Perched in its valley at an altitude of almost 2,200m, Mexico's capital dominates the landscape with its bright colors and lively atmosphere. Mexico City is one of those mythical cities for which you have a strong image in your mind, but which doesn't disappoint when you get there. Known in pre-Columbian times as Tenochtitlan, it was already a stronghold of the country. To discover more about its cultural and historical wealth, be sure to visit these Mexico City must-sees.
1- Plaza de la Constitución, or Zócalo
The Plaza de la Constitución, also known as the Zócalo, is Mexico City's nerve center. Constantly in motion, this is where many cultural demonstrations and protests against the country's politics take place. Before the arrival of the Spanish colonists and their destruction of Tenochtitlan, this was also the heart of the Aztec capital. Today, every year, the country's president re-enacts the Grito (cry) of independence in front of a packed crowd: ¡ Viva Mexico, Viva Mexico, Viva Mexico !
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2- Visit the Museo Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo is certainly Mexico's best-known artist, and the museum dedicated to her is a must-see in the city. Located in the painter's former home, Casa Azul, the Museo Frida Kahlo traces her life from birth to death, both of which took place here. On display are objects and mementos from her life in Mexico City, as well as some of the artist's works. These include My Family and Frida and the Caesarean, two unfinished paintings, as well as her final work Viva la Vida.
Activities to book 2- Save time by booking your ticket for the Frida Kahlo Museum and the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum now.
3- Stroll through the Xochimilco Gardens
In the days of the Aztec civilizations, the area around Mexico City was a large lake, on which the inhabitants set up floating gardens to grow vegetables. Called chinampas in Mexico, these gardens formed a large network of canals. After colonization, the Spanish drained most of them. The Gardens of Xochimilco, the remaining part of the canals, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Read the article to discover the most beautiful places to visit in Mexico.
4- The Palacio de Bellas Artes de Mexico
The Palacio de Bellas Artes, or Museum of Fine Arts, is in itself a jewel to behold. Here you can contemplate works by Rivera, including Carnaval de la Vida Mexicana, Orozco, Gonzales Camarena, and many other talented artists. Every day at 10.30 a.m., you can watch the magnificent glass theater curtain being lowered. To create this glass treasure, no fewer than 1 million pieces of coloured glass had to be assembled. Awe-inspiring!
5- See Mexico City's Catedral Metropolitana
The Catedral Metropolitana de México is considered by Mexicans to be the most impressive Catholic monument on the continent. Built on the Plaza de la Constitución, this imposing cathedral was constructed from 1532 onwards, only to be completed in 1813. Its many years of construction have given it a wide variety of architectural styles. In fact, the Spanish conquistadors had this monument built on a pyramid from the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan.
The article to read 5- Mexico City is one of the 15 capitals to visit in the world.
6- Visit the Palacio Nacional
The Palacio Nacional is still the center of the country's executive power, where the president holds a press conference every morning at 7am. Located on the Zócalo, the palace is home to frescoes by painter Diego Rivera depicting over two hundred historical figures. Painted between 1929 and 1935, these frescoes are intended to exalt Mexico's national identity. You'll also find the Galería Nacional, inaugurated in 2010 and showcasing institutional documents linked to the country's history.
7- What to visit in Mexico City The Museo Nacional de Antropologia
Built in the 1960s, the Museo nacional de Antropologia is one of the world's most important museums , thanks to its archaeological collections. You'll need more than a day's visit to fully appreciate the artifacts on display in the 25 galleries. You'll be able to contemplate some of Mexico's finest pieces, including the famous Sun Stone, measuring 4 metres in diameter and weighing 24 tonnes, often shortened to the name "Aztec calendar". A number of reconstructions, such as that of a Mayan tomb, ensure total immersion in the museum!
Activities to book save time by booking your tickets for the Museum of Anthropology in advance.
8- Taste Mexico's culinary specialties
When visiting Mexico's capital, you'll be spoilt for choice among the country's many culinary specialties. In addition to the inevitable tacos, quesadillas and enchiladas, don't hesitate to try dishes that are less familiar in Europe. You'll find tamales, for example, made from corn dough filled with meat, vegetables or other ingredients and wrapped in banana or corn leaves (be careful not to eat the leaf!). On the street food side, elotes are boiled or grilled corn on the cob, topped with mayonnaise, lemon, cheese and chilli pepper.
