Historical Sites
Mexico City is a historical treasure trove filled with centuries of unique architecture, culture, and art. It is the oldest city in North America and was the capital of the Aztec Empire.
This article will explore some of the many historical sites and attractions you can explore in Mexico City. From ancient forts to museums and monuments, this city has something for everyone. So let’s take a look at some of the best sites in Mexico City:
Visit the National Palace
The National Palace in Mexico City, located in Plaza de la Constitución, is a must-see historical site with significant cultural ramifications. Since it is the seat of the government of Mexico, many historical events that have impacted the nation and its people have taken place at this venue. Moreover, the palace has been one of Mexico’s most important buildings since its opening in 1582. Home to Mexican art’s most famous murals, paintings, and sculptures, it also houses other government offices, such as the Ministry of Communications and Transportation.
Feel like you’ve traveled back to Spanish colonization upon visiting one of Francisco de Ulloa’s three remaining structures from 1563; El Palacio Nacional, Catedral Metropolitana, and Barrio Chino. Take a guided tour through El Palacio Nacional’s decorated chambers, including Diego Rivera’s “The Epic History of Mexico,” which sets scenes from national history above doors painted azul y oro (blue and gold). Admire portraits ranging from independence heroes Hidalgo and Morelos to Austrian Emperor Maximilian I, who briefly presided as emperor over Mexico during Spain’s reign.
End your journey with a visit to La Alhondiga de Granaditas (the building where Mexicans commenced their fight for independence), which is memorialized on the part of his mural “Dreams of Clio” and exhibit 80 percent of original artifacts left there by resistance fighters. At the same time, they barricaded themselves inside during a violent attack.
Take a Tour of the Palacio de Bellas Artes
The Palacio de Bellas Artes is the most important cultural center in Latin America and a must-see on any visit to Mexico City. It is located just blocks from the city’s Historical center, and this iconic building stands out as a monument of Mexico’s art, culture, and history.
Constructed between 1904 and 1934, the Palacio de Bellas Artes houses some of the best works of Mexican artists, such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Rufino Tamayo. It also features many pieces from international sculptors such as Auguste Rodin, Pierre Duchamp-Villon, and Antoine Bourdelle. This eclectic combination gives visitors the unique opportunity to appreciate Mexican cultural heritage and its relationship with foreign art.
The building has two distinct faces, each representing one of its architectural styles: Art Nouveau on the exterior with notable contributions by French architect Conde Morisset. Inside, you will find an eclectic style combining Neoclassical and Moorish characteristics thanks to Mexican Architect Adamo Boari.
Please take a tour of this spectacular building to experience all its grandeur up close! You’ll find murals depicting critical historical events and sculptures by world-renowned artists guaranteed to take your breath away! The Palacio de Bellas Artes also offers exciting concerts once or twice monthly, so check their events page before visiting for more information!
Explore the National Museum of Anthropology
The National Museum of Anthropology is a world-class museum in the heart of Mexico City, Mexico. This museum houses an impressive collection of over 63,000 archaeological and ethnological objects across 19 permanent galleries. These fascinating displays span the country’s long history, from pre-Hispanic civilizations to the colonial period and up to the present day.
Visitors can explore the vast collection with daily guided tours available in both Spanish and English. In addition, interactives such as the “Touchstones” gallery create a unique interactive experience for all ages. Educational programs such as art workshops, lectures, and feature films are available yearly. Moreover, visitors can also enjoy lunch or dinner at one of several restaurants overlooking an outdoor garden patio decorated with verdant Mexican foliage and locally crafted art pieces.
The National Museum of Anthropology is a great way to explore Mexico’s unique cultural past and learn about its rich heritage – a must-see destination in Mexico City!
Shopping
Mexico City is a destination for world-class shopping. There is something for everyone, from traditional handicrafts to modern fashion boutiques and traditional markets. Mexico City has a range of shopping experiences, whether you’re looking for something unique, handcrafted, designer, or traditional.
Keep reading to explore the top shopping areas and stores in the city:
Shop at La Ciudadela Market
One of the best and most iconic shopping experiences in Mexico City is visiting the vibrant La Ciudadela Market. It is located in the city’s historic center, an indoor-outdoor space filled with vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, food items, clothing, furniture, and more. On weekends the market area is especially crowded with locals and tourists alike, perusing through all sorts of colorful offerings.
