CIUDAD DE MEXICO: MEXICO CITY

Mexico City, the vibrant and culturally rich capital of Mexico, is located on the historic grounds of the Aztec civilization of Tenochtitlán. Perched at an altitude of over a mile, it’s renowned for its diverse architecture, spanning from ancient Aztec ruins and 18th-century Spanish castles to towering skyscrapers that reach 876 feet in height, making it an awe-inspiring destination for even the most seasoned travelers.  Mexico City boasts a rich history, celebrated in the city’s numerous museums. It touts the title of housing some of the most famous museums in the world, with an estimated count of more than  150. Nicknamed CDMX, Mexico City draws travelers from around the globe with its renowned culinary scene, vibrant culture, and art that spills from museum walls onto the streets. If you are a history buff and have come here to delve into Mexico’s illustrious past, you won’t be disappointed. If you are an ardent shopper, you are in for a real treat, as Mexico City is a treasure trove of brightly colored bargains. If you are simply eager to sample the flavor of a foreign country, then you will be delighted with the excitement and adventure that can be found here.

Mexico ranks as the 13th-largest country in the world by land area, spanning approximately 1,972,550 square kilometers (761,610 square miles). Its  31 states offer remarkable diversity in climate, environment, cuisine, and local traditions. As you travel through Mexico, you'll encounter vibrant beauty, lively colors, and unmistakable energy woven into everyday life, whether wandering city streets, exploring small towns, or relaxing in rural villages.

​Mexico City, the nation’s capital, stands as one of the world’s largest and most fascinating urban centers. With more than over 20 million residents in its greater metropolitan area, Mexico City is a dynamic place where history, culture, and contemporary life intersect daily. Built on the remains of Tenochtitlán, the ancient Aztec capital, the city’s deep history is always present. Colonial cathedrals stand beside pre-Hispanic ruins, and sleek skyscrapers add a modern touch to the timeless skyline.

The city is divided into distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own character:

Centro Histórico

This is the oldest of Mexico City’s neighborhoods, where you’ll be able to find a piece of history on every corner. Here, you’ll find the city's most iconic architecture, starting with the Zócalo, which is the second-largest public square in the world. Landmarks surround this area; On the north side of the square, you’ll find the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, while the east is home to the National Palace, where Mexico’s federal government is based. To the south sits the Old City Hall, now used by the city government, and to the west, you’ll see a mix of historic private buildings, including the Merchants’ Building and the original Monte de Piedad. This centuries-old charitable institution continues to offer financial services today. Just steps away are the ruins of Templo Mayor, once the main temple of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán. It’s now  a museum, where you can learn more about Aztec history and see the ruins up close. It has an entry fee of 100 pesos ($5 US dollars). Beyond the central square, Mexico City’s Centro Histórico overflows with cultural gems waiting to be explored. The Palacio de Bellas Artes, with its striking Art Nouveau architecture, brilliant Diego Rivera murals, and vibrant Ballet Folklórico performances, is a must-see destination for any visitor. Just a short walk away, the Museo Nacional de Arte (MUNAL) is home to an impressive array of Mexican artwork spanning from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The building is a sight in itself, with a beautiful neoclassical exterior. If you’re hungry, you can cross the street to Los Girasoles, a cozy restaurant that serves authentic Mexican food, perfect for immersing yourself in the culture. If you want to do something underground, consider the Museo del Perfume, which invites you into the fascinating history and artistry of fragrance. This vibrant neighborhood is home to historic cafés and restaurants that have become cultural landmarks in their own right. Café Tacuba, for instance, inspired the name of one of Mexico’s most renowned rock bands and has been serving classic dishes in its ornately tiled dining room since 1912. Be sure to visit Casa de los Azulejos, a beautiful 18th-century palace covered in blue and white tiles, now home to a Sanborns café and restaurant. For birdseye views of the city, make your way to the Torre Latinoamericana, one of Mexico City’s earliest skyscrapers, where the observation deck provides breathtaking panoramas of the capital, and you’ll pay 220 pesos ($11 US dollars) per ticket. 

Coyoacán

Home to Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum), this charming neighborhood offers a more laid-back vibe than the hustling city centre. Its cobblestone streets, leafy plazas, and colorful houses give it a small-town atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. The highlight here, as aforementioned, is the Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum), the iconic blue house where the artist lived with Diego Rivera. Tickets must be booked online in advance, typically at least a month, due to the event's popularity (cost: 300 pesos / $18 USD). Beyond Frida’s home, Coyoacán offers plenty to explore, such as the Leon Trotsky Museum, where the Russian revolutionary spent his final years, located just a few blocks away from Casa Azul (admission: 70 pesos/ $3 US dollars). You can also visit the Los Viveros de Coyoacán park, an excellent space for running, relaxing, and taking a leisurely walk. If you’re looking for a little more history, you can stop by the Anahuacali Museum, which is home to Diego Rivera’s collection of pre-Hispanic objects. In addition to its unique architecture and hundreds of artifacts displayed for their artistic value, the space features striking mosaics designed by Diego Rivera to cover the walls and ceilings, arranged to reflect an indigenous worldview. Entry to the museum is $100 pesos or $10 US dollars for out-of-towners. You can also make your way to Jardín Centenario, the main square, where you’ll find street performers, bookshops, and cafés where you can sit and enjoy the bohemian vibe. If you want to try something local, stop by Los Danzantes, a restaurant serving modern takes on traditional Mexican cuisine in a beautiful courtyard setting. Around the main square, you’ll also find many other restaurants as well as market stalls selling food or souvenirs, perfect to bring back home (make sure you bring cash!). 

