Mexico City is the capital of Mexico. Interestingly, Mexico City was not named after the country, but the other way around: the state of Mexico was named after the city. It is located in the interior, in the southern part of Mexico and was founded in 1521.
Mexico City was built on the ruins of the much older Aztec capital Tenochtitlán and on the dried-up Lake Texoco. The remains of the Templo Mayor of the old Aztec city can still be seen today in the historic center of Mexico City.
Today, the metropolis is not only the economic, political and cultural center of Mexico, but also the sixth largest city in the world.
Mexico City is endearingly diverse, lively and a fantastic mix of old and new.
The Palace of Fine Arts is the symbol of Mexico City
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mexico City has almost countless sights to offer: must-sees include the Palace of Fine Arts, the historic center and the famous Aztec calendar in the Anthropological Museum. But even those who shy away from the cultural program will find what their heart desires in the capital: cafes, restaurants, colorful markets, busy streets with modern skyscrapers and peaceful, extensive parks are waiting to be discovered. In Mexico City, everyone will find what they are looking for.
Historic center of Mexico City: Plaza de la Constitución Zócalo with Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace
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Of course, a visit to the historic center of Mexico City should not be missed on any visit. If you're traveling on your own, it's best to use the metro and walk the rest of the way. If you don't like taking the metro, you can alternatively use a hop-on hop-off bus.
1. Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo), National Palace, Templo Mayor, Metropolitan Cathedral
There is a metro stop at the Palacio National, which is an ideal starting point for your tour through the historic center. There you will find the first four sights: Constitution Square is the central square of Mexico City and is also called the Zócalo. In the immediate vicinity you will find the National Palace with its impressive murals, the Templo Mayor (remains of the large Aztec temple of Tenochtitlán) and the large Metropolitan Cathedral.
2. Lunch break: Mexican food
If you are hungry after so many impressions, then the typical Mexican restaurant La Casa de Tono is a good option for a stop. Tip from locals: simple, tasty and cheap with typical Mexican dishes.
3. Footpath with photo stops
On the way to the Torre Latinoamericana, two interesting buildings from the 18th century invite you to take a quick photo stop: the Citibanamex Culture Palace is a Mexican baroque palace and the Casa de los Azulejos is a house with a blue and white tiled facade.
4. Torre Latinoamericana viewpoint
Then enjoy the 360° view on the 44th floor of the Torre Latinoamericana skyscraper. The Museo de la Ciudad y de la Torre tells the story of the skyscraper and is located on the 38th floor. Entry to the museum is included in the admission ticket to the viewing point.
5. Palace of Fine Arts
After your bird's-eye view of the skyscraper, the crowning finale is the Palace of Fine Arts, the landmark of Mexico City. The “Bellas Artes” metro station will take you back home.
Tip: Additional museum visit
Haven't seen enough yet? The Museo de la Ciudad de Mexico is just a few blocks from the Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo). The large museum is a must if you are interested in the history of Mexico City. It is also located in the former palace: insights into the interior of the impressive building are included in the museum visit.
Alternatively, art lovers can visit the Museo Nacional de Arte. This large exhibition of Mexican art is located just a few meters from the Palace of Fine Arts.
Ideas: Additional tours & tickets
Most of Mexico City's attractions can easily be explored on your own. Additional program items with a local guide promise new perspectives and first-hand information about the culture, country and people. Perhaps you would also like to experience the infamous Mexican wrestling?
Sightseeing: Hop-on Hop-off bus through Mexico City
If you are afraid of long distances on foot or public transport such as the metro, then a hop-on hop-off bus is just the thing for you to explore Mexico City. With the day ticket you can get on and off as often as you like and an audio guide provides additional information. Of course, you should always keep an eye on the timetable as you explore.
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Culinary discovery with a food tour in the center
Sometimes a guided tour by locals is a nice addition. How about a culinary foray through Mexico City, for example? A visit to the market, authentic street food, traditional restaurants and typical sweets will satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth. Local guides can provide authentic insights and tell you a lot about the food and drinks.
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Lucha Libre Show – Mexican Wrestling
Lucha Libre, freestyle wrestling, is a popular Mexican sport. What is special about Mexican wrestling, in addition to the exciting fights, is the colorful masks worn by the fighters. This means that the fighter himself remains anonymous and at the same time a new personality is created that is intended to inspire the audience. Physical exertion, aerial acrobatics and colorful masquerades promise the best entertainment for the spectators.
Colossal murals by Diego Rivera in the famous Palace of Fine Arts and unique works of art by David Alfaro Siqueiros in the Colegio de San Ildefonso bring Mexico's past to life. You will also find them in the middle of the Mercado Abelardo Rodiguez, a bustling market: the murals by Clemente Orozco transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
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2) The Chapultepec circuit with park, castle & museum
The Bosque de Chapultepec is located southwest of the historic center and is the largest green area in Mexico City. Around 4 square kilometers of green space invite you to stroll and linger. Famous attractions such as the Anthropological Museum are also nearby.
