Mexico City is the largest city in Latin America and one of the most densely populated on the planet. It is full of contrasts, where ultramodern skyscrapers, ancient pyramids, and rich and famous districts coexist in a majestic city full of magnificent palaces. If you want a magical adventure, these famous landmarks in Mexico City are an excellent option for you!
It is also an “open-air museum” with over 1,400 monuments and historical relics, 10 archaeological zones (in the city and its surroundings), and over 80 museums, theaters, concert halls, and exhibitions. Hence, with all this variety of attractions, choosing can be challenging. This is why we want to tell you the 8 must-see places in Mexico City, NOT to miss out on your next visit.
Please give a standing ovation to our 8 winners of the best must-see places in Mexico City 🎊🏆👏
- Downtown or Historic Center 🏰
- Torre Latinoamericana (Latin American Tower) and Palace of Fine Arts ♖
- National Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec Park 🌳
- Mexico City markets 🌮
- Coyoacan 🐺
- Xochimilco 🌼
- National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) 🏫
- Monumento a la Revolución (Monument of the Revolution)🐎
1. Downtown or the historic center 🏆
Our primary winner of this ceremony award is nothing more and nothing less than… *drums sounds 🥁*…the Historic Center of Mexico City. This city was founded at the beginning of the 16th century. Therefore, many interesting colonial buildings exist in the old part of the city. There is also a fantastic cathedral and a giant main square named ‘Zócalo,’ pedestrian streets, museums, an old post office, palaces, old shops, and temples. Definitely, it is a well-deserved winner of this ceremony of the top 8 stunning must see places in Mexico City!
2. Torre Latinoamericana and Palacio de Bellas Artes
“The Latin American Tower” is also located Downtown and represents a necessary stop worth attention. It’s not enough to just have a look at it from the side; you have to get to the top! Torre Latinoamericana is a skyscraper with one of the highest observation points in Mexico City.
It has an interesting structure and was recognized by the world community of architects as one of the outstanding construction projects of modern times. Torre Latinoamericana grabbed media attention in 1957 when it withstood a 7.9-point earthquake! If you visit this city, it is a pretty lovely beginning to must-see places in Mexico City. Additionally, pretty close to there is the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes), where you can enter and admire works of art dating from the 19th century. Also, there are different monthly displays featuring different national and international artists, concerts, and more cultural issues within this iconic space in Mexico City.
3. National Museum of Anthropology and Chapultepec Park
Even if you are not a museum person, the Museum of Anthropology will make a tremendous impression on you! First of all, it’s the main museum in the country and is considered one of the best of its kind in the world. Therefore, even one thorough visit can help you get to know all of Mexico simultaneously! It contains a giant collection of artifacts, from the most minor items, such as statuettes, to fragments of pyramids and the famous Stone of the Sun. The museum presents all primary Mesoamerican cultures and shows the modern life of all regions of the country.
Secondly, the museum is one of the ten most visited in the world. Technically, it is difficult even to call it a museum since monuments from all archeological regions of Mexico are collected here. Hence, it looks as if you were visiting all the ruins of Mexico through history at once. The museum is in Chapultepec, the largest park in the capital. You can find several famous museums there, such as a zoo, two small lakes, and the Chapultepec Castle. It’s the only royal castle in North America.
4. Mexico City Markets
Mexico City is full of markets. It’s difficult to imagine this colorful country without these oases of tastes and flavors. Moreover, each market has features that make it unique. Related: Markets in Mexico City (Top 10). Nevertheless, travelers see these markets as must-see places in Mexico City to try the original national food. In these markets, you can find food cooked and eaten for centuries. Moreover, in addition to being gastronomic paradises, Mexican markets represent a territory of communication and entertainment for local people.
5. Coyoacan
The borough of Coyoacan is a popular destination not only for its excellent shopping opportunities. This beautiful place has a unique atmosphere that makes you forget that you are in the biggest metropolis in Latin America. Instead, it transmits a sense of a cozy colonial town with a beautiful central square, a cathedral, parks, and pleasant streets.
Coyoacan also has many cultural institutions, among them – 21 museums. Among the most famous are the Museum of Frida Kahlo, a renowned Mexican artist, and the Leon Trotsky Museum, dedicated to the life of a well-known Russian revolutionary. Also, the Cathedral of Coyoacan is one of the must see places in Mexico City that you will adore if you are an art lover!
Coyoacan is a bohemian town in a big city. It’s an independent and progressive area that attracts writers, composers, architects, and connoisseurs. Mexico City has more such distinctive areas, which were once small towns and then, due to urbanization, turned into parts of a big metropolis. This is why a large part of Mexico City is not typical high-rises and skyscrapers but two-three-story houses on narrow streets.
6. Xochimilco
Xochimilco is another popular tourist destination in Mexico City. This borough has around 170 kilometers of canals, some of which were built by the Aztecs. National and foreign tourists come to Xochimilco to ride colorful gondola-resembling “trajineras“, listen to local mariachi and marimba bands, and take a stroll through its colorful markets. Therefore, this is a real “Mexican Venice” and a must-have experience!
7. National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
Universities are the future of any country as they educate the most active part of the population. The National Autonomous University of Mexico has the most significant number of students in the Americas. This place is famous for its unique atmosphere and many architectural delights. For example, the university’s main campus is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Some of the most famous Mexican architects of the 20th century worked on its design. The frescoes on its main building painted great Mexican artists such as David Alfaro Siqueiros.
8. Monumento a la Revolución (Monument of the Revolution)
The Monument of the Revolution in Mexico City is a towering tribute to the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920. It is located in the city’s heart and stands at an impressive height of 67 meters. The monument features a giant statue of a revolutionary hero atop a pedestal, surrounded by four monumental columns that represent law, justice, war, and peace.
Check out our post: 20 November Mexico: Mexican Revolution Day!
In addition to symbolizing Mexico’s revolutionary history, the Monument of the Revolution also houses a museum that showcases the country’s political and social evolution. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument for panoramic views of the city, making it one of the must see places in Mexico City. The monument is an impressive feat of architecture and engineering that serves as a reminder of Mexico’s struggle for independence and freedom. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a unique experience, the Monument of the Revolution is a must-see destination in Mexico City.
It’s your turn now. Have you been to Mexico City? Which famous landmarks in Mexico City have you been to? Is there any exciting place you wanna tell us about? Who will be your winner or your nominated one? Don’t be shy, and let us know in the comments below!
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