Mexico City is a sprawling urban jungle filled with world-class museums, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks — but there’s a quieter side most visitors never see behind the noise. From secret gardens and hidden speakeasies to ancient ruins tucked into neighbourhoods, this city is full of surprising, lesser-known spots that even some locals haven’t explored.
If you’re ready to go off the beaten path, here are 10 hidden gems in CDMX that reveal the city’s deeper magic, followed by our top 3 hidden restaurants worth trying.
Biblioteca Vasconcelos (“The Whale Library”)
Located in the Buenavista neighbourhood, this massive, futuristic library looks more like a sci-fi spaceship than a place to read books. Nicknamed the “megalibrary” or “the whale,” Biblioteca Vasconcelos is a multi-level architectural wonder filled with floating bookshelves, glass walkways, and quiet nooks for studying or simply taking it all in.
Despite its size and beauty, it’s often overlooked by tourists. It’s a perfect place to reset from the chaos of the city, soak in modern design, or explore art installations scattered throughout. Even if you’re not a book lover, the sheer scale and serenity make this space worth a visit.
Casa Gilardi
Casa Gilardi is one of Luis Barragán’s final masterpieces — and it’s hidden on an unassuming street in the San Miguel Chapultepec neighbourhood. From the outside, it’s easy to miss. But inside, you’ll find bold colour blocking, a serene pool room, and a poetic use of natural light that feels like walking through a dream.
Visits are by appointment only, which adds to the secretive feel. The house is still a private residence, and the guided tour gives you a deep insight into Barragán’s philosophy and his emotional approach to space. It’s a must for architecture and design lovers who want something beyond Frida and Diego.
Mercado de Sonora
While many markets in CDMX sell tacos and trinkets, Mercado de Sonora stands apart with its wild mix of witchcraft, herbal remedies, and curiosities. This is the place to find love potions, spells, dried herbs, voodoo dolls, and statues of saints — both Catholic and folk.
It’s chaotic, colourful, and completely unlike anything you’ll find in more sanitised tourist areas. There’s also a pet section and a carnival-like vibe in parts. Go with an open mind and be respectful — it’s a window into syncretic traditions that blend indigenous and colonial beliefs still practised today.
Cineteca Nacional
The Cineteca is far more than just a movie theatre — it’s an architectural marvel and cultural hub nestled in the Xoco neighbourhood. Known for showcasing indie, classic, and international films, it also boasts shaded courtyards, pop-up art exhibits, and one of the chillest café scenes in the city.
Even if you’re not catching a film, it’s worth visiting just for the vibe: a mix of students, creatives, and cinephiles lounging under angular white structures or grabbing street food nearby. It’s one of the best places in CDMX to experience the local arts scene without the crowds.
Parque Masayoshi Ōhira
This serene Japanese garden is one of Mexico City’s most unexpected hidden spaces. Located in the neighbourhood of Country Club (near Tlalpan), it was a gift from the Japanese government to honour the friendship between Japan and Mexico. The park features red bridges, koi ponds, and carefully landscaped paths that offer a total shift from the city’s fast pace.
It’s not well-signposted or touristy, which adds to the charm. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a quiet place to reflect, Parque Masayoshi Ōhira offers calm, balance, and a surprising sense of stillness in a city that rarely sleeps.
La Casa de la Malinche (Templo Mayor Ruins in Iztapalapa)
Everyone knows about the Templo Mayor ruins in the historic centre — but few venture out to Iztapalapa, where you can find lesser-known Aztec ruins hidden in plain sight. La Casa de la Malinche, a misnamed colonial ruin, actually sits atop an ancient ceremonial site.
The area is steeped in legend, and wandering through these quiet stones gives you a different sense of the city’s deep indigenous roots. There’s little signage and almost no crowds, making it a perfect place for those seeking something raw and untouched by mass tourism.
El Palacio de los Palacios (Palacio de Hierro, Polanco)
On the surface, this is just a luxury department store in the upscale Polanco district. But step inside El Palacio de Hierro and you’ll discover a wonderland of interior design, high fashion, gourmet food halls, and architecture that could rival a palace in Paris.