Related articlethe most beautiful cities to discover Latin American gastronomy.
9- The ruins of Templo Mayor
This was once the heart of Aztec territory , but the conquistador Cortés had all traces of its former glory erased. Today, archaeologists are uncovering more and more information about this mythical site of the past. Expanded several times over the centuries, the first Templo Mayor was built in 1375. Adjacent to the Templo Mayor, the remarkably well-designed museum offers a playful approach to the Aztec way of life.
Activities to reserve 10- The Templo Mayor and its museum: buy a ticket for the Templo Mayor and its museum.
10- Old and new Basilica Guadalupe
The Basilica Santa Maria de Guadalupe welcomes over 15 million visitors and pilgrims every year. After St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, it is one of the most visited places of worship in the world. Built in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the many buildings conceal an incredible treasure for the Catholic community: Juan Diego's cape, on which the Virgin is said to have left her image. She is said to have entrusted him with a mission: to build a place of worship in her honor.
11- Museo Nacional de Historia de Mexico - Castillo de Chapultepec
The Castillo de Chapultepec now houses Mexico City 's National History Museum. Built high above the city, this neo-classical castle served as the residence of the viceroys of New Spain until 1843. It's a pleasant walk to the castle. Once there, you'll be able to explore the castle's interior , as well as paintings and objects testifying to the country's history.
12- Stroll through the city's markets
Mexico City's mercados are the epicenters of the city's lively life. From handicrafts and culinary specialties to colorful bouquets, you'll find plenty of treasures. The Mercado Jamaica, for example, is famous for its more than 5,000 varieties of flowers and plants from all over the country. The Mercado de la Merced is the city's largest traditional market. When it comes to handicrafts, don't hesitate to stroll through the Mercado de la Ciudadela.
13- Stroll through the San Angel district
Close to the Coyoacan district, home to the famous Casa Azùl, San Angel is one of Mexico City's traditional neighborhoods. The city's past can be seen in its architectural mix of 18th-century houses belonging to wealthy families and religious buildings belonging to the Carmelites and Dominicans. The district was declared a Cultural Heritage Site by Mexico City in 2010. Don't hesitate to stroll through its squares, cobbled streets and small gardens!
14- Visit the Museum of the Revolution
Located beneath the Monument to the Revolution, the Museo Nacional de la Revolucion traces the history of the Mexican Revolution. Between 1910 and 1920, a series of armed uprisings and coups d'état put an end to the authoritarian regime of Porfirio Diaz. Originally, the monument's dome was to be part of a complex designed to house Congress. The unfinished building then became the tomb of the revolution.
Good to know: your museum ticket gives you access to the viewpoint at the top of the Monument to the Revolution.
15- Getting to Teotiuhacán
Located less than an hour from Mexico City, Teotiuhacán is one of Mexico's most remarkable sites. Meaning"the place where men turned into gods", we still don't know who the builders of this incredible place were. In its heyday, the city was the largest Mesoamerican city, with a population of over 200,000. After being mysteriously abandoned, Teotihuacán was rehabilitated by the Aztecs, who believed that this colossal city was the creation of giants.
The activity to book for a half-day guided tour of Teotiuhacán departing from Mexico City.
Discover Mexico City's most popular activities:
Where to stay in Mexico City?
To help you choose among Mexico City's many hotels, here's a list of the best-rated:
- La Casa Mali by Dominion. Located opposite Parque Mexico, this chic hotel is well-equipped and offers comfortable rooms. Information and reservations via our partner's website.
- El Gran Hotel Ciudad de México. This hotel on the Zócalo offers spacious rooms decorated in an antique style. Further information and booking here.
- Sevilla Palace. This upscale 3-star hotel is located in the Tabacalera district and offers sophisticated rooms, some with Jacuzzis. Book directly here.
Is it dangerous to visit Mexico City?
As with many destinations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises tourists to be careful with their personal belongings and not to show ostentatious signs of wealth. It also warns that some areas of the city are unsafe, notably the Desarrollo Urabno Quetzacoatl district, and that tourists should not linger in areas not served by the metro.
How long will it take to visit Mexico City?
Mexico City is a large city, with a rich history and culture. To get the most out of it, don't hesitate to spend at least 4 or 5 days in the city to visit the main points of interest. For a more in-depth visit of Mexico City and the surrounding area, you can spend between 8 and 10 days.
