Mexico City is without a doubt one of the liveliest cities in the entire universe. Known by many to produce the best margaritas and tequilas, Mexico is an enchanting tourist destination that combines a mesh of old and modern attractions. From the cobblestoned streets to the pristine white sandy beaches, Mexico is nothing short of spectacular and invites a myriad of tourists to the region.
Mexico City is one of the oldest and largest cities in the Americas built on the ruins of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. This explains the colonial architecture found in most attractions, spicy Mexican cuisine and rich cultural heritage. Mexico City has gained its popularity due to its affordability and safety contrary to what the movies and news show. Dangerous political rhetoric on the Border States in the north shouldn’t deter one from visiting this charming city. Regardless of the time you have in Mexico, you should try a free tour in Mexico City to some picturesque sites such as those below;
COYOACÁN.
Coyoacán translates to ‘The land of coyotes’ is located in the heart of Mexico City. It’s known by the locals as Mexico’s magical neighbourhoods that hosts a bustling market, museums, cafes and colonial churches. A tour of the Coyoacán should start from the Centenario Garden that showcases a fountain honouring the coyote. Feel free to take a dip in the most iconic fountain within the entire city. Just across the fountain is the San Juan Bautista Cathedral built in the 16th century. This is a can’t-miss historic landmark in the heart of this old city.
CATEDRAL METROPOLITANA.
Catedral Metropolitana was built in 1573 dedicated to the ‘Assumption of Mary.’ The structure took nearly 3 centuries to be completed due to the detail and a bunch of styles that went into the building. The church measures 109m long, 59m wide and 65m high. The interior of the cathedral is made with retablos dating from the 16th and 17th century. The main altar has a magnificent painting of ‘The Assumption of the Virgin’ done by Juan Rodriguez Juarez in 1726. In the recent past, it’s sad to report that the cathedral, like many other buildings in Mexico is gradually sinking into the ground. The soft clay soil has not been able to support the heavyweight of the material but work is underway to make sure the building is stabilized.
BOSQUE DE CHAPULTEPEC.
The Chapultepec is one of the oldest and largest parks within the city, home to several historic sites such as a botanical garden, a recreational lake, multiple museums and a zoo. The park is an amazing ecological oasis and a social space for not only residents but tourists visiting. It’s reported that over 15million people visit the park each year. The most interesting thing you will notice as you enter the park, you will find just at the entrance the monument of young heroes which was made in honour of 6 cadets who refused to surrender during the Mexican-American War in 1847. The park is extra busy during the day with snack vendors, street performers and souvenir sellers.
TEMPLO MAYOR.
Mexico City was built under the ruins of the pre-Hispanic Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan and the centre of it all was the Templo Mayor. This site was discovered in the 20th century by archaeologists digging for artefacts. The temple is thought to be the exact spot where the Aztecs saw their symbolic eagle perching on a cactus with a snake which symbolizes the centre of the universe. Tourists can visit the pyramids, ceremonial platforms and other temples that were originally dedicated to the gods of war and rain.
