Mexico City. You are ready?
Mexico City is dangerous. Mexico City is unsafe. Mexico City is unfathomable. Mexico, why go to Mexico?
I'll tell you one thing: Mexico is going to hit you like a meteorite , will break your ideas into a thousand pieces first, then your heart, finally your mind and body.
Of the person who was there will be little left around the corner, because this city It is endless, exhausting and eternal ; but it is simply - not to put it crudely - perfect in its chaos.
The ninth largest city in the world -with more than 22 million inhabitants- is so huge that you would need a year to discover it in its entirety.
4,000 years of history , 200 of the independence from Spain and 100 of its revolution are a long time to want to cover it in hours. In Mexico City the ancestral traditions of its first settlers converge, its colossal culture, very present in its day to day, and the modernity of that Mexico that looks towards the tourism of the future with affection.
And we go on: 16 terrorist demarcations , 34 places declared Patrimony of the Humanity, 188 museums , 15 cultural centers, seven archaeological zones, more than 20 forests and natural parks , more than eight ethnic groups... Do you now understand why I say that Mexico City is infinite ?
You have been warned that not everything will appear in this guide , not even the essentials of the city. Take your time, walk, observe and enjoy. This is Mexico, and here everything is redirected with good vibes and a Margarite.
From the air, the Palace of Fine Arts.
1. HISTORICAL CENTER: WALK, EAT AND RAVE
Your journey must start at the place where the city was created. The Historic Center of Mexico City It is the neuralgic point, where he settled ancient Tenochtitlan and, later, the colonial city would grow.
From here you will see the imposing Palacio de Bellas Artes Museum, the Central mall and the Latin American Tower 182m, the first built in the city in 1956. You can go up and see the beautiful model from the 44th floor.
On your way you will find different palaces and museums. What would I choose? Without a doubt, the Post Palace , a motley building gothic and mudejar style with a staircase worth seeing, inside you will find a museum and a library.
If you take the Avenue May 5 you will go through the House of tiles and the Old Iturbide Palace, with 4,300 works of art and photography exhibits. Until April you can enjoy the photographer's vision of Mexico Grace Iturbide with her exhibition 'When the light speaks'.
From here you will arrive at Plinth wave Constitution Plaza , the legend of legends with his great flag waving. Around him, the Metropolitan Cathedral and a few meters away Main temple of the Aztecs. This is Mexico, in the heart of the city it surprises you with an archaeological zone.
Once you have been amazed by the Zócalo, follow the steps of what the Mexicans recommend. In this the **Memory and Tolerance Museum.**
Its street foods are another symbol of the country.
two. HISTORICAL CENTER, AND NOW WHAT?
The climate in the city is usually humid but pleasant. (15ºC) and there are never too many people in the streets, so walking will not cost you. Yes indeed, the distances between the places are considerable ; A quick way to access them is through Uber (because they recommend taking the metro with caution).
Don't let the city overwhelm you. If you feel like continuing to surprise yourself, you can visit its markets... the most recommended is the St. John's Market , many of the city's chefs drop by here.
If what you prefer is to rest, I recommend that you do it on the terrace of El Mayor, a fantastic roof terrace to not let anything escape you.
What do you want candy? Try the typical ones at Dulcería Celaya. And even if you don't stay there, it's worth taking a look at the Gran Hotel de la Ciudad de México, between the corner of 16 de Septiembre and the Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo).
It opened in 1889 with a French style and its elevator (the second to reach the city) is still intact. The Tiffany-style glass ceiling is the largest room in the world.
Of course you can't leave here without trying the tacos of the city For a small budget you will eat very well. To enjoy, with or without spices, **come to El Cardenal**. Perhaps the best thing about this place is that you soak up the mexican National Culture, because despite being in the center you don't get the feeling that tourism has spoiled it.
The Angel of Independence of CDMX.
3. CONDESA: A HIPSTER NEIGHBORHOOD IN MEXICO
Where are you going to sleep in Mexico City? There is no better answer than in the quiet and hipster neighborhood of Countess . About 15 minutes by car from the center, it is an oasis in the middle of the city . Its rectangular buildings, with floors with large windows and always full of plants (Mexico is pure vegetation) allow you to browse how Mexicans live.
Barbershops, open cafes, terraces at every step, vegetarians, alternative shops and vintage They are the perfect decoration in Condesa. Add to that the fact that almost everyone here rides a bicycle and that the atmosphere It is the most appropriate if you want to enjoy the city at night.
The Angel of Independence, 36m high, it will indicate that you are already in Condesa. In the Pink Zone where most of its cafes and restaurants are located, although my favorite street is Atlixco and its surroundings.
Infallible recommendations: Maria Condesa Boutique Hotel . You can savor some of the best breakfasts in the city on its lively terrace, and at night have a delicious margarita in its art deco restaurant-bar open to the street with music.
Among some of their best dishes are huitlacoche crepes... oh! and a breakfast without their homemade enchilada with grated cheese is not a Mexican breakfast. Don't miss their selection of fresh fruit with granola made by them.
Mexico is so big that it is appreciated to feel at home somewhere. Its huge beds with top quality sheets They will tuck you in and their team will give you the best advice to experience the city to your liking. The Spa Suite has a sauna inside; Let's just say it's the perfect welcome after a day of walking.
Frida Kahlo's Blue House in Coyacán.
Four. COYOACAN: THE JOYFUL LIFE
Walk into Coyoacan is to visit another Mexico City: without traffic, with large trees, low colored houses and colonial style , picturesque squares and a relaxed atmosphere.
Once you arrive here, you understand perfectly that here I chose to live the great Frida Kahlo . Her Blue House is a reason for pilgrimage, much more so if she welcomes you with a gate decorated with flowers. The mexican folklore which I particularly like the most.
