Must-Do Walks in Colonia Roma
14 November, 2020
Experience an Unforgettable Summer in Mexico City
17 July, 2024Explore the Historic Center
Start your tour on Avenida Juárez, where you can admire the Alameda, the Hemiciclo a Juárez and the majestic Palacio de Bellas Artes. Continue until you find the Palacio Postal and the iconic Torre Latinoamericana. Stroll along the pedestrian Madero Street, where you will find the Museo del Estanquillo, the Palacio de Cultura Banamex and the Convento de San Francisco de Asís, surrounded by shops and restaurants.
At the end of this street, you will reach the Plaza de la Constitución, known as the Zócalo. In its surroundings, the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, which houses impressive murals by Diego Rivera, stand out. Behind these monuments, stands the Templo Mayor and, continuing along that same street, you will reach the Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso.
Palacio de Bellas Artes, en el Centro Histórico de la CDMX
Museo Nacional de Arte
Museum Mornings
Mexico City is known for the diversity and quality of its museums. Start by exploring the National Museum of Anthropology, home to impressive pieces from the pre-Hispanic era. In Chapultepec Forest is the National Museum of History, also known as Chapultepec Castle. For further historical context, visit the Museum of the Revolution.
In the artistic realm, the National Museum of Art (MUNAL) is a must-see, but fascinating exhibitions can also be found at the Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso, the Museo Soumaya, the Museo Rufino Tamayo and the Museo de Arte Moderno, the latter two located on Reforma. For design enthusiasts, the Franz Mayer Museum, located behind the Alameda, is an excellent choice.
Following in the footsteps of Frida and Diego
There are four ideal places to appreciate the work and learn about the lives of these famous painters: the Casa Azul, the Anahuacalli Museum, the Dolores Olmedo Museum and the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo.
The Casa Azul, located in Coyoacán, allows you to admire Frida Kahlo's works and personal objects such as love letters and the corset she wore after her tram accident. Also in Coyoacán, the Anahuacalli Museum, an imposing building, houses a collection of pre-Hispanic objects, both originals and replicas. The Dolores Olmedo Museum, located in Xochimilco, is a magnificent property that exhibits paintings and sculptures by both artists, and in its gardens you can see peacocks and xoloitzcuintles. Finally, the Museo Casa Estudio, in San Ángel, consists of two buildings, one for Rivera and one for Kahlo, where you can admire pieces of popular art.
Casa-Estudio de Diego Rivera
Pirámides de Teotihuacán
Tour the Pyramids of Teotihuacan
Almost 50 kilometers from Mexico City lies Teotihuacan, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the country. Its enormous pyramids are reason enough to visit, but this vast metropolis is also home to other wonders, such as the Citadel and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent. At sites such as the Palace of Quetzalpapálotl, you can admire magnificent examples of mural painting.
The area also offers two museums, a botanical garden and a restaurant located in a grotto that adds a special touch to the experience. It is advisable to take advantage of the numerous parking lots available to avoid long walks.
Visiting convents and churches
If you are passionate about religious architecture, this route is ideal for you. Start with the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral, whose grandeur and eclectic style are evident both inside and outside. In the Historic Center itself, you will find the 17th-century Church of San Bernardo (Avenida 20 de Noviembre), the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo (Belisario Domínguez) with its beautiful interior altarpiece, and La Profesa (Madero and Isabel La Católica streets), a Jesuit jewel in neoclassical style designed by Manuel Tolsá. You can also visit the Church of Santa Veracruz, located in the plaza of the same name, where Tolsá's remains rest, and the Temple of San Hipólito (Reforma), one of the main pilgrimage centers.
To the south of the city, in Coyoacán, don't miss the Parish and Former Convent of San Juan Bautista. In the San Ángel neighbourhood, also in the south, is the Museo y Ex Convento del Carmen, where nuns once resided and now houses fascinating mummies. The Claustro del Ex Convento de la Merced is a unique example of Mudejar art, and the Ex Convento del Desierto de los Leones, from the 17th century, stands out for its rich history and its wooded surroundings.
Iglesia de San Bernardo
Trajineras de Xochimilco
Fascinating Xochimilco
If you've visited Xochimilco before, you've probably only cruised on a trajinera and stopped at the chilling Isla de las Muñecas. However, this neighborhood has much more to offer. Explore the Juarez Garden, the heart of the community, and the Plaza de San Juan Bautista with its majestic ahuehuete tree. Other must-see spots include the 17th-century Capilla de San Juan, built with archaeological remains, the houses from the Porfirian era, the Temple and Convent of San Bernardino, the Casa de Arte, and the Xochimilco Market, where you'll find plants and flowers at very affordable prices.
Forest and nature in Los Dinamos
Would you be surprised to know that right in the middle of Mexico City there is a vast forest with a river? It's true! It is located in Santa María Magdalena Atlitic, and is known as Los Dinamos. This beautiful natural spot is one of the most charming in the capital, ideal for a relaxing walk. Here you can also go horseback riding, climbing and mountain biking. The place has bathrooms, parking lots and food stalls selling snacks and fresh trout. One of the greatest pleasures is taking off your shoes and dipping your feet in the fresh water of the river.
Los Dinamos
La Marquesa
Even more nature and fun in La Marquesa
And if we talk about forested environments close to the city, it is impossible not to mention the Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla National Park, popularly known as La Marquesa. Just a few kilometers from the capital, the landscape is transformed, revealing tall trees, a cool climate and perfect spaces to enjoy nature and leisure. This park offers a variety of activities, such as motorcycle rental, trout fishing, zip-lining, gotcha fields and horseback riding. In addition, it houses a monument to the insurgents of Independence and numerous stalls where you can eat and relax.
Cycling tours in Mexico City
If you like to pedal, take advantage of this season to explore and stay in shape. An excellent option is the popular Sunday rides in Reforma, where you can ride calmly and, in addition, you will find free bicycle rental stands. Another alternative is Chapultepec Forest; in its first section you will discover places such as the Nezahualcóyotl Fountain, the Moctezuma Baths and the Casa del Lago, while in the second section you can walk between lakes until you reach the Chapultepec Museum, decorated by Diego Rivera.
If you prefer to bring your own bike, Ciudad Universitaria is a great option. This UNAM campus is especially beautiful and perfect for cycling. Walk through its facilities, see the stadium and buildings such as the Rector's Office, which alone are worth a visit.
Ciclistas en la CDMX
Tepotzotlán, Pueblo Mágico muy cerca de la CDMX
Escape to Tepotzotlán
To the north of the Federal District (an hour's drive) is this Magical Town that retains a provincial feel and holds a great treasure: the Ex Convent of San Francisco Javier, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the National Museum of the Viceroyalty. In addition, there is a pleasant market where you can eat delicious snacks. Nearby is Arcos de Sitio, a surprising aqueduct that today has hanging bridges and zip lines. It is also perfect for horseback riding or cycling.
Another plan, ideal for children, is to go to the Xochitla Ecological Park. This wonderful place is fun and educational; there are amenities such as a lake, golf course and children's games.
