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Top Mexico City Holiday Deals
Top Mexico City Holiday Deals
Top Mexico City Holiday Deals
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Popular Mexico City Hotel Deals
Popular Mexico City Hotel Deals
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TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Mexico City: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
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01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Mexico City
- Welcome to the largest city and capital of one of the world's most enthralling, and downright fascinating countries.
- It's safe to say that holiday in Mexico City will jolt your senses and leave you wanting more.
- Find cheap holidays to Mexico City to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, immerse yourself in history, and satisfy your cravings for delectable Mexican cuisine.
- While tourists flock to the beach resorts of Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, and Los Cabos, Mexico City truly embodies this enchanting and ever-changing country.
- It's a sprawling mass of urban life, the world's largest Spanish-speaking city, home to some 21 million people, and a destination where the cityscape alternates between gleaming skyscrapers, historic palaces, and tiny, buzzing cantinas that throb to the never-ending momentum of mariachi music.
- The city, located in central Mexico, is brimming with historical relics, ranging from its Aztec origins 700 years ago to modern architecture and monuments that reflect the nation's optimism for the future.
- Visit the Zocalo, the main public square, and observe how locals and tourists mix to see sights like the National Palace.
- Templo Mayor, the ruins of an Aztec temple, is nearby, and a former Aztec market now hosts year-round picnics in the sun at Alameda Park.
- This is Mexico, so don't forget to watch some wrestling - it'll make for unforgettable holiday memories.
- You won't find better Mexican food anywhere else, whether you buy cheap snacks from street vendors or reserve a table at one of trendy Polanco's world-class restaurants.
- Mexico City has over 300 neighbourhoods, but as a tourist, you don't need to venture much further than the historic center to get the most out of your time here.
- Within the city's central core, there are numerous hotels, restaurants, shops, museums, art galleries, and archaeological sites to fill any length of stay.
- To have a fantastic experience with the best of this city, make sure to check off some of the highlights listed in our Top 10 reasons to visit Mexico City.
- Capital: Mexico City
- International Airport: Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
- Population: 21.7 million
- Currency: Mexican Nuevo Peso
- Time: Mexico (GMT-6)
- Driving side: Right side
- Official Language: Spanish
- Religion: Roman Catholicism
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Mexico City
- A winding railway runs through canyon ridges.
- Look into the eyes of a curious grey whale.
- Gather with locals to eat tortillas baked over an open fire.
- Pass through a bustling market that is pulsing to the beat of a mariachi band.
- Baja California and the Yucatán are deceptively large: you could spend a fortnight in both and still not see everything.
- The city's colonial-era main square, the Plaza de la Constitucin, or Zócalo, is surrounded by a grid system of streets.
- To see Rivera's murals, go to the National Palace. They depict Mexico's history from Cortez's arrival in the New World to the twentieth century.
- You feel like an ant in the ruins of this ancient Mesoamerican city, an hour’s drive from the capital.
- A two-hour flight from Mexico City to Mérida will take you to the Yucatán's heart.
- This porous limestone peninsula is carpeted in jungle and riddled with cenotes (sinkholes), and it hides some enthralling Maya ruins.
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Mexico City
- Mexico City is best visited between March and May, even though the streets are very crowded at this time of year.
- Your trade-off is beautiful weather, which is especially welcome given that the city's winters can be chilly and summers can be rainy.
- You should prepare for the high elevation – Mexico City is about 7,382 feet above sea level – by drinking plenty of water, slathering on sunscreen, and taking it easy (and limiting alcohol consumption) for the first few days.
- Another thing to keep in mind is that Mexico City's air pollution is notoriously bad, so on days when the pollution is at its worst, you'll probably want to travel with a mask and limit your activities to indoors.
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Mexico City
Templo Mayor
- Tenochtitlan's Templo Mayor was an Aztec temple.
- Over the years, the temple grew to become the focal point of religious life.
- Human sacrifices were made here to the gods of war and rain.
- Then, in 1521, it was destroyed by Spanish conquistadors, who promptly built the Cathedral on top of it – but not quite.
- The temple, which consists of a large stone pyramid, was thought to be lost until 1978, when it was discovered.
