Mexico City: Hidden Markets, Street Food & Salsa-Making Tour

Mexico City , Mexico

Mexico City: Hidden Markets, Street Food & Salsa-Making Tour

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About this experience

Get a glimpse of local daily life as you walk the streets of Mexico City with your friendly, local guide. Shop for groceries in two off-the-beaten-path street markets, ride public transit and savour traditional street foods like tacos and tamales. Along the way, learn about the history, culture and politics of this great city before finishing with visit with a local family business for a quick and interactive salsa making lesson

Available options

Private Tour

Small Group Tour

What's included

Guided walking tour of Mexico City’s Centro Histórico

Sip traditional drink: atole

Taste iconic Mexican street foods: tacos, tamales

Experience elements of UNESCO-recognized Mexican cuisine

Ride the Mexico City Metro like a local

Visit two authentic local markets: Mercado Melchor Muzquiz & Mercado Jamaica

Learn to make traditional salsa with a local family

Small group experience (max 12 guests)

Detailed itinerary

First, visit Abelardo Rodriguez Market, famous for its murals and unique features like a daycare and auditorium. Enjoy your first tastings of tamales and atole while exploring its stunning 1,450 square meters of artwork.

Stop 2

Take the Mexican subway to the flower market, a 3-in-1 experience! Try tacos, tepache, and local fruits, while enjoying the vibrant flowers. Then, visit a family business with nearly 100 years of tradition and learn to make spicy Mexican salsa the traditional way.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

123 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.8

179 reviews

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Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Wondering what to wear? We recommend dressing conservatively, as we’ll be visiting non-touristy areas. Long trousers or jeans and a t-shirt are ideal.

Bringing valuables? Best to leave passports, credit cards, and other valuables at your hotel. Just bring a small amount of spending cash.

Planning to take photos? Only small cameras are allowed — large professional gear isn’t suitable for this experience.

Visiting during rainy season (May to September)? A raincoat or umbrella is highly recommended to stay dry while exploring the markets.

Want to support local communities? This tour directly benefits independent market vendors and family-run businesses.

Expecting a light stroll? This tour covers around 6 km (3.7 miles) of walking through bustling markets and city streets. It can be quite strenuous for those not used to walking long distances.

Need vegetarian, gluten-free, or lactose-free options? We’re happy to accommodate these dietary requirements — just let us know at least 24 hours before your tour so we can prepare accordingly.

Meeting point

Hostel Mundo Joven Catedral facade / entrance.

República de Guatemala 4, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06020 Ciudad de México, CDMX

Important notes

Dietary Notes
For this tour, we can cater for the following dietary requirements: vegetarians, gluten-free intolerance, lactose intolerance. Please provide this information at least 24-hours prior to your travel date. You can do so by emailing us at urbanadventures.mx@intrepidtravel.com. Unfortunately, we are not able to cater for any other dietary requirements that are not listed above.

Dress standard
We recommend dressing conservatively as we will be visiting non-touristy areas. Long trousers or jeans and a t-shirt is recommended. Leave your valuables, such as passports and credit cards, in the hotel and bring a small amount of spending cash. Only small cameras are allowed and during the rainy season (May to September) we recommend bringing a raincoat or umbrella.

Additional Information
Please note that this tour covers about 6 km of walking and can be quite strenuous for travellers who are not used to walk. We recommend this tour for guests who have at least a medium level of fitness ability.
We reserve the right to change both the route and places visited within the tour. Food inclusions are subject to change, dependent on availability on the day.

Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
On this tour, you will learn about the socio-political history of Mexico, support independent market vendors, and experience real connections by meeting with a local family.

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About Mexico City

Mexico City, the vibrant capital of Mexico, is a sprawling metropolis where ancient Aztec ruins coexist with modern skyscrapers. This cultural and historical hub offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from world-class museums and colonial architecture to bustling markets and delicious cuisine. The city's high-altitude location and diverse neighborhoods make it a unique destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Zócalo

The main square of Mexico City, surrounded by historic buildings including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. It's the heart of the city and a must-visit for its cultural and historical significance.

Historical 2-3 hours Free (some attractions have entry fees)

Chapultepec Park

One of the largest urban parks in the world, featuring a lake, museums, and the famous Chapultepec Castle. It's a great place for outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

Nature Half day to full day Free (some attractions have entry fees)

Palacio de Bellas Artes

An iconic cultural landmark featuring stunning murals by famous Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. The building itself is a masterpiece of art nouveau and neoclassical architecture.

Architecture 1-2 hours MXN 75 (USD 3.75) for the museum

Teotihuacan

An ancient Mesoamerican city with the famous Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fascinating glimpse into pre-Aztec civilizations.

Historical Half day to full day MXN 80 (USD 4) for the site, plus guide fees if applicable

Frida Kahlo Museum

The former home of Frida Kahlo, known as the Blue House, now a museum dedicated to her life and work. It offers a deep dive into the life of one of Mexico's most famous artists.

Museum 1-2 hours MXN 250 (USD 12.50) for foreigners

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tacos al Pastor

Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served on corn tortillas with pineapple and onions.

Street food Contains meat, can be spicy

Mole

A rich, complex sauce made with chocolate, chili peppers, and spices, typically served with chicken or turkey.

Main course Contains chocolate, can be spicy

Chiles en Nogada

Poblano chili peppers stuffed with picadillo (a mixture of meat, fruits, and spices) and topped with walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds, representing the colors of the Mexican flag.

Main course Contains meat, nuts, and dairy

Tlayudas

A large, crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, meat, and salsa, often referred to as the 'Mexican pizza'.

Street food Contains cheese and meat, can be spicy

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Sierra de Guadalupe Climbing Nevado de Toluca Paragliding in Valle de Bravo Visiting Chapultepec Park Relaxing in Jardín Borda Enjoying a spa day in Polanco Exploring the Historic Center Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This is the dry season with pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during this period.

15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F) 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Time Zone

GMT-6 (Central Standard Time)

Electricity

127VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Mexico City is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

Important Precautions:

• Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs

Getting there

By air

Mexico City International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Buenavista Station, Toluca Airport Station

By bus

Terminal de Autobuses de Paso de la Reforma, Terminal de Autobuses del Norte

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is the most efficient way to get around the city, with 12 lines covering most neighborhoods. It can get crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center Roma Condesa Coyoacán Polanco

Day trips

Puebla

130 km (81 miles) • Full day

A colonial city known for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a rich history and unique charm.

Texcoco

50 km (31 miles) • Half day to full day

A town near Mexico City known for its beautiful gardens and historical sites. Texcoco is home to the ancient Aztec city of Texcoco and the beautiful Jardín Botánico de Texcoco.

Xochimilco

20 km (12 miles) • Half day

A unique neighborhood in Mexico City known for its canals and traditional trajinera boats. Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a unique and colorful experience.

Festivals

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) • November 1-2 Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia (Morelia International Film Festival) • October Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival) • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Spanish to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Use the metro system to get around the city quickly and affordably
Try street food from busy stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness and safety
Visit museums and attractions on weekdays to avoid crowds and long lines
Explore the city's neighborhoods on foot to discover hidden gems and local culture