The metropolis of the Aztecs in Latin America!
Mexico City is the capital of Mexico. It is located inland, in the southern part of Mexico and was founded in 1521. The city was built on the rubble of the much older Aztec capital Tenochtitlán. You can still see the remains of the Templo Mayor of the ancient Aztec city in the historic center of Mexico City.
Today the metropolis is not only the economic, political and cultural center of Mexico, but also the sixth largest city in the world. Interestingly, Mexico City was not named after the country, but vice versa: the state of Mexico was named after the city.
A visit to Mexico City is worth it for everyone. The city is endearingly diverse, lively and a fantastic mix of new and old.
The Palace of Fine Arts is the symbol of Mexico City
Cities • Hauptstadt • Mexico • Mexico City • Sights Mexico City
City trip to Mexico City
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mexico City has almost countless sights to offer: must-sees are the Palace of Fine Arts, the historic center and the famous Aztec calendar in the Anthropological Museum. But even those who shy away from the cultural program will find what their heart desires in the capital: cafés, restaurants, markets and shopping centers, lively streets with modern high-rise buildings and quiet, extensive parks. Everyone can find what they are looking for in Mexico City.
Historic center of Mexico City: Plaza de la Constitución Zócalo with Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace
Cities • Hauptstadt • Mexico • Mexico City • Sights Mexico City
Sightseeing & Attractions Mexico City
10 things you can experience in Mexico City
- Start your tour at Zócalo Square in the historic center
- There, visit the great Metropolitana Cathedral, the murals of the National Palace and the remains of the Templo Mayor
- Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the main artery, Paseo de la Reforma
- Discover a symbol of Mexico: the Palace of Fine Arts
- Stroll through Alameda Central or Chapultepec Park
- See the famous Aztec calendar and other historical treasures in the National Museum of Anthropology
- Treat yourself to the view from the Torre Latinoamericana skyscraper
- Eat typically Mexican at La Casa de Toño
- Ride colorful boats in the canal system of the Xochimilco district
- Take a trip to the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon in Teotihuacàn
The Sun Pyramid of Teotihuacán is only about 1 hour away from Mexico City and is a popular excursion destination
Facts & information Mexico City
| coordinates | Latitude: 19 ° 25'42 "N Longitude: 99 ° 07'39 "W. |
| Continent | North America |
| Country | Mexico |
| location | Inland southern area of Mexico |
| waters | built on a drained lake |
| Sea level | 2240 meters above the sea |
| Area | 1485 km2 |
| population | City: approx. 9 million (Stand 2016) Area: approx. 22 million (Stand 2023) |
| Population density | City: approx. 6000 / km2(Stand 2016) |
| Language | Spanish & 62 indigenous languages |
| City age | Founded in 13.08.1521 Forerunner city of the Aztecs 1325 |
| Landmark | Palace of Fine Arts |
| Peculiarity | UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 The state of Mexico was named after the city, not the other way around. |
| Origin of name | Mexitli = a god of war |
Cities • Hauptstadt • Mexico • Mexico City • Sights Mexico City
Sightseeing in Mexico City
The main attractions in two routes
1) The historic center of Mexico City
Of course, a visit to the historic center of Mexico City should not be missed on any visit. If you're traveling on your own, it's best to use the metro and walk the rest of the way. If you don't like taking the metro, you can alternatively use a hop-on hop-off bus.
1. Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo), National Palace, Templo Mayor, Metropolitan Cathedral
There is a metro stop at the Palacio National, which is an ideal starting point for your tour through the historic center. There you will find the first four sights: Constitution Square is the central square of Mexico City and is also called the Zócalo. In the immediate vicinity you will find the National Palace with its impressive murals, the Templo Mayor (remains of the large Aztec temple of Tenochtitlán) and the large Metropolitan Cathedral.
2. Lunch break: Mexican food
If you are hungry after so many impressions, then the typical Mexican restaurant La Casa de Tono is a good option for a stop. Tip from locals: simple, tasty and cheap with typical Mexican dishes.
3. Footpath with photo stops
On the way to the Torre Latinoamericana, two interesting buildings from the 18th century invite you to take a quick photo stop: the Citibanamex Culture Palace is a Mexican baroque palace and the Casa de los Azulejos is a house with a blue and white tiled facade.