San Ángel

San Ángel sits south of the city and feels like a step back in time. The neighborhood, like Coyoacán, is renowned for its cobblestone streets, colonial houses adorned with bougainvillea, and plazas that give a sense of a small Mexican town rather than a bustling city. Once a getaway for Mexico City’s wealthy families, it is now renowned for its art, history, and vibrant weekend markets. The main attraction for many visitors is the San Ángel Saturday Bazaar (Bazar del Sábado) in Plaza San Jacinto. Artisans from all over Mexico come here to sell handmade jewelry, textiles, pottery, and art, so it’s a great spot to find unique souvenirs. Prices range from affordable crafts to fine art. Make sure to bring cash, as some stands don’t accept cards and may offer a discount if you pay with cash. You can bargain here, but some pieces may have set prices. The plaza is surrounded by historic mansions and small restaurants, giving the market a festive and traditional vibe. San Ángel is also home to the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, an example of functionalist architecture designed by Juan O’Gorman in the 1930s. The museum includes two colorful modernist houses, one blue and one red, joined by a bridge where Rivera and Kahlo lived and worked. Tickets are 45 pesos (about $3 USD), and you can see their studios and personal items. Another interesting place nearby is the Museo de El Carmen, set in a former Carmelite monastery, where you can visit colonial art, religious relics, and even preserved mummies in the crypt (entry: 60 pesos / $3.50 USD). Food and drink are also highlights here. Around the corner from Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo lies San Ángel Inn, once a 17th-century Carmelite hacienda. This is one of the city’s most iconic restaurants, renowned for its classic Mexican dishes, stunning gardens, and elegant ambiance. Meals cost about 800 to 1,000 pesos ($45–60 USD) per person, so it’s a bit of a splurge but worth it for the experience. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, the area around Plaza San Jacinto offers numerous cozy cafés and cantinas where you can unwind after exploring.

Polanco

Frequently described as the “Beverly Hills of Mexico City,” Polanco is the capital’s premier district,  where luxury and culture seamlessly intertwine. Along its main street, Avenida Presidente Masaryk, you’ll encounter world-renowned boutiques such as Gucci, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton, in addition to five-star hotels and chic cafés. Besides shopping, you can also immerse yourself in some art, starting with the Museo Soumaya, a striking silver structure that has quickly become a city icon. Built by billionaire Carlos Slim in tribute to his late wife, Soumaya Domit, the museum’s futuristic design shocks visitors from around the world. Inside, you’ll find more than 60,000 works of art spanning centuries, from European greats such as Rodin, Dalí, Tintoretto, and Van Gogh to celebrated Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. Open daily and free to the public, the museum offers one of the city’s most accessible cultural experiences. Right next door is the Museo Jumex, dedicated to contemporary art. Its minimalist yet modern design contrasts beautifully with the Soumaya, and its exhibitions change frequently, so every visit offers something new. The museum has featured artists such as Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Damien Hirst, as well as cutting-edge Mexican and Latin American artists. Entry is free and the museum also has a stylish café perfect for a break after exploring its galleries. Polanco is also famous for its variety of restaurants, housing renowned cuisine. Pujol, frequently listed among the world’s best restaurants, serves a tasting menu that reinvents Mexican cuisine, most famously with its “mole madre,” aged for over 1,000 days. Tasting menus start at 3,565 pesos (approximately $210 USD), and it’s advisable to reserve several weeks in advance. Another fine-dining standout is Quintonil, renowned for its inventive use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. For a more relaxed meal, Saks is a longtime favorite, offering classic Mexican dishes in a welcoming, family-style setting, with meals averaging 300–400 pesos ($18–24 USD) per person. Polanco is also home to a favorite nightlife destination, Sala de Despecho. The party is all about 'despecho' music, a style of heartfelt ballads that pairs perfectly with tequila, singing, and dancing. But it’s not just about heartbreak, you’ll hear favorite Mexican and Latin American hits from every decade. Reservations are essential, especially on weekends, as tables fill up quickly. Polanco also provides space to unwind. Parque Lincoln offers a peaceful green escape where locals jog, walk their dogs, and soak up the outdoors. 