You can find almost anything at La Ciudadela Market – from unique items made by independent craftspeople to traditional Mexican souvenirs like Talavera pottery and alebrijes sculptures. In addition, some vendors offer vibrant clothes made with Mexican fabrics, and if you’re looking for something special, be sure to ask around; many artisans will be happy to custom-make a piece for you there on the spot. The possibilities are endless, from leather goods to textiles, handwoven baskets, and dreamcatchers! To ensure you don’t miss out on this popular shopping destination during your visit to Mexico City, check out La Ciudadela Market before exploring the city.
Visit the Soumaya Museum
The Soumaya Museum, founded and built by Carlos Slim, is a cultural landmark in the heart of Mexico City. The museum offers six themed exhibition halls showcasing over 66,000 artworks from the 16th century. Visitors can admire contemporary art by world-renowned painters such as Miro, Picasso, Tapies, Kahlo, and many more.
Aside from its vast collection of masterpieces, Soumaya also houses an impressive array of sculptures, including works by Rodin, Renoir, and Toulouse-Lautrec. The museum also features several architectural elements worthy of appreciation, such as its curved dome and vertical columns made of interlocking aluminum scales.
The Soumaya offers several workshops for adults and children in areas such as drawing and painting. Admission to the museum is free for all visitors, and it is open every day from 10 am – 6 pm; 12 pm – 6 pm on Sundays/holidays.
Explore the San Angel Market
When visiting Mexico City, make sure to explore the San Angel Market. It’s located in a former hacienda, and this lively marketplace is a great place to get some of the region’s famed art and unique souvenirs.
The San Angel market has over 500 vendors selling wares, including wooden and silver objects, handcrafted items, jewelry, pottery, and clothing – many with traditional Mexican motifs or designs. There are also stalls selling locally grown produce and a variety of delicious Mexican food like tacos, burritos, tamales, enchiladas, and more.
Not only will you find good deals, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the market, where an array of old-world colonial sights can be found amidst vibrant colors and intricate designs. Shoppers should be prepared for some light haggling as prices are customary to be negotiated here. It’s fun to browse through all the items here with friends or family before making a purchase – there are always lots of exciting discoveries waiting around each corner!
Outdoor Activities
Mexico City is full of fun outdoor activities on your next trip. From visiting Mexico City’s beautiful parks and gardens to walking the historic neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone. So whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing day of sightseeing, you can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities in Mexico City.
Let’s take a look at some of the top options:
Hike the Xochimilco Ecological Park
Xochimilco Ecological Park is located in southern Mexico City and covers an area of 4,200 hectares. This park allows visitors to escape the urban sprawl, reconnect with nature, and discover some of Mexico’s unique ecosystems. The site includes lakes, wetlands, rivers, wetlands, and mangroves where endangered species such as red-headed ducks live.
You can explore these areas by
- hiking along trails,
- kayaking on the lakes
- or taking part in bird-watching expeditions
. The park is famous for festivals and celebrations, so check out what’s happening there!
Xochimilco Ecological Park is a great place to experience some of the country’s wildlife, go on a photo excursion, or relax in nature away from the crowds of downtown Mexico City.
Take a Stroll in Chapultepec Park
Chapultepec Park, also known as Bosque Chapultepec, is a large park in the heart of Mexico City. This public park spans over 1,400 acres and is filled with nature trails and outdoor activities for visitors. Whether you want to take a stroll in the park or participate in more intense outdoor activities such as mountain biking or rock climbing, this picturesque park is the perfect place to spend some time outdoors.
The park contains three museums, two lakes (the Chief’s and Novia lakes), six monuments (all dedicated to national heroes from Mexican independence), a favela-style restaurant (Los Portales), multiple cafes, concession stands, and vendors offering food, fruit drinks or souvenirs. There are also many entertainment options, including aquarama shows consisting of clowns, high dives, and trapeze acts that visitors can watch. In addition, visitors can witness folklore performances in different palapas across the park during the summer nights.
