Mexico City's Best Museums

Mexico City is a huge metropolis with a long, rich history. For centuries, it has been a global hub of art and culture, and this is well reflected in Mexico City's hundreds of museums. Of course, vacationers rarely have time to visit more than a handful of museums on a given trip, so here are the absolute must-see museums that are totally worth an afternoon or full day of exploring.

Museo Nacional de Arte, Mexico City
Calle Tacuba 8, Cuauhtemoc
Centro Histórico, 06010
Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico
+52 55 8647 5430
www.munal.com.mx

The National Art Museum is one of Mexico City's most beloved and popular museums. Located in the city center, this museum is particularly easy to visit if you are already seeing other sites in the area, such as the National Palace. Though the museum opened as recently as 1982, it has quickly amassed a world renowned art collection with a specific focus on meso-American art and artifacts. The permanent collection contains more than 3,000 pieces spanning four centuries, so it is easy to dedicate a whole day to visiting the museum.

National Anthropology Museum
Av Paseo de la Reforma y Calzada Gandhi S/N
Chapultepec Polanco, 11560
Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico
+52 55 4040 5300
www.mna.inah.gob.mx

In addition to countless art museums, Mexico City is also home to a fantastic anthropology museum, which is the perfect day trip for history buffs. This is where tourists can learn about pre-Hispanic populations of Mexico and see exhibits specifically on Teotihuacan, Toltec, Aztec, Mixtec, Zapotec, Olmec and Maya peoples. Ever wanted to see the Mayan calendar? This is your chance. There are also exhibits on humanity as a whole that aren't specific to Mexican history which is also quite interesting. Visiting this museum is sure to enrich your understanding of Mexican culture as it is today and is a museum you don't want to miss.

Museo Frida Kahlo
Londres 247
Del Carmen, 04100
Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico
+52 55 5554 5999
www.museofridakahlo.org.mx

Frida Kahlo is one of Mexico's most famous artists. Her thought-provoking, modern paintings, particularly her self portraits, have become iconic around the globe. Pay homage to Mexico's mother of modern art by visiting the Museo Frida Kahlo while in Mexico City. The museum, known as the "blue house," is Kahlo's birthplace and where she spent most of her life. Her husband, artist Diego Rivera, donated the house after Kahlo's death so that her belongings could be preserved as part of Mexico's history. Since the museum is small, plan to get there early to avoid a line to enter.

Related: 48 Hours In Mexico City

Museo de Arte Moderno
Av. Paseo de la Reforma S/N, Miguel Hidalgo
Bosque de Chapultepec, 11560
Ciudad de México, D.F.. Mexico
+52 55 5553 6233
www.bellasartes.gob.mx

Mexico is widely known for having one of the most important and deep collections of modern art in the world. The Museo de Arte Moderno is a great place to see works by some of Mexico's greatest artists including Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros and Olga Costa. The structure of the museum is also a sight to see, featuring an incredible main lobby and gorgeous sculptures placed throughout the museum gardens. Bonus, entrance to the museum is free of charge every Sunday!

Mucho Mundo Chocolate Museo
Milán 45
Juárez, 06600
Ciudad de México, D.F., Mexico
+52 55 5514 1737
www.mucho.org.mx

This fun museum opened in 2012 and has quickly become a favorite of families visiting Mexico City. During a trip to the Mucho Mundo Chocolate Museum, visitors will learn the full history of chocolate around the world and its importance to Mexican culture and economy. Then parties will get to watch the chocolate making process. Of course, everyone's favorite part of the trip is sampling real Mexican chocolate. This museum is modern, clean and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Related: Best Markets To Shop In Mexico City

Cameron Bruns is the founder of BostonGreenBlog.com and co-author of Just Us Gals Boston. She lives in Boston's North End, where her goal is to promote ethical, stylish, and sustainable lifestyle choices to all Boston residents. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.