This photo is taken from the Torre LatinoAmericana.
Updated March 2024.
The City of Palaces
The heart of the Aztec Empire before the Spanish Conquistadors brutally demolished the capital of Tenochtitlan, Mexico City was founded as the colonial capital under Hernán Cortés in 1519 after he convinced the people colonized under Tenochtitlan to destroy the capital. These indigenous believed they would gain freedom, which unfortunately never came.
Historically, the Aztecs created a city on the Western shores of Lake Texcoco. According to a story, the god, Huitzilopochtli led them here with a sign of an eagle atop a nopal cactus with a snake in its beak (today in the center of the Mexican flag). Over the course of 200 years, Tenochtitlan dominated the other city-states in the Valley of Mexico. It had potable water through aqueducts, paved streets, drainage systems, some of the best markets, and canals all around the place.
Post-colonization, it became a center of Spanish culture and administration in the Americas, before Mexico gained its independence in 1821. Since then, it has underwent urbanization and modernization to become a large metropolitan area with significant archaeological sites while serving as the political, economic, and cultural center of Mexico.
Its nickname stems from Baron Alexander von Humboldt who visited Mexico City in the 1800s and wrote back to Germany describing how the city could rival major cities in Europe. However, English politician Charles Latrobe popularized the name. Other Mexican politiicans have dubbed the city other names like the “City of Hope” and “Capital in Movement”, but CDMX (Ciudad de México) is more common today.
Locals are called chilangos since the city is colloquially known as Chilangolandia; however, outside CDMX, this word describes a “loud, arrogant, ill-mannered person”.
FUN FACTS:
Historically, the Aztecs created a city on the Western shores of Lake Texcoco. According to a story, the god, Huitzilopochtli led them here with a sign of an eagle atop a nopal cactus with a snake in its beak (today in the center of the Mexican flag). Over the course of 200 years, Tenochtitlan dominated the other city-states in the Valley of Mexico. It had potable water through aqueducts, paved streets, drainage systems, some of the best markets, and canals all around the place.
Post-colonization, it became a center of Spanish culture and administration in the Americas, before Mexico gained its independence in 1821. Since then, it has underwent urbanization and modernization to become a large metropolitan area with significant archaeological sites while serving as the political, economic, and cultural center of Mexico.
Its nickname stems from Baron Alexander von Humboldt who visited Mexico City in the 1800s and wrote back to Germany describing how the city could rival major cities in Europe. However, English politician Charles Latrobe popularized the name. Other Mexican politiicans have dubbed the city other names like the “City of Hope” and “Capital in Movement”, but CDMX (Ciudad de México) is more common today.
Locals are called chilangos since the city is colloquially known as Chilangolandia; however, outside CDMX, this word describes a “loud, arrogant, ill-mannered person”.
FUN FACTS:
- The last chief of the Aztecs, Moctezuma, was imprisoned and killed, but it is said that he left a curse, referred to as La Venganza de Moctezuma (The Revenge of Moctezuma). It is said that travelers who come to Mexico City and receive any digestive problems have experienced his act of vengeance.
- Mexico City is sinking every year as the dry lake bed isn't the most stable soil. Supposedly, by 2050, Mexico City will be at sea level.
Overview
- 8:00 - 9:00 AM: Bosque de Chapultepec - city park
- 9:00 - 10:00 AM: Castillo de Chapultepec - castle
- 10:30 AM - 12:50 PM: Museo Nacional de Anthropologia - museum
- 12:55 - 1:15 PM: Voladores de Papantla - performance
- 1:30 - 2:30 PM: Lunch
- 3:00 - 4:00 PM: Zócalo - central plaza with National Palace tour
- 4:00 - 5:00 PM: Templo Mayor - historic center of Tenochtitlan
- 5:00 - 5:30 PM: Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral - central church
- 6:00 - 7:00 PM: Torre LatinoAmericana - observation deck
- 7:30 - 9:30 PM: Luche Libre - wrestling performance
Click the star to add the map to your Google Maps! To view it, simply open Google Maps, navigate to the Menu, choose “Your Places,” click "Maps", and voila, the map should be added.
