Mexico City Parks and Gardens

(Mexico City, Federal District, Mexico)

Those staying in Mexico City will soon realise that although this is a large and spreading city, there are still plenty of parks, gardens and areas of green dotted around. Mexico City's Central Park (Alameda Central) is amongst the most notable and has been used by locals for more than 400 years.

For recreational activities in Mexico City, consider visiting the Parque Ecológico de Xochimilco, the Parque Luis G. Urbina or the enormous Bosque de Chapultepec, while for a relaxing canal cruise, a visit to the Aztec Territory is sure to please. Mexico City's parks and gardens are described further below.

Alameda Central (Central Park)

Address: Avenida Hidalgo y Avenida Juárez, Mexico City, 01000, Mexico, MX
The Alameda Central lies within the very heart of downtown Mexico City and is full of Mexican character and flair, featuring a number of fountains, outdoor sculptures and colourful planting schemes. This historic park is often the setting for a series of events, markets and open-air concerts, which are always crowd pullers.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Parque Ecológico de Xochimilco (Xochimilco Ecological Park)

Address: Periférico Oriente, 1, Mexico City, 16000, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 673 7890
Xochimilco Ecological Park is especially popular with tourists and families, who come here not only to enjoy the pleasant surroundings but to use the extensive sporting facilities. The playing fields are especially popular, along with the baseball pitch and large lake, complete with a trail suitable for strolling and jogging.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Parque Hundido (Sunken Park)

Address: Avenida Insurgentes Sur, Insurgentes Mixcoac, Mexico City, 03300, Mexico, MX
The sunken Parque Hundido is always full of seasonal flowers and lush planting. Mature trees offer shady spots to sit, relax and picnic, while the nearby bullring of the Plaza México is always a major draw card and can hold almost 50,000 spectators.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

Parque Luis G. Urbina

Address: Insurgentes Sur, 1200, Mexico City, 03740, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 329 3947
If you are planning to visit the Parque Luis G. Urbina, be sure to bring your camera, since the park's famous floral clock is amongst its biggest attractions and always a popular photo opportunity. Locals enjoy the many pathways, which are perfect for an early morning jog or cycle.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Viveros de Coyoacán

Address: Avenida Universidad 2100, Mexico City, 04100, Mexico, MX
Situated on the western side of the Plaza Hidalgo, the Viveros de Coyoacán is one of the area's most notable public parks and much used by a variety of people. Families will enjoy the open expanses and secluded areas, garden lovers will find the colourful flowers and planting a real treat, while sports enthusiasts will find the trails perfect for jogging.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Aztec Territory

Address: Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 676 0810
The stunning and extremely historic Aztec Territory is located on the southerly outskirts of Mexico City and is not to be missed. The gardens are quite breathtaking and always bursting with colour, being best appreciated by boat trips along the canals.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones (Desert of the Lions National Park)

Address: Camino al Desierto de los Leones, Cuajimalpa, Mexico City, 03310, Mexico, MX
Lovers of the great outdoors will always enjoy a visit to the Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones, which can be found on the southern side of Mexico City. Look out for the 17th-century Carmelite Monastery and its many attractions.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Forest) and Zoological Gardens

Address: Avenida Constituyentes, Avenida Reforma, Mexico City, 11850, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 55 515 0535
Visitors to Mexico City will appreciate a trip to Bosque de Chapultepec, which is the biggest park in the whole of Mexico City and home to exceptional zoological gardens, where all of the main zoo animals can be enjoyed in spacious, landscaped enclosures and surroundings. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the playing fields and jogging trails, which edge a large boating lake (Lago del Bosque de Chapultepec) and are often lined by mature trees, areas of woodland and lush planting. The Bosque de Chapultepec is actually Mexico City's biggest park and covers almost 1,000 acres / 400 hectares.
Open hours: daily - 05:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Jardin Centenario (Centennial Gardens)

Address: Allende e Hidalgo, Mexico City, 04100, Mexico, MX
The Jardin Centenario is regularly frequented by families with young children, who come here to relax and watch the street entertainment. Many historic buildings surround the garden and are famed for their classical architecture, adding much character to the area.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free