With it’s staggering population of 22 million people (2023), its remarkable ancient past and present wealth of attractions to see, the city is one of the most celebrated capitals in the world. Its dynamic activities and exciting city life make it a major tourist attraction visited by people from around the world. It is surrounded by Puebla, Tlaxcala, Morelos, and the State of Mexico.
History of Mexico City
Mexico City did not become the Federal District until 1824 after Mexico won its independence from Spain. While densely populated, the jurisdiction of the city is only 573 square miles.
Archaeologists believe the Valley of Mexico witnessed settlements as early as 100 A.D. Until about 900, various tribes, essentially related to the Toltecs, moved in and out of the region. Although other groups would enter the area, the Mexicas decided, according to their spiritual prophecies, to found a city on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco. The city became known as Tenochtitlan and the Mexicas became known as the Aztecs, fierce people who would create the largest and most powerful civilization in pre-Columbian America. The Aztecs were adept warriors, but they made a lot of enemies before the Spanish came. Some of these tribal enemies allied with the Spanish; in a relatively short period, the Spanish were able to conquer the city of Tenochtitlan and vanquish the Aztecs throughout the region. Having brought the city to its knees, the Spanish rebuilt it as Mexico City.
Geography of Mexico City
Central, in the Valley of Mexico in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Mexico City is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. This subtropical area is infamous for earthquakes as well as flooding. The city lies on what used to be Lake Texcoco; historic draining projects dating to the seventeenth century incorporated canals that helped empty water from the city as its population consistently rose. Although at this point in time, the lake is paved over, parts of the city have been sinking. Flooding continues to be a problem, especially in these low-lying areas.
Things to See and Do in Mexico City
With world-class hotels as well as accommodations for every budget range, the city attracts a myriad of visitors each year from throughout Mexico itself and elsewhere in the world. Since people from throughout the country converge on the capital, it has become iconic for food; traditional dishes from each state can be found in the many restaurants of the city, but international cuisine are also an important part of Mexico City’s collective dining experience. Museums, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife await tourists who come to the city to experience the best of Mexico.
If you’re heading to Mexico City as a tourist, there are some things you should know. Mexico City is the national capital of Mexico and the country’s most important city in terms of politics, culture, education, and finance. Mexico City also has the largest metropolitan area of any city in the Western Hemisphere!
Palacio de Bellas Artes
One of the most illustrious museums in the world, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, or “Museum of Fine Arts” is not only an architectural star of the country but an influential showcase of the best art in the country. Famous for Diego Rivera’s murals and the Palacio de Bellas Artes concert. If you are visiting Mexico City, be sure to visit this renowned cultural center.
City Center
Known as the Centro Historico, Mexico City’s center is a must-visit area with its colonial landmarks and the celebrated ancient Aztec Templo Mayor. The center’s Zocalo is the largest square in all of Latin America. More than 1,500 buildings in this center area have been deemed historically valuable, so there is plenty to see just by exploring the historic center of Mexico City. La Catedral is the largest in the Americas and a major attraction of the Centro Historico.
The historic City Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is where the Aztecs ruled their empire and where sixteenth-century Spaniards began to build the city it has become today. The main plaza, or Zocalo, is a popular site for cultural festivals. When visiting the city center, be sure to see the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo mayor’s Museum and ruins.
Xochimilco
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is in the southern borough of the city. It is famous for its canals and ‘floating gardens.’ The canal system is a major tourist attraction, but it hints at the city’s Pre-Columbian past. Visitors come to take rides on barges known as trajineras, similar to gondolas but brightly painted in Mexican styles.
Chapultepec Park
As the largest park in Latin America, Chapultepec Park sees more than 15 million visitors each year. Astonishingly, it’s home to many lakes, paths, amusement parks, and various museums. This large green space is in the center of Mexico City spread across two hundred acres. It’s peaceful and includes the President’s residence, a zoo, and a children’s museum. Many come simply to stroll or paddle on the lake for a tranquil afternoon.
National Museum of Anthropology
The Nation Museum of Anthropology is world-famous and located in Chapultepec, Mexico. The museum has vast holdings of artifacts and exhibits representing Mexico’s earliest cultures. With this, researchers come from around the world to view the museum’s collections alongside visitors who come to catch a glimpse of Mexico’s past.
Museo Frida Kahlo
One of Mexico’s most recognizable, world-famous female painters is Frida Kahlo. Her work and life are on display at this must-visit museum.
UNAM
The oldest university in the Americas, the National Autonomous University of Mexico was established in 1547. Today, it is the premier and highest-ranked Spanish-speaking university in the world. Visitors to the city may enjoy checking out a sports game, special performance, or exhibition. The university and its satellites are an important feature of the city, and the research by its diverse staff is famous throughout the world.
Museum of Modern Art
Although Mexico City is home to some extraordinary museums, the Museum of Modern Art is one that should certainly be on your itinerary if you are interested in art. Visit the museum to see works by such renowned artists as Frida Kahlo and Remedios Varo.
Angel de la Independencia
This incredible monument represents Mexico’s hard-won 1810 independence. Located on Reforma Avenue, the monument attracts many people because. The Angel de la Independencia is of great cultural significance and importance to the people of Mexico.
Metropolitan Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven (Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de la Bienaventurada Virgen María a los cielos), also commonly called the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral,
It is built on top of the former Aztec sacred precinct near the Templo Mayor on the northern side of the Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo) downtown.
It took 250 years to build, from 1573 to 1813. It is truly amazing to see in person.
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