1. Ceremonial Dance & Anthropological Museum
In the park in front of the Museo Nacional de Antropologia you will find the Voladores de Papantla. Wearing traditional clothing, they perform a ceremonial dance in which five men climb a 20-meter-high pole. They represent the sun and the four winds. Four men tie a rope around their stomachs and let themselves circle down to the earth upside down. The dance is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Anthropological Museum exhibits the culture of the Maya, the Aztecs and the Zapotecs, as well as contemporary indigenous culture in Mexico. The famous Aztec sun stone (also called the calendar stone) can also be seen. The collection is huge, so if you are genuinely interested in historical culture you should definitely allow enough time.
2. Chapultepec Park
After so many historical impressions and exciting exhibits, a walk through Chapultepec Park is the ideal contrast. Relax in the green oasis of Mexico. You can first fortify yourself with street food at small street stalls near the Anthropological Museum. Lakes, fountains, sculptures, Aztec ruins, the botanical garden, a free zoo, various museums and the impressive Chapultepec Castle await you in the park.
3. Chapultepec Castle
The Chapultepec Castle on the summit of Chapultepec is another highlight of Mexico City. The castle dates back to the 18th century and was converted into an imperial residence in the 19th century. After the fall of the Second Empire, Chapultepec Castle was the official seat of government for the presidents of Mexico. The Museo Nacional de Historia within the castle can be visited and offers insights into the interior of the magnificent building. The “Chapultepec” metro station will take you back home.
Tip: Additional program
Haven't seen enough yet? As an additional program, you can take a look at the lively main traffic artery, Paseo de la Reforma. It is located very close by. A popular photo subject is the Angel of Independence, which stands on a column in the roundabout and towers in front of the modern skyscrapers of Mexico City. Alternatively, the Museo Jardin del Aqua is a nice additional attraction.
Ideas: Additional tours & tickets
To keep track of large museums, a guided tour is sometimes worth its weight in gold. But a local guide also helps you gain new insights beyond the usual tourist routes and delve deeper into the unique flair of Mexico City.
Discover Mexico City by bike
Fancy a bike tour in Mexico City? With a local guide, you'll find your way around easily and are often a little off the beaten track. You stop again and again and your guide explains sights or various artistic graffiti. You are guaranteed a new perspective. During a short break you can also try Mexican street food.
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Guided tour of the Anthropological Museum
The Anthropological Museum exhibits the culture of the Maya, the Aztecs and the Zapotecs, as well as contemporary indigenous culture in Mexico. The famous Aztec sun stone can also be seen. A guided tour will help you find your way around the huge exhibition (almost 80.000 square meters). Let your guide guide you and explain the highlights to you. Afterwards you can stay in the museum on your own.
If you spend several days in Mexico City, you should also treat yourself to a detour to more remote parts of the city: for example, to Xochimilco or Coyoácan. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time and experience the unique atmosphere of the Day of the Dead in Mixquic.
1) The floating gardens of Xochimilco
During the colonial period, Xochimilco was the breadbasket of Mexico City and is known for its "floating gardens". The famous canals of Xochimilco are the remains of an old Aztec irrigation system. The artificial islands were used for agricultural cultivation. Today, life pulsates there in a festival atmosphere. Tourist offers around the typical colorful boats, trips to the doll island, but also a quiet kayak trip in the morning await you. Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2) The artists’ quarter of Coyoácan
Coyoácan already existed as a town in the 14th century and was the first city in New Spain in 1521 (after the conquest and destruction of Tenochtitlan by the Spanish). In the meantime, Mexico City has incorporated Coyoácan and so the “place of the coyotes” became the dreamy colonial artists' district of Mexico City.
3) The Day of the Dead in Mixquic
San Andrés Mixquic is located on the southeastern outskirts of Mexico City. The small town in the capital district is famous for the unique atmosphere on the Day of the Dead. Death masks, candlelight, flowers and local altars honor the deceased. The residents go from the monastery to the cemetery in a procession. You can experience the unusual festival from October 31st to November 2nd.
Off the beaten track: kayaking in Xochimilco
This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the charm of Xochimilco before the daily hustle and bustle of tourists. Kayaking through the former Aztec irrigation system and watching the sunrise is a special experience. A visit to the famous Island of the Dolls is also included in the excursion. Early in the morning it is easiest and most pleasant to arrive at the meeting point by Uber.
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Bus tour including boat trip (silver crafts, Coyoácan, university, Xochimilco)
If you prefer guided bus tours, you can get a little insight into different areas in just one day: When visiting Xochimilco, a boat trip in the typical colorful boats (trajineras) is included. You can extend the short sightseeing in Coyoácan (depending on pre-booking) with an additional visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum. There will also be a stop at the university and a souvenir shop.
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Coyoácan tour including ticket to the Frida Kahlo Museum
Coyoácan is known as Mexico City's bohemian district. Beautiful alleys, street art, small parks and varied markets are waiting for you. Coyoácan was also the home of the world-famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. After a guided tour including snacks at the market, you can visit the Frida Kahlo Museum on your own. A “skip-the-line ticket” is included in the price and saves waiting time.
