Traditions & Heritage • 4 hours 5.0 (6)

Epic Tales of Mexico's Literary Treasures

Discover Mexico City’s most stunning libraries and hidden literary treasures, guided by a local host who brings each story and space to life!

Make sure to pack a hoodie or sweater as the city's high altitude brings drastic temperature changes and it can get quite chilly at night.

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Kick off your literary adventure at Casa de la Primera Imprenta - it’s like walking through the pages of the past!
  • Bookworms and art lovers alike will be in awe at the stunning Biblioteca Miguel Lerdo de Tejada.
  • Craving more literary magic? Head to the vibrant Biblioteca de México, where you can get lost in a world of stories.
  • Prepare to be blown away by the futuristic Biblioteca Vasconcelos, where floating bookshelves and lush gardens create a jaw-dropping space.
  • Bringing the kids along? No worries! Biblioteca de México and Biblioteca Vasconcelos have awesome toy libraries to keep the little ones entertained.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

4 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Per person
Hosted experience lasting up to 4 hours
Private and tailored to your group only
Immersive walking experience between stops
Public transportation
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Additional transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, P.za de la Constitución S/N, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

If you're a book lover like me, you need to be ready for this experience. When people think of libraries, they think of the most famous ones—the Vatican, New York, Trinity College, etc. However, Mexico City should be on your list of libraries. The vibe is immaculate, and the art is breathtaking. 

Ready to dive into the literary heart of Mexico City? This experience is a book lover's dream, taking you on a journey through the city's most iconic libraries, hidden gems, and architectural marvels. With your local host leading the way, you'll step into spaces that are bursting with history, culture, and stories just waiting to be discovered. 

Your literary journey kicks off at Casa de la Primera Imprenta, where Mexico's first printed words came to life! Get ready to step back in time and see how this unassuming building sparked a revolution in knowledge, shaping Mexico's cultural landscape. Your host will share stories about how early printing presses worked, and you'll get up close and personal with the craftsmanship behind these early publications. It's like holding a piece of history in your hands! You'll leave with a newfound appreciation for how the printed word transformed a nation.

Next stop: the stunning Biblioteca Miguel Lerdo de Tejada. Tucked away in the city, this library is a treasure trove of rare books and jaw-dropping art. Seriously, you won't be able to miss the massive 2,000 m² mural by artist Vlady that covers the walls in a vibrant display of color and storytelling. As you browse the shelves of literary gems and historic manuscripts, your host will regale you with tales of the Mexican writers and thinkers who have shaped the country's literary scene. You'll be surrounded by centuries of stories – the perfect place to get lost in the magic of words!

Then, it's off to the Biblioteca de México, where the world of books meets a bustling cultural hotspot. Set within the lively La Ciudadela cultural complex, this library is anything but ordinary. Wander through its vast halls of books, take a moment to breathe in the fresh air in its peaceful garden, or even catch a live performance or exhibition happening nearby. Your host will guide you through the library's personal collections of legendary Mexican authors like Alí Chumacero and Carlos Monsiváis. And if you're traveling with kids, there's a delightful toy library where the little ones can dive into their own adventure – you might even have a hard time pulling them away!

Just when you think it can't get any better, you'll arrive at the show-stopping Biblioteca Vasconcelos, known as the "Megabiblioteca." Imagine walking into a space where bookshelves seem to float in midair, and every corner invites you to sit, relax, and lose yourself in a story. This architectural masterpiece isn't just a library – it's a literary playground! The design alone will leave you speechless, with its soaring steel and glass structure, but the atmosphere is peaceful and perfect for anyone who wants to soak in some serious bookish vibes. And don't miss the gardens out back – a lush green escape that's perfect for a quiet moment. If you've got kids along, they'll be thrilled with the toy library here, too!

Throughout the day, your host will make sure you experience more than just books – you'll dive deep into Mexico City's literary heart, uncovering hidden gems and stories you wouldn't find on your own. Whether you're here for the books, the history, or the stunning architecture, each stop will leave you with something unforgettable. I can't wait to hear all about it!

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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GYGFWX6L2GQM_host_Alejandro_Ortiz_Eat_like_local_Mexico_City

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What travelers think of this experience

Zsa Zsa Mar 2025

The tour was wonderful.. Adriana made it so much fun!

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Linda Apr 2025

Yara went above and beyond to make this experience unforgettable. Her knowledge of the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems was not only extensive but also truly enlightening and captivating. Beyond her expertise, Yara is incredibly kind, considerate, and personable. She made sure I felt comfortable and engaged, tailoring the experience to my interests and needs. It felt less like a tour and more like exploring the city with a friend who genuinely cares about sharing its beauty and richness. I would take another tour with her in a heartbeat! She is a true gem and made this experience one I’ll never forget.

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Jenni Mar 2025

Hi! Sandra was so cute! We enjoyed her knowledge and perspective of Mexico City. We were able to get a lay of the land. It was a great day!

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Simon Mar 2025

Nicolas is a very knowledgeable and friendly guide. I took a two-hour tour and, although I'm not a fan of architectural styles, I enjoyed connecting the historical dots. He provided insights not only about the two neighborhoods but also about the Mexica and Spanish conquests.

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Julie Mar 2025

Ingrid took us to the centre where we visited the Zocalo Plaza, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Templo Mayor. She also showed us to the former school with many Diego Rivera murals, the Beaux Artes Museum and a marketplace of only authentic Mexican crafts. She also took us on the Metro and explained how to navigate it. Now we will be confident when we return to see everything in more depth.

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Andrea Mar 2025

Adriana was excellent. Very knowledgeable and interesting. She took us to the main historic sites but also some really interesting hidden gems. It was fantastic being shown around by a local who has additional insight into the history and culture.

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