experience CDMX for yourself
Remarkably, most of them missed seeing the things that make Mexico City so wonderful.
Like the smallest pyramid in all of Old Mexico, hidden in a busy subway station.
Or the lush Plaza of Archangels in San Ángel, the charming old center of Tlalpan, or the world-class art museums housed in beautifully restored historic palaces.
They missed out on the futuristic movie complex Cineteca Nacional, the Formula 1 quality racetrack at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, and the annual Corona Capital and Vive Latino concerts at Foro Sol.
Or they missed drinking authentic Mexican beer, pulque, tequila and mescal at cantinas like La Peninsular, pulquerías like Los Insurgentes, and mezcalerías like La Botica.
And perhaps most importantly, many miss the sensuous pleasure of eating the best street tacos al pastor, and enjoying the many fine-dining establishments that Mexico City has to offer.
That’s a pity.
Especially when there’s a better way to experience Mexico City.
With the only Mexico City travel guide that covers not only the top tourist sights, but also explores the hidden gems that make CDMX so compelling.
This iconic building is an important museum, theater, and cultural center. The golden-domed white marble exterior is Art Nouveau, but the interior is Art Deco. These upstairs walls are covered with seventeen outstanding Mexican murals created by various masters, including Diego Rivera’s El hombre controlador del universo (Man, Controller of the Universe).
This vast archaeological zone was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It's home to Earth's third-largest pyramid: the Pyramid of the Sun. The city was once home to two hundred and fifty thousand people, but the origins of this ancient metropolis are shrouded in mystery. There’s evidence of Teotihuacáno culture throughout Mexico and their dominance was widespread.
A spectacular hilltop castle, the only palace in North America that's housed real royal sovereigns. In the 1860s, Emperor Maximilian I made it his official residence. Eventually, it was converted into a presidential residence. Today it features the Museo Nacional de Historia and the elegant Alcazar, a royal house museum. The outside terraces offer sweeping views of Mexico City.
This gorgeous house museum was created by Luis Barragán in 1975. It boasts richly saturated color, clean minimalist lines, and masterful use of natural light. Most of the furnishings were designed by Barragán and specifically created for the home. The main highlight is the golden hallway. It leads to a dining room with an amazing red, white, and blue indoor swimming pool.
UNAM University City is the main campus for the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (National Autonomous University of Mexico). The entire complex was built on top of the enormous El Pedregal lava field, and volcanic rock is extensively used here. The campus is an ideal tourist destination due to its public art, museums, and architecture.
This monumental fountain is dedicated to Nezahualcóyotl, the King of Texcoco. The huge L-shaped plaza and water-works takes up an impressive 13,455 square feet. It features a giant black stone statue of Neza. He’s flanked by a basket of arrows and a shield and holds a tablet carved with a hummingbird. The symbol on his crown is an ollin (third eye).
And even seasoned city-dwellers may find it challenging.
It starts when you arrive at the airport…
You’re plunged into a new world.
A strange, wonderful place.
You can’t read the signs.
You don’t speak the language.
The natives have different ideas about rules, regulations, and personal space.
Your phone doesn’t work, at first.
You can’t call a driver, can’t access your email, or text anyone.
It’s getting late and dark.
And you're tired from traveling all day.
Finally, somehow, you manage to find a taxi, and you eventually make it to your hotel.
For the first few days you’re almost in shock, walking around in a haze.
Nothing’s linear.
It all seems like pure chaos.
But it’s compelling chaos, and everyday you feel the call of the street, into the beating heart of the city.
But, how do you start to make sense of this vast and amazing metropolis?
How will you navigate the city like a local, staying safe, while also having the time of your life?
How can you get the most out of your precious vacation time?
And how can you do it fast, so you hit the ground running right when you land?
Now, there’s a better way to experience Mexico City.
Mexico City is a food paradise. Whatever kind of cuisine you’re craving, you'll find it in this guide. CDMX also offers excellent nightlife with many great bars, mezcalerías, and cantinas.
The guide will show you the best places to stay in Mexico City. Lodging here ranges from low-budget hostels to ultra-luxurious high-rises, with everything in between.
Learn all about the best activities in Mexico City. Participate in grand events like Día de los Muertos, the San Angel Flower Fair, and Mexican Independence Day.
Although there’s lots to see in Mexico City, sometimes it’s nice to escape the chaos and noise. Fortunately, many spots outside the city make relaxing day trip destinations.
Mexico City offers international tourists tons of entertainment venues, concerts, music, dance halls, and multiple shopping options.
Mexico City is the cultural heart and soul of the Republic. Discover hundreds of museums, cultural centers, art galleries, theaters, murals, libraries, and more.
Mario Favela is a North American writer who has lived in Mexico City for over five years.
So, you can count on him to help you successfully navigate CDMX, and maximize your time during your visit.
Here’s the comprehensive information you’ll get with this thorough and well-informed ten-part travel guide:
"Great recommendations for restaurants and bars. The variety of recommendations and walking routes is very helpful. This will be my 3rd visit to Mexico City and I was able to find points of interest in this book that I’m excited to see. "
C.J.
"Husband and I took a trip last month to Mexico City. I don't speak Spanish, so I wanted a resource that could really help me get around the beautiful city. Mario organizes the book so we were able to look at maps, pictures, have explicit directions to restaurants, walking tours, and historical sites. We really enjoyed all the restaurant recommendations. Thanks to this travel guide, we felt extremely prepared for our visit!"
Jacque C.
"Thanks a million for your guide! It worked perfectly even with el Congreso General Ordinario del Sindicato de Trabajadores de UNAM going on. I've never seen such a big tent in my life. Thousands of trabajadores adentro y afuera. Tent was blocking the Acenso mural but I found it and everything else thanks to your guide. Mil gracias!"
Nora H.
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