Tips
Getting To/From the City
|
|
Getting Around the City
|
PUBLIC TRANSIT
Mexico City’s public transit system is Latin America’s largest and busiest urban rail network. It is quite expansive and a little daunting at first, but is quite simple to use. Having to service 5 million people every day (25% of Mexico City’s population), it is quite robust. They have the Mexico City Integrated Transit Card (MX$10) for all the transit types with a one-time fare ranging from MX$3 to MX$6. There are multiple kiosks where one can purchase these cards and reload them with either cash or card, making it a simple way to get around. NOTE: You don't need a separate card for each passenger because the cards are not specific to passengers. You can use the same card repeatedly at each metro station. |
Mexico City Integrated Transit Card
|
|
|
|
|
Metro (MX$5): Running every few minutes, the metro consists of 12 lines.
|
|
One probably won’t ride the following, but they are all options through the Mexico City Integrated Transit Card (except certain buses)
|
|
View from the Cablebús of Jacarandas
|
View from the Cablebús of Hillside Houses
|
|
|
BIKING
The public bikeshare is called Ecobici and covers a large area of the city. One needs to download the app to use it Biking is an easy way to get around, although the bike lane infrastructure in the streets isn’t always present. However, on Sundays, from 8 AM to 2 PM, the Paseo de la Reforma is closed to cars, so one can enjoy biking on the wide path. |
|
TAXIS & RIDESHARE APPS
Taxis: Rather prevalent throughout the city, this is a viable option if it's rather late. They have a pink exterior and make sure the meter is running Uber: Like many other Latin American cities, Uber is another option to get around. |
Pink Taxis!
|
Public Transit Tips
- Avoid riding public transit around rush hour (7 – 10 AM, 6 – 9 PM) or if you do, plan accordingly, as they will be crowded and take longer than expected.
- After dark, the Metro can be unsafe, but the Metrobús is usually a safe place.
- The rainy season from June through September means the stations will be more crowded.
La Venganza de Moctezuma
There is a chance you might get traveler’s diarrhea from eating street food. Locals refer to this as “La Venganza de Moctezuma”, as the last Aztec emperor put a curse on anyone who travels to Mexico City.
Avoiding raw or uncooked foods could help prevent such an occurrence, but if one does experience such pains, there are plenty of pharmacies that can sell you the proper medication.
Avoiding raw or uncooked foods could help prevent such an occurrence, but if one does experience such pains, there are plenty of pharmacies that can sell you the proper medication.
Water
Unfortunately, the water quality in Mexico City is not the best, so one should drink filtered or bottled water.
Elevation
Mexico City is located at a high elevation of 7,350 feet. For people prone to altitude sickness or unused to such high altitudes, make sure to take time to acclimate for the first few days and avoid strenous activities.
1-Day Plan
8:00 - 9:00 AM: Bosque de Chapultepec
Twice the size of New York City’s Central Park, this park is literally translated to “Forest of the Hill of the Grasshopper”. “Bosque” refers to the plentiful trees, while Chapultepec (from the indigenous Nahuatal language) could be based on the former abundance of grasshoppers on the hill, the hill resembling a grasshopper, or symbolic since the grasshopper referenced fertility and harvest.
It first served as an escape for Aztec rulers (as seen by the ruins of Moctuzuma’s baths), but it also contains many other attractions.
It first served as an escape for Aztec rulers (as seen by the ruins of Moctuzuma’s baths), but it also contains many other attractions.
RECOMMEND walking or riding a bike through the park to see some of the other sights. |
|
|
|
Chapultepec Park contains many different attractions. Besides the landmarks mentioned in the 1-day plan, here are a few others:
|
9:00 - 10:00 AM: Castilo de Chapultepec (MX$100)
|
The only castle in Mexico City, it was built atop the hill for the Spanish viceroys who ruled “New Spain” before becoming a palace during the Second exican Empire, under Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota in the 1860s.
