Top 6 things to do in Mexico City

Welcome to the oldest capital in the New World: the one we all know as Mexico City. This densely populated megalopolis welcomes countless visitors every year, all eager to visit every corner of the city: the beauty of the culture, the nature and its dazzling landscapes, the traditions that endure year after year and century after century, the colourful neighbourhoods and houses…

Mexico City has a rich Indian history mixed with colonialism, so you’ll need much more than a day to visit the city. So here are 6 key activities that will leave you speechless!

What to do in Mexico City

1. The Palacio National

Category: Cultural

Description: Once designated as the residence par excellence for the Aztec kings, the Palacio National is now the place where all the city’s important administrative instructions take place. So, to get a better understanding of how Mexico’s executive power works, why not take a quick tour of this illustrious residence? If you arrive at the beginning of September, you should know that every 15th of the ninth month of the year, a ceremony is held at the Palacio National to celebrate the country’s independence. It’s a beautiful sight to behold, and a source of pride for the Mexican people. You can also lay your eyes on some of the most beautiful murals by the painter Diego Rivera. Open daily from Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm, and on Sundays from 10am to 3pm, the Palacio National is located in the Plaza de la Constitución.

2. Visit Xochimilco and its floating gardens

Category: €€/Cultural/Sporting

Description: How would you like to take some time out for yourself and wander around a colourful place straight out of a fairytale? The area affectionately known as “Mexican Venice” is in fact one of Mexico City’s liveliest districts, “Xochimilco”. In a rainbow of colours, you’ll be delighted to discover the traditional songs of the mariachis, in a mix of festivities and traditions steeped in the “pre-Hispanic and colonial” era. As well as walking and engaging in a variety of physical activities, you can take a ride on the mythical floating gardens: in a colourful boat called a “trajineras”, you can enjoy spicy Mexican food as you pass through the city’s various canals. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the city with the whole family! In the middle of Mexico City, embark on an unforgettable adventure.

3. The Templo Mayor

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: A stop at what was once the very heart of the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan is a must. The Templo Mayor was discovered only recently, in 1978, and since then it has raised questions and a wave of curiosity among historians, archaeologists, other experts and, of course, tourists from all over the world. It’s a place whose magnetic aura intoxicates us, where you’ll find a wealth of information about how the Aztecs lived in their time, with no fewer than 7,000 objects! Among other things, it holds a sculpture of the goddess “Coyolxauhqui” made from circular stone using materials from the period. What’s more, you’ll find a model of the temple during the Aztec era, images that will stay with you forever. Open from 9am to 5pm every day, the Temple Mayor is located to the north-east of the Zócalo.

4. Teotihuacan

Category: €€/Cultural/ Unusual

Description: This is undoubtedly the most important archaeological site if you ever decide to set foot in Mexico City! Teotihuacan was once one of the largest cities in Mesoamerica. Its name can be translated as “House of the Gods” or “Place where men became gods”, and the city had a population of around 200,000 (more than Ancient Rome, to tell you the truth!). It was founded and occupied during the 1st and 7th centuries, and is home to temples, pyramids and palaces that reveal how people lived at the time, and what they aspired to. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, many mysteries revolve around the city, making it famous the world over. For example: who was behind its construction, and what caused it to collapse? We’ll let you take a look, and maybe you’ll find some answers! Located around 50 kilometres from Mexico City, you can visit the city from 9am to 5pm every day.

5. Visit the districts and explore the various markets

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: Wherever you wander, you’ll be won over by the smells and flavours wafting from the small food stalls where shopkeepers give free rein to their culinary art. Fajitas, burritos, sweet specialities, exotic fruit juices… you’ll be spoilt for choice! On top of all that, the mythical “mercados” – colourful markets full of whimsical objects – are waiting to open their arms to you! You’ll find plenty of souvenirs to take home, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get to know local Mexican art, which is like no other. We strongly advise you to visit the “Ciudadela” market, a colourful and welcoming place that will have you wiggling with joy! It opens from 10am to 7pm every day, and is located near the Balderas, in Centro Cuauhtémoc.

6. The Museo de Arte Popular

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: It can be seen from afar just by its incredible building and impressive architecture. The Museo de Arte Popular is a must-see for all visitors to Mexico City. It contains no fewer than 2,600 pieces, all relating to Mexican folk art: pottery, sculptures, glass, paper, etc. It is by far one of the most important museums for understanding the city’s history. Inaugurated very recently in 2006, while promoting and preserving Mexican craftsmanship, you can discover objects from everyday life, and others from the various ethnic groups. Located just opposite the Alameda Central, the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm. We hope you enjoy your visit!