4. Torre Latinoamericana viewpoint
Then enjoy the 360° view on the 44th floor of the Torre Latinoamericana skyscraper. The Museo de la Ciudad y de la Torre tells the story of the skyscraper and is located on the 38th floor. Entry to the museum is included in the admission ticket to the viewing point.
5. Palace of Fine Arts
After your bird's-eye view of the skyscraper, the crowning finale is the Palace of Fine Arts, the landmark of Mexico City. The “Bellas Artes” metro station will take you back home.
Tip: Additional museum visit
Haven't seen enough yet? The Museo de la Ciudad de Mexico is just a few blocks from the Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo). The large museum is a must if you are interested in the history of Mexico City. It is also located in the former palace: insights into the interior of the impressive building are included in the museum visit.
Alternatively, art lovers can visit the Museo Nacional de Arte. This large exhibition of Mexican art is located just a few meters from the Palace of Fine Arts.
Ideas: Additional tours & tickets
Most of Mexico City's attractions can easily be explored on your own. Additional program items with a local guide promise new perspectives as well as first-hand information about the culture, country and people. There is also the option to discover the city with an interactive app.
Sightseeing: Hop-on Hop-off bus through Mexico City
If you are afraid of long distances on foot or public transport such as the metro, then a hop-on hop-off bus is just the thing for you to explore Mexico City. With the day ticket you can get on and off as often as you like and an audio guide provides additional information. Of course, you should always keep an eye on the timetable as you explore.
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Explore the historical center on your own using an app guide
If you are still looking for suggestions for exploring the historical center independently, you can be guided using the app. Small puzzles and an interactive map take you through the center on a virtual scavenger hunt. In addition to typical sights, you will also discover some lesser-known attractions such as the Postal Palace or the House of Tiles.
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Culinary discovery with a food tour in the center
Sometimes a guided tour by locals is a nice addition. How about a culinary foray through Mexico City, for example? A visit to the market, authentic street food, traditional restaurants and typical sweets will satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth. Local guides can provide authentic insights and tell you a lot about the food and drinks.
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Guided tour of the Palace of Fine Arts & Murals
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2) The Chapultepec circuit with park, castle & museum
The Bosque de Chapultepec is located southwest of the historic center and is the largest green area in Mexico City. Around 4 square kilometers of green space invite you to stroll and linger. Famous attractions such as the Anthropological Museum are also nearby.
1. Ceremonial Dance & Anthropological Museum
In the park in front of the Museo Nacional de Antropologia you will find the Voladores de Papantla. Wearing traditional clothing, they perform a ceremonial dance in which five men climb a 20-meter-high pole. They represent the sun and the four winds. Four men tie a rope around their stomachs and let themselves circle down to the earth upside down. The dance is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Anthropological Museum exhibits the culture of the Maya, the Aztecs and the Zapotecs, as well as contemporary indigenous culture in Mexico. The famous Aztec sun stone (also called the calendar stone) can also be seen. The collection is huge, so if you are genuinely interested in historical culture you should definitely allow enough time.
2. Chapultepec Park
After so many historical impressions and exciting exhibits, a walk through Chapultepec Park is the ideal contrast. Relax in the green oasis of Mexico. You can first fortify yourself with street food at small street stalls near the Anthropological Museum. Lakes, fountains, sculptures, Aztec ruins, the botanical garden, a free zoo, various museums and the impressive Chapultepec Castle await you in the park.
3. Chapultepec Castle
The Chapultepec Castle on the summit of Chapultepec is another highlight of Mexico City. The castle dates back to the 18th century and was converted into an imperial residence in the 19th century. After the fall of the Second Empire, Chapultepec Castle was the official seat of government for the presidents of Mexico. The Museo Nacional de Historia within the castle can be visited and offers insights into the interior of the magnificent building. The “Chapultepec” metro station will take you back home.
Tip: Additional program
Haven't seen enough yet? An additional program is a look at the lively main artery Paseo de la Reforma. A popular photo motif is the Angel of Independence, which stands on a pillar in the roundabout and is enthroned in front of the modern high-rise buildings of Mexico City. Alternatively, for those interested in art, the Museo Jardin del Aqua is a nice additional attraction.
Ideas: Additional tours & tickets
To keep track of large museums, a guided tour is sometimes worth its weight in gold. But a local guide also helps you gain new insights beyond the usual tourist routes and delve deeper into the unique flair of Mexico City.