Chapultepec

One of the world’s largest city parks, stretching over 1,600 acres, Chapultepec Park has something for everyone. The park is divided into four sections, offering a variety of  museums, historic sites, lakes, gardens, and picnic areas. The highlight of the park is Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec), situated atop Chapultepec Hill. It holds the unique distinction of being the only royal castle in the Americas that has housed actual monarchs. Built in the late 18th century, it was once home to Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota, later serving as the presidential residence before becoming the National History Museum. Today, its rooms showcase period furniture, artwork, and murals by some of Mexico’s most famous painters. The castle's location also offers some of the best panoramic views of the city. Admission is 100  pesos (about $5 USD), and entry is free on Sundays for Mexican citizens and residents. You’ll also find the National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico’s most popular museum and a favorite for anyone interested in history. Its exhibits cover the entire pre-Hispanic era, featuring the Aztec Sun Stone, giant Olmec heads, and artifacts from the Maya, Mixtec, and Zapotec cultures. Admission is 95 pesos (about $5 USD), and it’s worth setting aside at least half a day to see all 23 halls. If you love art, there’s a lot to enjoy here, too. The Museum of Modern Art showcases works by Frida Kahlo, Rufino Tamayo, and other prominent Mexican artists of the 20th century. The Rufino Tamayo Museum, located within the park, showcases contemporary and international art. Each museum costs 85 pesos (about $4.50 USD) to enter. Locals also enjoy heading to Lago Algo, which combines art, architecture, and fine Mexican cuisine located by the lake. Here, you can visit the contemporary art exhibit, which is usually free and frequently changing. After you’re done, you can head to the restaurant, which features a seasonal menu featuring fresh, locally inspired dishes. Please note that the exhibit's hours may vary, so ensure it is open before visiting, as it often closes for new installations.  Beyond museums, the park itself offers endless ways to unwind. You can paddle boats on its lakes, stroll through its botanical gardens, or explore hidden gems like the Audiorama, a quiet reading nook tucked into the forest where soft music plays in the background. Families especially enjoy the Chapultepec Zoo, which is free to enter and home to more than  1,000 animals, including pandas, lions, and native Mexican species. Chapultepec Park is right next to Polanco, so you can easily spend your morning exploring the park and then head over for a great meal or some shopping in the afternoon. Many people start at the castle or the anthropology museum, then walk into Polanco for lunch at a top restaurant. 

La Roma/La Condesa

These twin neighborhoods are Mexico City’s trendiest districts, full of early 20th-century mansions, Art Deco facades, and streets filled with cafés, boutiques, and murals. Once aristocratic residential areas, Roma and Condesa have reinvented themselves as hubs of gastronomy, design, and nightlife, making them favorites for both locals and visitors. Roma Norte, in particular, is the ideal destination for food enthusiasts. The legendary Contramar, famous for its tuna tostadas and grilled pescado a la talla, is a must-visit (expect to spend around 600–800 pesos / $35–45 USD per person). Another gem is Rosetta, housed in a beautiful old townhouse, where chef Elena Reygadas (named World’s Best Female Chef in 2023) serves inventive dishes that blend Italian influences with Mexican ingredients. A meal here averages 1,200–1,500 pesos ($70–90 USD) per person, and reservations are essential. And if you’re craving something sweet, Panadería Rosetta, famous for its guava roll, is a stylish, local icon, priced at about 65 pesos ($4 USD). Roma is also an excellent spot for boutique shopping. Calle Colima is filled with unique stores, galleries, and stylish restaurants. You’ll come across local fashion brands, home décor shops, and art bookstores all in one place. Many cafés and restaurants here have outdoor seating, making Colima one of the nicest streets to stroll and shop in the city. Around the area, you’ll also find Cafrebreria el Pendulo, a bookshop/cafe located in a beautiful colonial home, where you can enjoy traditional Mexican dishes for affordable prices as you catch up on your reading. La Condesa, just next door, offers a slightly more laid-back vibe. Its nature-filled avenues curve around two gorgeous parks, Parque México and Parque España, where you’ll see dog walkers, street performers, and open-air markets on weekends. Condesa is also packed with classic cafés and bars. A highlight is Churrería El Moro, which has been serving hot chocolate and tasty churros since 1935 (approximately 100 pesos / $6 USD). For a taste of nightlife, Condesa is full of mezcalerías and speakeasy-style bars. Hanky Panky and Handshake (named the #1 speakeasy in the world) are neighborhood staples, so be sure to have a reservation, as these spots fill up quickly. Roma and Condesa are also great places to experience nightlife and music. Rooftop bars, such as Toledo Rooftop and Departamento, offer DJs, cocktails, and stunning city views. This is one of the most walkable areas in the city, so make sure to reserve a day to explore these neighborhoods, as you’ll likely spend a long time popping into different shops, boutiques, and cafes. 

Xochimilco

A trip to Mexico City wouldn’t be complete without experiencing Xochimilco, famous for its colorful trajineras (flat-bottomed boats) that float along ancient canals, which are the last remnants of the Aztec lake system. Renting a boat is a festive experience, usually shared with friends, family, and even mariachi bands who float by offering to play songs for a small fee. The canals are lined with floating gardens, or chinampas, a traditional agricultural system that has been used for centuries. You can bring your own food and drinks, or buy snacks like quesadillas and micheladas from vendors along the way. A boat ride costs around 1000 - 2000 per hour  ($50 - 100  USD) per boat, which can be split among passengers. Beyond the canals, Xochimilco has its own set of unique attractions, including the eerie Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls), decorated with hundreds of dolls hung from trees, and the Dolores Olmedo Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo’s works.

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