Tourism in

Mexico City

Mexico City is one of the most enjoyable destinations. Its historic centre, better known as Zocalo, is declared World Heritage by UNESCO and is the heart of a living culture that exudes everything accumulated since the founding of Teotihuacan. Visit its neighbourhoods flooded with art nouveau and art deco, enjoy its cuisine and lose yourself in the streets of the city with the most museums in the world.

Mexico City (Ciudad de México), capital of the country, lies at an altitude of more than 2,200 meters in the Anáhuac Valley, surrounded by mighty mountain ranges. The city’s location is breathtaking; two magnificent snow-covered volcanoes, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, tower above it at heights of more than 5,000 meters. The city preserves countless reminders of its past, though pre-Columbian art and architecture exist only in isolated fragments and museum reproductions since the Spanish Conquistadors built their new city on the ruins of the old Aztec metropolis of Teotihuacan. A number of the splendid Baroque churches and palaces built during this early colonial period survive.

The historic centre where the conference venue and accommodation lie offers great cuisine, music, art, historic building, museums, archaeology and much more. Walking around during the day and evening in the historic centre near the Zócalo is safe, clean and full of life.

We encourage you to enjoy your visit to this beautiful city in this amazing country.

There are many visits/activities that you can do after the TUFH 2020 conferences and most of these activities can be booked from your hotel. They arrange an easy pick up and drop off from your hotel.
The prices for these activities are also reasonable for people worldwide.

There is a hot climate year-round and Mexico City can get hot in the summer months, always bring water, sun screen and a hat.

While there are enough suggestions of what to do in and around Mexico City to keep you busy a full month, we list some of our top picks below!

 

DOWNTOWN

  • Zocalo & Catedral Metropolitana
  • Templo Mayor
  • National Palace
  • Turibus Hop On – Hop Off Mexico City Tour
  • Mercado De Artesanias La Ciudadela
  • The Palacio de Bellas Artes
Zocalo & Catedral Metropolitana

The Zocalo, also known as the Plaza de la Constitución, has always been at the heart of capital stretching from the Aztec era through to the present day. This vast open space is surrounded by the city’s most historically important buildings. The Zocalo is walking distance from the conference venue and hotels in the historic centre.

On the Zocalo you can find the Cathedral, a massive Mexican Flag

The Zocalo is dominated by the most important religious building of Latin America the Cathedral of Mexico (Catedral Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México) and its Churriguerscon styled companion the Sagrario. Along the entire eastern side is the National Palace, the official home of the president of Mexico and during the colonial era the residence of the Spanish viceroys.
You can visit the Cathedral every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is no charge to enter the cathedral. A donation is requested to enter the choir or sacristy.

The city hall of Mexico City is positioned on the south side of the Zocalo. A large Mexican flag at the centre of the Zocalo, Mexico City is ceremonially raised in the morning and lowered at dusk.

On the square you can find locals selling souvenirs, food and drinks. Alongside to people who will predict your fortune or perform Aztec rituals.
A visit to the Zocalo, Mexico City is an enjoyable walking experience and free of charge!

Templo Mayor

Templo Mayor (Great Temple) is an Aztec temple recently discovered in the heart of modern Mexico City. It was built in the 14th century in honor of the Aztec god of war and god of water. The Templo Mayor is walking distance from the Conference Venue, Hotels and Zocalo.

The Templo Mayor Museum was inaugurated in 1987. This building was designed to exhibit the archaeological findings of the zone that used to be the Main Temple of Mexica peoples. The collection shows the political, military and aesthetic relevance of the city that dominated Mesoamerica before the Spaniards arrived. The Coyolxauhqui monolith discovery on 1978, enabled the archaeologists to find the exact place where the pyramid stood, since the Huitzilopochtli myth tells that he threw his sister down from Coatepec mount.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00am until 5:00pm.

The MX$70 pesos (~$3.70 USD)* fee includes the admission to the museum and the archaeological site.

* Cost will vary according to season, peso/dollar rate.

https://www.templomayor.inah.gob.mx/english

National Palace

Absorb the impressive architecture of National Palace (Palacio Nacional), a government building erected on the site of the previous Aztec residence of Montezuma II, and built using materials salvaged from the ancient ruins. At the home of the federal treasury and national archives, you can admire beautiful architecture and courtyards (one of which is used to for state banquets) and enjoy amazing murals by Diego Rivera. Note that large bags must be kept in lockers on entry. Consider touring the building with a guide to enhance your understanding of its history.

The National Palace is located next to the Zocalo. The entrance for tourists is to the left side (as you face the it) of the building.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00am until 5:00pm.

Estimated cost MX$200 pesos (~$10.5 USD)*

* Cost will vary according to season, peso/dollar rate.

Turibus Hop On - Hop Off Mexico City Tour

Reach the top attractions of Mexico City easily and affordably on a hop on-hop off bus tour. Choose from four themed routes, which cover distinct areas of the city. Disembark at stops that interest you and hop back on when you’re ready. Or simply relax on the upper deck and listen to commentary during the ride. You’re free to experience the city your way at a pace that works for you. Create your own itinerary and go at your own pace. Skip the stress of public transit and taxis. Listen to on board commentary in your language.