One is treated to some of the most spectacular views of the city from here |
|
Museo Nacional de Anthropologia
|
10:30 AM - 12:50 PM: Museo Nacional de Anthropologia
Considered to be the best and most expansive museum in Mexico and with one of the most expansive anthropology and ethnography collections in the world. Its purpose is to preserve, research, and showcase the cultural heritage of Mexico’s indigenous peoples. With many ancient artifacts, one of the most famous exhibits is of the Aztec Sun Stone, or the Calendar Stone, a massive sculpture that served as the ceremonial center for the Aztec civilization.
|
|
12:55 - 1:15 PM: Voladores de Papantla
The Danza de los Voladores is a striking ceremony that originated in the Mexican state of Veracruz but is now practiced in various parts of Mexico. It began as a method to please the gods and end a severe drought, according to Totonac myth. While the ceremony originally had religious significance, it's now also performed for entertainment.
In the ceremony, five men dressed in red and white outfits with mirrors and rainbow headdresses represent the sun and rainbows. They start by dancing at the bottom of a 100-foot-tall pole, then climb up without help. Four of them, called Voladores de Papantla after the state where the tradition began, tie themselves to the top of the pole with ropes, each symbolizing a cardinal direction or element. The fifth person, called the Caporal, sits at the top playing music or singing. During the ritual, the four Voladores launch themselves backward, spinning around the pole upside-down in a moving pyramid shape. The Caporal plays music as they rotate, and sometimes dances on the platform. They unwind their ropes as they rotate, traditionally 13 times, totaling 52 rotations to match the years in an Aztec century. |
Voladores de Papantla mid-flight
|
1:30 - 2:30 PM: Lunch
3:00 - 4:00 PM: Zócalo
Zócalo
|
The main square in Mexico City that was the former ceremonial center of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. While its former name is Plaza de la Constitución after the Cádiz Constitution signed in 1812, its commonly referred to as Zócalo (“plinth”), as plans were formerly made to create a column dedicated to the monument for independence. Today, zócalo can refer to a main plaza in many other cities of Mexico.
It continues to be a gathering place for Mexican ceremonies, parades, and religious events. Nearby is the Palacio Nacional, where Diego Rivera’s most famous mural, The History of Mexico is located here and showcase, as the name suggests, the history of Mexico. Since it is a government building, one will need to book a tour in order to see it. |
|
4:00 - 5:00 PM: Templo Mayor
The centerpiece of the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán, constructed in 1325 in the marshes of Lake Texcoco. The Spanish destroyed the temple and placed a cathedral on top instead. However, the ruins of the temple can still be seen. The museum here also offers more insight into Aztec culture.
|
|
5:00 - 5:30 PM: Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
|
|
The cathedral church that is built atop the former Aztec sacred precinct of Templo Mayor. It was built in multiple sections from 1573 to 1813, right after the conquest of Tenochtitlan. Due to the fact that it took 250 years to build, it incorporates numerous architectural styles like Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles.
With its 5 naves, it is one of the largest cathedrals in the Americas with numerous chapels along the sides and the cathedral’s towers rise up to over 200 feet. Since the Catholic Church has played a large role in Mexico, many historical events have occurred here, such as the coronations of Agustin I and his wife Ana Maria Huarte and Maximilian I and Empress Carlota of Mexico as emperors of Mexico, as well as the funerals of independence heroes, such as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and José Maria Morelos. A fire in 1967 damaged part of the interior, which has undergone restoration. Additionally, the soft clay soil underneath has threatened its structural integrity. While it has been stabilized, one can still note that there is a slight slope on the ground. |
|
6:00 - 7:00 PM: Torre Latinoamericana (MX$200) A skyscraper that rises 545 feet up into the air, it is an engineering and architectural landmark, since it has successfully withstood two earthquakes in Mexico City (1957 7.9-magnitude earthquake and 1985 8.1-magnitude earthquake).
It was the tallest building in Mexico upon its completion in 1956 for 27 years. It was meant to be the HQ for La Latinoamericana Seguros, an insurance company, with its offices still held in the tower. One can purchase a ticket to head up to the observation deck on the 44th floor to enjoy the sunset and enjoy the museum regarding the history of the building. |
|
7:30 - 9:30 PM: Lucha Libre
|
|
Lucha Libre, Mexican wrestling, serves as a form of entertainment and a sport. Trained professionals wearing bedazzled outfits and masks try to pin their opponents or knock them outside of the ring. While the winner is predetermined before the match, the moves throughout are up to the wrestlers.