So if you are looking for things to do during your stay in Mexico City, head to Chapultepec Park. You won’t regret immersing yourself in this lush urban forest!
Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride
For the adventurous traveler visiting Mexico City, there is no better way to experience the area’s rich history and beautiful scenery than to go on a hot air balloon ride. Hot air balloon rides offer a unique and awe-inspiring perspective of Mexico City, providing travelers with a breathtaking view of the landscape below.
When you embark on your hot air balloon ride, it is recommended that you fly during sunset or early morning when the winds are at their best. What can be more magical than soaring across the sky as night envelops your surroundings? At these times, you can also spot local wildlife and experience some truly incredible sunrises and sunsets. The flight will take 45 minutes to an hour or more, depending on wind speed, height, and time of day.
In addition to views from heights of thousands of feet in the air, many companies offer additional packages such as ground transport between sites where most companies are located and take-off points called “launch pads” where one can marvel at Mother Nature at her best before taking off again for a second leg back down to Earth. Some flights also feature champagne breakfasts mid-flight for groups looking for something extra special!
Whatever level of experience you choose will surely be an unforgettable adventure you’ll never forget!
Cultural Experiences
Mexico City, Mexico, is a vibrant city full of incredible cultural experiences. There is something here for everyone, from the ancient ruins to the modern-day art galleries. Mexico City is your city if you’re looking for a unique and thrilling cultural experience. Read on to discover all the cultural activities you can do while visiting this incredible city.
Attend a lucha libre match
For a truly unique experience, head to Mexico City’s Arena México and watch a lucha libre match. Lucha libre is Mexico’s highly stylized professional wrestling type, which blends art, acrobatics, and mucho melodrama. As a result, the atmosphere is lively: the wrestlers seldom mix basic moves with their trademark stunts and theatrical showmanship, and the spectators frequently join in on the action by chanting slogans, throwing confetti at the fighters, and cheering when their favorites prevail in battle.
When it’s time for the matach to begin, donning your mask or “máscara” (the traditional face-hiding gear that wrestlers always wear) becomes obligatory so as not to spoil suspension of disbelief. The best place to watch is from ringside box seats; from here, you can experience the grapplers’ opulent entrances into battle up close. Some stand out for their colorful costumes that blend Mayan styles with Spanish influences. Others will surprise with gruff attires that recall classic American villain characters like Magneto or Dr. Manhattan. All of them offer an opportunity to explore various aspects of Mexican folklore while having a blast with friends — it doesn’t matter if you are rooting for a good guy (the técnico) or an “evil” one-sided scoundrel (the rudo).
Learn to Make Traditional Mexican Dishes
If you’re visiting Mexico City, why not learn the culinary secrets behind some of the country’s best-loved dishes? Traditional Mexican cuisine is celebrated worldwide with various flavors, ingredients, and textures. Here are some of the classic dishes you can learn to make during your visit:
- Taco al Pastor: this dish consists of thin pork strips marinated in Chilango chilies and spices, grilled on a spit with pineapple topped with fresh onions and cilantro.
- Enchiladas: corn tortillas filled with melted cheese, chicken, or pork. These enchiladas are topped with red or green salsa and served with a side dish like Mexican Rice or Refried Beans.
- Mole Poblano: This dish is considered the national dish of Mexico. It’s prepared from chocolate, chili peppers, onions, garlic, and over twenty other ingredients served over chicken or turkey.
- Chiles Rellenos de Queso: roasted poblano peppers filled with cheese (usually queso Oaxaca), then dipped in an egg batter and fried. This dish is traditionally served with guacamole or salsas.
- Tostadas de Tinga de Pollo: these crispy tortillas are topped with a spicy shredded chicken mix called tinga that combines chipotle peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
- Tamales: sweet or savory tamales usually made out of masa (corn dough) steamed in banana leaves; they’re usually filled with fruits, vegetables, meat, or cheese, making them an all-time favorite snack enjoyed throughout Latin America!
- Ceviche de Camarón: this fresh seafood dish is made of diced raw shrimp marinated in lime juice combined with avocado cubes for a mild flavor punch; the perfect beach companion!
These are just some popular traditional Mexican dishes that travelers can learn to make during their stay!
Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum
The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House, located in the Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City, is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. This museum was most famously home to iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera, during the 1930s. It is considered a sacred place for Frida lovers and art fans.
Visitors can explore the house once inhabited by Frida and Diego and marvel at more than 50 pieces of her artwork displayed throughout its walls. There are also two floors filled with other objects that belonged to Frida, such as traditional Mexican clothing, photographs including an intimate look into her private life with Rivera showing visitors a glimpse into their turbulent relationship, historical artifacts from her childhood years, and several letters from family and friends including ones from influential figures like Leon Trotsky.
The museum is an inspiration for anyone who wishes to learn about Mexico’s rich cultural history through one of its most iconic figures. Visitors can find plenty to reflect upon when viewing artwork like Frieda’s heartbreaking self-portraits and observe archival materials depicting pre-Columbian sculptures or indigenous motifs that inspired many of Kahlo’s works throughout her career.
Nightlife
Mexico City has vibrant and exciting nightlife. From exclusive rooftop lounges to local cantinas and dive bars, night owls will find plenty of places to explore in this buzzing metropolis. So whether you’re seeking a cool evening cocktail or vibrant music, Mexico City offers diverse activities.
Let’s take a closer look:
Visit the Zocalo
One of the most popular attractions in Mexico City is its central square, the Zocalo. The largest public square in Latin America, this vast plaza is a great place to while away some time surrounded by old-world charm.
Established by Aztecs more than 800 years ago, the Zocalo is still home to plenty of entertainment and culture today. On any given day, you’ll find street performers, artists, vendors selling crafts and jewelry, and tourists from around the world milling about taking it all in. As night falls, the square bustles with food stalls offering traditional Mexican delicacies and international fare.
The Zocalo is also home to some of Mexico City’s most iconic buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City, which was built over 250 years and served as a historic reminder of Spain’s colonization of the country. In addition, the surrounding streets are home to charming cafes and restaurants serving fabulous food while providing panoramic views over the cityscape that takes on an especially magical vibe after dark.
After an evening stroll around this beautiful square, you’ll understand why it has become such a beloved landmark in Mexico City!
Check out the Clubs in the Condesa Neighborhood
The Condesa neighborhood has become Mexico City’s epicenter of nightclub culture. As one of the most visited leisure spots in town, the area offers plenty of options for enjoying yourself. Whether you’re looking for a casual vibe or an upscale experience, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in the clubs in Condesa.
One of the most renowned clubs is La Casa de las Estrellas (The House of Stars). This intimate venue features live music and are a great place to experience Latin American music styles like Salsa, Cumbia, Tropical, and Hip-Hop. The cover charge varies from club to club and can range from $10-25 USD, so check out what’s offered before you go!
Another popular spot is Espacio Empire. This trendy club has an industrial look and offers various genres, from electro-house to dubstep. The atmosphere here is more laid back than in other clubs, making it great for lounging with friends over drinks or dancing until the wee hours without having to dress up for the occasion.
If dancing until sunrise isn’t your thing, then check out del Queso Voltio’s karaoke room or Libreria Paraiso’s iconic art-deco styling and cozy atmosphere where friends gather over drinks as jazz music plays softly in the background – perfect for escaping Mexico City’s vibrant nightlife scene while still joining in some fun activities with friends!
Enjoy a Show at the Teatro de la Ciudad
The Teatro de la Ciudad in Mexico City is an iconic venue for arts and culture. The theater, part of the larger Cultural Complex of the City of Mexico, was initially built in 1790 and has gone through several renovations to keep it up-to-date. As a result, it is one of the premier venues for plays, musicals, films, and other entertainment.
Fans of classical music and dance will particularly enjoy this grand theater. Here you can find live performances by some of Mexico’s most excellent dancers, including dancer Silvia Coronado’s Los Tlacololeros, and various musical ensembles like the Estrellas Orchestra Banda and the Jojutla Chamber Orchestra.
If you’re looking for a night out in Mexico City that combines culture with entertainment, look no further than Teatro de la Ciudad. Here you can experience a variety of genres – from opera to ballets – while seated in its luxurious environment surrounded by ornate gilded frames and statues, creating the perfect ambiance for an unforgettable evening out.