- While walking through the dig site, visitors can see the remains of several older temples that were discovered beneath the original temple.
Palacio Nacional
- Mexico's president works at the Palacio Nacional (National Palace).
- However, the president is not the first person to rule over a country in this country.
- Much of the palace was built with materials from the Aztec ruler Montezuma II's palace.
- The palace takes up the entire side of Plaza de la Constitucion.
- The palace houses a bell that summoned troops to fight in the Mexican Revolution; it is rung every September 15 to commemorate the occasion.
- The ornate palace also houses murals by Diego Rivera depicting Mexico's history from pre-Columbian times to the Mexican Revolution.
- English-language tours are free.
Museo Frida Kahlo
- Frida Kahlo was the wife of a well-known Mexican artist, Diego Rivera, but she was also a well-known artist in her own right.
- She was both born and died in the Casa Azul (Blue House), where she spent her entire life.
- Rivera turned the house into a museum in her honor in 1968.
- The museum focuses on their work as well as the work of other folk artists, pre-Spanish artifacts, and other memorabilia associated with the couple.
- It is the most visited museum in Coyacan, where it is located, and one of Mexico City's most popular tourist attractions.
Basilica de Guadalupe
- The Basilica de Guadalupe was built after the Virgin Mary appeared in 1531 and asked a poor peasant to inform the bishop that a temple should be built in her honor there.
- The bishop, who was skeptical, demanded proof that the man had seen the Virgin.
- He placed roses under his cloak at her request; when he opened it, the roses, which contained an image of the Virgin, fell out.
- Pedro Ramirez Vasquez (who also designed the National Museum of Anthropology) designed the "New" Basilica de Guadalupe between 1974 and 1976.
- The massive plaza in front of the basilica can accommodate 50,000 worshipers, with that many turning out every December 12 to celebrate the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
Mexico City Off the Beaten Track
Roma
- The city of Roma designated Roma as a "Barrio Magico," and the magic of this place will be *instantly* clear when you see Roma's vibrant Art Deco architecture.
- Locals say there's a fantastic food scene here.
- They can recommend specific restaurants or bars based on your travel style, but the Mercado Roma is a must-see for most of our locals.
- This upscale food hall serves everything from churros to craft beer and has a stunning view from its rooftop.
- Roma is also known for its excellent cafes, according to locals.
- You can find a good one just by walking around, but locals say Buna has a stellar reputation for coffee.
Polanco
- Polanco is home to some of the world's best restaurants, high-end shopping, and fancy cocktail bars.
- If you're wondering where to eat in Mexico City, Polanco is a good place to start.
- And Polanco isn't just a pretty face with a mediocre personality.
- It contains some of the best places to visit in Mexico City.
- The brilliant Museo Soumaya (another fantastic, free activity) and the beloved Museo Nacional de Antropologia are both open to visitors.
- According to locals, Polanco, like Roma and Condesa, is one of Mexico City's safest neighborhoods.
San Rafael
- San Rafael, like the nearby Juarez neighborhood, is on the rise.
- The mansions from its glory days have mostly survived, resulting in an eclectic architectural vibe.
- Locals say San Rafael has a lot of great food, including the delectable Mercado San Cosme.
- Locals say San Cosme is one of the best places to visit in Mexico City if you're a foodie—teeming it's with stalls selling tortas (delicious meat-packed Mexican sandwiches) and pambazos (delicious meat-packed Mexican sandwiches dipped in salsa and then fried).
- San Rafel is an excellent place to explore if you want to get off the beaten path—with some local knowledge.
- Our trip planners tell us that the neighborhood is becoming a hotspot for artists, particularly those priced out of Roma and Condesa.
- As a result, there are numerous excellent galleries to be found.
- San Rafael is considered to be relatively safe, despite the fact that it is off the beaten path.
Centro Historico
- Centro Historico isn't boring because it has the word "history" in its name.
- Locals tell us that the Centro Historico has some of the best things to do in Mexico City.
- However, because Centro Historico can be touristy, take advantage of local recommendations to avoid falling into a tourist trap.