Each match has a storyline, typically with the técnicos (protagonists) versus the rudos (antagonists). One will see female wrestlers (luchadores) and men in drag (exóticos). The wrestlers are all quite athletic performing a variety of moves. Arena México is the newer stadium, but the historic Arena Coliseo is also an option. One can either buy tickets at the box office before the match; otherwise, one can also book them online or right before the match. The latter option can prove challenging as many people gather there then. Check out the moonsaults (backflips), spinning headscissors, facebusters, huracarrana (cradle), and dropkicks! |
Mercados
|
Mercados are vibrant markets where one can find almost anything. They’re usually well divided into multiple sections, and while there are plenty of mercados one can visit all over the city, here are a few to checkout:
|
|
Fonda: Traditional Mexican home-cooked meals that usually operate in mercados. If one is looking for a cheap meal, this is the place to go, where they have comida corridas, fixed price multi-course menus which include appetizers, a main course, tortillas, a dessert, and a beverage for MX$50-70.
Neighborhoods
Centro Historico
The central neighborhood in Mexico City hosts a lot of different attractions. It is easily walkable and is filled with beautiful jacaranda trees.
|
|
|
|
Revolución (The Monument to the Revolution): A 220-ft tall memorial arch commemorating the Mexican Revolution from 1910-1920. Originally, it was designed by a French architect, Émile Bénard as a place to hold the congressional chambers and called the Federal Legislative Palace, but due to the Mexican revolution, it wasn’t completed for 25 years.
|
|
|
|
Barrio Chino (Chinatown) is also located in this area. Chinese immigrants first came between 1880 and 1910 to help modernize the country and build the railroads. It mainly cosnsits of two blocks along Dolores street with hanging lanterns, delicious street food, and a few Asian restaurants. There is even a Chinese Arch unveiled on February 16, 2008.
|
Xochilmilco
|
The floating gardens are the closest resemblance we have to the Valley of Mexico before the Spanish colonizers came through. This lake and canal system once connected all the different settlements in the area.
Taking a gondola boat (trajinera) onto the canals is a lovely way to see the area and the private floating islands (chinampas). One can book 1-hour to 5-hour long rides, although personally, I think 1.5 to 2 hours is enough time. Rates differ based on number of people and/or time (depends on the vendor). It appears they have also spiked considerably over the years according to other websites and friends. As of this date, we were able to have a 2-hour ride for MX$1200 for 5 people. NOTE: One will need to pay in cash. Along the way, one will also have a chance to buy food and souvenirs from boats along the canal or listen to music from marimba bands and mariachi bands. These all come with a small fee, so it is recommended to bring cash for these experiences. |
|
|
Getting here can take about 1 - 1.5 hours through public transit:
|
TIPS FOR VISITING
|
|
RECOMMENDATION: Nearby is the Mercado Xochimilco, where one can find plenty of dining options; however, I would also recommend checking out Quesadilla Gigantes Violeta, where they make massive blue corn quesadillas for MX$100. I would recommend splititng one to share between friends, but if one has a voracious appetite, they might be able to eat it all. |
|
Tlatelolco
|
|
|
Zona Rosa
|
The gay neighborhood and Koreatown, this area was once the place for wealthy families. It is now known for its nightlife and one cannot miss the statue of the Angel of Independence in the center of a busy roundabout. The statue was built in 1910 to commemorate the centennial of the beginning of Mexico's War of Independence and symbolizes victory, freedom, and the courage of the Mexican people.
Ciclovía is a weekly event on Sundays from 8 AM – 2 PM where the Paseo de la Reforma is closed for bikers and runners. If one arrives early enough, one can rent a bike for free for 1.5 hours. |
|
Fuente de Cibeles
|
Roma
Considered to be one of the more gentrified neighborhoods, this place has a bohemian feel with Art Nouveau architecture, tree lined sidewalks, and beautiful houses.
