Mexico City, North America’s most populous city, offers visitors abundant history and culture to discover. This historic metropolis inspires architects, designers, and artists to produce some of their most innovative work worldwide.
The heart of the historic district lies at Plaza de la Constitucion (Main Square), more commonly referred to as Zocalo. Be sure to visit Templo Mayor, Catedral Metropolitana, and Palacio Nacional, which feature Diego Rivera’s murals.
Zocalo Square
Zocalo Square, situated in Mexico City’s historic core, is one of the world’s largest squares. Officially known as Plaza de la Constitucion and more casually called El Zocalo (which translates to “the plinth”), it refers to an unfinished monument intended for this plaza that never made an appearance (except its plinth ). Over its long history, it has served as an arena for official celebrations and protests and is an integral component of Mexican identity.
After the Spanish conquered Tenochtitlan, Mexico City was built around this central plaza as its ceremonial core. Today, it is surrounded by Mexico City’s most important buildings, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio Nacional, Old Portal de Mercaderes, and Federal District buildings – each playing an integral role in Mexico City today.
Besides serving as an essential political space, the Zocalo is a popular gathering spot and hub of Mexican culture. Art, music, and festival markets come together with formal events; locals come here to watch street performers or participate in religious celebrations.
Zocalo stands apart from European squares and plazas by not featuring monuments and statues; its center is decorated with an enormous flag. Here, various cultural and artistic events occur; these include traditional Aztec dance performances accompanied by drumming and chanting in Nahuatl reminiscent of harvest festivals held during mitotic celebrations.
The Zocalo has long been used for political protests and mass meetings. The square has seen many significant moments in Mexican history, such as swearing-in ceremonies for viceroys and royal proclamations ceremonies, military parades; Independence celebrations, and protests that challenge state authority.
The Zocalo is an exciting place to visit on September 16, the national day that commemorates Mexico’s revolution against Spain. On this occasion, revelers come out in force to hear “El Grito,” or the Cry of the People. This impassioned speech urges Mexicans to revolt against oppressive colonizers and rise in resistance.
Coyoacan
Coyoacan is one of Mexico City’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Once home to world-famous artists like Frida Kahlo and Leon Trotsky, today, it serves as a center for counterculture. Locals and tourists visit its leafy streets, cafes, museums, and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
Coyoacan (from Nahuatl: a place of coyotes) was an ancient pre-Hispanic village on the southern shore of Lake Texcoco occupied by Tepanec people before European conquest and eventually fell under Spanish control, becoming part of the greater Mexico City region after becoming known by this new name and finally its historic center is recognized by UNESCO World Heritage status.
Coyoacan offers plenty of activities, from visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum (located in her former home) to enjoying scenic walks through Vivero Coyoacan Public Park and Arboretum nearby. For art enthusiasts, these two museums should not be missed!
Casa de Cultura Jesus Reyes Heroles, a charming yellow church dating back to 1556, provides an example of Mexican colonial architecture with spectacular artwork on its walls. Also, be sure to visit Plaza de la Conchita – named for Herman Cortes of Spanish colonialist fame, it offers the ideal spot for taking in local culture while relaxing peacefully in its peaceful environment.
Coyoacan offers many shops, bars, and restaurants for visitors to relax and enjoy the sights. It’s also the best place for finding authentic Mexican cuisine – El Jarocho and Taco Bell have branches here – and smaller eateries serving anything from traditional Mexican fare to contemporary international food. Art galleries and museums like Museo Nacional de Culturas Populares also feature stunning paintings and sculptures by talented local artists.
Chapultepec Park
Chapultepec Park in Mexico City (Bosque de Chapultepec) is an expansive central park known as “Mexico City’s Lungs.” As the largest urban park in the Western Hemisphere, it hosts museums, sports facilities, and recreational areas for residents to enjoy. It is also an idyllic place to unwind while taking in breathtaking city views from its hilltop location.
Travelers praise the park as ideal for strolling, people-watching, and playing with children. Many compare it to New York City’s Central Park; it has become one of its top tourist attractions.
Visitors to the park can walk, ride a bicycle, or run while taking advantage of all its offerings, including plenty of places to eat food. There’s even a zoo garden and carousel to keep kids occupied! Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm, admission to this free park is always welcomed.
The park is divided into multiple sections, each providing its activities. Of particular note is the first section, featuring monuments commemorating the Mexican Revolution and Chapultepec Gate, as well as fountains and lakes reminiscent of Aztec architecture, such as the Xochipilli Fountain. This popular attraction attracts around 560,000 visitors per year.
Chapultepec Castle is another must-see attraction of Chapultepec Park. Once home to the Aztecs and later used by Spanish rulers as an important military center, it is a national museum today. It offers visitors an incredible history lesson while browsing antique collections and enjoying stunning city views.
This park section contains restaurants and hosts many cultural events and concerts yearly. Also, please visit Mexico City’s National Anthropology Museum, which features an expansive collection of exhibits illustrating Mexico’s diverse history and geography. And its size can make visiting overwhelming, so set aside at least half a day here to take it all in!
Xochimilco
As its capital city, Mexico City is a center for culture and history and a bustling business hub, hosting many corporations with headquarters here. A visit to this vibrant metropolis offers both leisure and adventure – museums and monuments can be found all around, as can Chapultepec Park; with Coyoacan being home to Frida Kahlo as well as the floating gardens of Xochimilco, it makes visiting Mexico City worthwhile!
Mexico City, home to over 50 unique festivals each year, is unsurprisingly one of the most visited spots in Mexico. Many universities, such as Metropolitan Autonomous University and the National School of Anthropology and History, can be found here, making this vibrant metropolis a magnet for visitors from across Mexico and abroad.
More than one-fifth of Mexico’s population resides here, and this bustling metropolis exudes life with an ever-present energy and passion for life. Flying into this vast metropolis, it is difficult not to be impressed by its sheer scale – its endless streets seem never-ending!
At Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one popular activity is riding on a colorful trajinera boat along its canals and enjoying nature’s beauty and cultural traditions in this vibrant area.
At Xochimilco, you will also have an opportunity to visit the Museo Mural Diego Rivera and admire some of his work; some murals can even be seen around Mexico City, but at this museum, they can be admired more closely and in all their detail.
Other activities while visiting Mexico City include browsing markets for everything from food to clothing. There are also several art galleries worth seeing, such as Museo Nacional de Arte, where artwork is from every historical period.
