Once the heart of the mighty Aztec Empire, Mexico City proudly displays

traces of its ancient past alongside modern-day attractions. 

1. I am the oldest city in the Americas

• CDMX was founded in 1325 and was called Tenochtitlán. It was built as the capital of the Mexica Empire and had around 300,000 inhabitants—more than any European city at that time.

 

2. I was built over Water

• Before the arrival of the Spaniards, Mexico City was located on an island in the middle of a lake. The Mexica (or Aztecs as they are also called) built the city of Tenochtitlán in the 14th century and turned it into an engineering marvel with canals, dikes and chinampas (artificial islands used for agriculture).

  Although much of the original lake dried up due to the construction of the modern city, vestiges of its aquatic past can still be seen in some neighborhoods and parks.

 

3. I hold the largest urban park in Latin America 

• Chapultepec Forest is the largest urban park in Latin America. It is 2 times bigger than Central Park in New York and is divided into 3 sections where you will find museums, cultural centers, restaurants, lakes, sports facilities and many green areas.

  If you haven't visited Chapultepec Forest, you must! It is the great green lung of Mexico City.

 

4. I now have 150 museums to visit.

• Mexico City has 150 museums, including museums about art and Aztec constructions. The only city with more museums is London, which has 200.

 

5. I am home of the only royal castle on the American continent 

• In the first section of the Chapultepec Forest locates the Chapultepec Castle, which is the only royal castle in the American continent. Its construction dates from the end of the 18th century and was initially built as a resting place for the viceroys of the Spanish colony in Mexico. Still, over time, it was conditioned for other uses.

  Today it houses the National Museum of History and is one of the must-see places in CDMX. From its terraces, you will have incredible panoramic views of the city!

  
  Mexico City has the Second Largest Number of Museums in the World
  CDMX is a city full of art and culture! It is the second city with the most museums in the world, after London. It has 151 officially recognized museums, and more than 200 that still need to be formally recognized.

  The most visited museum in the city is the National Museum of Anthropology, located in the Chapultepec Forest.

 

6. Street art and galleries

• Neighborhoods like Colonia Roma and Condesa are known for their colorful murals and graffiti. 

 

7. Street Food and markets

• Mexico City’s culinary scene is a delightful fusion of traditional flavors, fresh ingredients, and innovative techniques, offering a gastronomic adventure for food lovers. A trip to Mexico City wouldn’t be complete without indulging in its legendary street food and bustling markets. 

  Be sure to try tacos al pastor, a mouthwatering combination of marinated pork, pineapple, cilantro, and onion, all wrapped in a warm corn tortilla. This iconic dish, influenced by Lebanese immigrants, has become a staple of Mexican street cuisine. And if you want to take your taco enjoyment to the next level, book our incredible Taco Tour in Mexico City.

  Another must-try delicacy is tamales, steamed corn dough filled with delicious ingredients such as meats, cheese, or fruits wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves. You can find these delicious treats in local markets and street food stands throughout the city.

  Our Mexico City Food Tour in the Historic City Center is the ideal way to sample some truly fantastic foods while exploring the city’s historical center. 

 

8. High-end dining.

• For those who appreciate a more refined dining experience, Mexico City is home to some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants. Pujol, helmed by acclaimed chef Enrique Olvera, showcases a creative take on traditional Mexican flavors, with its signature dish, “Mole Madre,” being a culinary masterpiece that evolves daily. 

  The exquisite tasting menu at Pujol takes you on a journey through Mexico’s diverse regional cuisines and is an unforgettable experience for the palate.

  Quintonil, another world-class restaurant, emphasizes fresh, local ingredients and highlights the best of Mexican culinary traditions. Chef Jorge Vallejo’s innovative approach to classic dishes and his commitment to sustainability has earned Quintonil a well-deserved spot among the world’s top dining destinations.

  And just recently, Elena Reygadas, of the restaurant Rosetta, was named as the World’s Best Female Chef by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Reygadas employs ancient cooking techniques to create culinary wonders with local ingredients. If visiting Rosetta, try their savoy cabbage tacos with pistachio pipián sauce or the sweet potato ravioli – a high-end dining experience to remember. 

  Both street food and high-end dining in Mexico City offer a tantalizing exploration of the country’s rich culinary heritage, making it a true foodie’s paradise.

 

Source: 

https://www.storiesbysoumya.com/non-touristy-things-mexico-city-off-the-beaten-path/

https://www.projectexpedition.com/blog/2023/09/11/mexico-city-the-best-non-touristy-things-to-do-2024/

https://saboresmexicofoodtours.com/what-is-mexico-city-famous-for/

https://sallysees.com/mexico-city-itinerary/

https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/10-non-touristy-things-to-do-in-mexico-city