Choosing your next holiday destination has become a tough task over the last few years. With so many options to choose from, it is very important that we make sure we choose one that will not disappoint us. A popular tourist destination has traditionally been Mexico, but sadly, most people visiting this country tend to focus only on the coastal areas and overlook some other gems the country has to offer. But if you want to experience Mexican culture to its fullest, there is a location we can not stop recommending: Mexico City.
One of the most important cities in the world
Mexico City is a city that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime due to its significant role in today’s society. Located on the beautiful Mexico Valley, Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and the country’s largest city. With a population of 8.84 million people, Mexico City is the most populous city in North America and the largest Spanish-speaking city in the entire world, which makes it one of the most important cities in the world from a cultural and financial perspective.
But the relevance of Mexico City started long ago. Founded in 1325 by the Aztecs, Mexico City is the oldest capital city in the American continent. This makes it a city with a lot of history and cultural places to discover, and one of the best places in the country to experience Mexican culture.
If you want to discover everything Mexico City has to offer, down below you will find some of our favorite places in the city that you certainly can not miss.
A city with a lot to offer
It does not matter what your interests are, Mexico City has you covered. Outdoor activities, stunning monuments, marvelous museums, rich gastronomy, lively nightlife scene, amazing shopping districts… Mexico City has everything you could wish for in a holiday destination. If you are looking for things to do in Mexico City, some of our recommendations include:
Taking a walking tour around the city
Walking tours are the perfect opportunity to discover Mexico City calmly whilst enjoying some fresh air. This is especially encouraged around the city’s historic center. Here, you will be able to attend one of the many free walking tours offered to the tourists. These tours are free of charge, although your guide will expect a well deserved tip by the end of it.
During these tours, you will be able to discover some important monuments and historical places like Alameda Central, Palacio de Bellas Artes or Templo Mayor, which will work as a great introduction to the city’s history.
Discover Xochimilco on a boat tour
Located only 40 minutes away from the city, we can find the beautiful district of Xochimilco, which features 50 miles of canals surrounded by stunning gardens and historical houses. Here you can rent a boat to enjoy the beautiful landscape views, and even see boats with floating mariachi bands performing.
All the museums you could wish for
Mexico City is one of the biggest cultural referents in the world. This city has 170 museums and 43 galleries, more than other major cities like Paris. Some museums you should totally check out during your visit include:
- Soumaya Museum: this museum is an architectural masterpiece on its own. Inside it, we will find many fine art pieces, like the second largest collection of Rodin sculptures or the art works of Matisse, Renoir, Daumier and Degas.
- The National Anthropology Museum: This museum is one of the most popular ones in the country and it is considered by many as one of the best anthropology museums in the entire world. The museum has 10 different buildings, but we especially recommend that you check out the Mayan and Aztec halls for a genuine look at Mexican history.
The most stunning monuments
Mexico City and its surrounding areas feature some of the most stunning monuments you will ever see. Some of our favorite ones include:
- Palacio de Bellas Artes: this marvelous theater is certainly breathtaking. Mexico’s Ballet Folklorico performs there twice a week, which would bring you the perfect chance to explore Mexican culture as your evening plan.
- Teotihuacan: This stunning monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pyramids that conform this settlement bring their visitors some of the most stunning sightings in the world. We recommend that you go up to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun or the Pyramid of the Moon to get some breathtaking views of the whole settlement.
- The blue house: the most famous Mexican in the world is, without a doubt, the artist Frida Kahlo. Her famous blue house has been carefully preserved and now operates as a museum to display her works of art. The artist was born and died at her home, so visiting this monument will give you a greater insight of her life.
- The National Palace: home to the Mexican government’s federal executive branch, the National Palace is a beautiful monument that features a marvelous building, beautiful gardens and fountains and impressive murals depicting Mexico’s history. You can enter the National Palace for free, making it a must on every Mexico City’s tour.
A gastronomical heaven
Everybody knows that Mexican food is considered one of the most delicious and tastier in the world, and Mexico City is the perfect place for a genuine take on it. On the local food shops and restaurants you will be able to enjoy some traditional dishes, like the sweet churros (a traditional dessert that consists on fried bread dusted with sugar and cinnamon), the delicious paletas (a fruit based ice pop that you will be able to enjoy outdoors), Spanish tapas and wines (which you can enjoy on a terrace while feeling the Mexican breeze) or the traditional Mexican meals like slow-roasted pork or sautéed peppers.
Overall, Mexico City is the perfect place to take a look into Mexican culture in one of the cities with more tourist alternatives in the world. If you want to make your next holidays a never forgetting experience, then Mexico City is by far the best choice.
