Mexico’s enchanting capital has its unique wonders, it’s not a surprise to know it’s the oldest capital of the Americas (Founded in 1325 by the Aztec Empire). Mexico City is the fourth largest city in the world. According to Forbes, it has attracted 10 million tourist just the first quarter of 2018 (it is expecting 40 million tourists by the end of the year!) So with all this new knowledge, where exactly are the most random and interesting places to visit and experience during your time in the Taco Capital? Here are 20 of my favorite places to visit when I’m not eating tacos and/or drinking tequila. (Note: the list is divided geographically, making it more efficient to visit each spot, you're welcome.)
1. Fuente Tlaloc
The Tlaloc fountain is not only located in the beautiful Chapultepec Park (that is btw twice the size of New York’s Central Park) it was created by the talented Diego Rivera! Five years before his death he was able to finish a surprisingly different work of art compared to his striking murals and large paintings. The Tlaloc fountain, representing the Aztec god of rain, lightning and thunder, is a massive tiled sculpture where water used to rush all over the god.
Note: When I went, it was being restored and there was no water running through the sculpture, it is still highly recommended to go and visit, there is definitely nothing like it.
2. Castillo Chapultepec
Chapultepec’s Castle is the only real castle in the Americas, as it was home of Spanish Viceroys and the Austrian Emperor, Maximilian of Habsburg.[1] Later, the castle became home of the Mexican presidents until 1939 when President Lázaro Cárdenas turned it into the National History Museum.[2] The now museum, stands tall at about 2,325 meters (7,628 ft) above sea level and is open for visitors. It has incredible 360 degree views of the city and beautiful interior design.
[3-10 are around the center]
3. Mercado Sonora
The heart of witchcraft in the city. As you walk through the largest esoteric market in Mexico you will be offered a spiritual cleanse, a special spray to attract your crush, herbs to take out your bad energy, ritual pamphlets, the list goes on and on. Superstitious? This is the perfect spot on the map.
4. National Shrine of the Holy Death
Our lady of the Holy Death is gaining huge amounts of believers in Mexico, although it is condemned by the Catholic Church, you can see for yourself her first temple founded my Enriqueta Romero. Nuestra Señora de la Santa Muerte is associated with healing, protection, and safe delivery to the afterlife.[7] If you are VERY intrigued, watch the first episode of “Dark Tourist” on Netflix.
5. Pastelería Ideal
Ideal bakery is a must to try out some of the most traditional Mexican pastries and sweet bread, pan dulce. Go up to the second floor and be amazed by the large cakes for weddings, birthday parties, and quinceaneras (hispanic tradition celebration of a girls 15th birthday). Willy Wonka would be proud.
6. Palacio Postal
Mexico City’s central post office was designed by Adamo Boari, the same designer of Palacio de Bellas Artes. The details on this building are overwhelming as you play with your eyes through the beige stones held up by beautiful baroque columns and bronze railings on the monumental staircase. The best part of it all, it’s still in full function! Send away postcards to your loved ones!
7. Panteon de San Fernando
This cemetery is considered one of the oldest cemeteries in the city. During its recent years this cemetery was public and turned into the most exclusive cemetery in the city. One of the most famous people buried here is Benito Juárez and his family, as well as Juan de la Granja, Ignacio Zaragoza and many others. In 2006 it was open for the public as a museum to help visitors understand Mexico’s history through a new perspective.[8]
Note: Due to the most recent earthquake it has been closed and will reopen in December 2018
8. Biblioteca Vasconcelos
This place is jaw-dropping, you can never be too prepared to enter this book world. This public library was designed by Alberto Kalach and completed in 2007.[9] With its strange geographical shapes, transparent walls, and staircases all over the place, make it the most amazing libraries you will ever get to encounter. You actually want to get lost in this place.
9. Ex Cine Opera
Cine Opera was one of the most popular movie theaters in Mexico. Its fancy art decó facade has two large sculptures showing the two masks of comedy and tragedy. Today, the Cine Opera is abandoned and has been for two decades. It’s interesting to pass by the location to see how a once grandiose building can turn into a haunting deteriorating site.
10. Mercado San Juan
Want to taste Mexico? Come check this market out. Here you will find the most exotic delights such as chapulines, escamoles, escorpiones, and tarantulas (grasshoppers, ant eggs, scorpions and tarantulas). You can also find here fresh tortillas, recently slaughtered chicken, goat, and pigs. As well as internationally cheese and exotic fruits and veggies. Buen provecho! (Bon Appetite)
[11-15 are located in Coyocan]
11. Xochimilco
Writing about this place makes me smile, it’s such an authentic place to go in visit in the city. In 1987 it was declared a World Heritage Site, discover it’s colorful environment as you float through the water canals built by the Aztecs. It’s is recommended to go with a group of friends and family as you pick your own colorful gondola-like boat called trajinera(s). As you float on by you will experience a very festive atmosphere as people come here to have a good time, especially on the weekends. As you float around, food vendors, artisans, mariachi bands and micheladas (Mexican drink made with beer) will also float around you. You can visit the man made islands such as, Island of the Dolls.
12. Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo
This two building house/studio/office was built for Frida and Diego in 1931 by Juan O’Gorman. You can find online that the two buildings were made one for each of the artists, the larger white one was for Diego and the smaller Blue one for Frida. This however is not true, the white building was Diego’s studio, it was much larger since his paintings and work overall were always big, here he had also a small office where he would make meetings for future clients and current projects. The blue building was their home, the first floor was the living room and kitchen and second their bedroom a bathroom and a small studio for Frida. They however lived here a very short time of their lives (if I remember correctly only three years) they divorced, later remarried and lived in Frida’s house when they got back together. They never lived here again but Diego kept working in his studio, it was really hard for Frida to live here because of all the stairs as she was in a wheelchair from her accident.
13. Museo el Carmen
Want to see some mummies? This museum was formally a monastery school and chapel, in 1861 the building was abandoned and it was until 68 years later it was discovered by members of the Liberation Army of the South, they were mainly looking for treasures, so they left the mummies and left the crypt uncovered.[11]The mummies were rediscovered by locals exploring the abandoned building and finally they were put in glass caskets for visitors to see up close. The twelve mummies are found in the very back of the building, be ready to get spooked!
14. Casa Leon Trotsky
Leon Trotsky was a Russian revolutionary. He was deported to Mexico in 1936 and throughout the years of exile Trotsky harshly criticized Stalin for betraying Marxism. This lead for Stain ordering his elimination as he attempted a few times to assassin him. At age 60 a Soviet agent, Ramon Mercader stabbed him in his home with an ice pick and died the next day. His house has now turned into a museum honoring him, you can walk around the house and the garden where his personal items are preserved as well as his ashes of both him and his wife.
[16-18 are activities to do in the evening]
15. Speakeasy-Hanky Panky
This speakeasy is found in a corner of what is just supposed to be a taco place. You can make a reservation through their Facebook and they will put your name on the list. It’s a very cute speakeasy with cocktails inspired by the US Prohibition Era.
16. Lucha Libre
Go to the heart of genuine Mexican entertainment by going to the Lucha Libre. You will be surprised by the loud and fun atmosphere of the venue as the audience cheers and screams to their favorite and not so favorite luchadores. You can get tickets online or directly before the fight in the ticket stand in Arena Mexico. You can go watch a fight almost every day of the week.
17. Mexican Theater
Mexican theater is one-of-a-kind, there are shows of all types of genres, from comedies, musicals, and dramas. Check the website, https://carteleradeteatro.mx/ for tickets. If you aren’t a Spanish speaker I’d recommend watching a musical.
[Outside the city]
18. Nevado de Toluca
Nevado de Toluca is a large stratovolcano about 80 kilometers from the city. It is Mexico’s fourth highest peak (4,680 meters above sea level). It has incredible views and it has from easy to hard hikes around the peak and what are now to small lakes where the crater used to be.
19. Piramides Teotihuacan
Visit an ancient Mesoamerican city located 40 kilometers from Mexico City. It is thought to have been establish around 100 BCE. You can hike up the pyramids and explore one of Mexico’s cities.
*BONUS*
20. La Casa de los Tacos
One of my favorite taco restaurants located in Coyocan. By far one of the most authentic tacos, make sure to stop by here and order as many tacos as your heart desires.
Resources:
1. 20 Facts You Never Imagined of Mexico City
https://www.myguidemexicocity.com/travel-articles/20-facts-you-never-imagined-of-mexico-city
2. Talc Diego Rivera Fountain
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/aztec-rain-god-tlaloc-diago-rivera-fountain
3. Wikipedia-Mexico City
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_City
4. Tlaloc
https://www.azteccalendar.com/god/Tlaloc.html
5. Chapultepec Castle
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/mexico-city/attractions/castillo-de-chapultepec/a/poi-sig/1382610/361544
6. Mercado de Sonora
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mercado-de-sonora
7.Our Lady of the Holy Death
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Muerte
8. Museo Panteon de San Fernando
https://www.cdmx.gob.mx/vive-cdmx/post/museo-panteon-de-san-fernando
9. Biblioteca Vasconcelos
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/city-of-books-at-biblioteca-vasconcelos
10. Cine Opera
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cine_%C3%93pera
11. Museo el Carmen
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-mummies-at-museo-de-el-carmen-mexico-city-mexico
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