15 Top Relaxing Things to Do in Mexico City: Gardens, Parks and Walks

When you visit a mega metropolis like Mexico City, sometimes you need a break from the busyness and find relaxing things to do . As much as I love its museums and architecture, sometimes I find myself craving for wide open spaces to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 

On the list below I included several parks, gardens, and relaxing walks that I’ve done when I’ve stayed here over the years. I also added a couple of places near these spots where you can enjoy some treats (anything more relaxing than sitting in the park with a good gelato?)

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Here are the best relaxing things to do in Mexico City

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Stroll the Gardens of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, located on the north side of Mexico City, offers the opportunity to walk around beautiful gardens and fountains while you spot striking architecture from centuries ago. It’s also a major pilgrimage site for Catholics around the world.

Take the colourful stairs to the top of Tepeyac Hill and as you make your way up under the green arches enjoy the landscaped hills with big trees, and the fountains. The façade of the Chapel of the Little Hill (Capilla del Cerrito), dating back to the 18th century, will welcome you to the lookout from where you can see Mexico City.

I wouldn’t name it the most spectacular view ever, in part thanks to the haze caused by Mexico City’s pollution. Maybe if you go early and right after it rains you may have better luck than me. However, it does offer a good view of the site and the interesting roofs of the churches below.

Now you’re off to the best part: you’ll see the largest garden with the largest fountains (named Sacred Tepeyac Garden) as you make your way down on the other side.

Once back on the lower level, stop at the marvelous Chapel of the Little Well (Capilla del Pocito).  This Baroque-style masterpiece from the 18th century, in the shape of a crown dedicated to the Virgin, is stunning outside and inside with gorgeous paintings decorating the dome.

Right here, in the 16th century, there used to be a well with crystal clear water (hence the name). Because it was a popular bathing spot for indigenous people, the Spaniards decided to build a chapel on site.

As you keep walking towards the most modern building in the complex you’ll find the Expiatory Temple of Christ the King (Templo Expiatorio a Cristo Rey), completed in the early 18th century,  restored in the 19th century (when it switched from Baroque style to Neoclassical), and then again in the 20th century.  I loved the beautiful and shiny dome.

This was the old Basilica before the completion of the new round building with the meringue-like roof.  Other than the cloak with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, you’ll see some interesting architectural features such as the lighting and the stained glass in the circular lattice.

Closest subway station: La Villa/Basilica (Line 6 (Red))

Learn more about the buildings and the history of this site as you walk around this beautiful complex while taking a half-day guided tour with a maximum of 10 people.
Book this tour here, with a rating of 4.9/5 based on more than 30 reviews.

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Relaxing Things to Do in La Condesa

La Condesa de Miravalles (a rich Countess) took ownership of this piece of land many moons ago which is why La Condesa is the eponym of this neighbourhood.

It’s adjacent to the Hipódromo area, which used to be part of her hacienda, filled with crops and farm animals.

Today, La Condesa-Hipodromo is a hip enclave in Mexico City with Art-Déco and Art Nouveau low-height buildings facing tree-lined streets. It has two parks that are perfect to unwind before or after stopping at the many cafés and restaurants you’ll find along the way.

Visit Parque Mexico

So many big trees! Parque Mexico is the biggest urban park in La Condesa, with an area of 22 acres (nine hectares).

Designed by architect José Luis Cuevas, it opened in 1927 featuring Art-Déco style monuments such as the Lindbergh Forum: a big square with an amphitheater crowned with five massive columns and embraced by a semi-circular pergola.

You can listen to live music in this open space while you watch kids playing and asking their parents to buy them yet another balloon.

Opposite the big pillars, looking the other way, you’ll see the Fountain of the Jugs (Fuente de los Cántaros), with the statue of a woman holding two jugs.

Walk the network of winding paths to admire the multitude of mature trees, including huge palms, and to find a big pond with many ducks. At some point you’ll run into an Art-Deco style clock that commemorates Earth Day, meant to bring awareness of peace and communion with nature. It was a gift from the Armenian community on the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, in 2007.

For total relaxation head to the Audiorama, a section where rule number one is to be quiet so everybody can unwind while listening to the soothing background music, reading a book, or doing nothing under the shade of a tree.

