Mexico City can be a sprawling concrete jungle filled with bustling streets and millions of cars, but there are a few areas in the city that take you away from the hustle and bustle.
These trendy, artistic, bohemian neighborhoods include La Condesa and Roma Norte. They are perfect for shopping, eating, and exploring.
National Palace
Located along Mexico City's main public square, El Zocalo, the National Palace is a grand, ornate building with several gardens and fountains. It's also famous for the sweeping murals by Diego Rivera that cover the second story of the courtyard.
Visitors can see these murals on a sightseeing tour or as part of a walking tour. To enter you'll need to show a government-issued photo ID or passport.
The National Palace is the seat of the Mexican government and has witnessed several regime changes. It is a great place to learn about the history of Mexico and how the country's government is structured.
Templo Mayor
Located in the historic center of Mexico City, the Templo Mayor was once the main temple of the Aztec Empire. It was destroyed by the Spanish in 1521, but it was rediscovered in the 1970s and has since been excavated and restored.
The Templo Mayor is one of the most important historical sites in Mexico City. It is a must-see in order to understand the culture of Mexico and to get a glimpse of how life was lived in Mesoamerica before Europeans arrived.
To learn more about the ruins of this incredible site, you can visit the museum. There you can see the stone carvings and sacrificial offerings that were found during the excavation.
Museo Jumex
Known as the most visited museum in Mexico City, Museo Jumex is a great place to spend a day with the whole family. The museum features a variety of exhibits that include everything from ancient artifacts to paintings and history.
The building was designed by renowned British architect Sir David Chipperfield in response to its surroundings and local context, incorporating domestically sourced materials. It also includes exhibition galleries and public spaces that are designed to complement the visitor’s experience.
The building exhibits part of the Coleccion Jumex, one of the largest private collections of contemporary art in Latin America. It also serves as the operative headquarters for the Fundacion Jumex and the museum’s storage facilities.
Cineteca
Whether you're an art lover or just want to experience a little bit of history, Mexico City has plenty to offer. There are hundreds of museums and galleries to choose from - ranging from ancient artifacts to heavyweight works of contemporary art - and many are right in the heart of the capital.
Located in the historic center of the city, the Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most famous museums in Mexico City. This stunning Art Nouveau-style building is the perfect backdrop for modern art exhibitions.
While in the area, also visit the Templo Mayor, a museum dedicated to ancient Aztec architecture. Here you can explore the temples, houses and courtyards of a pre-Aztec city.
Plaza Garibaldi
Plaza Garibaldi is a great spot to experience the vibrancy of Mexico City. You can listen to mariachi bands, check out a few bars, get in some shopping or just soak in the energy of the city.
The square can be visited independently or as part of a Mexico City tour. A night tour usually includes a few hours at the square and may include a visit to a tequila bar or to a folkloric show.
You can also take advantage of the bike-friendly city and rent one from one of the many rental stations in the city center. The bikes are very affordable, and you can use them to quickly get around town.
