10 good reasons to visit Mexico City

Are you a passionate traveler seeking an unforgettable new experience? It can be difficult to choose from the countless destinations around the world, each with its own wonders waiting to be discovered.

If you don’t know where to put your luggage, why not explore Mexico City? Often overlooked by travelers, the Mexican capital boasts a great cultural and historical diversity and holds hidden treasures. 

Imagine stepping on the cobblestones of the great Zócalo square. Visualise enjoying authentic tacos in a local market. Imagine the emotion of standing in front of the remains of ancient Aztec temples. So, ready for adventure? Here are 10 reasons why Mexico City should be on your itinerary.

And don’t forget that you may need one FMM tourist card from Canada, France, Belgium and a large number of other countries to enter Mexico.

1. The Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo)

In the heart of Mexico City, the Plaza de la Constitución, also called Zócalo, is the city’s heart and a major place of life. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this gigantic square, one of the largest in the world, gathers the city’s main buildings.

The jewel of the Zócalo is undoubtedly the Metropolitan Cathedral. Erected on the ruins of the Templo Mayor of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, it is the largest cathedral in Latin America.

2. The Palacio de Bellas Artes

Constructed to celebrate the centennial of Mexican independence, the Palacio de Bellas Artes It is a grandiose building whose walls adorned with fascinating paintings illustrate the history and political developments of the country, especially thanks to the works of Diego Rivera.

Bordering Alameda Park, the oldest park in the city, this building houses the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Architecture, and a theater, where the Folkloric Ballet regularly enchants the audience.

3. The canals of Xochimilco

Stopping by Xochimilco and its floating gardens is like finding an oasis of tranquility away from urban bustle. This neighborhood was once covered by a lake until waterways were built by the Aztecs.

Get on board of a trajinera, Take a brightly colored wooden boat and set off along the waterways to meet street vendors and taste local food. The atmosphere is cheerful, festive, and musical, especially at the weekend.

4. The site of Teotihuacan

Just 48 km from Mexico lies the majestic pre-Columbian city of Teotihuacan, literally the «place where the gods are created». Witnessing a rich past dating back to 100 AD, this ancient metropolis welcomed more than 200,000 inhabitants at its peak.

Stroll along Avenue des Morts and climb to the top of the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. It is possible to take a tour in a hot-air balloon to fly over the site and enjoy an aerial perspective.

5. The National Museum of Anthropology

If you only need to visit one museum in Mexico, choose the National Museum of Anthropology. Located in Chapultepec Park, it covers 45,000 m², making it the largest museum in Mexico. 

It has 22 rooms and houses the most impressive collection of Mesoamerican artifacts in the world. For an optimal experience, dedicate at least 3 to 4 hours to visiting this temple of the history of indigenous peoples.

6. The neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa

Immerse yourself in the cultural and bohemian heart of Mexico by exploring the lively neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa. These two urban gems are bursting with charm with their authentic streets, diverse architecture, and bustling neighborhood life.

Roma is the hub of street art, independent boutiques and relaxed cafes, while Condesa has a more chic vibe. These neighborhoods are also strategic for accommodation, combining security with a diverse range of options.

7. Coyoacán and the Frida Kahlo Museum

The Coyoacán neighborhood resembles a peaceful village with its cobblestone streets, discreet churches, and lively squares. It is filled with cafes, restaurants, and art galleries, but is especially famous for being Frida Kahlo’s neighborhood.

The Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo museum) is much more than just a place of exhibition. This house, where Frida Kahlo lived with her husband, the painter Diego Rivera, is a testament to the lives of the two artists. The museum offers an immersion in the world of Frida.

8. The markets

Discovering Mexico is taking the time to wander through its markets. The Mercado de Sonora is renowned for its varied ceramics, but also for its unusual offerings such as medicinal plants or shamanic services.

The Mercado de la Ciudadela celebrates local craftsmanship. Less well-known, the Market of Mexican Crafts and Curiosities offers many surprises, ranging from traditional textiles to silver jewelry. Each market tells the soul of Mexico in its own way.

9. La Lucha Libre

See a Lucha Libre combat It is an emblematic experience in Mexico. This Mexican wrestling, similar to catch wrestling, is a theater where the wrestlers, dressed in dazzling costumes, face each other masked.

Some of the top venues to watch a fight are the Arena Mexico, known as the «Cathedral of the Lucha Libre», and the Arena Coliseo, which is older. If you don't have your own mask, you can buy one at the entrance to the arena.

10. Gastronomy

Mexico is a true gastronomic paradise where you can delight your taste buds and enjoy Mexican cuisine, which is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Let yourself be tempted by the authentic street food of posts. These street vendors offer local delicacies. For a more complete experience, head to the fondas. These traditional establishments offer rich menus in a convivial atmosphere.

You can even take part in a gastronomic tour. A guide will take you to discover the culinary treasures not to be missed in Mexico.

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