It stands to reason that if you have that many people - 9 million, that is - living there, then you’ve got to find a way or two to entertain them. That’s why you’re unlikely to run out of Mexico City attractions during your stay in this dynamic and vast destination. Whether you’re interested in the Aztec history or the Mexican artistic traditions of the city, there are myriad museums and galleries that’ll be to your liking (including the former home and studio of Frida Kahlo). Family fun is on the menu (as is a diverse Mexican cuisine) in this city, with all sorts of aquariums, planetariums and other things ending in ‘ariums’. There’s even a Six Flags theme park, as well as a range of palaces and canals on the never-ending list of things to do in Mexico’s capital. So take a look at this expert guide, because here at Plum Guide we leave absolutely nothing to chance, and you shouldn't have to either. Heed our advice and guarantee yourself a trip to remember for all the right reasons.
The National Museum of Anthropology
A statue of a person at the National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City
One of the first names on any list of attractions here is the National Museum of Anthropology. It’s an absolute feast for the eyes, with its huge exhibits of pre-Columbian artefacts. The Aztec calendar Stone of the Sun and the Aztec Xochipilli statue are up there with the most fascinating sights in the country. Stay for the temporary exhibitions that pass through the museum and shed light on the human history of the region. Inspect the intricate mosaics from centuries past, and hang out by the fountains in this majestic museum. Millions of visitors drop in here each year, and for good reason; few, if any, leave disappointed.
Foodie Heaven, Plum Guide home in Mexico City
The Frida Kahlo Museum
Remember her with the eyebrows? Of course, that is being disrespectful to the acclaimed artist Frida Kahlo, who may have penetrated pop culture with her proud unibrow, but rose to fame in the art world through her incredible portraits and self-portraits. She lived and worked in this museum with her partner, fellow artist Diego Rivera. Learn about their lives, as you appreciate their works of art. The so-called naïve folk art that typified Kahlo’s style is on show here.
Roma Roma, Plum Guide home in Mexico City
The Zócalo
This is another highlight that couldn’t possibly miss out on any list of Mexico City attractions. The Zócalo (the accent over the first ‘o’ showing that the emphasis must be placed on that syllable) is the main plaza at the very heart of the city. Here, rallies and movements shake the political establishment, while artists and performers take root with parades and public installations. Also, it was the birthplace of the Constitution, so it's pretty important to the country's history and origins. Stroll through this large plaza and gaze up at some of the spectacular edifices and monuments that give this part of the world its nickname of the City of Palaces. You’ll find some historic sights here, such as the Casa de los Azulejos, the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Museo Biblioteca Palacio Postal.
Emilia, Plum Guide home in Mexico City
Acuario Inbursa
Multi-coloured fish swimming in a tank at an aquarium
So, the highlights we’ve looked at so far have been fascinating…but also a little adult-oriented (and we don’t mean that in the salacious sense). If you have kids with you - or if you’re particularly interested in fish and such things - then the Acuario Inbursa in affluent Polanco makes for a great destination. It comprises an underground aquarium whose tanks are filled with all sorts of weird and wonderful aquatic life. Also, it’s right next door to the Soumaya Museum, an art gallery with a façade every bit as otherworldly as the jellyfish in the aquarium.
Mexican Sunflower, Plum Guide home in Mexico City
Bosque de Chapultepec
This one is a great example of a Mexico City attraction, because it contains so many other highlights within it. The park is a wide-open green space just west of the Roma neighbourhood, where you can take out a pedal boat on the lake, or simply feed the squirrels. Relax with a picnic on the lawn, and take in the fresh air as you listen to the patter of the fountain. Visit some of the sights that lie within the park, including the aforementioned National Museum of Anthropology, Los Pinos, Chapultepec Castle and the Chapultepec Zoo.
The Canals of Xochimilco
People enjoying a ride on the canals of Xochimilco in colourful boats, Mexico City
For something a little different as far as Mexico City attractions go, head to the Canals of Xochimilco. They are made up of so-called chinampas: islets of agriculture that float on the water. They are thought of as one of the last remaining links to the Aztec civilization, as the tradition of farming on the water continues here. Embark on a trip with one of the small, vibrant boats, and chat to the locals about the canals that bring a little bit of Venice to Mexico City.
