Mexico City is the beautiful capital of Mexico, and it’s been known for having some of the most critical events in Latin America. Many Americans moved to the city during the pandemic due to the lower cost of apartments and housing. The town continued its growth with events like Zona Maco.
Zona Maco is an annual art fair/festival showcasing Latin American art and design. The event grew from just a few attendees to having more than thousands in 2023. These related events in the city showcase why it’s becoming one of the most popular destinations in the world. Not only to live in but also to visit.
Mexico City has a long history predating even Spanish colonization. Before the Spaniards arrived, the city was located in the middle of the river, connected by channels. The town was initially named Tenochtitlan by the Aztec communities and is known for being one of the world’s biggest and most progressive indigenous cities.
The Spaniards (most likely envious of the Aztecs) took control of the city in 1521 and raided the town. They also changed the name to Mexico because it was easier to pronounce in Castellano. This horrible colonial act didn’t stop the city from growing. Today it is a central hub for art, design, culture, food, and almost everything. Here is why Mexico City is becoming one of the most popular destinations worldwide. Some of the reasons might surprise you.
Food
Already known as a foodie destination, Mexico City (locally known as “el D.F.”) is probably the best place for a good range of different types of cuisine. This city is one of those places for fantastic street food or fine dining.
Casual taco spots like Taquería Orinoco and El Vilsito have been around for decades and have not changed their design. These spots are affordable and delicious; they should definitely be on your to-do list if traveling to the city. On the other end, you have places like Pujol, considered one of the best restaurants in the world. This omakase spot has been reviewed a million times, proving the range this city has gastronomically.
Neighborhoods
Another fun aspect of Mexico City is its neighborhoods. This is an entirely walkable city with some of the most beautiful parks in the world. Condesa is one of the more popular neighborhoods home to what seems like a billion North American digital nomads.
The neighborhood is famous for its art-deco architecture and parks like Parque España and Parque México. If you travel with a dog, you have to check out this neighborhood. It’s filled with dog-friendly parks, hotels, and outdoor cafes. Take them to the hotel Andaz Mexico City Condesa; their entire rooftop is devoted to a dog bbq and bar area called the Wooftop Beer Garden & Canine Club.
Another fun neighborhood is San Rafael. Once known as a thriving spot within the city, it fell on more challenging times but has recently reemerged. Art galleries are popping up everywhere and giving the area’s 19th-century mansions a bit of competition.
Galería Hilario Galguera opened in 2006 in the neighborhood and showcases some of the best contemporary Mexican and abroad art. Created by Hilario Galguera and Rosa María Ortega, the gallery is a must-see if you’re looking to expand your perception of what Mexico City can offer.
Hotels
The city has an eclectic range of properties that will keep the bank intact. And if it doesn’t, it’s completely worth it. The Andaz Mexico City Condesa is a new addition to the Condesa neighborhood and offers a healthy amount of art-deco and minimalism/contemporary design. Built on an old federal building, the innards of the building are laced with art-deco and 1970s touches. When you first walk in, you’re compressed into the lobby creating a tunnel you have to journey along. This eventually opens to a massive open-air courtyard.
As already mentioned, the hotel has a beautiful dog rooftop, perfect for any best friend traveling. Still, it has other pretty cool things like the Cabuya Rooftop restaurant and the Derba Matcha Café. All these great dining options urge a traveler to stay put, but don’t! Nearby you’ll find Parque México, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Museums
The city is brimming with museums, and some of the best in the world are located here. The Museum of Anthropology, the Frida Kahlo Museum, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes are just some that are available to travelers.
The Museum of Anthropology is a favorite because it explains prehispanic history fun and innovatively. There you’ll even learn about Aztec and other indigenous groups’ architecture. The Frida Kahlo Museum is a cobalt-blue masterpiece, and the art nouveau and art deco Palacio de Bellas Artes are a sight just from the outside.
Design and Alcohol
Mexico City is the type of place you go to have a cocktail in an old colonial building from the 1600s. The city is ripe with beautiful, unique bars and design spaces. Salón ACME is an art center housed in Proyecto Público Prim, an old colonial building. It often holds different events, especially during Zona Maco, making it a must-see. The building looks like it’s about to fall apart, giving its art pieces more beauty.
Mexico City is a must-visit for every type of traveler. It has some of the best aspects of culture, all housed within a beautiful community. Don’t think twice about coming here!
