Mexico City is the largest city in Latin America and one of the most densely populated on the planet. It is full of contrasts. You can see a many ultramodern skyscrapers, ancient pyramids, and rich and famous districts. All of them, coexist in a majestic city full of magnificent palaces. Indeed, Mexico City is a must-see destination you need to discover if you are a lover of art in all its expressions and forms. There will be no corner in this city that will not make you fall in love with Mexican culture, tradition and history.
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.
These places are essential in the itinerary of any traveler who wants to marvel at the fascinating history of Mexico and one of its most famous, iconic and important cities. Every time you come to Mexico City, you will find new things to see, do, discover, visit and keep in your heart and mind forever. And now you know it, traveler, if you want a magical adventure, these famous landmarks in Mexico City are an excellent option for you!
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 to the Revolution)🐎
- Conclusion 🔚
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 ‘Zocalo,’ 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. 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. Related: Markets in Mexico City (Top 10).
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!
Also, in this beautiful and famous place in Mexico City, you will find the iconic and spooky Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls). Here, you can hear horror stories about the place, the dolls that surround it, and more. If you are a fan of horror stories and legends, Xochimilco is not to be missed. Finally, imagine watching the sunrise in this space full of nature and relaxing with the soothing scenery you can find here. In addition, the Ajolote (axolotl), an endangered animal that will make you fall in love with Xochimilco and the diversity of flora and fauna in Mexico City and the Mexican Republic in general.
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.
This iconic university is one of the greatest jewels of Mexico and Mexico City. In every corner of this place you can feel the atmosphere of resistance, social justice, battle, and desire for change that thousands of students have every day. Thousands of students gather here to chat, play sports, relax, and learn more. Without a doubt, it is a wonderful place full of art and nature that you can combine with your spirit of adventure, culture, art and history. Without a doubt, you should add it to your itinerary when you visit the great Mexico City.
8. Monumento a la Revolución (Monument to the Revolution)
The Monumento a la Revolución (Monument to 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.
In addition to symbolizing Mexico’s revolutionary history, the Monument to 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 to the Revolution is a must-see destination in Mexico City. Check out our post: 20 November Mexico: Mexican Revolution Day!
Conclusion
In this journey through Mexico City, we were able to see great monuments and destinations that are a must on your visit to this magical city. As we mentioned before, you can appreciate the history and culture found in every corner in a unique and artistic way. From the beautiful corners of Coyoacan to the historical monuments of downtown, all these key points are part of the worldview of the chilango (inhabitants of Mexico City) about their daily life and their passionate tradition and culture that they carry in their blood and in their veins.
Mexico City is a place where every street has a story to tell. When you walk through its neighborhoods, you can feel the energy of a city full of history, art, and culture. From the green Chapultepec Park to the colorful murals that show Mexico’s past and present, the city helps you connect with its unique culture. Every time you visit, you can learn something new about its rich history.
The people in Mexico City are also warm and friendly,
making the experience even better. The chilango spirit shows in how the locals welcome visitors and share their culture with pride. It doesn’t matter if you’re chatting in a busy market, watching a show, or smiling at strangers, you will feel the kindness of the people is as amazing as the city’s landmarks. Mexico City is not just a place to visit, it’s a place that invites you to be part of its story.
After visiting the top 8 must-see places in Mexico City, we can see that this city mixes old traditions with new energy. Every monument, street, and square has a story that has lasted for many years. If you want to explore a place where the old and the new meet, Mexico City is waiting for you. Visit and make your own adventure in this amazing city, where history, culture, and passion come together in every corner. Please tell us in the comment section which place would you love to visit, which one you have already visited, and which place was missing!
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!