Many people believe to see historical monuments, you have to travel to Europe, but the must see places in Mexico City prove that you don’t have to jet across the pond to see some up close. All that you desire can be found a short distance away. Depending on where you are, the distance may just be a border away. You just have to know the must see places in Mexico City to get all the history you want out of your trip.
1 Palacio Nacional
The National Palace is a government building that tourists can tour to see beautiful painted murals of Mexican history. Diego Rivera, is a famous Mexican artist that has painted murals all over the world. The National Palace faces the East side of the Zocalo. Every Independence Day is commemorated at the National Palace with the current Mexican President uttering the Cry of Independence from the National Palace balcony. Just seeing and experiencing Mexico’s Independence Day at the National Palace makes it one of the must see places in Mexico City.
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2 Monumento De La Independence
This project started in 1902 as a tribute to the heroes who fought for Mexican Independence. Inside the base of this monument are the physical remains of some of the most prominent leaders of Mexican Independence, such as Miguel Hidalgo, Vicente Guerrero and Ignacio Allende. The monument has many sculptures all around it, including insurgents and a lion led by a child, which represents truth and intelligence over strength. The finishing touch of the monument is the tip which is topped with the famous winged victor.
3 Zocalo
Known as the Placa de la Constitución, this huge public plaza lies in the heart of the capital and is another of the must see places in Mexico City! You can take a walk around the plaza to see all of its beautiful features as well as tasting some Mexican cuisine. Street performers are usually in the plaza to entertain the tourists. Local souvenir shops are located in the plaza but be sure you know how to bargain! In the winter, the plaza is turned into a gigantic skating rink to draw tourists during the off season.
4 El Templo Mayor
One, if not the, most important archaeologist sites in Mexico City, the Templo Mayor was built around the early 1300s and there is evidence that additions have been built around it six times. Even if you’re not a big history fan, visiting and seeing something that was built in the 1300s is a must see anywhere. The Spaniards destroyed the temple in 1521 but the ruins are still there. You can take a tour of the Templo Mayor museum while you’re there as well!
5 Monumento a Benito Juárez
If you know anything about Mexican history, then you have heard of Benito Juarez. Benito is the first full blooded native Indian (he was a Zapotec Indian) to become the President of Mexico. Benito served as the President of Mexico for five terms, from 1858 to 1872. Benito was famous for fighting for equal rights for all the indigenous people, as well as reforming the educational system and fighting for a more democratic Mexico. The beautifully crafted monument makes it a must-see stop in Mexico City.
6 Palacio De Bellas Artes
The Fine Arts Palace is situated in the heart of historical Mexico City. The exterior facade of the white marble palace takes you back to the streets of Spain or even Italy. The Fine Arts Palace houses two museums; one is dedicated to the arts featuring works from classic to contemporary artists. The other features Mexican architecture which includes layouts and models of important engineering works.
7 Teotihuacan
The pyramids of Teotihuacan lie to the northeast of Mexico City and dates back to pre-Columbian Mesoamerican city. The city is thought to have been established around 100 BC and was continuously built until 250 AD. Archaeologists believe they city lasted until sometime between the 7th or 8th century. Apart from the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, the city is known for its multi-family residential compounds, the Avenue of the Dead and the small portions of murals that still exist. Teotihuacan may seem like a little drive from Mexico City but it is well worth it!
These must see places in Mexico City will make you feel as if you’re walking the streets of Europe in no time! The culture, history and art you will experience in Mexico City will leave you breathless and coming back for more. Have you visited any of the must see places in Mexico City?
