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By Diego Delso – Wikimedia

Top 10 Best Things to do in Mexico City

Mexico City has its roots in the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, the Spanish conquest and the Mexican revolution. This makes it one of the oldest and largest cities in the American continent. Read more on the facts about this city here.

The city is defined by colonial architecture, modern artwork, spicy gastronomy, and rich cultural heritage. Mexico City is vast and cannot be exhausted in a day.

Each part of the city stands out and offers a new experience to its visitors. If you are looking for places to stay in this city, check out this blog.

Other than the cultural landmarks in Mexico City, there are green parks, art galleries, museums among many other attractions.

Let us now explore the top 10 best things to do in Mexico City.

1. Explore the Templo Mayor and its museum

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The Templo Mayor Museum found in Templo Mayor plaza which is home to the remains of the main Mexica ceremonial centre. Ancient inhabitants believed that this was the centre of the universe.

The god of war monument, Huitzilopochtli, and that of Tlaloc, the god of rain and agriculture were built here. It served as a religious centre for the Aztec community.

Much of the temple was destroyed by the Spanish although there are remains that tell its past. There are more than 7,000 artefacts that can be found in the museum.

The Templo Mayor and its museum have been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are one of the most visited sites.

2. Palacio Nacional

The other activity to do while in Mexico City is the visit to the National Palace. It is home to the federal executive branch of the Mexican government.

This Palace is found in Mexico City’s main public square known as El Zócalo. It is a massive, baroque building with several gardens, murals and fountains.

The highlights are the Diego Rivera murals painted in panoramic style across the palace’s walls. These murals depict the stages of Mexican history, from pre-Columbian days to the current age.

No admission fee is charged here.

3. Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

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The floating gardens of Xochimilco are set in the southern side of the city. It symbolizes the Valley of Mexico before the arrival of the Spanish.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an extensive lake and canal system that was used to connect most of the settlements in the valley.

The canals are lined with artificial islands called chinampas that are navigated by colourful gondola boats locally known as trajineras.

You can rent a boat from any of the docking points along Xochimilco. The guide will navigate you through the canals. For a relaxing cruise, head over there in the weekdays.

4. Centro Histórico: City of Palaces

Another place to visit while in Mexico City is the City of Palaces. This building was part of the Aztec Empire that had canals connecting the city.

Much of the city was destroyed by Spanish conquerors who arrived in Tenochtitlan in the 16th century. They drained the lake and built the new city of palaces.

The Palace sits on a 10-acre piece of land that brings together Mexico’s past and present. There are museums, cathedrals, and temples that reveal a storied past.

The Public square here, Zocalo, is the second-largest in the world after Red Square in Moscow.

If you love architecture, then you will enjoy the combination of Renaissance, baroque, and neoclassical architectural styles.

5. The Soumaya Museum

By Diego Delso – Wikimedia

Another museum that needs to be on your to-do list while in Mexico City is the Soumaya Museum. There are more than 150 museums and galleries in Mexico City alone.

What’s special about this museum is that it has more than 66,000 artefacts that date back 3,000 years ago. the museum was designed by Fernando Romero, a Mexican architect.

The collection of items in this museum are from the pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica, 19th- and 20th-century Mexican art, and works by European artists such as Auguste Rodin, Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh.

Millions of visitors go to this museum annually.

6. Place of Coyotes

This is considered to be one of Mexico City’s magical neighbourhoods. It has vivacious cobblestone streets, colonial churches, and bustling markets.

Its main Plaza is Jardin Centenario that features a fountain in honour of the coyote. This place was named after the animal.

While at the plaza, you will also notice the 16^th century San Juan Bautista Cathedral towers, just outside are vendors peddling toys and snacks.

This neighbourhood has become popular as the melting pot of art and culture. You can find art pieces and other local handcrafted items.

There are restaurants at the plaza serving delicious Mexican cuisine.

7. Cheer on some masked wrestlers

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For a more thrilling experience while in Mexico’s capital, be sure not to miss out on this scene. The wrestling match is known as Lucha Libre, it is made up of men and women.

This wrestling match is held in a stadium with a seating capacity of at least 16,500 spectators. The Arena Mexico, where this match is held is the largest Lucha stadium in the world.

The venue hosts several matches over the weekend. You will be impressed by the acrobatic skills of the wrestlers. This sport has been named as an intangible cultural heritage by the city’s government.

8. Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe

The Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe is an important religious site in Mexico City.

The first shrine built to honour the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe was erected in the 14^th century on Tepeyac hill, while the first basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built in the 17^th century.

This church has many features like the basilica, the ancient church, a gift shop with religious items, a museum and a library.

There are frequent masses held at the church. You can visit the Basilica without interrupting the mass.

9. Mercado Coyoacan

While in Coyoacan, check out its main Market that has been selling everything from fresh vegetables to baskets for most of the 20th century.

It was established in 1921 and remains to be one of the most iconic markets in Mexico City. Stroll through the market and admire the colourful displays of vegetables and fruits.

You can purchase textiles and woven bags or enjoy lunch together with the locals at the cafes.

10. Bosque de Chapultepec: An Outdoor Oasis

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This is the largest park in the city with several historical sites and other landmarks. At the parks entrance is the monument of young heroes, it honours six young cadets that didn’t surrender at the Battle of Chapultepec in 1847.

There is a path leading to a hill that’s perfect lookout spot of the city. Close by is the Chapultepec Castle where you’ll find the National History Museum.

Costumed entertainers can also be found performing a traditional dancing rite outside the museum. Enjoy the show and join them if you can.