Mexico City Sightseeing Tour Highlights History, Culture, And Cuisine

By Joanna Allen at Allen Batista Travel, Inc.

Mexico City, one of the oldest cities in North America, founded by Native Americans, is a vibrant city known for its culture, history, and cuisine. Allen Batista Travel, Inc. invites visitors to experience the magic of Mexico City on a cultural sightseeing tour.

Currency Exchange Tips

The Mexican Peso (MXN) is the official currency in Mexico. Many restaurants, stores, and hotels accept credit cards, but street sellers, markets, and tipping tour guides and drivers have no other choice but to take cash. The best exchange rate can be found in bank ATMs, rather than currency exchange kiosks at the airport or rundown street stalls.

It is also convenient to bring small bills and coins in case you want to buy something in artisan markets or eat in food stalls.

Cultural Treasures In The Historic Center

The Mexico City sightseeing tour begins in the Centro Histórico, the pulsating heart of Mexico City. Here, the magnificent Zocalo, which is one of the biggest city squares in the world, is located with a plethora of historical buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, where the most famous murals of Diego Rivera are located. The architecture is also an interesting mixture of native and foreign styles, with the story of the complicated past of Mexico.

Next stop is Templo Mayor, or the ruins of an ancient Aztec temple directly adjacent to the contemporary buildings. You will find a lot more of this old-versus-new theme throughout the city.

A Spiritual Journey To The Basilica Of Guadalupe

The Basilica route leads to one of the most sacred religious landmarks in the whole of America, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The pilgrimage center is visited by an increasing number of people each year. You will find not just the new basilica in this, but even the older one, which is more than 400 years old.

Must-Visit Attractions

The Museo Nacional de Antropología showcases pre-Hispanic artifacts from the Aztecs, the Mayans, and the Olmecs, including the world-renowned Aztec Sun Stone. On the outskirts of the city, tourists can get a glimpse into early Mesoamerican life by visiting the Teotihuacan Pyramids, also known as the Pyramids of the Sun. Our adventure continues with the colorful canal rides in Xochimilco on traditional trajineras—brightly colored flat-bottom boats.

Our sightseeing adventure includes a trip to Cuernavaca and Taxco with colonial style and craftwork. Cuernavaca is renowned as the City of Eternal Spring. The neighboring Taxco has a long history as far as silversmiths are concerned, and this is why all their markets and boutiques are filled with silver jewelry. Visitors can purchase intricately made earrings and breathtaking necklaces, and also handmade home decor, while admiring the Baroque architecture, including the Santa Prisca Church.

Culinary Delights: A Taste Of Mexico City

Mexico City is known for its fine dining restaurants and for its street food. The cuisine blends indigenous and Spanish influences in the food.

• Tacos al Pastor involves marinated pork, cooked vertically on a spit and then garnished with pineapple, onions, and cilantro.
• Mole is a rich sauce composed of chocolate, chiles, and spices, which are customarily poured on chicken.
• Chiles en Nogada are little stuffed poblano peppers with walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds.
• Pozole is a pork-rich soup of hominy with a topping of fresh products.
• Enchiladas are corn-filled tortillas filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables, topped with a chili sauce.

Popular street food includes sweet snacks such as airy churros, which are most likely to be combined with hot chocolate. Guacamole and tamales complete the culinary experience in Mexico.

Tequila, Mezcal, Kahlua, Pulque, Mezcal And Other Drinks To Try

Mexico City is known for its spirits.

• Tequila is made from blue agave. can be savored neat with just a little salt and lime or with an invigorating margarita.
• Mezcal has a smoky background flavor and is produced in small batches as a more artisanal option that can be served with pieces of orange and worm salt to the full effect.
• Pulque, a fermented pre-Hispanic drink made from agave, has an earthy and thicker taste infused with fruits and herbs.
• Kahula, a sweet Veracruz-born coffee liqueur, is fashionable in mixed drinks or served on ice.

​Our Mexico City sightseeing tour will provide tourists insider knowledge of the city and an opportunity to mix and mingle with locals. Contact Allen Batista Travel, Inc. to book your Mexico City adventure.