Mexico City Attractions

The Top Ten things to do in Mexico City are mostly clustered in the downtown area that runs from the Historic Center to Chapultepec Park. But, to really see the best sights in the capital of Mexico you will want to make a couple of side trips to the south and north of the city, an easy thing to do because of the Federal District's comprehensive (and inexpensive) public transportation system.

Make sure that your visit includes samples of Mexico's rich past and present: Aztec, Spanish, 19th century Independence, 20th century Revolution, and 21st century contemporary life.

My #1 Pick: El Zócalo. Formally known as Plaza de la Constitucion, the enormous public square called El Zócalo is the heart and soul of Mexico City. It's the place where the Aztecs built their most important temples and Hernando Cortes created the seat of Spanish power. Today, El Zócalo is the location of the country's most important celebrations and protests.

The Museo del Templo Mayor - #2 on the Top Ten list - is a splendid complex of both excavated Aztec temples and world-class museum displays of the important artifacts found there.

Chapultepec Park, which ranks #6 place of the Best Sights in Mexico City, is akin to New York's Central Park. Chapultepec's broad green expanse is the lungs of this city of 25 million people and its most popular weekend entertainment destination. Among its attractions are a castle, museums, lakes, and playgrounds.

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