The Turibus can be started from the Zocalo, you will see on the Zocalo all vendors for the tickets and tours.

Estimated cost $11 USD*

* Cost will vary according to season, peso/dollar rate.

 

Mercado De Artesanias La Ciudadela

La Ciudadela Crafts Market (Mercado de Artesanías de La Ciudadela) features a variety of curiosities and crafts handmade in Mexico, such as embroidery and jewelry. You can find anything from glass bracelets to carved headboards. It was created in 1968 when the Olympics were held in Mexico and the government called artisans from across the country to showcase their work and harness the tourism that came from around the world. It is located next to the La Ciudadela Square. A great place to shop for some souvenirs.

The market is a 23-minute walk (1.9 km) from the Zocalo. You can also take an uber or taxi.

Open: Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM & Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

No charge to enter.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes

The Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) is one of Mexico City’s most popular and frequented destinations, visited by around 10,000 people weekly and loved as much by tourists as it is by the locals. This building is instantly recognizable due to its elegant, ornate, white Carrara marble façade and shimmering, dragon scale roof tiles. You can enjoy the walk to Bellas Artes alongside shops and restaurants and enjoy the green that surrounds the beautiful building.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes is a 11-minute walk (900 m) from the Zocalo. You can also take an uber or taxi.

One of the main draws to the Palacio de Bellas Artes is the Ballet Folklórico de México, which is hosted in the grand 1,000-seat theater. The theater itself is gorgeous, and feels like you’ve stepped back in time to the 1930’s. The ceiling is crowned with an intricate Hungarian glass mosaic. One of the most unique features is the stage curtain, which features a mountain landscape.

The performance itself is incredible! This isn’t Swan Lake ballet, but rather a combination of traditional dances and music, with some modern interpretations. The costumes are stunning, and the choreography is well-designed. It made for a lovely evening out.

Performances are Wednesday and Sunday evening.

You can buy tickets on site at the box office for the Ballet.
The box office takes cash or American Express only. There are three prices for the Ballet Folklórico:

  • $1800 MXN (~$94.5 USD)* for Orchestra seats
  • $880 MXN (~$47 USD)* for the first balcony
  • $300 MXN (~$16 USD)* for the second balcony

* Cost will vary according to season, peso/dollar rate.

OUTSIDE OF THE HISTORIC CENTRE

  • The National Museum of Anthropology
  • Xochimilco
  • Frida Kahlo & Coyoacán
  • Lucha Libre
  • Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
  • Day Tour to Teotihuacan Pyramids
Frida Kahlo & Coyoacán

Exploring vibrant Coyoacán: Visit the colonial district of Coyoacán and admire the rambling 16th-century houses of Francisco Sosa Street. Continue along narrow cobblestone streets to the Zocalo (Main Square), where you will find the impressive mansion of the Conquistador, Hernando Cortes, and the Church of Saint John the Baptist (San Juan Bautista). In the area there are a lot of restaurants, bars and even a small art market.

End your tour exploring the magical world of Frida Kahlo at the Frida Kahlo. Frida Kahlo is a well-known Mexican artist, as is her husband Diego Rivera (see National Palace). Housed in the striking cobalt blue house where she was born and returned for the last years of her life, the Casa Azul, as it is fondly known, contains a large assortment of pre-Hispanic artifacts, Mexican folk art, and indigenous jewelry from her personal collection.

Coyoacán is about a 20 minutes’ drive from the historic downtown.You can take a taxi or uber.

Frida Kahlo Museum:
Open:

  • Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • From Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Price:

  • Weekday MX$ 230 pesos (~ $12 USD)General admission*
  • Weekends MX$ 250 pesos (~ $13 USD) General admission*
  • MX$ 30 pesos (~ $1.5 USD) Permission to take pictures without flash inside the museum*

* Cost will vary according to season, peso/dollar rate.

Lucha Libre (Wrestling)

They’re dramatic, acrobatic, and a little bit wild. Seeing a Lucha Libre show, you’ll be amused by the drama and impressed by the acrobatic skills of the luchadores. This is one of the fun activities you can do in Mexico City. There are shows several nights a week at Arena Mexico, and you can get your tickets on the same day, so you don’t even need to plan in advance.

Lucha Libre involves athletic guys—and a few women—performing wild antics in a ring (as well as on the ropes and outside the ring too!). Spectators get involved by making their voices heard, cheering on, or booing to show their pleasure or displeasure at the antics in and out of the ring. You don’t need to understand Spanish to get what’s going on. They make it all very clear with their theatrical moves. Note that you’re not allowed to bring cameras, food, or drink into the arena. You may use your cell phone to take photos.

The best arena to see Lucha Libre is Arena Mexico. This is about 6 minutes ‘drive from the historic downtown.

You can book a tour from your hotel that provides transport and tickets. Or you can take a taxi or uber to get there and buy your ticket on site.

Estimated prices vary from $8 USD to $40 USD* depending on a tour or not and where you want to sit in the stadium.

* Cost will vary according to season, peso/dollar rate, special hotel rates.

