico City, a different way to see them is at night. 

In the evening, Teotihuacan puts on a night light show that is very unique. You’ll first get to explore the pyramids, walking through the road of the dead to the pyramid of the sun and then the moon.

You’ll have an audio guide for this experience, as well as one for the night show.  After the tour, you can observe a 35-minute light show with a narration of the history of Teotihuacan. 

To go, you need to buy tickets through Ticketmaster beforehand which cost 500 Mexican pesos. Night Experience Shows are only offered from November-June on specific nights of the week.

Since getting to and from Teotihuacan is somewhat tricky, it’s best to organize a taxi or private transport beforehand or go with a tour.  

20. Take a Boat Ride on Xochimilco

Xochimilco Ecological Park is a former Aztec waterway about one hour outside of the city and one of Mexico City’s Unesco World Heritage Sites.

Known as the “Venice of Mexico” it’s become super popular due to the colorful boats that you can ride on throughout the canals. 

This has become one of Mexico’s top tourist attractions, but it’s also a very popular activity for locals. Many people go to Xochimilco to celebrate graduations, birthdays, and even weddings. 

While this is a common activity during the daytime, you can also visit Xochimilco at night. 

At night, it becomes even more of a party than during the day. Expect lots of drinking, fun light setups, and lively music.

Mariachi bands often hop between boats during the experience. You can go by yourself, but if you’re traveling solo, I’d recommend booking a boat tour so you can have fun with others and learn about the area. 

You’ll most likely board your boat at the main port, but I’d recommend confirming the address with your guide so you end up at the right entrance.  

👉 Book your tour to Xochimilco + Frida Kahlo Museum here

21. Do a Mezcal Tasting

While tequila has long been associated with Mexico, mezcal is arguably more popular locally. It’s even considered the national spirit of Mexico. Mexico City’s mezcal scene is massive. 

Numerous cantinas serve a large selection of mezcals to sip on or cocktails featuring mezcal. 

One of the best things to do in Mexico City is a mezcal tasting. It’s a great way to learn about this versatile, ancient Mexican spirit.

You can make up your own at essentially any bar in Mexico City or choose one of the mezcal tours.

 Eat Like a local offers both a mezcal and street tacos tour at night. This is an awesome way to explore traditional mezcal, and Mexican food, as well as see the Condesa and Roma neighborhoods. 

Alternatively, if mezcal isn’t your thing, why not opt for a craft beer or wine tasting?

Mexico City has a fantastic amount of breweries and natural wine bars to choose from, making your tasting options endless. 

Also, read the best restaurants in Roma Norte and Condesa

22. Go to the Theater

If arts and culture is your thing, one of the best things to do in Mexico City is to visit the theater. There are several incredible theaters located throughout Mexico City that put on live performances from ballets to operas. 

Look up the calendar for specific venues you want to visit.

Some popular and famous venues for live performances are Palacio de Bella Artes (Palace of fine arts) Teatro Metropolitan (Metropolian Theater), Sala Nezahualcoyotl, Auditorio Nacional (National Auditorium), and Teatro de la ciudad (Theater of the city). 

23. Listen to Live Music

Seeing live music is a wonderful thing to do at night in Mexico City. From jazz to rock shows to DJs, you can easily enjoy some of Mexico City’s best musical talent.

For rock shows, check out Foro Indie Rocks or Bulldog Cafe located in Roma. For the most famous acts and concerts, head to The Pepsi Center. 

If you’re into Jazz music, you have several great options such as Zinco Jazz Club and Jazzatlan. Some of the best bars to experience Mexico City nightlife host incredible jazz shows like Parker & Lenox and Casa Franca. 

I’d recommend making a reservation or buying your tickets beforehand to ensure you’re able to see the show as many places sell out. 

How to get around Mexico City at night – Safety tips

One awesome thing about Mexico City that makes exploring at night easy is that it’s so easy to get around the city.

