Mexico City: Everything you need to know for your holidays

Discover the fascinating history, unique food and traditions of North America’s largest city. Plan the best possible travel to this vibrant city.

Despite what you might have read about this city, Mexico’s capital with over 20 million habitants, is nothing like you expect. If you are truly ready to be amazed by uncommon cultural traditions, fascinating history, authentic traditional food and breathtaking architecture then Mexico City is definitely the right place to visit.

No one trip is enough to experience all that Mexico City has to offer but here are our best recommendations to guarantee you a one of a kind adventure.

Mexico city: A city built on top of Aztec ruins.

The historic centre of Mexico City, also known as the Centro or Centro Histórico is the central neighbourhood in the city. This is where the Spaniards began to built modern Mexico City on the ruins of the conquered Tenochtitlan, once capital of the Aztec Empire. The on-site museum of the Templo Mayor exhibits the ruins of what used to be the main temple for the Aztecs. According to the legend, here is where they saw a sign from their deities to settle down in a form of an eagle perched on a cactus eating a snake, which is still the symbol of Mexico until today.

A representation of Quetzalcoatl, main Aztec deity in the centre of Templo Mayor ruins

A few blocks away you will be marvelled with Palacio de Bellas Artes, the main cultural centre in the city. Besides its magnificent architecture, primarily Art Nouveau and Noclassical, this building is best known for its impressive murals by Diego Rivera and Alfaro Siqueiros. It has hosted some of the most important cultural events in music, dance, opera and theatre and has also exhibited important collections of painting, sculpture and photography.

Tip : You can enjoy a wonderful view of the Palacio from the cafe terrace of the Sears building across the street.

Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts): The most important cultural centre in Mexico City

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Chapultepec : Mexico City's Central Park

It is the second biggest park in America just after the Santiago Metropolitan Park in Chile. With 686 hectares it is two times bigger than the Central Park of New York and it is an oasis of peace and quiet in the middle of the hectic metropolis. The name "Chapultepec" comes from the Nahuatl and it means "at the grasshopper hill" referring to a large rock formation within the first section of the park.

Chapultepec is more than a conventional park. For Mexico City residents the park is not only a green area but has relevant cultural and historic importance. Among its multiple points of interest, the park has its own Castle known as Castillo de Chapultepec which used to be the official residence of Emperor Maximilian during the Second Mexican Empire and the official Presidential residence later on. It became a museum in 1939. Some other museums you can visit in this park are the Museum of Modern Art, the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia and the Museo Rufino Tamayo. Some other great options for the younger members of the family are the Papalote Museo del Niño,, an interactive museum in which the kids can play and learn at the same time and also La Feria de Chapultepec, an amusement park located in the middle of the park.

Chapultepec Lake located in the middle of the city. You can take a kayak, paddleboat or rowboat out for a spin with the ducks.

Polanco

One of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in Mexico City, Polanco is famous for its luxury shopping on Avenida Presidente Mazaryk, Michellin star restaurants, upscale hotels and high end cultural galleries.

Plazo Carso is a large multipurpose area backed by billionaire Carlos Slim that includes a shopping centre, the Acuario Inbursa, the largest aquarium in Mexico, Museo Jumex

and the Museo Soumaya, that contains the Slim's extensive art, religious relic, historical document, and coin collection.

Soumaya Museum: Extraordinary Modern Architecture in Mexico City

Mexican Food

Mexico is well known for its unparalleled flavours and the city offers a wide range of options to choose from street food to luxurious restaurants.

If you are on a tight budget you can visit one of its numerous Markets, Taquerias, Fondas (homemade food small restaurants) and Cantinas to have an extraordinary culinary experience for under €10 euro per person. In traditional Cantinas like La Faena, El Gallo de Oro, o La Opera, after having 3 drinks a food menu is offered free of charge.

Between the Michelin star rated restaurants that you can find in the city Pujol (Ranked 12th best in the world) owned by the worldwide famous chef Enrique Olvera is probably one of the best options if you are looking for a superb fine dinning experience. Some other high quality restaurants that you can visit are Quintonil (ranked 24th best in the world), and Dulce Patria (Ranked 48th best in Latin America).

La Opera: A traditional place where people gather to play dominoes, cards or other games.

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Have you visited any of this places? Is there any other attraction that you think should be included in this list? Tell us in the comments. Visit our Facebook and Instagram for more travel inspiration. Use the hashtag #WomenWhoWander to be featured in our channels.