10 Things to Do in Mexico City in July

There are many activities to do in Mexico City in summer, especially in July, which is sunny, warm and ideal for walking around the city. However, you should keep in mind that this season is characterized by increased rainfall, so some days you may have difficulties to make outdoor plans.

You can celebrate Friendship Day, go in search of the best ice cream parlors to cool off, enjoy the monuments during Frida Kahlo month, visit the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Guadalupe to avoid the long lines of December and much more.

International Friendship Day is celebrated on July 30 in Mexico City, it is an ideal day to go out and explore the city with your friends, or meet new people. I recommend scheduling activities in advance, as many groups are looking for plans to celebrate this day. The celebration is similar to Valentine's Day, but quieter.

Some of the plans you can't miss are:

Bike around the city with your group

To celebrate Friendship Day you can take a group bike ride around the city, the best times are before sunrise to see the sunrise, or around 4:30 p.m. to appreciate the sunset.

During your bike ride you can take advantage of the free entrance to the University City or go to Los Dinamos National Park, a lung on the outskirts of the city that has waterfalls and is suitable for camping, hiking or mountaineering.

If you want to enjoy green areas without space limitations, I suggest you visit the Ecological Park of Xochimilco, an ideal place to walk along the trails, take a guided tour, rent trajineras or have a picnic. Admission is free, but some services have a cost, for example access to the bathrooms costs about 1 € and parking costs about 2 €.

During June the sun bathes the marshes and trails, it is an ideal weather for walking, but I recommend you to use sunscreen and a hat. In this park you can visit the Chinampa Xochitl Museum, a space that offers history exhibits and houses local animals and flowers.

There is an athletic track where skating is also allowed, very close you will find the Paseo de los Arcos with gastronomic and artistic exhibits, as well as the viewpoint where you can see the Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes.

• Estimated time: At least five hours.
• Best time: From 5:30 a.m. to visit various points of the city, or after 4:30 p.m. for shorter tours.
• Why do it in July? There are good temperatures in keeping with summer.
• To consider: Some days can be very sunny and UV rays are dangerous. In the middle of July the chances of rain increase.

Organize a bowling game with friends

One of the best options is the Bolerama Coyoacán where you will find a lane, bowling machines, pool tables, a restaurant and a bar. Prices per lane start at approximately 22 €.

• Estimated time: One to two hours.
• Best time: Any time, but it is recommended to make a reservation in advance.
• Why do it in July? You can protect yourself during extreme rainy and sunny days.
• To consider: The bowling lane can be reserved, but some days the venue is crowded.

Set up a paintball battle

Enjoy a game of paintball at Gotcha Osos is a totally safe adventure sport, as protective masks and vests are used. It is played in a battlefield, where two teams must face each other shooting paint projectiles, you can also organize a pitched battle with other groups that coincide with your time in the area.

This attraction does not work on Thursdays, the entrance costs approximately 10 € and it is advisable to book in advance online. Additional protection starts at 2 € and extra paint projectiles are around 5 €.

• Estimated time: At least five hours of tour.
• Best time: From 1:00 p.m. onwards.
• Why do it in July? There are open areas in case you want to enjoy a sunny day and covered or semi-covered areas to protect you from this month's rains.
• To consider: Paintballs can hurt, it is recommended to purchase extra protection and establish group rules.

July is considered the month of Krida Fahlo, in honor of the mythical Mexican painter who had political, social and cultural contributions, which broke the canons of beauty and benefited women's rights. Every July 13th her death is commemorated, so there are a variety of sites and activities you can't miss in Mexico City, in fact some events are available all week or all month long.

Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum

The Frida Kahlo Museum is one of the most popular museums, especially during July, so I recommend you to buy your ticket online. The lines to buy at the box office can be up to two hours, which will delay your visit.

You can take a guided tour and explore the most iconic collections of the artist, you can also visit the Blue House which was the home of Frida and Diego Rivera for many years, has striking gardens, artwork, personal objects, pre-Columbian sculptures and some books. Admission ranges from 6 € to 13 € and a photo permit costs approximately 2 €.

Take a tour on the Fridabús

Every year there are parades, art exhibits in the Historic Center that honor the painter's work, and some years there is even a Fridabús, which is announced in mid-May on the national billboard. This bus makes stops at the Frida Kahlo Museum and depending on the package you purchase includes access to its facilities.

It also stops at the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum, which houses the works of another important artist who was Frida's partner. There are temporary and permanent exhibitions, children's areas, architectural spaces and the entrance fee is around 5 €. You should know that you are not allowed to take videos, touch the exhibits or use flash, and you should also turn off your phones.

Participate in the Frida Kahlo Run Colors

Every year a marathon is held in honor of Frida Kahlo, the event takes place during July and includes five to ten kilometers jogging. You can also walk and stop to enjoy the events that unfold along the route.

The surprises vary from year to year, as do the organizers, so be prepared for a fun experience that includes some free activities.

