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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Tile Tales at Casa de los Azulejos

Tile Tales at Casa de los Azulejos

Tasting Tradition in Parque España

Tasting Tradition in Parque España

Smiles & Spoons: Ice Cream in the Sun

Smiles & Spoons: Ice Cream in the Sun

Taco Time Like a Local

Taco Time Like a Local

Sweet Moments at El Moro

Sweet Moments at El Moro

Romance in San Ángel

Romance in San Ángel

Laughter on Calle de la Palma

Laughter on Calle de la Palma

Clay Cups & Cultural Sips

Clay Cups & Cultural Sips

Templo Mayor Triumph

Templo Mayor Triumph

Cheers in a Pulquería

Cheers in a Pulquería

Colorful Canal Cruising in Xochimilco

Colorful Canal Cruising in Xochimilco

Diego Rivera's Hidden Corner

Diego Rivera's Hidden Corner

Family Fun in Centro Histórico

Family Fun in Centro Histórico

Pink Cheers & Friendly Toasts

Pink Cheers & Friendly Toasts

First Steps, Big Smiles – Welcome to CDMX!

First Steps, Big Smiles – Welcome to CDMX!

Artisan Tiles & Timeless Tales

Artisan Tiles & Timeless Tales

Tacos, Talk, and Good Company

Tacos, Talk, and Good Company

A Taste of Tradition at the Gran Café

A Taste of Tradition at the Gran Café

Legends in the Zócalo

Legends in the Zócalo

La Casa de los Azulejos, One Tile at a Time

La Casa de los Azulejos, One Tile at a Time

Sipping Mezcal in a Golden Glow

Sipping Mezcal in a Golden Glow

Stained Glass & Serendipity at Chapultepec Castle

Stained Glass & Serendipity at Chapultepec Castle

Heritage Walk Through Templo Mayor

Heritage Walk Through Templo Mayor

Café Sereno in Chapultepec

Café Sereno in Chapultepec

Overlooking Mercado Sonora

Overlooking Mercado Sonora

An Architectural Pause in Centro Histórico

An Architectural Pause in Centro Histórico

Tasting Pulque in a Hidden Cantina

Tasting Pulque in a Hidden Cantina

Thumbs Up for a Taco Adventure

Thumbs Up for a Taco Adventure

Vibrant Nights & Papel Picado Magic

Vibrant Nights & Papel Picado Magic

Street Music & Sunlight in Centro Histórico

Street Music & Sunlight in Centro Histórico

Urban Adventure on Paseo de la Reforma

Urban Adventure on Paseo de la Reforma

Exploring Spiritual Heritage

Exploring Spiritual Heritage

Morning Explorers in La Merced

Morning Explorers in La Merced

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What travelers think of this experience

Jason May 2025

Alex was a great guide with a lot of knowledge about Mexico City, history, art, architecture and more. He really let us tailor the tour and experience including the pace and things we knew we wanted to see and experience. He also showed us plenty of things that weren’t already on our list. He gave us recommendations for great food and coffee as well. Really had a wonderful time and would definitely recommend this tour to others who want to get familiar with the city.

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Bryan May 2025

Alejandro was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Mexico City. We began with the history of the city, beginning at ground zero (where the historical, pre-Colombian) beginnings of the city origins. We visited an archeological museum, then Alejandro, went the extra mile to review additional archeological findings around town. Next, we walked through the colonial historical neighborhoods, and markets, all the while getting more architectual knowledge along the way. Alejandro was especially effective in connecting the historial city to its evolution into the modern city we see today, including the historical persons involved. Extremely thorough and comprehensive, I am so much smarter now, then I was this morning, before I went on the tour with Alejandro. Bring comfortable walking shoes - you'll get plenty of steps in!

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Jason May 2025

Really personalized tour. We got to see a lot of the city and experience things we didn’t even know we wanted to do.

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Preston May 2025

We loved Marisol! She was so well spoken, informative, and enjoyable. Highly recommend!

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Indy May 2025

Ninelth gave us a wonderful tour of Diego’s and Frida’s house /studio, The historical spate of Mexico City and also we had a chance to visit the San Angel neighborhood where we got to buy beautiful drawing. Our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us a wonderful and informative historical background of the places we visited. We highly recommend this tour!

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Santiago May 2025

Fantastica!!! Roberto el guía que tuvimos un Arqueologo apasionado de compartir lo que sabe. Muy servicial. Sabio y agradable. Un 10 a está experiencia. Santi Fantastic!!! Roberto, our guide, was an archaeologist passionate about sharing what he knows. Very helpful, knowledgeable, and pleasant. A 10 for this experience. Santi

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