Sometimes when you travel, the hardest part isn’t deciding if you should go somewhere, but figuring out what to do once you’re there. Mexico City is so big and full of famous attractions that it can feel overwhelming, and maybe you’re worried you’ll just end up doing the same touristy things everyone else does. If you’ve been wondering about the hidden corners of the city and searching for 7 unusual things to do in Mexico City, you’re definitely not alone.
That’s exactly what this guide is here for. Instead of the same old lists, you’ll find fresh ideas, quirky spots, and offbeat experiences that show you a different side of the city. From eerie islands to secret food adventures, these unusual activities will give you stories worth sharing and memories you won’t forget.
Mexico City is layered, complex, and endlessly surprising. It’s a place where ancient Aztec canals meet modern street art, where hidden museums outshine the famous ones, and where a simple walk through a neighborhood can feel like stepping into a secret world.
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to go beyond the tourist trail and dive into the offbeat, the quirky, and the unforgettable, this guide is for you. Here are 7 unusual things to do in Mexico City that will give you stories worth telling long after your trip is over.
1. Wander Through the Island of the Dolls (Isla de las Muñecas)
What It Is
Deep in the canals of Xochimilco lies one of the eeriest attractions in the city: an island filled with hundreds of old, weathered dolls hanging from trees and buildings.
Why It’s Unusual
The island’s caretaker, Don Julián Santana, began collecting and hanging dolls decades ago, believing they warded off the spirit of a drowned girl he found in the canals. Today, the dolls remain, their cracked faces and missing limbs creating a haunting atmosphere.
How to Visit
You’ll need to take a trajinera (a traditional boat) from Xochimilco’s docks. The journey itself is part of the adventure — floating through canals lined with mariachi bands, food vendors, and colorful boats before reaching the island.
Insider Tip
Bring small bills. Along the canals, you’ll find vendors selling snacks, drinks, and even fresh-grilled corn. It’s a floating picnic you won’t forget.
2. Step Into the Underworld at Museo del Juguete Antiguo México (Toy Museum)
What It Is
This isn’t your typical toy museum. The Museo del Juguete Antiguo México is a labyrinth of nostalgia, chaos, and pure quirkiness.
Why It’s Unusual
Imagine rooms overflowing with vintage dolls, robots, board games, and action figures — but displayed in a way that feels like walking through someone’s eccentric attic rather than a polished gallery.
Benefits of Visiting
- Connect with your inner child.
- Discover Mexico’s toy history, from tin robots to lucha libre figurines.
- Experience art installations mixed with the toy collections.
Real-Life Experience
Visitors often describe it as part museum, part art project, and part fever dream. It’s messy, charming, and unforgettable.
3. Eat at a Secret Supper Club
What It Is
Mexico City has a growing underground dining scene where chefs host private meals in hidden venues — sometimes in apartments, sometimes in gardens, sometimes in undisclosed spaces revealed only after booking.
Why It’s Unusual
Instead of a traditional restaurant, you’re eating in someone’s home or creative space, often with strangers who quickly become friends.
Tips for Travelers
- Look for supper clubs through local expat groups or word of mouth.
- Expect menus that fuse traditional Mexican flavors with experimental techniques.
Benefits
- A chance to meet locals and fellow travelers.
- A dining experience you won’t find in guidebooks.
4. Explore the Witch Market (Mercado de Sonora)
What It Is
The Mercado de Sonora is Mexico City’s most famous market for magic, witchcraft, and folk remedies.
What You’ll Find
- Herbal potions for love, luck, or health.
- Statues of saints and mystical figures.
- Tarot card readers and fortune tellers.
- Exotic animals (though this part can be controversial).
Why It’s Unusual
It’s a window into Mexico’s deep traditions of mysticism, folk healing, and spirituality — worlds away from your average souvenir market.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t treat it like a theme park. Vendors take their practices seriously. Approach with respect and curiosity.
5. Visit the House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos) for Breakfast
What It Is
Casa de los Azulejos is a striking colonial mansion covered in blue and white tiles. While many visitors snap photos from outside, few realize you can go inside for a meal.
Why It’s Unusual
Instead of just being a historical landmark, it’s now home to a restaurant where you can eat beneath stained-glass ceilings and murals by famous Mexican artists.
Experience Tip
Go for breakfast. The atmosphere is calm, the light filters beautifully through the stained glass, and the food is both traditional and satisfying.
6. Discover the Pulquerías
What It Is
Pulque is a traditional fermented drink made from the sap of the maguey plant. Pulquerías — bars dedicated to serving it — were once central to social life in Mexico City but nearly disappeared before making a comeback.
Why It’s Unusual
Pulque has a thick, almost yogurt-like texture and comes in flavors ranging from mango to oatmeal. It’s unlike anything most travelers have tried.
Cultural Insight
Pulquerías often feature murals, live music, and a lively atmosphere. They’re not touristy — you’ll be drinking alongside locals, often in historic settings.
Mistake to Avoid
Don’t confuse pulque with mezcal or tequila. It’s its own category entirely, with lower alcohol content but a deep cultural history.
7. Walk Through the Deserted Cinema Río
What It Is
Hidden in the Doctores neighborhood, the abandoned Cinema Río is a relic of Mexico City’s golden age of cinema. Though not officially open as a tourist site, it occasionally hosts art events, concerts, or underground film screenings.
Why It’s Unusual
Walking into the crumbling cinema feels like stepping into another era. The faded posters, decaying seats, and vast empty halls evoke both nostalgia and eeriness.
Tip for Adventurers
If you can’t catch an official event, just walking around the neighborhood and peeking at the old facade is worth it for history buffs.
FAQs About Unusual Things to Do in Mexico City
1. Is Mexico City safe for exploring unusual attractions?
Yes, but use common sense. Stick to well-traveled areas, go during the day, and ask locals about safety in specific neighborhoods.
2. How can I find these unusual spots if they’re not in guidebooks?
Talk to locals, check neighborhood blogs, or join cultural walking tours that focus on hidden history.
3. Do I need Spanish to enjoy these unusual activities?
It helps, especially in markets and pulquerías, but many locals are welcoming and will try to communicate even if your Spanish is basic.
4. Are these unusual things family-friendly?
Some are (like the Toy Museum), while others (like the Witch Market or pulquerías) may be better for adults.
5. How much time should I set aside for unusual experiences in Mexico City?
At least one or two full days. Combining unusual attractions with mainstream ones makes for a balanced trip.
Closing Thoughts
Mexico City is more than its famous squares and museums. It’s a living, breathing puzzle full of secrets waiting for curious travelers. Whether you’re sipping pulque in a historic bar, exploring the eerie Island of the Dolls, or wandering through a toy museum that feels like a dreamscape, these unusual experiences will give you a deeper connection to the city’s soul.
So when you plan your next trip, don’t just ask, “What should I see in Mexico City?” Ask instead, “What hidden stories do I want to uncover?” That shift in mindset transforms your journey from ordinary sightseeing into an unforgettable adventure.