If you plan to travel to Mexico City, you have many options. You can visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Soumaya Museum, the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, or even the famous Mercado La Merced. Here are some suggestions for your first visit to Mexico City.

Soumaya Museum

The Museo Soumaya is a privately owned museum located in Mexico City. It is a non-profit cultural institution that is divided into two separate buildings. The buildings are located in the city’s Plaza Carso and Loreto areas. Both buildings have a fantastic collection of art and other items.

The Soumaya Museum is a stunning modern building that houses more than 66,000 works of art. Designed by Fernando Romero, the museum comprises a sleek, modern complex of galleries. The Soumaya Museum also features a 350-seat auditorium. The museum’s building includes offices, a gift shop, and a multi-purpose lounge.

The Soumaya Museum is open seven days a week, and admission is free. The museum is situated in two beautiful buildings – Plaza Loreto in the southern part of Mexico City and Plaza Carso in the northern area. All three buildings feature eye-catching architectural designs. The museum is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays except Tuesdays.

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Basilica of Santa Mara de Guadalupe, officially called Insigne y Nacional Basilica de Santa Mara de Guadalupa, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary in her invocation of Guadalupe. It is located in Mexico City’s Gustavo A. Madero borough.

Thousands of people flock to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe every year to honor the Virgin. The Basilica was founded on the spot where the Virgin appeared to Juan Diego. Today, the Basilica is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Mexico City.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the most famous Catholic shrine in the world and the National Shrine of Mexico. The Basilica is located in the Villa de Guadalupe neighborhood, 10 km (6 mi) north of the Historic Center. There is a Metro station two blocks from the Basilica.

The Virgin of Guadalupe has deep roots in pre-Christian Mesoamerica. In 1531, a peasant Indian named Juan Diego claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary. A local bishop demanded proof of the encounter. Diego returned with a rose-filled cape.

Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco in Mexico City were once the site of an agricultural hub, but in the past few decades, urbanization has caused the canals to be polluted. Freshwater springs that once fed Lake Xochimilco were diverted to provide water for Mexico City, and the channels became a dumping ground for garbage and pollutants. Farmers, known as chinampas, chose to grow plants in this area instead of relying on traditional farming methods.

You can take a boat or tour the canals. Many companies offer tours and rental watercraft. There are also dedicated sports areas. You can enjoy the beautiful flowers in the surrounding gardens. The name Xochimilco is derived from the Nahuatl language and means “place where flowers are grown.” You can purchase plants and flowers in a flower market.

Xochimilco is known as the Venice of Mexico. It is located 45 minutes south of Mexico City and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an archaeological site developed by the indigenous people of Mexico, and the canals are remnants of an ancient irrigation system.

Mercado La Merced

Mercado La Merced in Mexico City is a traditional food market featuring a wide selection of local produce, meat, and prepared foods. In addition, there are many colorful displays of local artwork. A trip to this market is an excellent way to spend a day in Mexico City.

The market is divided into various sections. Some are devoted to food, while others are dedicated to household items. Food items are available from all regions of Mexico. You can find tropical fruits from Chiapas and Tabasco, spices from Veracruz, and avocados from Michoacan. The market also has a section dedicated to kitchen gadgets and items. You can find a wide variety of Mexican-made kitchen utensils and spices and industrially-made ones.

The Mercado de la Merced is one of the oldest and most famous markets in Mexico City. Many of the stalls here have been operating for centuries. During the colonial period, traders from many areas converged to conduct business. Eventually, a permanent market was built on the grounds of a monastery. By the early 20th century, La Merced became the biggest wholesale market in Mexico. The Central de Abastos overtook it in the 1960s, but today, it is still the largest traditional market in Mexico City.

Tren Ligero (light rail)

Taking the metro is quick and easy in Mexico City. During rush hours, it is an excellent alternative to taxis. The trains run five hours a day, seven days a week. Sunday and holiday trains start earlier. The last train departs at midnight. One-way tickets cost M$5, and unlimited transfers are also available. You can also buy a multi-use rechargeable smart card that can be used for the metro and bus systems.

There are four lines in the city. Line 1 runs through several tourist spots, including the Chapultepec Forest and the Roma neighborhood. Line 2 goes from the Centro Historico to the North Bus Station and stops at the Lecheria neighborhood. Line 3 connects the south and north parts of the city. It has crucial stations and serves some of the city’s leading hospitals.

The Eje Central line, or “Line A,” is particularly useful for tourists. It connects the North and South bus stations with Centro Historico, a central location in the city.

Tours

When you’re in Mexico City, a great way to see the city is with a tour. You can choose from various times and activities that offer the city’s cultural highlights and natural wonders. These tours range from day trips to full-day excursions. Some tour options include walking the cobblestone streets or visiting a traditional taqueria.

Tours in Mexico City can take you to various destinations, including historical landmarks and artisan markets. Most tours last at least two hours, and many have several locations you can choose from. You can save money by taking the time if you’re on a budget. Prices vary but start at just 160 pesos per adult during the week. On weekends and public holidays, they’ll cost more.

You can also tour Mexico City’s trendy neighborhood, Colonia Roma, and learn about the city’s cuisine and drink culture. This tour is an excellent option for foodies, and you can book it online HERE. If you want to explore the city’s historical sites, you can also join a tour through the central zocalo, the historic heart of the city. Many historical landmarks are located in this area, including the Templo Mayor.

Food tours

Food tours in Mexico City are a unique way to experience the city’s food culture. You’ll learn about the history of Mexican cuisine while tasting regional favorites, such as tlayudas, barbacoa, and cochinita pibil. The tour will also introduce you to Mexico City’s famous mezcal. After your tour, you’ll have a chance to taste mezcal and enjoy a tasting of the city’s delicious cuisine.

Families can even take a food tour with their children! These tours often begin in the Condesa neighborhood, where you can sample everything from hot chocolate to tacos. You’ll also try Mexican cheese, candy, and ice cream. In addition, a food tour for kids includes fun facts about the country and the culture.

Authentic Mexican cuisine is widely available in Mexico City. It’s colorful and made with fresh herbs and chilies. Whether you’re craving a classic Mexican dish, or a more modern twist, there’s something for everyone on a food tour in Mexico City.