Experience the unique celebrations on the Day of the Dead and be right in the middle of it all. Locals will show and explain their famous tradition and share the traditional bread of the dead with you. Visit not only the altars in the Pantheon, but also private altars in people's homes. Perhaps you would like to light a candle yourself and give something to the deceased? Unforgettable impressions are guaranteed.
a) Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon of Teotihuacán
The pyramid city of Teotihuacán is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. For the Aztecs, this was the place where the world was created. The largest step pyramid is the famous Pyramid of the Sun.
You should not miss this main attraction if you are in Mexico City. Teotihuacán is only about 50 kilometers (about 1 hour by car) from Mexico City and can also be reached by bus. A very special experience is a hot air balloon flight with a view of the pyramids.
b) Statues by Tula de Allende
The statues of Tula de Allende (about 85 kilometers from Mexico City, 1,5 hours by car) are absolutely worth seeing and are far less well known among tourists than other sights.
The name of Mexico City has its origins in the language of the Aztecs. The Aztecs were also called Mexicas. Mexitli was also a god of war. The Aztecs built their capital on an island in Lake Texoco, the Lake of the Moon. They called the island Metzlixicictlico, Center of the Moon. Their capital Tenochtitlan was built there.
Metzli means moon xictlii means navel or center co means place
The Spanish found the word Metzlixicictlico too complicated and later simplified it to Mexico. Hence the name Mexico City. The state of Mexico was eventually named after the capital.
How did the national flag of Mexico come about?
The war of independence against Spanish colonial rule lasted from 1810 to 1812. Mexico has been independent since then. The Mexican flag has three vertical stripes in the colors green, white and red. The coat of arms of Mexico is in the middle.
Green stands for independence White stands for religion Red stands for unity
The coat of arms of Mexico shows an eagle with a snake in its beak standing on a cactus. The origin of the coat of arms goes back to the ancient Aztecs. Legend has it that the Aztecs left their homeland and looked for a new place to live. Their god gave them a sign: they should look for a lake on which an eagle with a snake in its beak was sitting on a cactus on a rock. A new city was to be built there. And so it happened - the Aztecs built their new capital Tenochtitlán on the island in Lake Texoco in the Valley of Mexico.
Why is Mexico City sinking?
The capital of Mexico was built on the muddy bottom of a dried-up lake. The groundwater level is sinking and with it the ground on which Mexico City was built. In 2014, Der Spiegel reported on satellite measurements showing that parts of Mexico City are sinking by around 30 centimeters per year. In 2024, Focus already reported that the global metropolis is sinking by around 50 centimeters every year.
The uncontrolled growth of the capital is leading to massive overuse of groundwater reserves. In addition, the effects of climate change are causing the groundwater level to fall. The subsidence not only causes damage to buildings, but also causes pipes to burst, which puts an additional strain on the capital's water supply. The subsidence is particularly visible in old, heavy buildings: the original entrance to some churches is already below the sidewalk. There is now fear of a "Day Zero" when Mexico City's water supply could collapse completely.
Before we get all the information, we always felt safe in Mexico City. It is of course possible to stroll through Mexico City in a relaxed manner, take the subway and experience the bustling metropolis as an individual tourist without being robbed or threatened. Nevertheless, like any big city, Mexico City naturally offers plenty of opportunities for pickpockets and petty criminals. It is always a good idea to be cautious and to appear safe but inconspicuous. If you are looking for a positive example, read the AgeTM article: "Honesty instead of crime in Mexico City - a positive experience."
Tepito, the most dangerous neighborhood in Mexico City
However, various districts in Mexico City are known for a greatly increased incidence of street crime. Tourists should simply avoid these notorious districts. For example, the Tepito district is considered the most dangerous district in Mexico City. Since this district is directly adjacent to the popular tourist district of El Zócalo in the historic center, it is useful to know this. Tepito is a poor district with around 50.000 inhabitants and a bazaar where you can buy not only bargains but also contraband, weapons and drugs. Among YouTubers, a walk through Tepito is considered a tourist test of courage. Whether such excursions make sense is debatable. The Federal Foreign Office also warns against visiting non-tourist districts of Mexico City. Most districts with well-known sights, however, can be visited without any problems.
Rules of conduct for a safe visit to Mexico City
Do not wear expensive clothes or accessories that attract attention
Radiate security and yet remain alert and cautious
Pay more attention to your valuables in crowds (e.g. the subway)
Avoid known “bad” neighborhoods (e.g. Tepito)
If you want to visit non-tourist areas, never at night
The most dangerous cities in Mexico
Of the twenty-five most dangerous cities in the world in 2023, thirteen are in Mexico. However, Mexico City is not one of them. Instead, Colima, Ciudad Obregón, Zamora, Manzanillo, Tijuana, Zacatecas, Juárez, Celaya, Cuernavaca, Acapulco, Uruapan, Irapuato and León are listed. Source: https://de.statista.com/statistik/daten/studie/982322/umfrage/staedte-mit-den-meisten-mordfaellen-pro-100000-einwohner-weltweit/#statisticContainer
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