- The Palacio Nacional, where the president works, Zocalo Square, where all major national events or holidays are celebrated, Catedral Metropolitana, the city's enormous historic cathedral, and the just-adjacent (and absolutely incredible) ruins of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan are among the best things to see in this neighborhood.
- Centro Historico is relatively safe, especially during the day.
- Locals advise caution if you venture into some of Centro Historico's nearby neighborhoods late at night.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Mexico City Culture and Traditions
- Mexico's culture is rich, colorful, and vibrant, having been influenced by ancient civilisations such as the Aztec and Maya, as well as European colonisation.
- It is a one-of-a-kind culture that is likely to be one of the most fascinating in the world.
- The Mexican people have a wide range of traditions and customs.
- They are proud of their indigenous heritage, with each region having its own cultural practices and celebrations.
- Many of their ancestors' ancient traditions have been preserved, making it a fascinating destination to visit.
- Mexico is home to several indigenous groups, including the Nahuas, Otomis, Mayas, Zapotecs, Tzeltales, and Tzotziles.
- All of these have had an impact on Mexican culture in terms of cuisine, medicine, rituals, and language.
- Music and dance play an important role in Mexican culture.
- Mariachi music, which dates back to the 18th century, is well-known and popular.
- Traditionally, mariachi bands are made up of 5 musicians dressed in 'charro' suits.
- If you haven't heard the song "La Cucaracha" (the cockroach!)
- yet, you will most likely hear it during your trip to Mexico, as mariachi bands play it everywhere – on the street and in restaurants.
- Folk dancing is popular throughout Mexico.
- The Jarabe Tapatio (Mexican Hat Dance) is one of Mexico's most famous dances, and it is likely the country's national dance.
- It is a celebration of courtship, and the dancing is done while wearing a sombrero.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
Mexico City: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Tacos
#Food
- So, if you want to experience the vibrancy and color of a Mexican festival or fiesta, you'll need to plan your Mexico holiday accordingly, and this is where Chimu can help.
- The taco, Mexico's most famous and ubiquitous dish, remains a favorite of Mexican cuisine — whether you're a tourist or a lifelong local.
- You can order a few as a light on-the-go snack or dine on the street side.
- There are many variations, but the authentic taco should be made with corn tortillas and topped with cebollita and cilantro (onion and coriander.)
- Tacos al pastor (spit-roasted, pineapple-infused pork) are a great way to get started with this famous dish.
Tamales
#Food
- So, if you want to experience the vibrancy and color of a Mexican festival or fiesta, you'll need to plan your Mexico holiday accordingly, and this is where Chimu can help.
- Tamales are made from corn dough and can be stuffed with chicken, rajas con queso (chilies and cheese), and a variety of other delectable ingredients.
- Tamales are wrapped in corn or banana leaves before cooking and sold by street vendors throughout Mexico.
- They are definitely a deliciously filling snack.
Quesadillas
#Food
- A similar Mexico City phenomenon is the cheese-free quesadilla.
- When you order a quesadilla anywhere else in the country, it is assumed that cheese is included.
- In the capital, however, you must specify that you want queso in your quesadilla – or you will be left disappointed and cheese-less.
- Find a street vendor who sells them in beautiful blue corn tortillas and add as many extra fillings as you want.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
#Fun
- Few architectural structures in the Western Hemisphere can compete with the grandeur of Mexico City's Palacio de Bellas Artes, or Palace of Fine Arts, which is located in the city center next to the leafy green Alameda Park.
- The building's construction began in 1904 with the goal of completing an opulent National Theater of Mexico in time for the centennial celebration of the Mexican Revolution against the Spanish in 1910.
- As is typical of construction projects in Mexico, the project took three decades to complete.
- Today, the Palacio Bellas Artes hosts not only theatre, but also opera, dance, and art exhibitions of all kinds.
- The best thing to do is simply admire the magnificent exterior.
Teotihuacan
#Fun
- If you only have time for one day trip from Mexico City, go to Teotihuacan to see the incredible ancient ruins.
- Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was one of the most important pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican cities and cultural centers.
- The enormous ruins of the city, which date back nearly 2,000 years, are remarkably well preserved and are now one of the best things to do in Mexico.