Discover Mexico City by bike
Fancy a bike tour in Mexico City? With a local guide, you'll find your way around easily and are often a little off the beaten track. You stop again and again and your guide explains sights or various artistic graffiti. You are guaranteed a new perspective. During a short break you can also try Mexican street food.
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Guided tour of the Anthropological Museum
The Anthropological Museum exhibits the culture of the Maya, the Aztecs and the Zapotecs, as well as contemporary indigenous culture in Mexico. The famous Aztec sun stone can also be seen. A guided tour will help you find your way around the huge exhibition (almost 80.000 square meters). Let your guide guide you and explain the highlights to you. Afterwards you can stay in the museum on your own.
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Cities • Hauptstadt • Mexico • Mexico City • Sights Mexico City
Photo Gallery Mexico City
Cities • Hauptstadt • Mexico • Mexico City • Sights Mexico City
Tours & experiences for your Mexico City city trip
If you spend several days in Mexico City, you should also treat yourself to a detour to more remote parts of the city: for example to Xochimilco or Coyoácan.
Xochimilco was the granary of Mexico City during the colonial era and is known for its “floating gardens.” The famous canals of Xochimilco are remnants of an ancient Aztec irrigation system. The artificial islands were agricultural areas. Today there is a folk festival atmosphere pulsating there with tourist offers and typical colorful boats. Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Coyoácan already existed as a town in the 14th century and was the first city in New Spain in 1521 (after the conquest and destruction of Tenochtitlan by the Spanish). In the meantime, Mexico City has incorporated Coyoácan and so the “place of the coyotes” became the dreamy colonial artists' district of Mexico City.
Off the beaten track: kayaking in Xochimilco
This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the charm of Xochimilco before the daily hustle and bustle of tourists. Kayaking through the former Aztec irrigation system and watching the sunrise is a special experience. A visit to the famous Island of the Dolls is also included in the excursion. Early in the morning it is easiest and most pleasant to arrive at the meeting point by Uber.
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Bus tour including boat trip (silver crafts, Coyoácan, university, Xochimilco)
If you prefer guided bus tours, you can get a little insight into different areas in just one day: When visiting Xochimilco, a boat trip in the typical colorful boats (trajineras) is included. You can extend the short sightseeing in Coyoácan (depending on pre-booking) with an additional visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum. There will also be a stop at the university and a souvenir shop.
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Coyoácan tour including ticket to the Frida Kahlo Museum
Coyoácan is known as Mexico City's bohemian district. Beautiful alleys, street art, small parks and varied markets are waiting for you. Coyoácan was also the home of the world-famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. After a guided tour including snacks at the market, you can visit the Frida Kahlo Museum on your own. A “skip-the-line ticket” is included in the price and saves waiting time.
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Coyoácan on your own via app guide
The colonial artists' district of Coyoácan is also worth a visit on your own. If you're looking for suggestions, you can also use the app to guide you. The rich history of the region is brought to life through small puzzles and an interactive map leads you to various sights: for example, artistic house facades, cobblestone streets, lively markets, the Coyote Fountain and Frida Kahlo's Blue House.
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Day tours & excursions to exciting nearby attractions
Where is Mexico City located? Route planning: Mexico City map
What is the weather like in Mexico City?Cities • Hauptstadt • Mexico • Mexico City • Sights Mexico City
Notices & Copyright
Source for: Mexico City, capital of Mexico
Date and Time.info (oD), Geographic coordinates of Mexico City. [online] Retrieved on October 07.10.2021th, XNUMX, from URL: https://dateandtime.info/de/citycoordinates.php?id=3530597
Destatis Federal Statistical Office (2023) International. The largest cities in the world 2023. [online] Retrieved on December 14.12.2023, XNUMX, from URL: https://www.destatis.de/DE/Themen/Laender-Regionen/Internationales/Thema/bevoelkerung-arbeit-soziales/bevoelkerung/Stadtbevoelkerung.html
German UNESCO Commission (oD), World Heritage worldwide. World Heritage List. [online] Retrieved on October 04.10.2021th, XNUMX, from URL: https://www.unesco.de/kultur-und-natur/welterbe/welterbe-weltweit/welterbeliste
Wikimedia Foundation (oD), word meaning. Mexico. [online] Retrieved on October 03.10.2021rd, XNUMX, from URL: https://www.wortbedeutung.info/Mexiko/
World Population Review (2021), Mexico City Population 2021. [online] Retrieved on October 07.10.2021, XNUMX, from URL: https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/mexico-city-population[/su_box