Palacio de Bellas Artes Mexico City

 

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Palacias de Bellas Artes, View from the Sears Building 8th floor 

Things To Do in Mexico City

Mexico City is one of my favorite cities in North America, why?

The vibrancy and allure of this town is mesmerizing.

Surprisingly the food is unlike anywhere else in the world and you’ll love walking the neighborhoods of Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and San Rafael to discover the scrumptious gustatory pleasures.

Because there’s so many things to do you might need a list. But if you have only one day; just spend it eating and gawking, I’ll tell you what to look at and where to go.

Another approach is to take more time in this city. Here is what to do.

The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the "Casa Azul" (Blue House), is a must-visit attraction in Mexico City, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life and art of the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
Things to do in Mexico City: Frida Kahlo Museum

Don’t Miss the Frida Kahlo Museum, this is her home where she painted and created her art.

Frida Kahlo with Diego Riveras in her garden
Frida Kahlo with Diego Riveras in her garden

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1950 Cadillac parked near my hotel

 

mexico city things to do belles artes building
Mexico City Belles Artes Building, Art Deco Beauty

Things to do in Mexico City:

  1. Visit the Historic Center (Centro Histórico): Explore the heart of the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the stunning architecture, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, where you can see Diego Rivera’s famous murals.
  2. Chapultepec Park: This enormous urban park offers various attractions like the Chapultepec Castle, the Anthropology Museum, a zoo, lakes, and walking trails. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
  3. National Museum of Anthropology: One of the most important museums in Mexico, it houses an extensive collection of artifacts from pre-Columbian civilizations, showcasing the cultural diversity of the region.
  4. Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul): Visit the former home of renowned artist Frida Kahlo, which has been turned into a museum showcasing her life, art, and personal belongings.
  5. Xochimilco: Experience a traditional trajinera boat ride through the ancient canals and floating gardens of Xochimilco. It’s a colorful and festive experience.
  6. Coyoacán: Wander around this bohemian neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, historic houses, art galleries, and the lively market. It’s also home to the Frida Kahlo Museum. This I loved!
  7. Teotihuacan: Take a day trip to explore the ancient city of Teotihuacan, known for its impressive pyramids, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.
  8. Street Food Tour: Mexico City is famous for its street food scene. Don’t miss out on trying tacos, tamales, elote (grilled corn), churros, and more from local street vendors.
  9. Lucha Libre: Experience the excitement of Mexican wrestling at a Lucha Libre match. The colorful masks, high-flying acrobatics, and theatrical performances make for an entertaining evening.
  10. Chinatown: Explore the vibrant Chinatown district, known as “Barrio Chino,” and enjoy delicious Chinese-Mexican fusion cuisine.
  11. Museo Soumaya: This striking museum, designed by architect Fernando Romero, houses a diverse collection of art spanning multiple centuries and styles.
  12. Mercado Jamaica: Visit one of Mexico City’s largest flower markets to experience a burst of colors and fragrances from a wide variety of flowers and plants.
  13. Palacio de Bellas Artes: Admire the stunning architecture of this palace from the gorgeous terrace across the street on the 8th floor of the Sears building.
  14. Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Visit one of the most important religious sites in Mexico, dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, a significant figure in Mexican culture and history.
  15. Roma and Condesa: Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa, known for their hipster cafes, art galleries, boutiques, and nightlife.

Looking for a Hotel in Mexico City?

I love this one, have stayed there 4 times. Check it out at the link with your dates and see how affordable it is. This 4-star hotel is $50 to $60 depending on your dates of booking.

 

Certainly, you’ll absolutely not want to miss Palacio de Bellas Artes and EATING!!!!

 

tacos mexico city

Porcino—a pork delight! The pork is slowly simmered in a black metal smoker chained to a post out front and it is indeed drop dead delicious. Below photo.

porcino mexico city restaurant Solo Travel Mexico city
Porcino Restaurant, above photo

Where to Eat?

Porcino in the photo above and Plantasia, a vegetarian sushi place that was light and lovely, decorated just how we used to design our bedrooms in the 1970s with macrame hanging plants from the ceiling. And a big Buddha statue.

It’s in the Roma neighborhood. I had a cashew cocktail with no booze. It was so tasty!

Certainly, try to walk to your destinations as even taking taxis will slow down your roll. The traffic in Mexico City is truly the only Con I can think of.

I can’t wait to leave tomorrow!

By the time you read this I’ll be in Mexico City.

All of a sudden I’m doing cartwheels here in California just thinking about it.

Do you need advice on where to stay in Mexico?

Let me know your questions about Mexico City and I’ll answer right here in the blog!

Casa de Los Trompas 

Mexico Eating in Mexico City
Mexico City La Casa de Los Trompos

This place! I was the only foreigner every time I visited, so just follow the residents and you’ll eat the best food.

 

Are you diving into solo travel and need help, it’s full of advice, check it out.

Mexico City Advice, Solo Travel:

Walk as much as you can, you’ll get there faster without driving.

Savor the delicious food; Mexican, Japanese, Seafood, Vegetarian, this is a gastronomical hot spot.

Favorite neighborhoods:

San Rafael, Polanco, Roma, and Condessa.

Take Uber or Walk to your destinations.

Metro is OK but don’t take it if you feel unsafe about it. 

Don’t walk solo after dark unless it’s close to your hotel or lodging.

The good thing about staying a hotel is you can tell the front desk where youare going and when you’ll be back.

Get to know the staff at your hotel.

Ask Questions. Where to eat, where to walk, is it safe at night? Read more about things you learn on the road while solo traveling here.

Food tours, museums, and restaurants in every neighborhood, be sure to choose a place to stay, well located, and not far from what you want to do.

I recommend not staying in the historic center as it’s interesting during the day but not busy at night so more difficult to find places to eat or things to do.

More options on where to stay in Mexico here

Mexico City has 2 major bus stations, north and south. Dont do what I did and confuse the two when you buy your bus ticket online. Now I know!

Finally, get in touch for a one on one consultation session if you need help creating your itinerary, changing your country, or changing your mindset.

Write me at [email protected]

 

Comments ( 3 )

  • CarolSue Ayala

    Are you in CDMX? We’re coming there September 6, on our way to Africa. Will you be there?

  • Bragg Mary

    Hi Mary, have done everything through #9, plus Bella’s Artes so many amazing restaurants, food stalls, fabulous. Next trip will try the others. Tomorrow off to US OPEN in Flushing Meadows then back to Austin (Georgetown) to pack up my house ( it sold thank God) and head back to Mexico permanently! Will be home in Mexico for a bit then fly to Indochine in February for 3 weeks.

  • MB

    Hi Dear Carol!
    How exciting to go to Africa.
    Have an amazing time, I know you will.
    I won’t be in CDMX as I’ll be in Oaxaca City leading a photography retreat, would have been fun to see you two.
    Keep me posted on your trip and would love to see your photos, where exactly will you go in Africa?
    Love,
    Mary

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