Day Tour to Teotihuacan Pyramids

You get to visit the Teotihuacan pyramids, also known as the City of the Gods. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site you get to explore majestic plazas and murals. You can climb the ap memorable shots from the top of Sun Pyramid and Moon Pyramid, and then cap off your day trip from Mexico City with a visit to an obsidian factory. Full-day tour of Teotihuacan from Mexico City. Enjoy the spectacular monuments of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Teotihuacan. Admire the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Avenue of the Dead, and Quetzalpapalot. Hear historical anecdotes and fascinating facts from your expert archaeological guide. Enjoy liqueur tastings of tequila, mezcal, and pulque.

You can book early morning, full day (with lunch or without lunch) and private tours. You can book in your hotel with pick up in your hotel or online on Viator. The site is about a 1-hour drive outside of the historic city centre.

Estimated cost in USD: $48*

* Cost will vary according to season, peso/dollar rate, special offers from the hotel.

Day Tour to Teotihuacan Pyramids

You get to visit the Teotihuacan pyramids, also known as the City of the Gods. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site you get to explore majestic plazas and murals. You can climb the ap memorable shots from the top of Sun Pyramid and Moon Pyramid, and then cap off your day trip from Mexico City with a visit to an obsidian factory. Full-day tour of Teotihuacan from Mexico City. Enjoy the spectacular monuments of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Teotihuacan. Admire the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Avenue of the Dead, and Quetzalpapalot. Hear historical anecdotes and fascinating facts from your expert archaeological guide. Enjoy liqueur tastings of tequila, mezcal, and pulque.

You can book early morning, full day (with lunch or without lunch) and private tours. You can book in your hotel with pick up in your hotel or online on Viator. The site is about a 1-hour drive outside of the historic city centre.

Estimated cost in USD: $48*

* Cost will vary according to season, peso/dollar rate, special offers from the hotel.

The National Museum of Anthropology

Mexico City is bursting at the seams with fascinating museums, both grand and far-reaching and intimate and focused. Whether your interests lie in art, architecture, anthropology, or history there’s something just for you in this world capital.

The National Museum of Anthropology has the world’s largest collection of ancient Mexican artifacts and can be found in this massive building in Chapultepec Park, perhaps the most well-known museum in Mexico City.

Open Tuesday to Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm year round

Price: Permanent exhibition MX$75.00 pesos (~ $4 USD)*

* Cost will vary according to season, peso/dollar rate.

Taking photos for personal, non-commercial use is permitted. Using a flash, tripod, or lights is NOT permitted.

You can take an uber or taxi to the museum from your hotel. It’s about a 15 minutes’ drive from the historic downtown.
MUSEO NACIONAL DE ANTROPOLOGÍA
Av.
Paseo de la Reforma y Calzada Gandhi s/n Col. Chapultepec Polanco. Del. Miguel Hidalgo. C.P. 11560, México, D.F.

Or use public transportation:
Metro Auditorio (Line 7) and Metro Chapultepec (Line 1).
The Museum is about 1.3 km (¾ mile) from these metro stations.

https://mna.inah.gob.mx/informacion_general.php

The National Musuem of Antropology is situated in the Chapultepec Park. Enjoy this huge park that feels like an oasis within the city. In the Chapultepec Park you can find a castle, multiple museums, an amusement park, a lake where you can rent a boat, a botanical garden, a wildlife park and much more. Throughout the park you can find people doing art and music performances, like the Voladores de Papantla.The ceremony of the Voladores de Papantla is a cultural tradition of the Totonac people of Veracruz state. The tradition dates back to ancient times and has been passed down through the generations. The voladores, “fliers,” sometimes called hombres pajaro, “birdmen,” launch themselves from the top of a pole of up to 150 feet in height, and slowly descend circling the pole. It is a breathtaking spectacle performed at a great height.

Xochimilco

A visit to Xochimilco is like stumbling across an oasis in the desert. This eclectic place is set in the middle of a colossal city where you can discover colors your eyes have never seen before. Declared a World Heritage Site since 1987, rediscover its colors as you walk down the aisles of its markets full of iris flowers. Float along the walled canals lined with gardens and curtains of trees on brightly painted and decorated trajineras (a traditional flat-bottomed boat) and evoke a time when this watery surrounding dominated the landscape of the Anahuac. Discover the small artificial islands, called chinampas, which are used to grow flowers, vegetables and ornamental plants.

You can take a trip on the colourful gondola style boats called trajineras with up to 20 people.
You can book a tour at your hotel or online where they will pick you up and drop you back off at your hotel.

You can also go on site and book a boat trip there. You can discuss how long you want to be on the boat trip and how you go. You can bring your own food, drinks and music. If you go on site and want to bargain a boat trip, join with others to keep costs down or come with 20 people. You can take a taxi or uber there. It’s about a 40 minutes’ drive from the historic downtown. If you take public transport, you need to get off at Terminal Xochimilco which is your stop. Once you get off, you can explore the surroundings and make your way to the Nuevo Nativitas Embarcadero which is roughly 30 minutes on foot or a 10-minute taxi ride away.

Prices will vary on what option you choose.