With more than 20 million people, Mexico City is the largest city in the Western hemisphere. Arriving by air gives you a sense of just how endless the city really is. Daunting as it may seem, it has become one of the top locations for travelers seeking a unique blend of historical and modern architecture, excellent cuisine, and lively neighborhoods (colonias).
The historic centre
The Spanish-inspired grid design of the historic centre showcases attractively decorated colonial buildings such as the Casa de los Azulejos (House of Blue Tiles) and the opulent Postal Office. Some modern architectural surprises are also located here, such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts), which hosts excellent concerts and shows for affordable prices. The Zocalo (or main square) is the centerpiece and is the spot for celebrations and occasional protests. On one side is the Palacio Nacional, where the president’s office is headquartered and where some of the prominent Mexican painter Diego Rivera’s murals are located. Nearby is the Metropolitan Cathedral which was built on top of the site of the central pyramid of the ancient Aztec capital – the Templo Mayor. Fortunately, the ruins can still be seen. An on-site museum houses artifacts discovered near the ruins as well as a model of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan.
The floating gardens of Xochimilco
The canals of Xochimilco are a mere one hour away from the historic centre of Mexico City, but feel like a entirely different world. Riding down the canals on a colourful trajinera (boat), one can admire the lush chinampas (gardens), listen to traditional mariachi music, and enjoy a local meal. There are plenty of canals to explore and a visit can be customized to include a trip to the eerie Isla de las Munecas (the Doll Island, which is supposed to be haunted!), the museum of the axolotl (an endemic walking fish found only in this part of the world), and one of the numerous flower markets.
The city park of Chapultepec
The largest green area in Mexico City (and one of the largest city parks in the world) is reasonably accessible from the historic centre and can provide a nature retreat for those wanting to get out of the hustle and bustle of the busy streets. Complete with a lake and a hilltop castle, which was once a battle scene between US and Mexican forces, it is today organized into a museum with beautiful murals and even more amazing views over the city. The peaceful park is ideally located almost next to the must-see National Anthropology Museum.
Abundant museums for every taste
With more museums than any other city in the world, picking just one may seem like an impossible task. The National Anthropology Museum is guaranteed to impress; its vast collection of artifacts depicting the diverse cultures and history of the country (as pre-Hispanic Mexico was much more than just Aztecs and Mayas) is top-notch. Other interest-sparking museums include Frida Kahlo’s museum-house, which is a popular stop among art-lovers, and Leon Trotsky’s museum-house (located only a short walk from Frida Kahlo’s house) for the history enthusiasts.
Handicrafts markets
Mexican souvenirs are colourful and imaginative: from the extravagant alebrijes (carved wooden sculptures) to the elegant zarapes (shawls) and everything in between, there is no shortage of affordable gifts to bring back home. There are plenty of markets around the city, but one of the best is Mercado de la Ciudadela which sells traditional handicrafts; the quality is good, and prices are generally more affordable than in high-end boutique stores, although the recent influx of foreign visitors is changing this quickly. Don’t forget to bargain to get the best prices!
Tastefully-spicy cuisine
One of the best ways to explore Mexico City is through its food. High-end restaurants featuring fresh first-class ingredients are becoming more common, but the street food is almost equally delicious. Tlacoyos, sopes, quesadillas, tamales, and numerous other dishes are waiting to be tried. For the more adventurous, two options to try might be huitlacoche (corn smut, a nutritious fungus that grows on blue corn) and chapulines (grasshoppers). Finally, there is no better way to wash down the spicy food than with a refreshing drink. Traditional aguas (flavoured water) are guaranteed to pleasantly hydrate you; look out for horchata (a concoction of rice, milk and cinnamon) and jamaica (blend of hibiscus flowers), which are some of the best local non-alcoholic drinks. For those seeking a boozier punch, there are plenty of beers, tequilas, micheladas (a cocktail of beer, spices, lime and chili) and even mezcal. Head to Dulce Maguey in the hip La Condesa neighbourhood for the richest selection of mezcal and also try some of the best mezcal-inspired cocktails in town.
Ideal starting point for daytrips
Mexico City is a great base to organize daytrips to numerous impressive nearby locations. Those seeking a break from the chaos of the metropolis may head to the small towns of Malinalco (one of our favourite daytrips from Mexico City), Tepotzotlan, or Tepoztlan (not to be confused with each other!) for a relaxing exploration of culture and history. Those interested in archeology and striking ruins should head to Teotihuacan to admire the pyramids of one of America’s oldest civilizations. It is also easy to reserve a cheap luxurious bus from Mexico City to go to one of the more distant destinations, such as the colonial town of San Miguel de Allende or the silver town of Taxco.
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