Have you heard the expression “Mi casa es tu casa”? Well, following my adventure in Mexico, I can confirm that this expression is indeed true.
Without proper planning, you might risk getting bored in Mexico City because there are so many things to do, perhaps even too many things. A visit could become tiresome and monotonous: too many museums, too much traveling, too many walks. Here are my tips to make your visit to Mexico City diverse, educational, and above all, unforgettable.
An Opportunity
Mexico City offers you the opportunity to see Teotihuacán with your own eyes, a mysterious city built during the pre-Columbian era. The site includes a museum before entering the city, small but well-prepared for your visit. An impressive 4 km path guides you to the pyramids: the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.
Legend has it that this is where one becomes a god. Even today, Mexicans bring their children to the sun for their “awakening”. Getting to Teotihuacán is straightforward: just take a bus from the Mexico Central Norte bus station, departing every 20 minutes. The journey is a bit long as the site is 50 kilometers from Mexico City, but it’s definitely worth it! Beware of scams from street vendors. No one can sell you items from that era. All objects sold on-site are replicas.
The Historic Center
I could wander these streets all day long. Besides the numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants, the historic center boasts some very beautiful and imposing architectural pieces.
Head to Plaza Constitución, also known as Zocalo. This square is always bustling with people visiting the cathedral or browsing the street markets. If you’re interested in revolutionary history, you might be lucky to catch many exhibitions against the government and corruption in Mexico. It’s worth a look.
Continue your visit with Bellas Artes. Part museum, part theater, this grand building is as magnificent as it is large. You can visit for its temporary exhibitions, permanent collection, or even attend an evening performance where Mexican ballet or opera classics are staged several times a week.
Unusual tip: Look at that gigantic tower, “Torre Latino,” at the foot of Bellas Artes. You can have a drink on the top floor and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.
Explore Mexico City with these highlights and make your trip an enriching experience filled with history, culture, and unforgettable moments.
What to Do in Mexico City?
Have you heard of the expression “Mi casa es tu casa”? Well, after my adventure in Mexico, I can confirm that this expression holds true.
Without proper planning, you might find yourself bored in Mexico City due to the overwhelming number of activities — too many museums, too much travel, too many walks. Here are my tips to ensure your visit to Mexico City is diverse, educational, and above all, unforgettable.
Chapultepec Park and Castle
Looking for fresh air and a quick bite? This is the perfect place to relax. Inside the park, you can take a beautiful stroll and visit the Chapultepec Castle, an iconic structure from the colonial era. The castle is steeped in history. Note that entrance is free on Sundays (though more crowded), while weekdays cost about fifty pesos, approximately three euros.
After your visit, take a boat ride on the park’s small pond.
Temple Mayor and Tenochtitlan
Back to Zocalo and the origins of the city. To the right of the cathedral lies the Templo Mayor, the ruins and foundations of the largest Aztec empire, Tenochtitlan. Mostly destroyed by Spanish conquistadors to build Mexico City, Tenochtitlan was originally built on a now-dried-up lake. The site consists of ruins and a relatively small museum. Throughout the tour, you’ll learn about the archaeological excavations that uncovered the ruins not long ago. The entire tour costs 50 pesos per person. It’s a silent, almost spiritual place.
Anthropology Museum
Not far from Chapultepec Park is one of the world’s largest anthropology museums. Plan for about three hours to explore its incredible exhibits and rich, comprehensive history of the country across twenty rooms. For me, this visit offers invaluable insights into Mexico. Don’t miss the Maya exhibit, where the original Maya calendar is housed.
Xochimilco or the Mexican Venice
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Xochimilco is the floating garden of Mexico City. The lake that once supported Tenochtitlan didn’t completely dry up, leaving behind a network of canals known as “Where the Flowers are Born.” Let a guide take you on a two-hour boat ride, passing by floating businesses like restaurants, mariachi bands, and souvenir shops. You can easily negotiate the price and duration.
Unusual tip: Visit the Island of the Dolls (la Isla de las Muñecas) for a chilling experience. Read more about abandoned places in our article.
Nightlife in Mexico City
Day or night, the best place to be is Condesa. It’s perfect for a great evening out with its restaurants, bars, and clubs, yet it remains a very peaceful neighborhood. Since Condesa is quite large, I recommend starting at the intersection of Tamaulipas and Cuernavaca streets. Just ask a taxi to take you there.
Another neighborhood I highly recommend, for a more authentic experience, is Coyoacán. It’s more flowery, shaded, smaller, but above all, warmer. Hermoso!
And how could you visit Mexico City without experiencing Lucha libre? There are many places offering this activity, but I recommend the most famous: Arena Mexico (Metro Cuautemoc).
Unusual tip: If you speak Spanish, spend an evening at the “Trolleybus,” a theater inside a bus — truly original and exceptionally entertaining. The plays are short, but afterwards, the bus turns into a bar where you can chat with the actors, the owner, and other audience members, all in good spirits.
This itinerary is already packed for a 7-day visit to Mexico City, but it’s just scratching the surface of the multitude of things to do in Mexico City and its surroundings.
Mexico City offers an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and vibrant experiences that promise to leave an indelible mark on every visitor. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins at Tenochtitlan, marveling at the artifacts in the Anthropology Museum, or cruising through the picturesque canals of Xochimilco, each moment in this dynamic city is a journey through time and culture.
From the majestic Chapultepec Castle to the bustling streets of Condesa and the spirited atmosphere of Lucha libre, Mexico City captivates with its diversity and charm. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking unforgettable nightlife, Mexico City welcomes you with open arms, ready to share its rich tapestry of stories and experiences.
So pack your bags, immerse yourself in the rhythms of Mexico City, and discover why this metropolis is truly a destination like no other. Embrace the adventure, savor the flavors, and cherish the memories. Viva Mexico City!