Frida and Diego's house it's a delight , absolutely essential if you want to understand her work and life. The exhibition 'Looks are deceiving' illustrates a Frida who knew how to take advantage of her physical condition and disability. Phrases like "feet why do I love you if I have wings to fly" they make sense when you step on this place.
Warning: the museum is very crowded, so it is advisable to get up early and visit it during the week to enjoy it well. You will not want to leave the blue house, but you must because Coyoacan is fascinating.
In this happy neighborhood you will discover right in the heart of it the Centennial Garden ,and the J Garden of Hidalgo with its source and Church of San Juan Bautista, one of the oldest in the city. It is worth going into their churches, Mexicans are very believers and they take great care of them.
There are three essential sites: the Coyoacan market, If you want to try typical cuisine at a very good price, the Craft Market , perfect for quietly buying souvenirs, and the Santa Catarina Square . Here you will find a little yellow painted church in a really endearing square.
5. STAY A LITTLE LONGER IN SAN ÁNGEL
Near Coyoacán is Saint Angel, the quintessential colonial neighborhood of Mexico City and where the wealthy class lives. To walk through here is to discover a more affluent Mexico, with shops dedicated to the most exclusive local art and crafts.
The urban-artistic ensemble of San Ángel was declared Tangible Cultural Heritage of Mexico City in 2010. That is why we are going to visit, without a doubt, the Hidalgo Garden and the Plaza de San Jacinto, where painters and artists congregate on Saturdays (the day to visit San Ángel). On Saturday also takes place its well-known bazaar to buy handicrafts.
If we end up here it is because we have to eat at the San Ángel Inn restaurant, opened in 1910 . This historic hacienda (beautiful, by the way) is one of the most popular restaurants in the city, so it is a good idea to try its gastronomy here. Your gourmet coffee and cart of homemade cakes is a must.
6. ART IN CHAPULTEPEC
Located between the Polanco and Condesa neighborhoods is the Chapultepec Forest, Mexico's World Heritage Site, more than 670 hectares is the largest park in Latin America.
Where to start? Once you get to the park, head towards the Castle chapultepec , this will be one of the best views you have of the city. In this same place the National Museum of History and the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) are located.
The chapultepec park It has different entrances that will take you to the monuments, walking trails, a lake and many stalls with typical food and souvenirs. It is very nice to take a walk here on foot or by bicycle ; In fact, Mexicans tend to walk in Chapultepec after work. It is just in the afternoon when it gets especially crowded with families.
Remember that It only opens from Tuesday to Sunday.
The Soumaya Museum of Mexico in Polanco.
7. POLANCO: THE NEIGHBORHOOD YOU MUST SEE
If you ask about the quintessential neighborhood of Mexico City, they will tell you about Polanco . It is true that it has been for years, but now everyone wants to live here. Why? It is the most modern neighborhood , where the most expensive flats, the newest buildings, the best restaurants in the city, the best shops...
In Polanco you will find the ** Museo de Soumaya ** (in the photo above), a building of peculiar architecture erected in 1994, and also the Museum of Anthropology of Mexico .
It is no secret that you have to come to Polanco to eat well. Where? The best tacos in all of Mexico they meet in Los Panchos, a regular spot for Mexicans. Don't miss her perfect and tasty guacamole , their carnitas tacos, quesadillas and nopales (the prickly pear fig tree as we know it in Spain) . In Mexico they make delicious soups , here the pumpkin one is really rich.
If you want to try the gourmet mexican cuisine then your places should be Pujol or Quintonil.
8. REFORMA AVENUE BY BICYCLE
The bicycle is an omnipresent means of transport in Mexico City , to go to work or simply for pure pleasure, it is worth pedaling through the city.
On Sundays the city closes some of its roads to the delight of all and, much more so for urban cyclists. This is Mexico, again surprising!
Since 2007, several initiatives have been created, 'Muévete en bici' and 'Sunday Bike Ride', with which to promote its use. Thanks to them, neighborhoods like Polanco, Patriotismo or Centro Histórico close their streets on Sundays.
Take a bike and go all over the Avenue Paseo de la Reforma until you reach the Historic Center.
Currently, **Ecobici ** works (Bicing in Barcelona), you can also rent electric scooters that operate throughout the city.
The trajineras of Xochimilco.
9. BETWEEN TRAJINERAS
Do not come if you do not have enough time to get here, but come because it will be worth it. Yes, the **colorful trajineras** from Xochimilco are possibly the most tourist visit of all this trip, but you cannot leave Mexico without having climbed on one of them . The fervor that Mexicans feel is such that every time a new one arrives, they baptize it.
These boats -which used to be used for commerce- today are used for Tourist trips what can they carry up to 20 people on board , in some they give food and drink.
The delegation of Xochimilco It is located to the south of the city and has a canal where trajineras sail. There are different tours and routes that you can find here.
Would you dare to climb the Nevado de Toluca?
10. TO THE NEVADO DE TOLUCA
We left Mexico City to go to the volcano of Toulca's snowy , What does it mean "naked man" . It has become the fashion outing for those who want to flee the city. What did you think that Mexicans do not want to escape from time to time? Well too!
This volcano, three hours by car from Mexico City, is located between the valleys of Toluca and Tenango a 660 meters above sea level . The main reason for its popularity is the landscape that in winter covers the volcano with snow and its two lagoons next to the crater: the Sun and the Moon.
The most curious of all is that it is found in the list of active volcanoes of Mexico , but do not fear for the moment it is harmless. You can get there through the Parque de los Venados , on foot is the most recommended option to enjoy the landscape but you have to go well equipped; another option is to pay for one of the van trips that operate from Toluca.