If you’re up for it, there’s also a big area with outdoor exercise equipment.

Closest subway station: Chilpancingo (Line 9 (Dark Brown))

Visit Parque España

The same architect behind Parque Mexico designed Parque España, located two blocks northwest. It’s a smaller park built in 1921 featuring a monument dedicated to former president Lázaro Cárdenas.

It symbolizes an open hand welcoming the refugees fleeing from the Spanish Civil War in the late 1930s, who built it as a gift in 1974.

The leafy park has fountains and paths with bridges crossing ponds, an off-leash dog area, and like Parque Mexico, an audiorama: a quiet space to feel like you’re in a forest away from the city.

Closest subway stations: Chapultepec or Sevilla (Line 1 (Pink))

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Bonus tip: right smack between both parks, on Amsterdam St., Merkavá is one of the best restaurants we visited in Mexico City, serving Mediterranean food. Their cocktails are innovative and their wine list includes some Israeli wines.
Love gelato? Go to Casa Visconti on Calle Atlixco 100E

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Things to Do in Zona Rosa

This area of Mexico City is famous for its bars, restaurants, but above all for the iconic Paseo de la Reforma, a long and wide avenue that divides the Cuauhtemoc and Juarez neighbourhoods, and a prime location where you’ll find the best hotels in Mexico City.

Walk (or Ride) along Paseo de la Reforma

Build me a road that takes me from my castle in Chapultepec to the National Palace! said Maximilian of Habsburg when he became the Emperor of Mexico in the mid 1860s until he was executed in the capital of Queretaro.

Your wish is my command! someone said, and Paseo de la Emperatriz (Promenade of the Empress), in honor of Charlotte of Belgium (the wife), was born. 

Over the years it changed its name to Paseo de la Reforma (locals call it “Reforma”), its length extended beyond the downtown area, and it has seen monuments added and removed along its way.

It’s a massive thoroughfare with sidewalks to match, that wouldn’t disappoint its royal beginnings. The presidents that ruled after Maximilian added monuments and fountains to the “glorietas” (roundabouts), and the wide sidewalks shaded by mature trees are home to sculptures, statues, temporary art exhibits, and sculpture-like benches.

It’s a great spot for a relaxing walk while you see outdoor art. You can start at the northwest side of Chapultepec Park (at the Auditorio subway station), and walk east to see some of the most famous landmarks in Mexico City, some of which I mention below.

See the Diana the Huntress Statue (Diana La Cazadora) 

When the voluptuous figure of Diana the Huntress crowned this fountain in the early 1940s, Mexico City’s ”League of Decency” got busy. Nope, I ain’t joking.

It caused such a stir that the sculptor, Juan Olaguíbel, had to slap a metal skirt around Diana’s waist.

In the late 1960s, when bronze statues stopped offending people, the artist removed the skirt, damaging the piece. The one you see up there right now is a reproduction. You’ll also notice that some of Diana’s hunting tools are missing: the bow string and the arrow. One morning they were no longer there, and no one knows what happened to them.

See the Angel of Independence 

I can’t think of a more emblematic landmark of Mexico City than the Angel of Independence (known as El Angel), the biggest roundabout in the capital.

Standing triumphantly and shining bright at the top of a 36-metre (118 feet) Corinthian column, Nike -the goddess of victory- spreads her wings hovering a laurel wreath above the statue of independence hero Miguel Hidalgo, located at the base of the column.

In the lower part of the monument you’ll see four bronze statues representing law, justice, peace and war. 

The Angel of Independence is also a mausoleum with crypts holding the remains of several independence war heroes, including Hidalgo, and a common gathering spot for celebrations, marches, and protests.

Check Out the Monument to Cuauhtemoc

Another main monument in Paseo de la Reforma with a statue of Cuauhtemoc, the last Aztec emperor, and the names of the warriors who fought with him against the Spanish invasion.

Ride Along a Car-Free Paseo de la Reforma  

The first three Sundays of every month, from 8AM to 2PM, Paseo de la Reforma becomes a pedestrian street where you can walk, run, skate, bike, or exercise at the free outdoor classes.

