There is so much to do and see in Mexico City that it is really difficult to choose from all of the available options. Built on the ruins of the ancient Aztec city, Tenochtitlan, Mexico City is history come to life. Yet the modern cosmopolitan character of the largest city of the world is unmistakable. If you have limited time and are not sure what to do and what to see, here is a list of top five things to do and see in Mexico City.
Go to Zocalo
Zocalo or the Plaza de la Constitucion is the heart of the Mexico City. It is huge (830* 500 feet) and is the second largest public square in the world. There is a large Mexican flag at the center of the plaza which is lowered everyday at 6 pm. All sorts of Fiestas, political events, protest marches and sometimes even free concerts are arranged at the Zocalo. It was here that Shakira performed in May 2007 in front of more than 200,000 people. The square is lined by architecturally impressive and historically important buildings like The Metropolitan Cathedral, Museo Templo Mayor and Palacio Nacional. The Metropolitan Cathedral is really worth a visit. It is the oldest and largest cathedral in Latin America and its architecture is a curious mix of styles. The Palacio Nacional at the eastern side of the plaza houses the federal treasury and national archives. Go there to see Diego Rivera’s murals on Mexico’s history.
Hotels nearby: Holiday Inn Hotel, Gran hotel Cd Mexico,Best Western Majestic are few hotels near Zocalo
Restaurants nearby: Gnomo Café, Café Madero, Restaurante Osasuna are a few restaurants near Zocalo. The Gran Hotel also has a restaurant called the “El Mirador” which has few balconies overlooking Zocalo and the view is excellent.
Go to the Palacio de Belle Arts
Located at the Alameda Central Park, this impressive neoclassical palace is the cultural center of Mexico City. It is primarily a theatre but houses the Palace Museum as well as the National Museum of Architecture. Its main attraction is a Tiffany stained glass stage curtain portraying a panoramic view of the valley of Mexico with its two volcanoes. There also murals by Rufino Tamayo and Diego Riviera. It is open from 10 am every day and free guided tours to the main theatre to see the stained glass curtain are available from Tuesday to Friday between 1 and 1:30 pm.
Hotels nearby:Hilton Mexico City Reforma,Hotel Centro Historico, Hotel de Cortes are a few hotels in this area.
Restaurant nearby: Dine surrounded by resplendent Art Deco at the Café Del Palacio in the lobby.
Go to Xochimilco
A trip to Mexico City is incomplete without a visit to the gardens and canals of Xochimilco, ‘the garden of flowers’. The Chinampas or the “Floating gardens” of Xochimilco are artificially made islands on which horticultural products have been raised and are still raised. There are a variety of boats in the canals which are brightly colored. Take a tour on one of these boats or gondolas. There are boats selling foods and variety of items.
Hotels nearby: Motel Caban is a nearby motel. The JW Marriott in Mexico City Hotel is a good hotel nearby.
Restaurants nearby: Buy food from the boat vendors. Have some traditional Mexican food at Mercado Xochimilco.
Go to Teotihuacan
This is an impressive site where you can see ancient pyramids dedicated to the sun and moon gods. This archeological site is situated about 25 miles from the Mexico City. There are five entrances to this huge archeological site. If you want to go straight to the Pyramid of the Sun, start at entrance 2. In its time it was one of the biggest cities of the world and the name means “city of the gods’.
Hotels nearby:Quinto Sol Hotel andClub Med Villas Arquelogica are good hotels nearby.
Restaurants nearby: Try the La Gruta restaurant which is located in a cave. There are many other restaurants near the pyramids.
Go to Plaza de Toros
This is the largest bullfight Arena in the world and holds 45,000 spectators.The main season for bullfighting is the dry season, around November through March. Try to see a bullfight. It will be a lifetime experience.
Hotels nearby: Holiday Inn Hotel, Hotel El Diplomatico and Radisson Hotel Flamingos are a few nearby hotels.
Restaurants nearby: Restaurant de las Delicias is a good restaurant nearby.
There are many other things to do and see in Mexico City. But even if you don’t have much time to see all the city’s attractions, don’t miss these five. You will have a glimpse of Mexican history, culture, architechture and traditional lifestyle if you visit these five must-see attractions of Mexico City. Have a nice trip.
