Not sure what to do in the capital? Here are fifteen ideas, for you to fall in love with different areas Mexico City.
Take the double-decker tour bus (Turibús). Even if you have lived your whole life in the Mexico City or this is your first time you visiting, this tour is a “Must-Do". It is a hop-on hop-off guided tour bus with various routes, and the best are the explanations of the places it travels to. We assure you that you will see places that you have never been to and learn amazing facts. The cost is around $165 MXN for adults and $85 MXN for children. Visit their web page for points of departure. ( Turibus )
Go to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Regardless of your religious beliefs, visiting is a “Must-Do”. It is the second largest shrine of pilgrimage in the world. The modern Basilica of Guadalupe, was designed by architect Pedro Ramirez Vazquez, it houses the venerated image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Visit the Capilla del Cerrito where, according to tradition, the "miracle of the roses" occurred.
Visit the Bosque de Chapultepec. This beautiful park has spaces for running, biking and walking. You can explore the park by foot or aboard an eco-tram. In addition, there is the National Museum of History: Chapultepec Castle which houses collections of art and objects from the time of independence through the twentieth century (It is the only castle in Mexico!) .
Walk the Historic District. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it preserves architectural jewels like the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Palacio de Correos. Here you will find museums, shops, restaurants, canteens, and magnificent colonial buildings. Walk down the pedestrian walkway Madero full of street performers, and interesting corners.
Stroll the modern Zócalo, the main square in Mexico City, one of the largest city squares in the world. It is bordered by the Cathedral to the north, the National Palace to the east, the Federal District buildings.
Admire the Metropolitan Cathedral. It is the largest cathedral in America. Construction started in 1573 and was completed in 1813, so it has several architectural styles. If time permits I recommend you take the guided tour of the Cathedral’s bells.
Observe the murals of the National Palace.This building preserves beautiful murals of Diego Rivera depicting the history of Mexico.
Walk along the Paseo de la Reforma, the most important avenue of the city: there are shops, museums, parks, and some of the most important monuments of the country such as “El Angel.” Known as the Angel of Independence sits on a 52 meters high column, one can go up the column to the foot of the Winged Victory. From here you can enjoy magnificent views of the city.
Visit the National Museum of Anthropology. Built by architect Pedro Ramirez Vazquez, the architecture evokes features of the pre-Hispanic era, this museum is considered by specialists as the most important in Latin America and one of the twenty most influential museums worldwide. Among the treasures it house are: the Tomb of Pacal and the impressive Aztec Calendar, the most important archaeological monument of Mexico discovered on December 17, 1790.
Enter the Museum of Memory and Tolerance. Located on Avenida Juarez, opposite the Alameda, it is one of the most original cultural spaces of the metropolis. In addition to its architecture and museology, the museum invites to reflect on racial issues.
Eat in the Polanco neighborhood. Polanco is one of the most cosmopolitan neighborhoods of the capital. It is full of boutiques, restaurants, bars, parks, and cafes.
Visit the Museo Soumaya. The new Museo Soumaya Plaza Carso, located behind Polanco, has more than 6,200 works of art from different periods and countries. The museum’s architecture is modern and surprising.
Get on a “trajinera” (boat) in Xochimilco. Considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Xochimilco is a unique place: here one can ride aboard a boat thru channels. It is perfect to go with friends (bring your drinks, snacks and music). Approximately $350MXN per hour. This is one of my (the bride) favorite things to do in the city.
Visit the Blue House in Coyoacan. If you like the works of Frida Kahlo you can not miss this interesting museum, once home of the painter and for a few years, also Diego Rivera. In addition to some of her paintings you will see love letters, prehispanic pieces, and personal items like her clothes, corset, and mirror used to paint after her accident. A coffee or a hot chocolate at Cafe El Jarocho , in Coyoacan is a tradition in this magical district of southern Mexico City since 1953.
Visit the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, the most visited archaeological site in Mexico. Teotihuacan civilization remains shrouded in mystery, as there relatively little known of the so-called "City of the Gods". The archaeological site invites you to be there all day, as well as prehispanic buildings , there are museums , and exhibitions of traditional dances.