One of my favorite places to visit is Fuente de Cibeles, a replica of a historic fountain found in Madrid of a Roman goddess, Cybele. It is surrounded by jacaranda trees. |
La Condesa
|
Even more upscale than Roma, this trendy area was part of an estate belonging to the Countess of Miravalle. It was then divided after the Mexican Revolution. It has Art Deco houses, tress overlining the sidewalks, and the beautiful Parque Mexico.
|
|
|
|
Polanco
Upscale restaurants and designer shops litter this neighborhood, along the Avenida Masaryk. It is one of the more diverse neighborhoods with large Jewish and Lebanese communities. Nearby is Museo Soumaya, with its incredibly unique exterior composed of thousands of aluminum hexagons that give it a futuristic appearance. Inside, one can find artwork spanning from the European Renaissance through contemporary Mexican art.
|
Lagunilla
|
Near the Centro Historicó, this neighborhood is known for its street markets, especially on Sundays, where one can enjoy the Antiques Market (Mercado de Antigüedades de Lagunilla/Mercado de Pulgas), where besides antiques, one can also enjoy liter-size alcoholic drinks and a party scene.
|
|
Coyoacán
|
|
Historical area that translates to Coyote in Nahuatl, the Aztec language. The two central plazas are Jardín Centenario and Plaza Hidalgo which are bustling with people enjoying the warm weather on weekends.
Frida Kahlo lived in the area and her former house (now a museum) is nicknamed the “Casa Azul” for its vibrant cobalt blue exterior. Besides the space, one can see her artwork and her husband, Diego Rivera’s, and the clothing and corsets she wore to support her body after her accident. Make sure to book months in advance to schedule a visit |
Restaurants
BREAKFAST
RESTAURANTS
BARS
TAQUERÍAS
Taquerías focus on different types of fillings, so one should definitely try multiple to see all the different options. One can consult my “Mexico Tips” – Taco Filling section for additional insight. Many street stalls or hole-in-the-wall locations all serve delicious options, but the following list are a few more well-known places.
DESSERT
- Finca Don Porfirio: A café atop the Sears department store (7th floor) that offers a balcony view of the Palacio de Bellas Artes. I wouldn’t recommend the food, but they serve delicious drinks.
- Doña Blanca: Great brunch spot serving a multitude of pastries and delicious chilaquiles.
RESTAURANTS
- La Riviera del Sur: Yucatan restaurant with friendly staff and good food. Recommend the quesadilla de chaya
- Fonda del Recuerdo: Veracruz restaurant serving delicious mole and large torito drinks.
- La Casa de Toño: A chain of restaurants serving different traditional and affordable Mexican food under MX$100.
BARS
- Handshake Speakeasy: Rated the 3rd best bar from the World’s 50 Best Bars in 2023. It offers an elegant dining experience with well-crafted cocktails. I would recommend trying the Once Upon in Oaxaca to try some delicious Mezcal and make sure to make reservations in advance.
- Comedor Lucerna/Lucerna Bar: This space has an assortment of restaurants from a seafood taco place to hot dogs and pizza.
- Hanky Panky: A popular speakeasy with a fun name and fun drinks!
TAQUERÍAS
Taquerías focus on different types of fillings, so one should definitely try multiple to see all the different options. One can consult my “Mexico Tips” – Taco Filling section for additional insight. Many street stalls or hole-in-the-wall locations all serve delicious options, but the following list are a few more well-known places.
- Taquitos de mixiote castelan: Mixiotes taqueria serving lamb with the best assortment of toppings such as pickled onions, pineapple, cucumber, onions and cilantro, nopales, and a guacamole-based salsa in addition to the red and green salsas.
- Taqueria Orinoco: While this place looks like it’s only for gringos with a diner feel, it serves the best pork (pastor/trompo) tacos. They have multiple locations throughout the city and also offer different fillings as well.
- Taqueria Los Cocuyos: Multiple locations that have been serving tacos since 1980. It is a no-frills location, and one can try all types of parts of a cow.
- Taqueria Los Auténticos: A small hole-in-the-wall stand where one can enjoy tacos from all parts of the cow. The owners are very friendly, and while one sits on the street, one can enjoy the vibrant streetlife.
DESSERT
- El Kiosko de Coyoacán: A popular dessert shop serving smoothies, juices/agua fresca, ice cream, and other delicious snacks.
- Churrería El Moro: A churro shop open 24-7 that serves the best churros in the city (warm and fresh) that can be dipped in traditional Mexican hot chocolate, but they also have delicious ice cream sandwiches. They have a temporary blueberry (Zarzamora) flavor that was amazing.
Other Resources
- Official Tourist Site
- Mexico Insider - professional journalist website
