Mexico City is full of beautiful sites, colonial and modern architecture and great places to grab a quick bit. To make a list of things to do in the whole city would take more storage space than all the computer servers in the world can handle. Ok, so maybe that’s a stretch. But narrowing down things to do OYO (On Your Own) in Centro Historico is a good place to start.
Warning, this is not an exhaustive list. Why? Read the first paragraph of this, and the same pretty much applies. With ancient Aztec ruins, colonial palaces, art galleries and museums, taco stands and renowned churro spots all competing for attention, this list is bound to leave out some places.
So with that being said, here’s a list of 5 OYO Places to visit while in Mexico’s Historic City Center:
Citibanamex Museum
Av Francisco I. Madero 17
Cost: Free
This colonial building turned museum is a gorgeous place to spend some time admiring different forms of art in Mexico. Standing in the center of the museum, visitors can see how beautifully ornate the stone columns and finishes are and how it must have looked when the building was erected hundreds of years ago.
Current exhibits include the Vida Americana: Los Muralistas Mexicanos Que Rehicieron el Arte de los Estados Unidos (American Life: The Mexican Muralists who Remade Art from the United States); regional textiles from famous Mexican artists; and Graciela Ituribe: Cuando Habia la Luz (When There Was Light).
Eat Churros and Chocolate at “El Moro”
Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 42
Cost: $2 – $5 usd
Famous for its freshly prepared churros, this place is a favorite for both tourists and Mexicanos alike. From the window, visitors can see the churros being fried and sweetened. And from the inside the aroma of the fresh treats will hypnotize. Get some churros and a hot chocolate with different kinds of milk to fit your desires. Not in the mood for something sweet? Try their tacos de pastor outside the front door. But arrive early, the line can get pretty long and indoor seating is at a premium.
Murals at the SEP Building
República de Brasil 31
Cost: Free (bring your ID)
Mexican muralists were gathered to paint the interior of the education building, and they outdid themselves. To see these murals, you need nothing more than your ID to leave at the door during check-in. Then wander the large beautiful courtyard to get an up close and personal look at the work from Mexican masters. While you’re there take a stroll through the historic Plaza de Santo Domingo.
Tacos de Canasta
Av Francisco I. Madero 71
Cost: $1 – $5 usd
Tacos are pretty standard in Mexico City. They come with so many fillings that we could dedicate a whole post to some of our favorites (and we plan to). But Tacos de Canasta are something unique. Sometimes called “tacos al vapor” these delicious bites are a reflection of the basket of tacos office workers (usually ladies) would take to work with them to sell and make some extra cash. The tacos are kept in humid wraps in their baskets, so they take on a whole new flavor.
View from Torre Latinoamericana
Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 2
Cost: $12 usd
Get a 360 degree view of the city from atop the only skyscraper in the historic center. On a clear day you can see the snow capped volcanoes in the distance, the pine covered mountains to the south and all of the neighborhoods of the city. If you have a sharp eye, you might even be able to pick out the turquoise covered Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Tepeyac hill.
