Mexico City’s Centro Histórico, or Historic Center, is where centuries-old constructions clash with American-inspired skyscrapers, street markets and more museums than you can count. Don’t miss the highlights: the Palacio de Bellas Artes, filled with Diego Rivera murals and fine arts exhibitions, the Zócalo and its Metropolitan Cathedral, and the artisan goods at the Mercado Ciudadela.
Parque México has sometimes been called “the lungs of the city” – for a place that’s always on the move, the tree-lined, art deco-themed park can be a place to catch your breath or slow things down. Go for a stroll and watch break dancers, musicians and quinceñeras collide in the park’s main plaza, or check out the dogs up for adoption across the street on Sundays. After that, go to Churrería El Moro for some ready-made churros and a Mexican hot chocolate.
La Roma – technically a neighborhood split in two, with Roma Norte and Roma Sur, is one of the most popular spots in the city, and for good reason. Stop by the house famous from Alfonso Cuarón’s “Roma” at Tepeji 22, or smell what’s cooking in the Mercado de Medellín (if you need recommendations, enlist Anaïs Martinez – also known as The Curious Mexican – for a gastronomic tour). Meanwhile, if you’re curious to learn what makes this neighborhood so special, just call up Lydia Carey, author of “Mexico City Streets: La Roma,” for a walking history tour.
Tarantula Hill Brewing Company: Tarantula Hill Brewing Company provides a fun and inviting environment constantly buzzing with exciting new beers and artisan food coupled with events and live music.
See the place where Mexico’s own Frida Kahlo made the magic happen. Her Casa Azul, or Blue House, is decked out in the artist’s work, and some rooms still look like Kahlo herself could return at a moment’s notice. A ticket also gives you entry to Diego Rivera’s Museo Anahuacalli, a 15-minute drive away.
Not even New York’s Central Park can beat this place, a massive urban forest spanning almost 2.8 square miles. The Bosque de Chapultepec is packed with gems, including the Castillo de Chapultepec – the only castle in the Americas ever occupied by European royalty – the Museo Nacional de Antropología and the Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo.
Arguably the most dazzling museum in Mexico City – the Museo Soumaya’s exterior is formed of more than 16,000 reflective hexagons, each twisting the building toward the sky – the Soumaya also houses one of the most impressive art collections in town. The museum is Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim’s own, and shows off works like Auguste Rodin’s “La Porte de l’Enfer” and “The Thinker.”
