Top 10 Things To Do In Mexico City

Don’t be put off by Mexico’s scary reputation. Mexico City, or D.F., is full of exciting things to keep you busy. We’re not just talking about sombreros, not that they’re not great. Check in at the Hostel Cathedral, which offers a fantastic central location, host of nighttime social activities, day tours and an awesome rooftop bar, then get out and go see the city.

1. Visit The Centre of The Universe

The Zocalo is Mexico City’s massive central plaza, which over the last 700 years or so has been the hub of Mexica ceremonies, royal addresses, military parades, Independence celebrations and Catholic events such as Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Corpus Christi. The square and  its colossal flagpole are surrounded by a number of hotels, hostels, tourist centres and rooftop bars as well as the Cathedral, the National Palace and the Templo Mayor to the northwest, one of the main ancient temples, which was according to Aztec legend ‘the centre of the universe.’

2. Breakfast In Bellas Artes

Just a couple stops away on the metro, or a fifteen minute walk, is Bellas Artes, the most important cultural centre of the country. The palace is known for its murals by Diego Rivera (that’s the famous muralist and Frida Kahlo’s husband FYI) as well at’s exhibitions and theatrical performances. It faces the beautiful Alameda Central Park, a former Aztec market place, now public park filled with white decorative fountains and benches: a perfect spot for breakfast. Also, free wifi. The park is also adjacent to a high street for all your consumer needs and the Museum of Memory and Tolerance, and unforgettable homage to the genocides of the 20th century to the present.

3. Climb The Pyramids

Yes Mexico does have Pyramids. Aztec pyramids Really old Aztec pyramids. Just outside D.F. is Teotihuacan, the ancient Mesoamerican city thought to have been established around 100BC. Amazingly, the pyramids are still standing and in incredible shape. For a cheap entry free you can enter the archaeological site and take a tour or visit the bustling market. The largest and most popular pyramid is the Pyramid of Sun, and when you reach the top and are done congratulating yourself for how fit you must be, you’ll be able to see the green Mexico Valley for miles, the enormous D.F. and a lot of gringos taking selfies.

4. Know Your Mesoamerican History

The Museo Nacional de Antropologia in Chapultepec Park is the most visited museum in the country. Huge and well-laid out, the museum separates into galleries each dealing with the history and artefacts of the indigenous people from the different regions in Mexico. It has a beautiful garden that looks like something out of the set of Indiana Jones, complete with large stone heads, and also houses the Stone of the Sun, the enormous altar stone you will find reproduced in any tourist shop worth its mettle.

5. Climb to the Castle

Since you’re already in Chapultepec, work off those tacos by climbing the hill to the famous castle, formerly a military academy, imperial home, presidential residence and now national history museum. This is the only castle in North America that was actually lived in by a monarch: Emperor Maximilian I. The museum has some fascinating exhibits and artefacts to tell the story of modern Mexico through empire, revolution and independence.

6. Take the Train. Seriously!

The metro in D.F. is really cool. It’s big, clean, really cheap and each station has a little picture icon. Cute. It’s a busy area which even has separate sections for women and children, so don’t be scared off by Mexico’s gangsta-rep. Plenty of lone gringas have gone through and survived. Taxis are relatively cheap but make sure to use an official car (the new models are pink and white, like candy canes). Vans and buses are also popular forms of public transport, but remember to keep small change handy.

6. Check out Coyoacan

Head south to the bohemian barrio locally shortened to ‘Coyo,’ brimming with cool restaurants, lots of street food, colonial mansions, quiet cobblestone streets and a fantastic market. Here you can find all sorts of cheap souvenirs, great street food and handmade sweets. The borough is also home to the Casa Azul, or the Frida Kahlo Museum, where the world-renowned artist lived with her husband Diego Rivera and hosted the exiled Trotsky before WW2 (Trotsky also gets a museum, nearby). In the evening head to La Coyoacana for some great local grub, good vibes and live Mariachi music.

7.  Watch Men Wrestle in Superhero Masks

It’s called Lucha Libre, or free wrestling, and you’ll see luchador masks/keyrings/tea-cosies all over the D.F. tourist scene. It’s wild and adrenaline-fuelled and oddly reminiscent of Roman gladiatorial combats, but, hey, it’s tradition. CMLL regularly holds fights at The Arena Mexico in the city centre, so give it a go. Trumps WWE.

 

9. Eat Tacos And Get Drunk

There’s more to Mexico than tacos and tequila, but that doesn’t mean they’re not important. Tacos make the ideal backpacker food: they’re cheap, everywhere, tasty and can fill you for a day, although us gringos don’t seem to mastered the magical Mexican art form of eating a tortilla overflowing with chicken, oil and salsa without becoming a public humiliation. Drown your embarrassment in Mexico’s signature drink, downed with lemon juice and spicy salsa, or some mezcal if you’re feeling brave.

10. Have a Fiesta

Mexicans are great social bunch, and on a night out at the antro (that’s the club) you’re guaranteed to make a load of friends, whether they just want to share their tequila, attempt to teach you salsa or bully you onto the karaoke stage. La Pata Negra, in the nightlife hub of Condesa is an expat favourite so you’re guaranteed to meet some fellow gringos there. Insurgentes has a more local vibe and friendlier price tags. La Chilanguita is a great venue with frequent events, promotions and karaoke contests. Enter at your own risk.
By Sarah Morland