Mexico City Sightseeing Trip At A Glance

By Joanna Allen at Allen Batista Travel, Inc.

“Bienvenidos a la Ciudad de México!” Welcome to the colorful city of vivid culture, numerous neighborhoods to explore, and its interesting day trips, travelers will be delighted with all that Mexico City has to offer on a sightseeing tour.

Mexico City, the oldest city in North America founded by Native Americans, is one of the world-class tourist attractions for its rich culture, amazing food, and incredible nightlife. Spreading more than 500 miles, with the scenic beauty of mountains in every direction, this modern city has something for everyone.

Join Allen Batista Travel, Inc. as we lead you through your journey to Mexico City with our blog as your guide.

When Is The Best Time To Visit?

Mexico City welcomes tourists all year long. However, every spring when Jacarandas bloom in Mexico City, the colorful purple flowers, it is the ideal time to visit because the city is extra colorful. “Jacaranda season: a ‘fascinating sorcery’ that brings a little bit of the Amazon rainforest to urbanites’ doorstep, as Alberto Ruy Sánchez wrote in his book “Dicen las Jacarandas.”

This is the season when you can plan your visit to enjoy the warm season and explore the flora and fauna of this country.

Oh, And The FOOD!

A Mexico City sightseeing trip is incomplete without a culinary adventure in the city. Mexico is the original country for tacos and a trip to this city would not be complete without savoring this delicacy.

Other delicious Mexican dishes to try include – carne asado, pico de gallo, flan, margarita, churros, tostadas, ceviche etc. One of the most commonly known cocktails, Margaritas, originates from Mexico. Crafted with a blend of Tequila, zesty lime juice, and the subtle sweetness of orange liqueur, this cocktail emerges as a refreshing and delightful libation, ideally suited for balmy summer afternoons.   

So, when you are in Mexico, be ready to relish some of the most exquisite and delicious dishes.

Another fun fact about Mexico – the country is also the birthplace for chocolate. Well, there are surprising facts from the history of chocolate. The cacao tree was believed to be a divine offering from the god Quetzalcoatl in Mesoamerican (present-day Mexican) mythology. Aztec believed that Quetzalcoatl came to Earth from an afternoon star, bearing a precious gift for the Toltec people—the cherished Cacao tree.

Throughout its history, chocolate didn't exist as the sweet, luscious treat we know today but rather as a bitter beverage. It was only through its adoption in the esteemed courts of Europe and the bustling streets of colonial America that chocolate underwent a transformative journey, morphing into the universally adored commodity that graces our palates in the modern era.

Tequila

When you are in Mexico, then you must try Tequila, one of Mexico’s most emblematic spirits. Tequila undergoes distillation after extracting the fermented juice of the blue agave plant, predominantly cultivated in the Mexican state of Jalisco and its environs. The agave requires a span of eight to 12 years to attain maturity before it is ready for harvesting in preparation for tequila production.

Kahula- A Legendary Mexican Liquor

Kahula is another Mexican spirit to savor on vacation.  Kahula is coffee liqueur made from 100 percent Arabian coffee beans and rum.

“In 1936, the inception of Kahlúa took place in Veracruz, a coastal state situated in the eastern part of Mexico. Veracruz, a port state in eastern Mexico, is where Kahlúa was first dreamed up in 1936. As the story goes, a financier, two coffee merchants, and a chemist came together to unite the abundant coffee, vanilla, and sugar cane resources of their homeland.“

Today, Kahula is used to make cocktails and as a topping in several desserts, including ice cream, cheesecakes and cakes.

Sightseeing Activities

The overwhelming part of Mexico City is not its size but the sheer volume of choices it presents. Spending days there won't allow you to explore everything, so it’s worth doing research beforehand to ensure you don't miss out on the best experiences.

Beyond the sites and activities, there are a wide range of day trips, transforming it into an ideal gateway to central Mexico. The abundance of captivating experiences, both within the city and in its surrounding areas, undoubtedly enhances the allure of Mexico City and makes it a destination well worth exploring.

Museums To Discover

Renowned for its cultural prowess, Mexico City has a wide range of museums and cultural attractions. For those who are planning a visit to this Mexican capital, travelers should definitely dedicate at least a couple of days to the captivating world of its museums.

You can't afford to miss the Anthropology Museum, a marvel detailing Mexico’s pre-Columbian civilization. Discover more treasures, such as the Frida Kahlo Museum, and the Museum of Popular Art. Even if museums aren't your cup of tea, don't pass up the chance to visit this gem.

Mexico City Itinerary: How Many Days Do You Need?

With so much to see and do, Mexico City beckons exploration. For those with a shortage of time, a well-planned three to four days offers a glimpse of the city's highlights. However, to fully absorb the culture and intricacies, we recommend dedicating a minimum of 5 days to a more detailed experience.

Also, you need to consider Mexico City’s altitude. Mexico City sits at an elevation of around 2,240 meters (or approximately 7349 feet), and travelers may experience altitude sickness. Be prepared to take a day or two for adaptation.

Bucket-List

Our Mexico City sightseeing tour includes the following activities.

● The Templo Mayor- A principal temple within the Aztec empire stood prominently in their capital, Tenochtitlan, which is presently recognized as Mexico City.
● Teotihuacan Pyramid or Pyramid of the Sun- is thought to have been built around 200 CE. This structure is among the most expansive constructions within the Mesoamerican Empire.
● Temple of Quetzalcoatl “The Feathered Serpent" and Pyramid of the Moon- an important god to the ancient people of Mesoamerica (Mexico).
● Plan a full-day trip to Cuernavaca and Taxco. Do you know- Taxco is renowned for its exceptional silver jewelry craftsmanship? Please note that don’t miss to explore local silversmiths and indulge in purchasing exquisite silver jewelry.

Jewelry

There are various locations across Mexico that offer silver for purchase, yet the premier destination to buy this precious metal is unquestionably the city of Taxco. Boasting silver mines and a rich legacy of silver production, Taxco stands out as a hub for silver enthusiasts. The city is bubbling with silver shops and jewelers, further enhancing its reputation as the ultimate silver-buying locale in Mexico.

Nightlife

Don’t forget enthralling nightlife too, with a variety of amazing bars on the list for some delicious Mezcal-based cocktails.

Travelers will experience a live mariachi band performance in Mexico. While some call it a musical genre, others characterize it as a profound emotional expression. Regardless of the terminology, one undeniable fact is the overwhelming popularity and impactful influence of mariachi. Also, the Ballet Folklorico performance reveals the cultural richness of this beautiful dance form.

Mexico City is brimming with a rich culture, food, history, art and archaeology.  Contact Allen Batista Travel, Inc. to plan your Mexico City sightseeing tour.