You can use Uber in Mexico City, take public transit, or walk if it’s still early in the evening. I’d recommend trying out all forms of transport to explore this massive city and the different, vibrant neighborhoods throughout. 

One important thing to note is that you should never walk at night, even if you’re not alone. After 10 pm, or in quiet areas, always take an Uber to your next destination.

Make sure to double-check the address of where you’re going and keep your wits about you. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially if you’re traveling as a solo female. 

Things to do in Mexico City at night FAQ

Does Mexico City have good nightlife?

The nightlife in Mexico City is fantastic. There is so much to choose from in Mexico’s capital city that you couldn’t possibly experience all the bars, clubs, and events in one trip.

Like many big cities, Mexico City has a diverse, young, and hip crowd that makes Mexico City’s nightlife fun and trendy. 

Is Mexico City safe at night?

Yes and no. Like any major city, If you’re going out in Mexico City at night, it’s best to use basic safety precautions.

Don’t walk alone at night, always confirm your Uber is going to the right address, be aware of your surroundings, and never leave your drinks or belongings unattended. 

That being said, there are certain neighborhoods in CDMX that are safer than others. If you’re located in Roma, Polanco, Condesa, or Juarez, it’s often safer at night than in other neighborhoods. 

What is the center of Mexico’s nightlife?

If you’re looking to experience the best parts of Mexico City nightlife, then you’ll love the Juarez neighborhood. Most of the liveliest clubs are located in Zona Rosa.

Here you’ll find tons of options like packed clubs, great restaurants, performance venues, and a lot of young people. 

That being said, neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and Centro will also have a huge variety of things to do in Mexico City at night.

The best neighborhood for you will depend on your interests. 

What is there to do in Mexico City late at night?

What isn’t there to do in Mexico City late at night? Like many major cities, things stay open pretty late in CDMX and the nightlife lasts until the early morning.

If you’re looking to explore Mexico City late at night, then your best bet will be to head to any of the bars, live music venues, or clubs throughout the city.

If you’re not interested in partying, there won’t be that much to do late at night, and restaurants typically close by midnight.  

Are Mexico City clubs open?

Yes, Mexico City’s clubs are open and have been since early 2022. Currently, there are no remaining restrictions on nightlife in Mexico due to COVID-19. 

What is there to do on a Sunday night in Mexico City?

Sunday nights are generally quieter than the rest of the week, but there are still plenty of things to do in Mexico City on a Sunday night. One of the best things to do at night on a Sunday is Sunday Sunday. 

This popular event happens on a rooftop in the Centro. It starts at 3 pm and goes until 1 AM.

It boasts fantastic sunset views and popular DJ sets.

If you love to dance, want to meet people, or like live music, then you don’t want to miss Sunday Sunday. You can buy your tickets online beforehand.

If you’re taking an Uber home, be sure to double-check the address on the pickup point as the app sometimes struggles to get the right location. 

What is open in Mexico City on Monday?

Many restaurants and bars in Mexico City are closed on either Sunday or Monday. Most museums are closed on Monday as well.

If you’re visiting Mexico City on a Monday, make sure to confirm the operating hours of the establishments you plan on visiting so you can properly plan your trip and not miss out. 

On Mondays, I’d suggest going to one of the cultural events listed above like visiting the cinema, booking a private tour to explore the city, or enjoying some street food. 

Final thoughts on Things to do in Mexico City at night

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City, you’ll have a great time exploring the city at night. No matter what your interests are, or whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, there’s something to do in Mexico City at night for everyone. 

To ensure you have a safe and fun time exploring the nightlife in Mexico City, try to keep in mind the following key takeaways: 

• Don’t walk alone at night (past 10 pm in busy areas, earlier in quiet areas). 
• Choose public transit or Uber to get around the city at night. If it’s late, always opt for Uber. 
• Make reservations in advance so you can ensure that the restaurant, museum, or show you want to see is possible during your trip to Mexico City. 
• When in doubt, opt for a guided tour or experience to get the most out of your activities and time in Mexico City.