Mexico City Leisure

As with most major international cities, Mexico City has so much to offer that it will take more than one visit to see it all.  From museums and shopping, to parks and monuments, not to mention all the eateries you will want to try, Mexico City is a fantastic city for history, culture, and entertainment.

1. Castillo de Chapultepec, Bosque de Chapultepec 1a Secciόn, Ciudad de Mexico - website

For history buffs, this great structure was built between 1780 and 1790 and offers wonderful views of the city.  It was constructed on top of an Aztec fortress and presents an amazing garden to stroll through.

2. Museo Nacional de Antropologίa, Paseo de La Reforma y Calzada Ghandi - website

Often described as one of the best museums of its kind, it holds archaeological finds depicting different cultures that flourished in Mesoamerica, including the Mayas.

3. Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, Plaza de las Americas - website

The place where, in 1531, Juan Diego claimed to have a vision of the Virgin Mary.  The devout congregate here to celebrate the holy visitation.

4. Museo del Templo Mayor, Seminario #8 - website

This main temple was the center of the Aztec empire in 1519 and contained the remains of two shrines.  You can still see the pyramid base of the temple.

5. Xochimilco, Avenida Mexico Xochimilco - website

Take a trip on a wooden boat down one of the 176 km of ancient canals that the Aztecs used for transportation and irrigation purposes.  The boats are very colorful and vendors are lined up along the way selling their wares.

6. Catedral Metropolitana, Plaza de la Constitution s/n - website

This is one of the most important historical structures in Mexico City.  It offers a myriad of different architectural styles as it was completed over a 300-year period.

7. Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez y Eje Lazaro Cardenas - website

Again, this structure was started in one time period and completed in another so it’s astounding for its architectural differences.  Inside is an amazing collection of art, murals, and a Tiffany glass curtain on which is depicted Mexico’s volcanoes.

8. Alameda central, Avenida Hidalgo y Avenida Juarez - website

A place to relax with shade trees, fountains, sculptures, and a monument to Beethoven, this oldest park in Mexico is a place to escape from city madness for a bit.

9. Zona Rosa, business and entertainment district near the center of Mexico City - wesbite

This area is full of shopping, touristy areas, hotels, restaurants, and it’s home to Mexico’s financial center.  It is sometimes called the “Pink Zone” or the “Rose Zone.”

10. Plaza de la Constitucion / El Zocalo, Centro Historico - wesbite

This is the main gathering place for festivals and events.  Daily flag ceremonies are held here to commemorate past events.