You can even ride a bicycle for free for a few hours. Stop at the bicigratis kiosks along the avenue (there are several across the city), bring ID, like a driver’s license, and ride along!

It’s one of the best free things to do in Mexico City on a Sunday. Go early to avoid long lines.

If you want a bicycle for the whole day you’ll need to go to an EcoBici station and download the app.

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Relaxing Things to Do in Polanco

Polanco is the most exclusive neighbourhood in Mexico City where, other than the high-end stores in Presidente Masaryk and many more cafes and restaurants, you’ll find one of the best parks in Mexico (and the world).

Chapultepec Park 

Chapultepec Park is the most famous park in Mexico, and the largest in Latin America. It comprises three sections, and a chunk of Section I is in Polanco.

Although some sections of the park are quite busy, you won’t have any problem finding quieter spots thanks to its massive size.  One of those quiet spots is the Audiorama. Like in Parque España and Parque Mexico, there’s soft music in the background and no loud talking is allowed

Miles of paths that will take you around monuments, museums, and ponds where you can jump on a paddleboat. A perfect place to escape the whirlwind of the city.

Closest subway station: Auditorio (Line 7 (Orange)) or Chapultepec (Line 1 (Pink))

You can explore Chapultepec Park and the tree-lined streets of La Condesa, Roma, and Juarez with this highly-rated half-day bike tour where you can also taste local snacks and drinks from markets and food stands. Maximum: 12 people.
Book this tour here, with more than 230 (97%) 5-star reviews.

Lincoln Park

When a statue of Abraham Lincoln arrived in Polanco Park in the mid 1960s as a gift from the U.S. President Johnson, this beautiful green space changed its name to Lincoln Park.

My favourite feature is the reflecting pool that multiplies the many big surrounding trees. Here you’ll also find a statue of Martin Luther King Jr. and many delicious cafes around.

Closest subway station: Auditorio (Line 7 (Orange))

Sweet tooth alert: one block north of Lincoln Park you’ll find Maison Kayser, a chain that makes delicious desserts. A perfect sweet ending to your visit to the park.

Plaza Uruguay  

If you’re already in the area stop by Plaza Uruguay for a short break next to its Brutalist-style fountain. This small park dates back to the 1930s, changing its name to Plaza Uruguay after it  was dedicated to the Uruguayan community who fled their country from the dictatorship in the mid seventies.

Hegel 419, Polanco

Bonus tip: right across Uruguay Square you can grab good chocolates and cookies at  Arnoldi Chocolatier.

Have a Margarita at Villa Maria

And to loosen up even more, what better than an awesome margarita. And in Polanco the place to go is Villa Maria. I have to come here every time I visit Mexico City. Their margaritas (my favourite is tamarind) are epic, and huge. The food is also good and the atmosphere is lively and fun.

Av. Homero 704, Polanco

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Things to Do in Mexico City’s Downtown (Centro)

Even though I love the fabulous architecture of Mexico City’s Historic Centre I wouldn’t say it’s a relaxing place. It’s as busy as it can be. However, even here you’ll find several spots that will make you forget you’re in the heart of one of the biggest cities in the world.

The Garden inside the National Palace

The tall and thick walls of the National Palace muffle the sounds and traffic of the city as you walk amongst fountains, sculptures, and a variety of plants in a botanic garden.

Closest subway station: Zócalo (Line 2 (Dark Blue))

The Inner Courtyard at Franz Mayer Museum

This great museum has a lovely inner courtyard with a double-height colonnade, a fountain, benches, and gardens. 

Closest subway station: Bellas Artes (Line 2 (Dark Blue))

Hang Out at Alameda Central

This big square with big trees has several fountains and monuments connected by a diamond-shaped network of paths. If you’re looking for fun relaxing go during the weekend when there’s live music and you can dance with the crowd. Otherwise, go during the week.

Closest subway station: Bellas Artes (Line 2 (Dark Blue))

Bonus tip: if you’re in downtown Mexico City don’t skip the buffet at the Gran Hotel de La Ciudad de México, or have a drink at the terrace bar to unwind and get a fabulous view of the zócalo (main square). 

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See? It’s possible to find some quiet spots in crazy busy Mexico City. Now you know where to  recharge to explore more of this fascinating city.

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