The National Museum of Anthropology

The National Museum of Anthropology is truly impressive. The enormous size and majesty with which it rises above any other building will leave you speechless. The museum offers much more than a normal traveler can absorb in a single visit, but if it’s your first time in Mexico City, it’s a must-see. A tip: check the website first to see which exhibitions are in progress and choose which ones you want to focus on. In fact, inside you will find sections dedicated to all possible topics, from life in pre-Columbian Mexico to current Mexican societies. Near the entrance of the museum, in addition, every 30 minutes the Totonachi, the descendants of an indigenous population that lived in Mexico before the arrival of the Spaniards,  perform the ritual of the dance of the Voladores, during which the flyers are launched in “flight” from a pole 20 meters high.

Blue House.

Also known as Casa Azul, for its characteristic blue façade, the Frida Kahlo museum tells the life and work of this world-famous artist. This is the house where Frida grew up, where she lived with her husband Diego Rivera and where she died. Located in the suburb of Coyoacán, an area rich in vegetation, the museum perfectly transmits the essence of this extraordinary artist through the most complex and profound works of her production and Rivera’s production. The queue to enter is always very long, so we advise you to buy your ticket well in advance.

Chapultepec Castle.

Chapultepec Castle takes its name from the term chapoltepēc, which in Nahuatl means “on the hill of the locusts”. The Aztecs considered it a sacred hill and surely, when the magnificent view of the mountains and the city that can be enjoyed from up here opens before your eyes, you will understand why. Once a royal residence, this palace still has a royal air, with its beautifully manicured gardens and interiors filled with lavish decorations. In its rooms are displayed in chronological order a series of historical artifacts that show the long history of the castle and its inhabitants. In recent decades, moreover, the palace has become a particularly popular location for directors:  Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet and  Robert Aldrich’s Vera Cruz were, in fact, filmed here.

The Market of La Lagunilla.

La Lagunilla Market is a traditional open-air public market, taking place a few blocks north of the city’s main square. Every Sunday, however, it becomes one of the most famous flea markets in the city: the best antique sellers, artists and merchants come here to sell their unique items with a retro and nostalgic flavor. It is the right place to find some unique pieces in pure Mexican style. La Lagunilla is a true cultural event and many young locals and tourists come here to do business. However, being very crowded, we advise you to beware of pickpockets. To cool off during your trip, try michelada, an inexpensive Mexican beer that adds fresh lemon juice, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce,  and soy sauce.

Chilpancingo on the Metro line.

Chilpancingo is a station on Line 9 of the Mexico City Metro. Get off at this stop even if you don’t have to visit anything in the surroundings: as soon as you get to the surface towards La Condesa you will find dozens of stalls selling all kinds of Mexican street food. All around you the intense aromas of the meat you cook and the buzz of vendors and customers rushing between one stall and another will overwhelm you and you will live a unique experience. No matter what you choose, any dish will be delicious, filling, and incredibly cheap: a taco usually costs around 12 pesos.

Alameda Central of Mexico.

Alameda Central is the right place if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Zocalo. The park has existed since about 1529, when it was used as an Aztec market. Today, however, it is the favorite destination for people of all ages, looking for a little relaxation or a corner where to sunbathe. At one end of the park is the Palace of Fine Arts, a cultural center that stands out for its orange roof, while at the other end you will find a series of bars, shops and pubs where you can taste the famous mezcal. Grab a blanket and something to eat and relax on the lawn of this huge park. Do you need to stretch your legs? Take a stroll through the lavender fields of the park. If you happen to be here between the end of March and the beginning of April, do not miss the flowering of the Jacaranda: you will not regret it.

Xochimilco

Xochimilco is the area where the famous canals that formed the river transport system made by the Aztecs are located. In addition, it is also the area that has remained most similar to what the Valley of Mexico, where Mexico City is located, must have been like before the Spanish arrived. After only 40 minutes by car from the capital, Xochimilco will welcome you with its huge lake, the many canals and its colorful trajinera, the boats similar to the gondolas that cross the dark waters of the canals. Once you arrive, head to the  Belem jetty and board one of these boats that will take you to discover the artificial islands created between the channels. On weekends the whole area can get very crowded, so if you can come here one day during the week.

Plaza de El Zócalo.

The Zocalo is the square that represents the heart of Mexico City’s vast historic center, dominated by the magnificent classical-style metropolitan cathedral and its imposing façade. The nerve center of the city, is  a place very loved by its inhabitants, where it is not uncommon to find groups of people who stop to chat. This is also the largest square in all of Latin America and, of course, Mexicans are very proud of it; Maybe that’s why a huge Mexican flag sits in the center. The Zocalo is often the setting for important cultural and political events, so keep your eyes peeled: there may be some interesting appointments scheduled.

The Latin American Tower.

The Latin American Tower, built in 1965, with its 204 meters is the tallest building in the Zocalo and an unmistakable element of the Mexico City skyline. Its importance is also recognized by the inhabitants of the city who consider it a symbol of the modernity of the capital. Go up to the terrace on the top floor of the building to admire every corner of the city from a vantage point. The sunset view is truly memorable. And if they feel like pampering you, head to the bar and restaurant downstairs, where you can grab a drink or dine with the twinkling lights of fond or town.