Things to Do in Mexico D.F.

Anthropology Museum. Photo by Will Gray.

By Christopher Minster

Mexico City is one of the world’s largest cities, and when you throw in all of the history of central Mexico into the mix, it all adds up to many things to see and do while you’re there.

History buffs will not want to miss, under any circumstances, the National Anthropology Museum, which houses quite possibly the best collection of ancient cultural artifacts in the world. It is the home of the massive Aztec Sunstone (also known as the Aztec Calendar), and for that one piece alone it would be worth a visit. Continue your Aztec tour with a visit to nearby Teotihuacán, an important ruin site and former ceremonial center.  Right in the middle of the city is the old site of the Aztec Templo Mayor, or great temple: parts of it are still available for viewing.

Mexico City features numerous city parks. The Chapultepec woods is home to the fort of the same name as well as a monument to the Niños Héroes, young military cadets who fought to the death in a vain effort to keep American forces from taking the fort in the Mexican-American War. Xochimilco is a set of canals plied by brightly-colored boats: it dates back to the days of the Aztecs as well.

There are many museums besides the Anthropology Museum. Fans of her work will want to see the Frida Kahlo Museum, and you can also check out the Diego Rivera Museum. The Palacio de Bellas Artes is a very attractive building which houses some important works of art. Downtown, the Palacio Nacional and Catedral Metropolitana are majestic, historic structures which can be visited.

Once you’ve had enough culture, buy or scalp a ticket and head to Aztec Stadium, one of the largest in the world, to catch a soccer (or football, if you prefer) game with 100,000 screaming Mexican fans.