- The massive pyramids, such as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Moon and Sun, are the highlight.
- Along the way, many tours will take you to the 16th century Basilica de Guadalupe, one of the most visited Catholic religious destinations in the world.
Floating Gardens of Xochimilco
#Fun
- If you enjoy getting drunk on brightly colored boats, you'll love this Mexico City activity.
- Xochimilco is a borough of Mexico City that is most famous with tourists for its so-called Floating Gardens, which were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
- It is located about 45 minutes outside of the city center.
- The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, built over an Aztec water transport system, are essentially a river where you can rent out colorful gondola-style boats for 2-3 hour cruises.
- It's a popular activity in Mexico City, so there will be many other boats around you, as well as vendors selling street food, drinks, and a variety of other wares.
- The views aren't spectacular, but it's a unique experience and a fun social activity for both tourists and locals.
Centro Santa Fe
#Fashion
- Centro Santa Fe has the distinction of being Mexico's largest shopping mall.
- Inside, there are approximately 500 stores to browse, including prestigious brands such as Escada and Dolce & Gabbana.
- The mall also has a number of attractions, such as an ice rink, a cinema, and children's play areas, as well as numerous restaurants and fast-food options for when you've worked up an appetite.
- If you're looking for a place to stay during Mexico City's rainy season, a day trip here wouldn't be a bad idea.
Paseo Arcos Bosques
#Fashion
- The highly exclusive Paseo Arcos Bosques shopping mall is housed in one of Mexico City's most famous skyscrapers.
- It is located within the interconnected tower building, right next to the instantly recognisable and appropriately nicknamed El Pantalón (the Pants).
- In addition to a Cinépolis cinema, this shopping center is home to some of the most prestigious designers in the world, including Kate Spade and Hugo Boss.
- The upscale atmosphere is enhanced by sweeping glass walls, gleaming floors, and high ceilings.
Antara Polanco
#Fashion
- Because Antara Polanco is located in the affluent Polanco district, exclusivity is a given.
- This stunning open-air Mexican shopping mall is oozing with glitz – even the fast-food court features high-backed chairs with amusing silhouettes on the back, adding a touch of class to your burger-eating experience.
- Antara is home to elegant boutiques such as Benetton and Oysho, beauty stores such as Sephora and Mac Cosmetics, as well as perfumes and jewellery.
- Expect fake snow to fall from the sky during the evenings if you visit in December.
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
Mexico City: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- Mexico City is a sprawling metropolis that extends into the mountains that surround it, but there are still plenty of open, green spaces to enjoy on your next trip, whether you want to walk your dog, go for a run, or simply enjoy some fresh air.
- Here's our list of the seven best national parks to visit the next time you're in Mexico City, all of which are easily accessible from the city center.
- From the harsh deserts of northern Mexico to the rocky inclines of its many mountain ranges and the humid jungles of the south, Mexico has a climate that was designed to support a wide range of species.
- The Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones is one of the most popular national parks in the city and is actually located entirely within the Mexico City area, making it insanely accessible for even the casual day tripper.
- The grounds, which cover more than 4,600 acres, are often referred to as Mexico's oldest protected biosphere.
- They even include a beautiful old Carmelite convent.
- A fantastic location for mountain biking.Parque Nacional La Malinche is located in the bordering states of Puebla and Tlaxcala and is named after the volcano that lies within its boundaries, which was named after the translator of conquistador Hernán Cortés.
- The ideal park to visit if you intend to do altitude acclimatisation on the eponymous mountain, it also has broader appeal due to its proximity to the capital and the gentle slope that leads to the summit of the volcano. Ideal for families.
- The national park better known as La Marquesa is located in the state of Mexico and is officially known as Parque Nacional Insurgente Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.
- There are numerous walking paths and trails suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, and you can even rent horses and take a horseback ride through the Valle del Silencio.
- This park, however, is perhaps best known as the site of the Battle of Monte de las Cruces during the Mexican War of Independence in 1810.
- The Parque Nacional Nevado de Toluca is located in the state capital of Mexico, Toluca, and is named after and home to the Nevado de Toluca volcano, Mexico's fourth highest peak.
