Mexico City, a country so close to my heart. I was extremely excited to explore this city and delved into the wonders of the culture. After several times, going to Mexico as a child, I have never been to CDMX. This was my first-time journeying into this lively city.
This is my parent’s origin of country but from two completely different states. My mother is from Zacatecas and my father is from Mexicali.And I cannot wait to go back for a second or third round as there is so much to see. A week was just not enough time to get lost in this beautiful and vibrant city.
Museo National de Antropologia (National Museum of Antropology)
The National Anthropology Museum is located in the Bosque Chapultepec (Chapultepec Forest) and it holds some of the greatest artifacts dating back to Mexico’s pre-Columbian era. Here, you will see the famous Aztec Calendar Stone, the Aztec arts, games, beauty, life, dancing and so much more. They have beautiful garden fountains with so much plush greenery and nature like features. The museum demonstrates expositions, how life was lived, display culture values and food. This is a very large museum, give yourself the day to explore as much as you can.
Bosque de Chapultepec
It is one of the largest renowned parks and it is located on a rock hill called Chapultepec Hill. It is a landmark built in Pre-Columbian time. There is so much to see and explore. They have a zoo, monuments, statues, fountains and so much cultural displays. This park is considered to help the city replenish oxygen due to its various and enormous trees that can help clean the air.
The park is divided into three sections:
- 1st section: Includes the zoo, National Anthropology Museum, Chapultepec Castle, National Historic Museum, Modern Art and a lake.
- 2nd section: Holds a amusement park, Natural History Museum, and so many other museums available. It also includes restaurants, a cemetery, fountains and the arts.
- 3rd section: Here, you will encounter so much greenery and nature surrounding the park. Its calmer and much more peaceful.
Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe
A religious sanctuary built on the Tepeyac hill in 1695 to honor the Virgin Mary. It was the first basilica to be established honoring the Virgin Mary. It is believed that a man named Juan Diego witness the Virgin Mary and asked him to visit the bishop to build her a church on the hill in her honor.
It is a sacred location for the Mexican people to visit and pay respect. It is also a tourist religious location whether you identify with Catholicism or nothing at all. Explore the basilica, the museum, the nature and smell the flowers, and there are multiple gift shops surrounding the area.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
A white marble palace filled with so many artistic artifacts, paintings, statues, architecture, contemporary exhibitions and historical figures. The Bellas Artes was remodeled into its own historical character with stained glass curtain showcasing Valle de Mexico.
It was designed by Mexican painter Gerardo Murillo and gathered millions of pieces of colored glass from Tiffany. There is a theater that seasonally showcases opera and symphony performances. And, of course the Ballet Folkorico de Mexico performance. You cannot miss it.
Teotihuacan
“The City of Gods.” Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city just a about an hour outside of Mexico City. UNESCO acclaimed the historical location as a World Heritage Site in 1987. The Aztecs discovered the city in the 1400s. It is the most prominent establishment in the region. The city holds multiple intense pyramid structures such as The Pyramid of the Moon, The Pyramid of the Sun, the Ciudadela, and Temple of Quetzalcoatl.
- After exploring the pyramids, we walked a few feet away from the pyramids and we treated ourselves to a lovely restaurant called La Gruta.
Arrive early to leisurely explore the pyramids. It can get quite crowded roughly around mid-morning leading to the afternoon hours. The pyramid of the Sun is the largest and traveling up and down the stairs can be a bit steep and scary at the same time, but completely doable and memorable. Once at the top, it’s just mesmerizing and it is a completely euphoric experience. It is so breathtaking. The city also offers a historical guide that will share with you all the details of the city. They have so many cute souvenir shops.
Zocalo Neighborhood
A prominent community that was once preoccupied by the Aztecs and gained popularity until post-colonization due to renewed architecture resembling pyramids and temples. It is a trendy and vibrant historical grandeur place that holds various establishments, including Catedral Metreopolitana (Metropolian Cathedral). The city hosts various festivities such as rituals, ceremonies, celebrations and parades. At the same time, this historical plaza, offers so many trendy restaurants, outdoor eating, bars, pasteries, fruit stands, and tiny taco stands.
- Some of my favorite include:
- Pasteria Ideal, Amor y Tacos, Chucherria El Morro. Pujol, Panaderia Rosetta, Balcon de Zocalo. And so many more street tacos.
Also, I highly recommended staying in Hotel Umbral. There décor is a very dark glamorous lifestyle. Their staff is the friendliest and were so helpful. They offer a rooftop bar, pool and restaurant. Including a wellness bar, which I frequented every day of my stay.
Xochimilco
Xochimilco Canals. A water lake with a small city fills the place with trendy and local goods and restaurants. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which helps conserve this pre-Hispanic location. Here, you have the flexibility to choose how long you would like to be exploring the lake with a talented rower. You are given various options in food and drinks to help you set the mood and have fun. Surrounding the canals are various souvenir shops and outside eating.
Museo Frida Kahlo
It is known as The Blue House located in Coyocan. Exploring this beautiful establishment brings such warmth and enthusiasm. It is the work of Frida Kahlo and it very much embodies her style from her personal lifestyle to her professional approach. As you entered you just see so much vibrancy in colors and nature and they mix so well together. Inside you will encounter so many amazing artifacts, arts, pictures, paintings. The kitchen and her studio are just my favorite forms of style.
Discover more of my adventures in Mexico. Check out my other blogpost to explore the things to do while in Puerto Vallarta or Cancun.
Melissa Medina
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