Designed with attention to detail — stained glass ceilings, curved staircases, and dramatic lighting — this spot blends retail therapy with aesthetic pleasure. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth strolling through the levels just to admire the fusion of old-world glam and modern indulgence.
Museo del Juguete Antiguo México (MUJAM)
This quirky, colourful museum houses one of the largest private toy collections in the world — over 50,000 vintage and rare toys crammed into a graffiti-covered building in Colonia Doctores. MUJAM is pure nostalgia and visual overload, curated by artist Roberto Shimizu and his father.
The space itself is chaotic and lovingly eccentric, with toys from all over Mexico and beyond — robots, luchador figures, dolls, board games, and strange curios that give you a glimpse into Mexican pop culture. It’s joyful, weird, and unforgettable.
Espacio Escultórico at UNAM
Tucked inside the UNAM campus is a cosmic, land-art installation that looks like something from another planet. The Espacio Escultórico is made of massive volcanic stone shapes arranged in a circle, blending with the lava fields of the surrounding Pedregal landscape. It’s both an artwork and an environment.
Few visitors make it out here, which is a shame — because the place is meditative, vast, and offers views over Mexico City you won’t get anywhere else. Bring water and time — this space is meant to be experienced slowly, with minimal distractions.
Ex Convento Desierto de los Leones
Just a short drive from the city centre, this former monastery in the forested hills of the Cuajimalpa borough feels like a medieval escape. Set within a national park, the Ex Convento del Desierto de los Leones dates back to the 1600s and includes cloisters, chapels, underground tunnels, and mossy courtyards perfect for exploring.
The surrounding woods offer hiking trails and picnic spots, so it’s easy to turn a visit into a peaceful half-day retreat. Despite its beauty and history, it’s rarely crowded, making it one of the most serene and surreal spots near CDMX.
Top 3 Hidden Restaurants in Mexico City
Huden
Tucked behind a wooden door in Colonia Roma, Huset feels more like a countryside patio than a restaurant in the middle of a busy city. With hanging plants, fairy lights, and a rustic open-air vibe, it’s one of the most atmospheric hidden gems in CDMX. Chef Maycoll Calderón focuses on seasonal ingredients, cooked simply but beautifully, often over a wood-fired grill.
The vibe is intimate but stylish, making it perfect for a slow lunch or romantic dinner. Dishes like their house sourdough, grilled octopus, or mushroom risotto are local favourites, and the craft cocktail list is top-notch. Even though it’s in one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods, Huset maintains a quiet magic that feels worlds away from the urban bustle.
Top 3 Items: Grilled Octopus, Mushroom Risotto, House Sourdough Bread
Tierra Adentro
Located at Av. Nevado 112 in the Portales Sur neighbourhood, Tierra Adentro offers a unique dining experience that blends traditional Mexican flavours with creative twists. The restaurant is known for dishes like pistachio mole with mushrooms, showcasing a fusion of classic ingredients in innovative ways. Tripadvisor
The ambience is cosy and intimate, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a hidden gem away from the bustling tourist areas. With its commitment to quality and originality, Tierra Adentro provides a memorable culinary experience for adventurous diners.
Nicos
Located far from the typical tourist circuit in the Clavería neighbourhood, Nicos is a family-run institution that quietly serves some of the most authentic and expertly executed Mexican cuisine in the city. Chef Gerardo Vázquez Lugo has turned this humble spot into a gastronomic gem, with a focus on traditional recipes and heirloom ingredients.
The dining room is simple and old-school, but the food is unforgettable — think handmade tortillas, slow-braised moles, and deeply flavorful soups. Locals and food critics alike make the pilgrimage here, and yet it still retains a neighbourhood feel. If you’re after a soulful, non-touristy culinary experience, this is your spot.
Top 3 Items: Mole Negro, Sopa de Lima, Tableside Guacamole