Mexico City: The Best Bits of Exploring the Great Metropolis

by Gavin Darvell

Mexico City is vast, I mean seriously big. It’s neighbourhoods stretching out into the distance for as far as the eye can see. It’s hard to comprehend these metropolises and their size. Tokyo is another prime example. It makes exploring them seem a daunting prospect at first sight, but don’t let its size put you off. Mexico City has much to offer, especially as its once tarnished name is becoming the stuff of legend.

This is a city rising above its reputation and whether you’re passing through onto the resort areas like Cancun or another resort, a few days here are worth the time and energy.

Our Mexico City adventure starts with a look around the attractions. You can explore by yourself or if you’d prefer, a hop-on hop-off bus tour makes for a convenient alternative. Either way, there’s much to see, history to discover and cultural highlights to enjoy. Save the sombrero for the beach, there’s city exploring to be done.

Explore the city

Photo by Bhargava Marripati on Unsplash

Where to go when you’re in such a big place? Well, the following places will give you some ideas of what you can see if the hop on bus tour hasn’t already pointed them out.

1. Alameala Central – This is the central area of the city, a place where you’ll find many of the top attractions. Central Historico is another area rich in places to see.

2. Frida Kahlo Museum – The famous Mexican artist was born and died here, so if you like her work, then check out her museum. It’s more a pilgrimage than just a visit. You’ll need to look out for the blue house. That’ll be the museum.

3. Palacio de Bellas Artes – found in the Alameala Central region, you’ll find artwork, murals and more from famous Mexican artists. It’s also a concert venue, so there’s more to this white-marbled building than at first sight.

4. Castillo de Chapultepec – museum / palace up on the hill. Now a national history museum.

5. Metropolitan Cathedral – It is one of the city’s most famous buildings. You can’t miss it and the queues! It’s over 100m long and 65m high and exploring inside this vast space will enthral.

Don’t forget the wrestling!

Wrestling is a national sport here, so if you get the chance to catch a night of the action, then it’ll certainly add to your trip. Sport is a great way to get under a country’s skin, feel and see it’s culture at work and, well, Mexico and wrestling! You can’t get much more immersive than a night at the wrestling.

Food, food and more food

Millions love Mexican food, are you one of them? And there is no better place to experience it than exploring the city, and well following your nose! There are plenty of food tours you can join. You’ll be with locals in the know and you’ll taste authentic food that will hit the sweet spot.

Away from the city

Photo by Perry Grone on Unsplash

There are plenty of things to do away from Mexico City. Many people come here for the beaches in popular tourist areas such as Cancun. And if that appeals, then fabulous, you can add in visit to some of the great Mayan sites from these beach destinations. So don’t think you can’t mix up sun and sand holidays with a good dose of culture. You can.

There are hidden gems to explore, Cuernavaca and Taxco. The former is known as the city of eternal spring and the latter is a Spanish colonial silver-mining town. Makes for a glorious trip out to see some of Mexico’s gems.

There is no doubting that Mexico City is a daunting place. Anywhere with 27 million plus residents will be. But with a little pre-planning, you can get around and explore this city, get under its skin and discover its gems. Before the beaches, explore the capital. It’ll be worth it.

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