- Originally intended as a conservation site, it is now best known for the shallow lakes that have taken up residence in the crater of the inactive volcano.
- Aside from the crater, there are numerous archaeological sites, hiking trails, and mountain biking tracks to explore, as well as horseback riding opportunities.
- Although not technically a national park, the Bosque de Chapultepec is one of Mexico City's most popular attractions (with approximately 15 million annual visitors) and the largest inner-city park in the Western Hemisphere, second only to Central Park in New York.
- With museums, squirrels, and food stalls galore, you'll never be bored in this breath of fresh air that separates you from the surrounding city.
- Visit the Museo Nacional de Antropologa or the Museo Tamayo, both of which are located in Mexico City's "lungs."
- Viveros de Coyoacán, a public park in Mexico City's southern Coyoacán region, is also a tree nursery that was originally created to replenish Mexico City's damaged forest areas.
- It now produces over a million seedlings per year and receives over 2,000 visitors per day.
- Squirl fans should head straight to Viveros de Coyoacán after visiting Bosque de Chapultepec, as the tame squirrels enjoy being hand fed by the public (not in the nursery area, though).
- The city center (formerly known as the Federal District) takes up half of Mexico City, and this national park takes up the other half – this should give you an idea of the size of this massive natural zone.
- Several peaks, including Pico de Guila and Mezontepec, are located within the Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco.
- This park is ideal for dog walking and casual strolls that will revitalize you after a day in the city.
- It also has a diverse range of flora and fauna.
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Mexico City Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- Festivals and fiestas are extremely important in Mexico and are celebrated in even the most remote villages.
- Every community has its own patron saint, who is honored each year with celebrations and processions.
- From the most remote indigenous village to the most affluent suburb of Mexico City, everyone dedicates at least one day a year to a fiesta – and often many more!
- So, if you want to experience the vibrancy and colour of a Mexican festival or fiesta, you'll need to plan your Mexico holiday accordingly, and this is where Chimu can help.
- So, if you want to experience the vibrancy and color of a Mexican festival or fiesta, you'll need to plan your Mexico holiday accordingly, and this is where Chimu can help.
- Offerings are made to the souls of ancestors during this festival.
- Shrines are built in homes to honor departed relatives, and all-night vigils are common at graves.
- Pan de muertos and colourfully iced sugar skulls are sold at market stalls.
- There is a beautiful torch-lighting ceremony, festive dances, and a ceremony on Janitzio, an island in the middle of the lake, at Lago de Pátzcuaro.
- So, if you want to experience the vibrancy and colour of a Mexican festival or fiesta, you'll need to plan your Mexico holiday accordingly, and this is where Chimu can help.
- This is a religious festival commemorating Mary, the Virgin of Guadalupe.
- Catholics travel to Mexico City to see an image of Mary at the Basilica of Guadalupe.
- This is most likely Mexico's most important religious holiday.
- So, if you want to experience the vibrancy and color of a Mexican festival or fiesta, you'll need to plan your Mexico holiday accordingly, and this is where Chimu can help.
- This is Mexico's most important holiday, a deeply religious festival commemorating Christ's resurrection.
- Pilgrimages and processions are common.
- Head to Iztapalapa, just outside of Mexico City, for a massive festival that includes buckets of fake blood!
- So, if you want to experience the vibrancy and color of a Mexican festival or fiesta, you'll need to plan your Mexico holiday accordingly, and this is where Chimu can help.
- If you happen to be in Oaxaca in July, you might be able to witness this indigenous cultural event that celebrates the region's traditions and cultures.
- This colorful event includes traditional clothing, folk dances, and local foods.
- So, if you want to experience the vibrancy and color of a Mexican festival or fiesta, you'll need to plan your Mexico holiday accordingly, and this is where Chimu can help.
- Also in July is the Fiesta de San Cristobal, which, predictably, takes place in San Cristobal de las Casas!
- This colourful and vibrant fiesta includes fireworks, parades, marimba bands, and parties, as well as many Chiapas regional traditions.
FAQs to Plan Your Best Mexico City Holiday
Places similar to Mexico City to visit
Places similar to Mexico City to visit
Places similar to Mexico City to visit