Known as the ‘Cathedral of Art’ the Palacio de Bellas Artes is a stunning building dedicated to the performing and visual arts. Spend a few hours walking in and around this magnificent building. While the building in its current form was built in 1934, the site was previously home to the 19th century National Theatre of Mexico. It was upgraded to its current form to celebrate the centenary of Mexican Independence. Heavily borrowing from Italian Neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles, wander around the Palacio’s periphery to marvel at the beauty of its architecture. Once inside, you’ll notice that its interiors are more typical of the Art Deco style. If you get your timing right, try to catch a performance of the Mexican Folkloric Ballet troupe at this incredible theatre.
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MEXICO CITY
TRAVEL IN MEXICO CITY
Food, fun and fiestas: Mexico City is the ultimate destination for lovers of adventure. Experience as much culture as you can in this colourful city.
As the capital of Mexico, Mexico City is the place to learn about the country’s history. Start your educational adventure at the Museo Nacional de Antropología. This phenomenal museum dives into the anthropological history of Mexico, looking at its social evolution from its early indigenous communities, from the rise and fall of the Aztec Empire, to the invasion of the Spanish. Go back in time as you walk through the archaeological site of Templo Mayor, the Great Pyramid of the Aztecs, and envision how different this city was 600 years ago.
An astounding tribute to the resilience and adaptability of Mexican culture, learn how indigenous rituals and beliefs were able to blend (almost seamlessly) into Catholic traditions. Understand the depths of this religious fusion when you visit the Santuario Nacional del angel de la Santa Muerte or talk to the street vendors at the Mercado de Sonora. While here, explore the breadth of eccentric products for sale at this famous witches’ market.
One of the highlights of the Mexican calendar, coordinate your visit to Mexico City with the annual Day of the Dead. Held on 2 November each year, La Dia de los Muertos is a chance for Mexican people to remember and celebrate their deceased relatives. The best part about this festival? The massive party the city throws in its honour. Be amazed at the incredible costumes and skeletal face paint of this lively festival. If you’re visiting in late February, don’t despair: Carnaval is a pretty good substitute. With huge, flamboyant floats and party vibes, let some steam off with the locals at the last party before the season of Lent begins.
Between all the significant sites, mystical rituals and good times, you’ll never be stuck for what to do in Mexico City.
FAST FACTS
Language: Spanish
Currency: Mexican peso
Electricity: 127V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Mexico.
Dialing Code: +52
Time Zone: (GMT -05:00)
ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
See more about ContikiTHINGS TO DO IN MEXICO CITY
Walk around Palacio de Bellas Artes
See the parade for Dia de los Muertos
What has become one of the most recognisable aspects of Mexican culture, La Dia de los Muertos is Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations. This colourful festival has its origins in indigenous cultures, but has become intertwined with Catholic beliefs. Happening on the 2nd November each year – which corresponds with the Catholic festival of All Souls’ Day – the Day of the Dead is a time for Mexican people to honour their deceased relatives. While part of the celebration involves making offerings of food, drink and flowers to their lost loved ones, Mexico City’s annual Day of the Dead Parade is becoming one of the main events. Head to downtown Mexico City to party with the locals at this massive event. With incredible floats, eccentric costumes and intricately-painted faces, this is one for your bucket list.
Visit the archaeological site of Templo Mayor
The Templo Mayor or Great Temple dominated the central sacred precinct of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan – where modern-day Mexico City now stands. What was once the greatest city in the pre-Columbian world, the Spanish ordered a systematic destruction and levelling of Tenochtitlan. Luckily, remnants of Templo Mayor still remain. Discovered in an excavation in 1978, put a visit to the archaeological site of Templo Mayor on the top of your Mexico City to-do list. As this great Pyramid was once the heart of the Aztec Empire, take a tour of its archaeological site to learn about its cultural and spiritual significance. Unlock some of the secrets of the Aztec culture at Templo Mayor.
