Mexico DF or Mexico City has changed a lot in recent years. Today it is a vibrant city open to tourism, and offers endless places to visit.
Mexico City is huge, to give you an idea, almost 9 million people live in Mexico City alone. So it is difficult to visit all the interesting places that the city offers in a short time.
If you are thinking of doing a route through Mexico, including several destinations, dedicate at least 2 nights/3 days to the Mexican capital. In this post I tell you the 10 best places to see in Mexico City, so you don't miss any of the best.
I recommend you book a guided tour of Mexico City. You will go through 7 centuries of history, you will visit the Cathedral, the archaeological zone, the oldest hospital in America... It is very worth it, it is a visit of about 3 hours and it is very cheap. It costs a little more than 10 euros. o You can also book a free tour of Mexico City.
10 ESSENTIALS TO SEE IN MEXICO CITY
1. The Plaza de la Constitución and the Cathedral
The Plaza de la Constitución is one of the largest squares in the world. Where there is a bustle of constant activity and where you will also find some of the best places to see in the city.
In it you will find the Cathedral. Its full name is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City. It is mainly Gothic in style, although other styles can be appreciated such as; Plateresque, Baroque, Neoclassical and Stipite.
The Cathedral began to be built in 1571 and it was not until 250 years later that its work was completed. Having a total of 5 architects throughout its construction.
In the same square you will find the National Palace, where several muralist works by the artist Diego Rivera are exhibited.
2. Ruins of the Templo Mayor, an essential thing to see in Mexico City
This temple was the center of the political and religious life of the ancient Mexican civilization.
This great temple located in the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, was buried as a result of the Spanish colonization of 1521, when ordering to build a new city on it. Throughout the 20th century different archaeologists were discovering parts of the ancient temple and today it is one of the most interesting places to visit in the city.
During the visit you can see seven phases of construction of the temple that were overlapping the old ones. Remains of a double pyramid and other buildings can be seen.
Many of the best pieces that have been found in the great temple are kept in the museum that is located on one side of the complex.
3. Stroll along Calle Francisco I. Madero
This street is one of the most emblematic of the city. It is a pedestrian street where there are always a lot of people and atmosphere. Its buildings are of great architectural and cultural value. There are many shops, restaurants…
Some of the most outstanding buildings on this street are; the Iturbide Palace, the Casa Borda, the Guardiola Building, the “la Mexicana” building, the Casa de los Azulejos, the Temple of the Profesa and the Latin American Tower.
4. Visit the Bohemian neighborhood of Coyoacán
Probably the Barrio de Coyoacán is one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city. This neighborhood has been a residence for artists over the years, who settled in large colonial houses.
One of the most popular places in the neighborhood is the famous Blue House where Frida Kahlo lived with her husband Diego Rivera. It is currently a museum.
Other interesting places to visit in the neighborhood are; The Parish of San Juan Bautista, the Centennial Garden, the Municipal House, the León Trotsky House-Museum, the market, the Hernán Cortés House and the Plaza de la Conchita.
One option to get to know this neighborhood is with some of the excursions or guided tours:
To tour the entire neighborhood and not miss anything, I recommend that you dedicate a day to it. Keep this in mind to organize your trip! This neighborhood has many places to see.
5. The Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City
The Palace of Fine Arts is located at one end of Alameda Central Park.
It is a beautiful lyrical theater, through which great opera stars such as María Callas, Luciano Pavarotti or Plácido Domingo have passed, it is considered the most important cultural and artistic space in Mexico. The Palace is a fusion of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles in which a Carrara marble façade stands out, a huge bronze dome and beautiful sculptures that adorn its exterior and an interior in which 17 murals by seven national artists stand out. and the opalescent glass curtain of the Main Room.
6. Visit the San Andres neighborhood
The Barrio de San Andrés was in its time an old colonial town, with the passage of time and the city growing at times, it ended up becoming one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city.
Many buildings are still preserved, both in the colonial style and in the old Mexican style. It is nice to walk through its streets, and enjoy its squares. The most popular squares are Plaza San Jacinto and Plaza del Carmen. Here you will find small markets for crafts and paintings.
Take the opportunity to eat here. There are many traditional restaurants that make delicious food.
7. Breathe and walk calmly through the Chapultepec Forest + Museum of Anthropology
The Chapultepec Forest is the green lung of the city. You can enjoy walks along the artificial lake, walk or bike along the trails or have a picnic.
In addition, the park has a large number of museums.
The most popular Museum that you cannot miss is the Museum of Anthropology, it is one of the most important museums on the continent, having the largest collection of pre-Hispanic art in the world, among its most important objects are the Piedra del Sol, Pakal's tomb, the Tláloc Monolith and the Teotihuacan sculptures, among many others.
8. Excursion to Teotihuacán from Mexico City
One of the most important archaeological zones around Mexico City in the Teotihuacán Archaeological Zone. This complex was a flourishing pre-Columbian city. It is a World Heritage Site by Unesco since 1987.
The best way to visit it is with an organized tour that picks you up at your hotel in Mexico City. When you arrive at the archaeological zone, a guide will take you all the way visiting; the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, the palace of Quetzalápalotl, the Causeway of the Dead and the temple of Quetzalcoatl. It is a very interesting visit that you cannot miss.
9. The Basilica of Guadalupe
The Basilica of Guadalupe is located at the foot of Cerro del Tepeyac. The Basilica of Guadalupe is the second most visited Catholic site in the world, behind the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome.
Currently the Basilica functions as an expiatory temple to Christ the King.
A good option to visit the basilica, the hill, the Capilla del Cerrito and the surroundings is by taking a guided tour.
10. Visit some of the most charming cities near Mexico City
"Near" Mexico City are some of the most beautiful and charming cities in the country. You can organize your trip to include these cities as a day trip or dedicate a little more time and spend a few nights in them. The two most beautiful are San Miguel de Allende and Puebla. You can read my articles on what to do in each of them at this link.
If you are only interested in doing a day trip and returning to Mexico City to stay, you can see these excursions:
WHERE TO STAY IN MEXICO CITY
In Mexico City you will find many accommodations, of all types and prices. The best option is to stay as central as possible. So you can get to know some of the most important places in the city on foot. Also, that it is the most "safe" area.
Some great options to stay in Mexico City:
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Madrid or Barcelona and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!