Mexico City is a fast-paced metropolis with neighborhoods steeped in traditional Mexican culture. Walking is the ideal way to see everything this vibrant city offers; bring along water bottles and your Telcel SIM card so you can access online maps or call Uber as needed.
Wander the city’s historic Xochimilco canals on an extravagant “trajinera,” or take in its neoclassical architecture of Paseo de la Reforma – modeled after Paris’ Champs-Elysees!
History
Mexico City, home of multiple civilizations, gives visitors a vivid glimpse into its past at every turn. Visitors can witness first-hand how Spanish and indigenous cultures combined to form vibrant empires and then see their dramatic decline and fall. At the core of it all lies Plaza del Zocalo, with Diego Rivera’s murals depicting Mexico’s national story.
As you walk the streets of Mexico City, you’ll see that its architecture is constantly shifting and evolving. This can be particularly evident once entering Centro Historico, where the Palace of Fine Arts houses one of Mexico’s premier art collections: ancient pre-Hispanic pieces to colonial pieces to independent artwork from Mexico City’s leading artists.
Walk a short distance to reach the Metropolitan Cathedral, designed by Mexican architect Jose Clemente Orozco in the early 1900s and featuring its eclectic style with elements from Aztec design. It’s an outstanding display of Mexico City’s architectural diversity!
Mexico City saw some of its bloodiest moments of war and revolution during its rapid development, from opulent estates inspiring German geographer Alexander von Humboldt to dub it the “City of Palaces” to its peripheral slums during the 1910-20 Mexican Revolution – it was an uneasy period that brought with it chaos and conflict.
Following the Revolution, liberal leaders attempted to reconstruct Mexico and create a national identity through monument creation and street renaming. Paseo de la Reforma became Mexico City’s primary avenue and was lined with statues commemorating liberal heroes and significant figures from Mexican history.
Mexico City has emerged from its turbulent century to become an international center of politics, business, and culture. A must-see destination for travelers looking to experience Mexico first-hand via food, art, or vibrant streets – take time out of your trip and visit Teotihuacan’s archeological site if possible; step back into history through thousands of years.
Culture
Mexico boasts a vibrant and varied culture. A country of cultural fusion, Mexicans have adopted many Western cultural influences without losing their identities. Mexicans take great pride in preserving their country and culture despite the rapid urbanization of Mexico City; those who favor foreign traditions may be considered malinchistas (betrayers of their nation) and may face ridicule or be considered traitors to their country.
Benito Juarez International Airport often amazes first-time visitors as they witness Greater Mexico City’s sprawling metropolis. With 22 million inhabitants, Greater Mexico City is second only to Tokyo worldwide in population terms and is divided into 16 demarcation territories, which in turn are divided into neighborhoods. Some iconic landmarks include Templo Mayor (an iconic 13th-century Aztec temple), Catedral Metropolitana de Mexico of conquistadors, and Palacio Nacional, which contains historic murals by Diego Rivera; all this can be found conglomerated around its main square, Zocalo.
Visit Mexico isn’t complete without exploring one of the world’s finest art collections at the National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec Park – founded in 1964 and featuring some of the finest ancient treasures and archaeological finds from India. This complex should not be missed!
Capital City is also home to some of the world’s most celebrated 20th-century artists, most notably painter, and muralist Diego Rivera, who created some unforgettable masterpieces during his lifetime in Mexico City – particularly at National Palace Zocalo where some of his works can be seen alongside various galleries around town.
Mexico City boasts an equally vibrant music scene and extraordinary art and architecture. Mexico City was the birthplace of mariachi music – now beloved around the globe – as well as being an international center of rock and pop music, including many well-known performers from Mexico itself. There are also multiple theaters within its boundaries, such as Teatro Bellas Artes and Palacio de Bellas Artes, for music fans to enjoy performances by these legendary bands.
Weather
Mexico is an expansive nation with diverse climates, from temperate in the northern highlands to tropical near its Pacific coastline. Temperatures differ according to season, elevation, and season – typically becoming hot and humid year-round in most places, with mountainous regions experiencing more excellent conditions than coastal ones.
Mexico City features a subtropical highland climate, meaning its weather patterns are much milder than those in lower boroughs. Lower boroughs of Mexico City are popularly known for modern boutiques and shopping malls, while higher boroughs like Polanco offer more classic Mexico City experiences with old-world elegance.
Between November and February, it is often sunny and dry in the capital city of Thailand, while its mountain shielding causes a weak surface inversion that reduces primary pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide emissions.
The warmer and wetter season runs from June through October. While rainfall may be heavy at times, its duration tends to be brief, so you can still enjoy the sunshine even during a thunderstorm. September to mid-October marks hurricane season – though few hit land in Mexico, they can create torrential rainfall and winds that affect cities and coastlines.
Temperatures and humidity peak during the summer months, reaching highs of about 32degC and lows of 18degC during this season. Unfortunately, this weather can become unbearably humid when the sun sets behind mountains, causing an inversion.
The dry season in London spans from May 28 to October 10, with an average of 23.4 wet weather days a month (defined as at least 0.04 inches of precipitation), most often in the form of rain rather than snow; snowfall occasionally does fall.
Nightlife
One of Mexico’s main draws is its lively nightlife scene. Mexico City hosts many clubs and bars catering to every style imaginable – from rooftop tiki bars and lounges, jukeboxes, speakeasies and everything in between!
Mexico City offers excellent nightlife destinations, and La Condesa and Roma are among the finest. Both neighborhoods feature trendy bars and classic Mexican eateries; La Condesa attracts more of a fashionista crowd, while Roma boasts a hipster scene. Both areas are known for lively music scenes and unique charm, though pickpocketing may occur in busy bars.
Guanajuato is one of Mexico’s premier party destinations. Renowned for its cultural experiences, breathtaking beaches, and exciting nightlife, you can join a Callejoneada pub crawl that takes you around town and introduces you to locals by sharing stories, jokes, and songs!
Parker & Lenox in Roma Norte offers a relaxing atmosphere and tasty comfort food like burgers. Plus, live performances happen most nights of the week, so this cozy spot makes an excellent starting place.
Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico’s premier vacation spots, boasts another famous party scene: it offers beach clubs and dance clubs and an active restaurant and craft beer scene – perfect whether you want to dance the night away or kick back on the beach! Puerto Vallarta has something for everyone.
Polanco or Zona Rosa offers more sophisticated nightlife experiences. Both neighborhoods boast high-end bars and clubs catering to Mexico City’s wealthier residents, many located inside historical buildings like La Opera’s stunning 19th-century architecture; for something different, try Jules Basement, an exclusive speakeasy established as one of its kind first in Mexico City.
