The Ultimate Instagram Guide to Mexico City
Mexico City is often known for its food, museums, and amazing immersive culture. There is no shortage of things to do in CDMX, just read my ultimate guide to Mexico City here! However, most people are also blown away by how photogenic it is as well, not knowing how vibrant the colors are, and how picturesque the buildings can be. Having spent a great deal of time in Mexico City myself, I wanted to put together a comprehensive Instagram guide to this giant metropolis. Follow along as I give you addresses of some of the prettiest places around CDMX, as well as hidden gems that photograph well, and set a great backdrop for any trip to Mexico City!
Blvd Miguel Cervantes Saavedra, Granada, Miguel Hidalgo 11529
Pick a bright blue day to check out Museo Soumaya, and grab photos outside the museum. A beautifully amoeba-like building that is covered in silver metal plates, this museum is an amazing spot for a quick photo shoot. Make sure to fully walk around the entire museum as there are so many great angles here, and people tend to cluster around the entrance. Despite the steps to the front being the most popular spot to take photos, we found just as many uncrowded spots around each side of the museum.
“Mexico Mi Amor” Sign
Ave Pdte Masaryk 430, Polanco
Quintessential to any trip to Mexico City, make sure to grab a photo in front of the “Mexico Mi Amor” sign in the Polanco neighborhood. Found on the side of a jewelry store called “Tane”, there is no admission to take your photo here, but lines form quickly. Aim to get here by 9am to beat the crowds and have plenty of time to take multiple poses and change outfits if you like.
Condesa Neighborhood
One of my favorite neighborhoods in the city, Condesa is like the cool girl equivalent of a neighborhood, with small taco spots, and quietly placed upscale shops and boutiques. The Condesa is quiet, and you are more likely to find a person walking their dog than a wild rager of a bar. This is perfect for a walking photoshoot because it means you will have no crowds to contest with to take photos in front of pretty walls or insane palm leaves.
Plaza de la Constitucion S/N, Centro Historico
If the Mexican National Palace isn’t already on your list of things to see when you are in Mexico City, then it needs to be added ASAP! Not only is the National Palace a really cool place of historical and artistic significance, but it is also incredibly Instagrammable from every angle. With amazingly preserved frescoes by Diego Rivera, and gorgeous fountains that take up entire plazas, this spot is a photographer’s dream. Make sure to pack your wide-angle lens for Diego’s painting of the history of Mexico, and spend time wandering around the corridors of the building for some peace and quiet away from the crowds.
Museo Biblioteca Palacio Postal
2, Calle de Tacuba 1, Centro Historico
Have you ever seen the movie Coco? If yes and you want to celebrate your next Dia de Muertos like the movie, reference my article on how to party like Coco for your next Day of the Dead! If you don’t have enough time to devote to driving around Mexico, then be sure to check this spot out, which was the inspiration for the crossover point for the family members in the movie. Beautiful, spacious, and gilded, this is still a working post office, but with a little class, and a whole lot of photogenic genes.
Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacan
Known as “The Blue House”, the Frida Kahlo Museum is a wonderland of colors and interesting trinkets that will get any person’s creative juices flowing. From the bright blues that wash the walls, to the sunny yellows that line rooms and frame doorways, any color lover is sure to find an Insta-worthy photo opportunity here. Word from the wise, however, is that this museum is packed full of people sun up to sun down, so photos need to be taken quickly and efficiently.
The Boats of Xochimilco
A neighborhood on the outskirts of Mexico City, the boat launch here is one of the most colorful and beautiful things I have ever seen. Each flat bottom boat is colored with bright paints, and given loving names, most named after women. Grab a group to cut the cost of renting a boat, or do as I did, and rent out the entire boat for an hour cruise down the river so you have full access to all photo angles and opportunities. A one-hour cruise is more than enough time to see what you want, and you will even be able to take photos of floating mariachi bands and elote stands!
National Museum of Anthropology
Av. Paseo de la Reforma S/N, Polanco
Spending over 4 hours here is easy, not just because it is jam packed with tons of info and cool artifacts, but also because it is such an aesthetically pleasing museum to see. Walk through doorways excavated from Mayan ruins, and strut up so close to the Mayan Calendar you could touch it. There is no shortage of cool photo opportunities in this museum, and you will be hard pressed to not fill your memory card with pictures of fascinating dioramas and life size relics that will immerse you in history.
Mercado de la Merced
Rosario 159, La Merced, Merced Balbuena
If you have never been to an open-air market, prepare to be pushed and shoved down halls of stalls with tacos, meat, fresh vegetables, purses, and clothing. Everything here is bright in color and screams to be photographed. From the bright reds of tomatoes and plastic seats at food stalls, to the pinks and purples that line textile stalls, all are begging to be purchased and displayed in your home. Make sure to ask before taking pictures here, as some stall owners aren’t too keen on the idea of their goods being photographed. Still not entirely comfortable with navigating the market on your own? Try a walking tour with Eat Mexico.
Parque Espana
Parque Espana, Colonia Condesa
Take a load off at this gorgeous park, and luxuriate under the giant trees and palm leaves that have been allowed to grow big and strong in this park. I love to come here midday, when the sun is hottest and I am tired from walking all morning. There is an amazing dog park here where you can sit back and watch pups play, and there is great WiFi here that is free! The shade from the trees and the abundant green make for an Instagram worthy photoshoot, and is such a unique spot in a city as large as Mexico City.
Eje Central Lazaro Cardenas 42, Centrp Historico
Foodies unite! This spot is serving up some of the most famous churros in the world, and doing so with an old-world flair that you could only find in Mexico City. Blue and white tiles line the floors and walls of this restaurant, and each waitress wears a little paper hat over their perfectly coifed hair. Stand in line for a to go bag, watch the churros being made. Snap some pictures of the golden-brown churros coming fresh out of the oil, and getting rolled in cinnamon sugar, ready for you to buy and eat right away.
Polanco III Seccion
This is a really beautiful part of the neighborhood known as Polanco. Along with upscale treelined streets, you will find an amazing ice cream shop here named Neveria Roxy (which is photo worthy itself!), and will see some really beautifully painted businesses. Keep an eye out for street art, and don’t be afraid to stop and snap a picture with the brightly colored walls and doorways of the Polanco!
If you think you are going to Mexico City just for the food, or think you will be bored wandering through endless museums with your friends, then fear not my friends. Build in some time to walk around and find some Instagram backdrops for a photoshoot, and make everybody back home jealous with your new, ultra-cool aesthetic.
