Mexico City is one of the most dynamic and fascinating cities I’ve ever visited.
It’s an enormous, sprawling metropolis – the largest in North America and one of the biggest in the world.
CDMX (Ciudad de México) has so much to offer that it’s impossible to see it all in one trip. I spent two weeks exploring it and barely scratched the surface.
Each neighbourhood has its own distinctive atmosphere. Rather than feeling like one mega-city, it’s more like a collection of smaller cities, each with its own unique character.
In this sense, Mexico City reminds me a bit of Tokyo.
The Centro Histórico, built on the ruins of the ancient Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, is a natural starting point.
Here, you’ll find the Zócalo, one of the largest public squares in the world, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, a colossal structure that took over 250 years to build.
You can also visit the ruins of the Templo Mayor, the main temple that once sat at the heart of the Aztec empire.
Sadly, the Spanish conquistadors bulldozed much of it and built a church on top. But the remains are still an important archaeological site and incredibly impressive to see.
Chapultepec Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world, is another must-visit. It’s home to Chapultepec Castle, several fascinating museums, and peaceful walking trails.
The National Museum of Anthropology, located on the edge of the park, is one of the best museums I’ve ever visited. Its vast, expertly curated exhibits provide an incredible insight into Mexico’s pre-Hispanic civilisations.
Mexico City is a foodie’s paradise, offering everything from world-class fine dining to incredible street food.
While the city is home to several of the world’s top-rated restaurants, you don’t need to spend a fortune to have an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Small local restaurants often serve beautifully presented, creative dishes for very reasonable prices. And I had the best tacos of my life at a tiny street stand in Condesa.
Roma Norte is also excellent for nightlife, with its eclectic mix of hip mezcalerías, traditional cantinas, and cosy cocktail bars tucked along tree-lined streets.
Coyoacán, where Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera once lived, has an arty, bohemian vibe. Visiting the Casa Azul was a highlight for me, as was wandering through the cobblestone streets and lively squares.
Polanco, on the other hand, is all about luxury. With high-end shops, elegant restaurants, and the futuristic Museo Soumaya, it offers a completely different side of CDMX.
There’s an unmistakable energy to Mexico City. Even just wandering the streets, you’ll stumble upon art, music, dancing, and performances day and night.
A short trip to Teotihuacán is an absolute must, too. Its iconic Pyramids of the Sun and Moon – and the sheer scale and history of this ancient city – are truly humbling.
For me, Mexico City is one of the most exciting cities in the world. If you’re visiting Mexico, don’t even think about skipping it.
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