Discover the witchy side of Mexico through Mercado de Sonora
If you’re keen to explore more of the mystical side of Mexico, you’ll want to put a trip to the Mercado de Sonora at the top of your list. From a broken heart to a bad bank balance, this witches’ market has a solution for just about everything. With magic soaps, holy water sprays, spell books and caged animals, the sheer array of products available at this market will blow your mind. Spend a few hours walking the laneways of this enclosed market and talking to its vendors. You’ll be surprised at home much you learn about Voodoo, Brujeria (Mexican sorcery) and other forms of witchcraft.
Visit a church dedicated to the Mexican skeleton saint, Santuario Nacional del angel de la Santa Muerte
Located in the historical centre of Mexico City, the Santa Muerte Sanctuary is a church dedicated to “The Bony Lady.” Sometimes referred to as the Saint of Death, the Bony Lady looks similar in dress and statue to the Virgin Mary – except that she’s a skeleton. Deriving from the Mexican Goddess of Death, this icon has been integrated into some Catholic services – though the Church itself is divided on the issue. While the Vatican actively condemns praying to Santa Muerte, other Mexican priests have accepted her. Suspiciously seen as being associated with drug cartels, the Santa Muerte is the idol of the destitutes, the outcasts and those who have lost hope. Visit the modest Bravo Street church to see the statue in person, or better yet, attend one of its weekly masses.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN MEXICO CITY
If you have a love for music, culture and having a good time, getting involved in some of the city’s many festivals is one of the best things to do in Mexico City. From the cult-classics of Carnaval and La Dia de los Muertos, to the folkloric sounds of Son Jarocho Music Festival, here are our picks for five Mexican festivals that you’ll want to check out:
Son Jarocho Music Festival – Music
In early February every year, thousands of people flock to the colonial riverside town of Tlacotalpan to attend the Son Jarocho festival. This three-day music festival showcases Veracruz folkloric music and dance performances. Get down to this southern town to experience this awesome cultural extravaganza.
Festival de Mexico – Culture
Taking place in heart of Mexico City’s Federal District, the Festival de Mexico is an enormous showcase of Mexico’s best performers. For two weeks every March, this festival sees dance, drama, music and art performances happening at 50 sites across the city. Check out the performance schedule to secure tickets to this amazing event.
Morelia International Film Festival - Film
Showcasing some of the up-and-coming Mexican filmmakers, the Morelia International Film Festival is a must-see for film buffs. Happening in mid-October in the charming town of Morelia, this event aims to showcase the best of the international documentary scene, as well as promote the early works of emerging Mexican filmmakers.
Day of the Dead – Culture
One of Mexico’s biggest and most well-renowned festivals, the Day of the Dead celebrations are not to be missed. On the 2nd November each year, the locals create shrines in their homes to honour their deceased relatives, before mass celebrations erupt in the streets. Put on a traditional costume, paint your face and get involved with Mexico City’s massive Dia de los Muertos parade.
Carnaval in Veracruz & Mazatlán - Culture
Much like other Catholic cities around the world, Carnaval is one of the biggest events on the Mexican calendar. This colourful festival is the last opportunity for Catholics to eat, drink and party in excess before Lent begins. With parades, crazy costumes and lots of dancing, head to the Mexican cities of Veracruz & Mazatlán to experience the wildest versions of this event.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN MEXICO CITY
Former home of the Aztecs and Spanish colonisers, Mexico City’s roots run deep. There’s nowhere better to learn about the history and culture of this capital city than at some of its awesome museums. Here are our picks for five Mexico City museums you should check out.
Frida Kahlo Museum
Both an artist and an artist’s muse, Frida Kahlo is undoubtedly the most well-renowned Mexican artists. Discover the woman behind the icon at Museo Frida Kahlo. Known amongst locals as ‘The Blue House’ for its brightly-coloured exterior, marvel at Kahlo’s paintings and flair for interior decorating at her former home.
Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes
Looking more like a Catholic Basilica than a theatre, the Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes is beautiful inside and out. Built in 1934, this cultural institution is Mexico City’s centre for performing and visual arts. Home to the Mexican Folkloric Ballet troupe and to many of Diego Riviera’s murals, this museum is a must-see for lovers of art, architecture and dance.
Museo Nacional de Antropología
Ancient history buffs will be blown away by the sheer scale of Mexico City’s National Anthropology Museum. Located in Bosque de Chapultepec, the museum’s collection is divided into archaeology and ethnology, with 11 separate rooms dedicated to each. It’s easy to spend hours exploring this massive space.
Museo Soumaya
One of the most-celebrated art museums in the world, Museo Soumaya is an architectural masterpiece. Designed by Fernando Romero and owned by Carlos Slim, this curvaceous contemporary building is one of Mexico City’s most famous structures. Located in the upscale Miguel Hidalgo district of the city, the museum’s collection holds stunning range of European neoclassical art.
Chapultepec Castle
Up on the top of ‘grasshopper hill,’ a sacred site for the Aztecs, you’ll find Chapultepec Castle. This former royal residence isn’t just an architectural beauty, but a museum of Mexican artefacts. Check out its collection of furniture, artworks and regal paraphernalia before strolling around its stunning gardens.
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FOOD IN MEXICO CITY
As one of Latin America’s most famous exports, Mexican food needs no introduction. However, Mexico City food is something different altogether. Combining a mixture of traditional and fusion foods, it’s hard to get a bad meal here. Here are our picks for five foods to try in Mexico City.
Taco Omakase
You’re probably already familiar with this Mexican staple, but we bet you’ve never had tacos like this before. Pujol Restaurant in Mexico City takes the Japanese concept of omakase – where their chef chooses the degustation for you - and applies it to their own cuisine. Head down to Pujol for your own taco omakase surprise.
Best eaten at - Pujol, Tennyson 133, Polanco IV Sección, Polanco IV Secc, 11570
Churros
Even though they originated in Spain, churros have become one of the most-beloved desserts of Mexico. These curly lengths of deep-fried dough are dusted with cinnamon and sugar and served piping hot. Try dipping them into chocolate or dulche de leche for an even sweeter experience.
Best eaten at - Churrería El Moro, Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 42, Centro Histórico, Centro, 06000
Cochinita Pibil
With its sweet, earthy aroma, cochinita pibil is always a crowd-pleaser. This iconic barbecued pork comes from the Mexican state of Yucatán, but is a favourite dish all around the country. Marinated with spices and juicy Seville oranges before being wrapped in banana leaves, this hunk of pork is slow cooked underground for hours. Try this mouth-watering dish at El Turix Restaurant in Polanco, Mexico City.
Best eaten at - El Turix, Calle Emilio Castelar 212, Polanco, Polanco III Secc, 11550
Tortas
Unlike the name would suggest, tortas aren’t cakes in Mexico. But what they are is just as delicious: monster-sized sandwiches. A Mexican street food staple, tortas are built up on a massive milk bun and stuffed with anything that takes the vendor’s fancy, including chorizo, potato, avocado, breaded-and-fried flank steak, turkey and pierna (pork leg). Try one of the thousands of tortas on offer in Mexico City.
Best eaten at -Tacos Árabes la Periquita, Antonio Caso 125, Colonia San Rafael
Tlacoyos
With its origins dating back before Spanish colonisation, tlacoyos are a flat, diamond-shaped bread made from masa. Cooked on a griddle over hot coals, tlacoyos are often stuffed with fava beans, cheese and bits of fried pork belly. These mouth-watering snacks need to be eaten straight off the grill.
Best eaten at - Street vendors on the southwest corner of Francisco Pimentel and Joaquín Vázquez de León, Colonia San Rafael
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