Get to know other sites of the painter

The Dolores Olmedo Museum is located in Xochimilco. There are exhibits of Frida and Diego' s paintings, plus in its gardens you can see peacocks and xoloitzcuintles. The entrance fee is around 3 euros. Don't miss the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo which has two buildings, one for each painter. Admission is around 2 €, but during July there are special discounts.

July is a hot month where humidity abounds, you will surely want to cool off during your stay in the city. One of the summer activities you can't miss in your itinerary is to go in search of the best ice cream parlors in Mexico City.

Taste a different menu every week

A very interesting proposal is Phaat Vice Ice Cream, every week they offer a different menu that is announced on their Instagram.

It is not a physical store, so you can order delivery. There is banana pudding ice cream, M&M's, browned butter, cotton candy and many more surprises.

Stop by Carmela's ice cream factory

If you are looking for an artisanal proposal, your best option is Carmela's Ice Cream, a Mexican factory with several locations in Mexico City. To visit the place where the magic happens, I recommend the Anzures area.

Why visit this ice cream shop during July? They are characterized by offering flavors according to the season, so you will find special summer editions. There are vegan proposals and the special ice creams are around 12 €.

Enjoy Nieves de Olla

Another option is Nieves de Olla where they are made exclusively with Mexican materials, they also prepare typical flavors of the city and seasonal proposals. They offer healthy ice cream, by the kilo and the typical popsicles. Prices are affordable and range from 2 € and up.

To prepare for the marathon corresponding to the best activities in August, Mexicans run a Half Marathon in Mexico City which is ideal for a different kind of time.

Generally the route includes the best local areas, you can go through the famous Paseo de la Reforma, see the Angel of Independence and cross the lung of the city where the Bosque de Chapultepec is located, full of parks and green areas that will make the race more enjoyable.

National registrations range from 33 to 36 €, while international registrations range from 25 to 90 €. Initially the marathon and half marathon were run together, but due to the massive attendance, a month was set aside for each.

A great option during the summer is to visit the Jamaica Market, one of the most colorful and picturesque proposals in Mexico City. It is located on Morelos Avenue and during July you can find seasonal flowers such as surfinia, geranium, dahlia, carnation, among others.

Here you can also buy mushrooms and wild vegetables in the different food stands, or appreciate the typical floral exhibitions of the season. Other ideal months to visit this market are September, when the multitudinous anniversary party is held, and during the Day of the Dead, corresponding to the best activities in November.

The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe corresponds to the things to do during December, however July is the ideal month to visit the sanctuary and avoid long lines. The Basilica of Guadalupe is one of the most important in Mexico, where one of the largest processions in the world takes place.

Upon arrival you will pass by La Villa where the image of the virgin is located and small chapels, such as the Capilla del Pocito and the Capilla del Cerrito, which have impressive architectural designs. You will be able to walk around the new and old sanctuary, the best thing is that the entrance is completely free. There are food stalls all around, but I recommend eating only in verified stalls to avoid gastrointestinal problems.

Mexico is one of the United States' neighboring countries, so many traditions tend to be contagious. To take advantage of the summer, some Americans travel to Mexico City, or to other paradises like Cancun and the Riviera Maya, where you can enjoy the typical fireworks. Therefore you will see parades in the streets, food fairs or markets offering an experience worthy of the United States.

You will also find picnics in the main parks of the city and restaurants are adjusted to offer typical American food. The best way to experience the experience is to stay at a hotel that hosts themed parties around the 4th of July.

The San Angel Flower Fair allocates a variety of events to celebrate during one week, it is estimated that the program has more than 100 free activities ideal to spend the month of July. There is music, typical food, crafts and landscapers decorate the region with a variety of flowers.

I recommend a tour of the main areas of the event, which include the Plaza San Jacinto, the Parque de la Bombilla and the Casa Risco Museum. This festival has been held since 1857 and includes a large parade through the streets where flowers are the protagonists. One place where you can find more information about this traditional event is at the Museo El Carmen whose entrance fee is approximately 4 € and offers art, culture and history exhibits.

From July to October, the World Press Photo exhibition takes place in Mexico City, specifically at the Franz Mayer Museum. Every year, artists from more than 130 countries are expected to participate, offering thousands of images full of history, culture and art.

It is one of the most important photojournalism contests in the world and it is an interactive experience where you can enjoy a multicultural perspective. This exhibition was founded in 1995 and is imported from Amsterdam. The entrance fee is around 5 €.

If you want to experience a bit of Jamaican culture in Mexico City, I recommend a visit to the Reggae Fair, where this musical genre is the protagonist. There are live bands, art exhibits and food stands. The event is outdoors, so I recommend you go prepared for weather changes. This activity also includes recreational games, workshops and a bazaar.

Traveller Tip

I recommend you bring sunscreen, cool clothes and rain protection. You can also bring a blanket to rest in the green areas.