5 outdoor activities to do in Mexico City

Mexico City is a city characterized by its outdoor and street life. In CDMX, the best things always happen outside!

However, there are activities and activities, and today we will recommend 5 that fall into the category of "must-do's" if you visit the city, whether for work or tourism.

Before you start, check out our collection of exclusive apartments in Mexico City to stay in furnished apartments with all the comforts of a hotel.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN MEXICO CITY

1. Bosque de Chapultepec

Due to its size, it is considered one of the most important lungs of the city, and because of its location, very close to the historic center, it is one of the most visited year after year, both by tourists and locals.

The Chapultepec forest is a beautiful place to visit during your visit to the city. There you can enjoy a boat ride, rowing or kayaking on Chapultepec Lake; you can also go hiking or biking through the area. In addition, inside you will find a skatepark to practice tricks and spins, if you are a fan of this sport.

Being filled with so much nature makes this place a perfect place to go with children and family or just to enjoy the fresh air and relax with the sound of the lake.

In addition, near the lake you will also find the El Lago restaurant, where you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner; a little further away, you will find the park's zoo and the botanical garden. The latter dates from the time of Nezahualcoyotl, and next to it you will also find the National Museum of Anthropology, one of the most important in America in its science.

If you can, it is preferable to visit the forest on a weekend day, as you will find a food fair and typical handicrafts.

2. Bosque de Tlalpan

The Tlalpan Forest is a Natural Protected Area since 1997. In 1968 it was designed as a zoological park that functioned until 1988 in that form. Currently, it is considered a forest with great biological importance, since it guarantees the conservation and protection of environmental services such as carbon capture, water infiltration, erosion control and the conservation of native flora (more than 200) and fauna species (more than 130) of the San Angel ecological reserve.

It is also considered a lung of Mexico City, and is a place chosen by hundreds of athletes and families to enjoy their free time in nature. Inside the forest, you will also find a cultural center, a children's playground and places to eat. 

3. Paseo por el barrio bohemio de Coyoacán

The neighborhood of Coyoacan is known for its history close to art, bohemian, and underground. Definitely, walking its streets will make you feel like you are in an earlier era. Its streets, churches and buildings contain centuries of history from even before the Spanish arrived.

You will find, for example, the Casa Azul (Blue House) where Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera lived. It is even said that even Marilyn Monroe spent a stay in the neighborhood, in Casa Fortaleza, the mansion of Emilio "the Indian" Fernandez, a renowned actor and director of the golden age of Mexican cinema. Dolores del Río, the first Mexican actress to triumph in Hollywood, also had her home in this place, La Escondida.

Even Octavio Paz, the only Mexican Nobel Literature Prize winner, wrote about its streets. It seems that the plastic, scenic and literary arts have always had a great attraction for Coyoacán. We can say that it is the Montmartre of Mexico City.

Within the neighborhood you can also enjoy the Hidalgo Garden, with the famous Fountain of the Coyotes and the temple of San Juan Bautista; you can even buy some gifts at the Mexican Handicraft Bazaar. Steps away from the garden, you will find the Elena Garro Cultural Center, with an excellent bookstore and a terrace full of flowers, perfect for the last coffee of the day.

This neighborhood with the soul of a village will transmit tradition, history, melancholy... Undoubtedly, its colorful houses, markets, churches and streets with stories will make it a neighborhood that will not go unnoticed to your senses. 

4. Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones

city; it is composed of more than 800 hectares of forest and a surprising fauna, which is why it is called "the oasis of CDMX".

Its name is not due to its climatic condition, but because of the small population. The Barefoot Carmelites located their convents outside the cities, in deserted areas. Regarding what accompanies the word desert, "of the lions", you can believe the legend you like the most: that the wildcat, similar to the lion, lived there, or that it refers to the Leon brothers, owners of the land and representatives of the Carmelites before the Spanish Crown.

The curious thing about this space is that, rather than a desert, you will find a 17th century ex-convent of the Discalced Carmelites.

In addition to the trees and flora, there is a river to enjoy while having a picnic or reading a book sitting in the surroundings.

The interesting thing, however, besides going there to do sports and enjoy nature, is to visit it during a weekend, since you will find many cultural and artistic events, sports competitions and popular Mexican food. 

5. Parque La Mexicana, Santa Fe

This park offers modernity and tranquility. It is located in Santa Fe, a very safe and sophisticated business area. In it you will find, besides lots of nature, high quality restaurants and canine gardens divided according to the size of your dog, where you can even train it in an obstacle course if you wish.

You can also visit it for sports: it has circuits for walking, running or cycling.

We also recommend that you spend some time for culture, as you can find art exhibitions and open-air plays.

In Mexico City there are incredible parks for activities, enjoying nature, exercising and learning more about the culture and history of the country. Enjoy them staying in an apartment with the comforts of a hotel, but with the tranquility, privacy and warmth of a home. Check out our apartments in Mexico City here.