9 exciting reasons to visit Mexico City
If there is one city that will satisfy different types of people, from adventurers through art lovers to those who are exclusively interested in the gastro scene, it is definitely Mexico City.
The capital of Mexico, and one of the oldest cities in the world, which until recently was the largest (still in the top 5), is considered by many to be one of the most exciting places on the planet. The city is divided into 16 districts, and today we will look at its most interesting attractions…
1. Templo Mayor
Mexico City was built on the remains of the legendary city of Tenochtitlan, which was founded by the Aztecs. In 1978, maintenance people from a local electric company performed routine excavation work northeast of Zocal. They discovered a huge stone disk (3.25 meters in diameter) engraved with the dismembered figure of Coyolxauhqui, the Aztec goddess of the moon. Subsequent archaeological excavations have uncovered more than 7,000 items that are now part of the Templo Mayor Museum.
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2. Metro
Although at first glance it may seem to you that the "malicious" subway network is as dangerous as people think, it is incredibly cheap and the second-largest transit system in North America. The city itself could not function without this metro system. Also, the stations are filled with a charming blooming that celebrates the rich cultural offer of the city. Be sure to visit Zocalo Station.
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3. Metropolitan Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary from Mexico City is impressive from any point of view. The cathedral, both the largest and oldest in America, is located on the north side of the Plaza de la Constitucion. The Metropolitan Cathedral is the dominant point of the historic core of the city, which is under UNESCO protection. However, the ground on which it is located is becoming more and more unstable from year to year due to two towers weighing 127 thousand tons. That is why the cathedral is on the list of the 100 most damaged buildings in the world.
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4. Diego Rivera Murals
No visit to Mexico City is complete without visiting the mural of the legendary Mexican artist Diego Rivera. The most famous is, perhaps, Rivera's position on the history of Mexico in the Palacio Nacional. The most enchanting (and most daring) is the Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park, hidden in a small building on the edge of Alameda. Mexican heroes and villains are out in the best edition, and the artist, portrayed as a little boy, is holding on to death. Humor in Mexico is often quite morbid, and this is especially evident in the murals of the great artist.
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5. Frida Kahlo Museum (La Casa Azul)
Modest in size, but no less ostentatious in its uniquely Mexican way, the Frida Kahlo Museum (also known as the Blue House) is a wonderful recognition of the artist's recognizable aesthetics. Its peacocks may no longer exist, but the cobalt blue buildings are full of papier-mâché sculptures, paintings, and many original pieces of furniture. Visitors who hope to see Frida's most famous painting - Los Dos Fridas, should head to the Museo de Arte Moderno.
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6. Colonia Roma
The "It" neighborhood for young and urban people is undoubtedly Roma, full of art galleries, bookstores, and numerous cafes where you can sit and talk about the revolution with urban hipsters. In this part of Mexico City, there are palaces in the French style, former homes of aristocratic society, which have now been turned into public institutions and restaurants. The district, however, still offers a sense of Art Nouveau, especially on Alvaro Obregon Avenue, which is lined with ash trees and sculptures.
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7. Bosque de Chapultepec
If a local recommends Chapultepec Park, be sure to think of the forest. This oasis is located on 686 hectares. Green Sanctuary is about the same as New York's Central Park: without it, the city would be almost uninhabitable. It is easy to spend hours just walking the paths with papaya coated with chili from the ubiquitous food stalls. Interestingly, Chapultepec actually has a wealth of museums and even a zoo.
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Its crown is the high castle of Chapultepec, which is located in the center of the park at the top of the "locust hill". Emperor Maximilian I once lived in the castle - before the Mexicans decided that the monarchy was not for them, executing it and proclaiming a republic.
8. Street food + liqueur mescal
Part of the famous Mexican street food is - tacos (hot sandwiches). This is a cheap, tasty meal for a traveler who wants to eat something off his feet. If you are still not sure about ground chorizo, stick to Quesadillas, stuffed with white Oaxaca cheese. While you are in Mexico, be sure to try the cloudy liqueur mescal, a forerunner of tequila made from the cactus plant maguey.
9. Xochimilco
The charming Xochimilco district with canals and gondolas is definitely a place not to be missed while staying in Mexico City. Yes, loud Mexican families, floating mariachi bands, and women selling canoe corn may be a little too much for you at one point, but this is one of the most enjoyable trips to Mexico City.
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By: Sarah R.
