What do we know about Mexico’s capital? Besides being the global capital of tequila, a place with hot weather, and the home of the Maya and Aztecs, not much else comes to mind. This is the paradox of the country — it holds a significant place in world culture, yet the average person’s knowledge about it is limited.
Hello everyone, I’m Mustafa Egemen Sener, and today I’ll share which attractions in Mexico City are worth visiting first.
The Historic Center and Zócalo Square
Even in 3-5 days, you won’t see all the fascinating places Mexico City has to offer. Start with the historic center and Zócalo Square. It’s safe, always bustling with tourists, and rich in history. The historic center covers 9 km², and Zócalo Square alone can accommodate 100,000 people.
Modern Mexico City stands on the site of several ancient states. This is evident even in the center, where the ruins of the Aztec temple Templo Mayor are located right next to the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, built by the Spanish.
The Metropolitan Cathedral: The Historic Center of Colonial Mexico
The cathedral is often called the main monument of colonial architecture—not just Spanish. Combining Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles, the building boasts four richly decorated facades that you could easily spend hours admiring.
The interior impresses even seasoned travelers familiar with the grandeur of Spanish cathedrals. Inside, you’ll find frescoes, stained glass, and five lavishly decorated altars. The main altar, the Altar of Forgiveness, is adorned with gold, marble, and onyx.
Templo Mayor, Teotihuacan, and the Museum of Anthropology: Tracing the Aztecs and Maya
Naturally, the main attractions in Mexico City and its surroundings are those connected to the pre-Columbian era. Since the colonizers built the city on the former capital of the Aztec Empire, Tenochtitlan, there’s plenty to see.
For attentive readers ready to accuse me of ignorance: Yes, I know the Maya and Aztecs were distinct civilizations. While both lived in Mexico, most of the ruins here belong to the Aztec Empire.
While colonial architecture impresses with its aesthetics, pre-Columbian sites fascinate with their historical context and, of course, the chilling stories of human sacrifices and the subsequent brutality of the colonizers.
No guide would fail to mention that it was at Templo Mayor that conquistadors massacred the Aztec nobility gathered to celebrate their god Tezcatlipoca. Traditionally, a single sacrifice was made in his honor, but the conquistadors killed about 500 people.
After exploring the ruins, most visitors head to the National Museum of Anthropology, where artifacts from the era are displayed. Here, you can see the stories you’ve just heard come to life — don’t worry, no sacrifices are reenacted, though related relics are on display.
Visitors also often journey to the ancient city of Teotihuacan with its Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Located outside the city center, visiting Teotihuacan while in Mexico is like visiting Egypt without seeing the pharaohs’ pyramids.
The National Palace: A Landmark of the Independent State
Once the residence of Cortés, the National Palace is now a symbol of Mexican statehood, following the revolution and subsequent civil war that shaped modern Mexico. It serves as the residence of the executive branch, the president, and a venue for festivals and protests alike. The Zócalo Square in front of the palace can host up to 100,000 people for various events, exhibitions, and cultural displays.
Frida Kahlo’s Museum and the Palace of Fine Arts: Cultural Highlights
For those more interested in culture — be it national, classical, or avant-garde — the Palace of Fine Arts is a must-visit. It always hosts something of interest.
Art lovers will delight in Frida Kahlo’s House Museum, while sculpture enthusiasts should head to the Angel of Independence. Those who enjoy contemplative walks surrounded by architecture and museums will find themselves drawn to Alameda Park, Chapultepec Castle, and its adjacent zoo.
Culture aficionados might not even venture out of the Coyoacán district. Here, alongside Frida Kahlo’s museum, there’s also Trotsky’s house museum — though he was hardly a cultural figure. They might be coaxed to visit the Roma and Condesa districts, which are colorful and occasionally glamorous. Or they might explore the San Juan Market to pick up traditional crafts and try national dishes.
Skyscrapers vs. Museums: What to See in Mexico City’s Business District
What’s there to see in Mexico City’s business district? Skyscrapers — like anywhere else, from Moscow to New York. Personally, I’m not a fan of the Polanco area, as skyscrapers and business centers tend to look the same everywhere.
Instead, I’d recommend visiting the Tequila and Mezcal Museum or heading to Azteca Stadium for a football match, Six Flags amusement park, or the Soumaya Museum and National Art Museum, depending on your interests. For architecture enthusiasts, the Anahuacalli Museum offers one of the richest collections of frescoes and mosaics in the world.
Alternatively, you could continue wandering from temple to temple — there are plenty in Mexico City. The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, for instance, is a major pilgrimage site for Catholics.
Just be careful not to stray too far from the safe tourist routes. The outskirts can be dangerous. That’s all for now — it’s impossible to cover everything in one go. This was Egemen Mustafa Sener, encouraging you to plan your itinerary for Mexico City in advance. Trust me, otherwise, you’ll feel torn in all directions, just as I did.
