What did it feel like considering Mexico City as our next family adventure, apprehension is an understatement. Never had I been so nervous about clicking the purchase link for the hotel and airfare we needed. Most people I told we were going there replied with confusion. "Why or huh", they would say before they lit into me about the dangers I would be in. I have made a life out of not paying to much attention to people that only gives me advice that they heard from somewhere else. No one really spoke to me with true authority. I knew what was there. I knew what my family could experience, but was it safe? In hindsight the only thing I can think about is how much I never would have experienced, or my family never would have experienced if I listened to those uninformed travel prophets.
I hope to inspire more travelers to make the short flight south to the largest capitol in the western hemisphere. There is so much to see and experience. Great food, deep culture, friendly locals, and endless adventure. I want to give you some must do experiences in Mexico City.
The Zocalo
This is Mexico City's main square, located in the historic center. Its official name is Plaza de la Constitución, but it is usually referred to as el Zócalo. At 830 x 500 feet, it's one of the largest public squares in the world. The great expanse of paved space is decorated with a single huge Mexican flag in the center. This is the heart of the city, the site of events, festivals and protests, and a good place to start your explorations.
Xochimilco
The chinampas or “floating gardens” of the Aztecs were an ingenious agricultural technique to create arable land on the lake. Now you can ride brightly colored boats along the canals and buy from vendors on barges or hire a mariachi band to serenade you.
Teotihuacan
Located about 25 miles outside of Mexico City, this archeological site is worth a day trip. The "city of the gods" was a huge urban center with a population of about 200,000, occupied from 200 B.C. to 800 A.D. At its peak, it was one of the largest cities in the world, and its influence was felt all over Mesoamerica. See the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, walk along the Avenue of the Dead, climb the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon.
Chapultepec Park
It's hard to narrow down the choices in such a large city that has so much to offer, but these are the most iconic attractions that a first-time visitor should see. If you've visited the other sites on this list and you still have some time, take a day to explore Chapultepec Park. You can tour the National History Museum that's located in the Chapultepec Castle, hire a pedal boat for a spin around the artificial lake, or visit the zoo.
Lucha Libre
A giant venue that hosts sporting and entertainment events, the Arena seats as many as 23,300 spectators. It's best known for hosting Lucha Libre wrestling matches. The stadium is sprawling, and some seats are certainly better than others, depending on how much money you're willing to fork out. If you're here because you're a true Lucha Libre fan, make sure to sit in the front row; if you're here to have a fun night out with friends, the cheap seats will do just fine.
Soccer is King!!
If you are a soccer fan, the sport in the U.S. probably don't satisfy you. Liga MX certainly will. Mexico City is home to two professional soccer teams. One of them is Club America!!! Think the Patriots of the NFL. If you want to experience true Mexican Culture, unfiltered, Get tickets at Go!!
Coyoacan
Home to Frida Kahlo, Mercado Coyoacan, countless restaurants, parks, coffee houses, and more. Our visit here was one of my favorites. Plan on spending an hour or two in the famous markets before visiting the home and studio of Mexico's most famous painter,
Freda Kahlo. Her museum, also known as "Casa Azul" for its shocking cobalt blue exterior, is where Frida Kahlo was born, raised, lived, and died. Visitors can take in a few paintings by Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera, in addition to other contemporary artists of their era. But perhaps more interesting is the voyeuristic window into their creative world. The home is carefully preserved and maintained; it's easy to image the spaces as they were during Kahlo's time. In addition to their personal effects and domestic materials, the collection of clothes and corsets Frida needed to support her body after her traumatic accident give an intimate look at the artist's daily struggles.
Mexico City is a vibrant city that is as safe as any major American city that you wouldn't think twice about traveling to. As long as you practice smart travel safety you will return home with a greater understanding and deeper appreciation for this iconic and important city. I am thankful for all of my travels but this trip will forever change me.
Thanks for reading!!!