Mexico is a country with great cultural diversity, coupled with its vast natural and historical wealth. Its exquisite cuisine has gained international recognition and its geographical location makes it a destination with an extraordinary climate. In addition, there are many tourist attractions in Mexico that make it a very attractive country.
Mexico City is the capital of the country, one of the most exciting places to visit and one of the most popular. It receives more than 6.8 million tourists annually (El Economista, 2022). It is also one of the favorite places for expats and digital nomads, being a dynamic, multifaceted, and constantly moving center, serving as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center.
If you are wondering what to do in Mexico City, in this article we will show you the best tourist places for foreigners, we hope your stay in this great city will be unforgettable!
What are the most visited places in the CDMX?
There are many places you must visit in Mexico City. One of the attributes that make this city unique is the way it brings together the past with the present. Here are the most visited and iconic places in Mexico City, from its pre-Hispanic past, through the colonial era, to the modern life that takes place in the metropolis.
The most visited places in the CDMX- The pre-Hispanic past
The pre-Hispanic past is clear in the names of many streets and city halls, in the many native languages that can still be heard when walking through the streets, or in valuable pieces that can be seen in several museums of this great city.
If you want to learn about the ancient history of Mexico, you should visit some of the following sites:
Templo Mayor
It was a witness to important events, both the flourishing of the Mexica empire and its decadence. On this temple was built the power of colonial Mexico, so it shows the clash between two different worlds and cultures.
To understand its relevance, you can visit the museum, which has many pre-Hispanic objects such as the monolith of the moon goddess, Coyolxauhqui. Undoubtedly, it is one of the great tourist attractions in Mexico.
National Museum of Anthropology
This is not only the largest museum in Mexico but one of the most important museums in the world. It has two main sections: the archeology and ethnography collections that stand for the indigenous past, but also the presence of the original peoples in Mexico.
In the museum, you will find relics from different pre-Hispanic cultures such as the famous Sun Stone, traditional clothing and textiles, handicrafts, agriculture, and more.
Xochimilco
This place is the last testimony of the ancient agricultural-lacustrine system of pre-Hispanic Mexico. In the Xochimilco Ecological Park, you can appreciate a wonderful view of the chinampero system created by the Mexicas to cultivate their lands.
You can also observe unique species such as the endemic ajolotes, which are in danger of extinction.
The most visited places in the CDMX – The colonial and historical past
On the other hand, this city also reflects its colonial past. It gathers sites of great historical and cultural value that reflect important events. Undoubtedly, Mexico City is a state with many stories to tell.
Discover the following places:
Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City
It is the largest cathedral in Latin America and one of the most important Catholic sanctuaries in the world. It is an imposing building with fourteen chapels that was built on the ruins of the Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan.
Located north of the Zocalo square, it is the most iconic monument in the Historic Center of the City. Its diverse architectural styles reflect the centuries that its construction lasted (1573 to 1813) and show the design of life in the Novo-Hispanic era.
National Palace
Is the seat of the Federal Executive Power of Mexico. It was found east of the Plaza de la Constitución in the Historic Center of the capital. Built on an area of 40,000 m2. This makes it a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1987.
Its architecture features neoclassical, baroque, and neocolonial styles. In addition, it houses a valuable artistic heritage, with murals by artists such as Diego Rivera.
Chapultepec Castle
This place was the residence of Emperor Maximilian and his wife Carlota in 1864. In the castle, which is the only real one on the American continent, you can appreciate furniture, photographs, documents, and paintings, among other collections.
It is also home to the National Museum of History and undoubtedly, one of the spaces that house the historical facts of Mexico.
The most visited places in the CDMX – Modern Mexico
Finally, Mexico City also has a current and modern life. It is a place where you will always find something to do, day or night.
Whether you want to visit museums, take long walks, contemplate its architecture, enjoy the silence of the libraries or the noise in a bar with your friends, these are some places you should visit:
Palacio de Bellas Artes
This majestic place is a cultural and artistic venue, with galleries, exhibition halls, and murals. Its stages and halls show theater, dance, opera, plastic arts, and music. On its walls, you can admire the works of the greatest exponents of Mexican muralism.
Undoubtedly, this place is the most emblematic architectural jewel of Mexico, which has seen social and cultural changes in the country.
Ciudad Universitaria
In this educational precinct found south of the CDMX you can enjoy many activities. The cultural offerings provided by the National Autonomous University of Mexico is extensive.
You can visit the Central Campus, considered Cultural Heritage of Humanity, to see and learn about its majestic Central Library. You can also visit its museums, concert halls, spend an afternoon in the central courtyard, visit the Olympic Stadium or attend academic activities.
Latin American Tower
This skyscraper is in the Historic Center of Mexico City and is one of the most imposing buildings in the Metropolitan Zone.
Its public observation deck, on the 44th floor, offers people the best view of the city, ideal for your souvenir photos.
We hope this list of the best places to visit in Mexico City will be useful for you to plan your itinerary, so don’t miss the opportunity to explore them!
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