A Day Spent in Mexico City
Exploratory El Rancho Ride, Mexico
Nestled in the heart of Mexico and surrounded by towering mountains, the bustling capital of Mexico City is a melting pot of indigenous traditions, colonial heritage, and contemporary influences. From the ancient ruins of the Aztec Empire to the grandeur of colonial architecture, the city’s streets are alive with the echoes of its past. Yet Mexico City pulsates with modern, cosmopolitan energy, boasting world-class museums, innovative cuisine, and a thriving arts scene. If you’re visiting Mexico for our ranch ride, we highly recommend spending a day or two discovering this bustling metropolis either before or after your Globetrotting adventure. Here are our top tips for making the most of your time.
Sights and activities
From historical ruins to bustling markets and world-class museums, a single day in Mexico City is enough to take you on a whirlwind journey where centuries of heritage clash spectacularly with modern life.
Zócalo: the heart of Mexico City
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Zócalo, one of the largest public squares in the world. Surrounded by historical buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial past and vibrant present.
Templo Mayor: ancient ruins in the city centre
Just around the corner you’ll find Templo Mayor, an archaeological site that once served as the religious and political centre of the Aztec empire. Explore the excavated ruins and marvel at the ancient artifacts housed within the on-site museum, offering insight into the rich history of Mexico’s indigenous cultures.
Chapultepec Park: something for everyone
You could spend a whole day exploring the attractions in and around Chapultepec Park – maybe even two – but even if it’s just one stop among many, it’s worth seeing this beautiful park, its monuments, and at least one of its attractions, which include Chapultepec Castle, Chapultepec Zoo, the National Museum of Anthropology and the Rufino Tamayo Museum of Modern and Comtemporary Art. Our top pick is the Museum of Anthropology, which showcases an extensive collection of treasures, including the famous Aztec calendar stone and the colossal stone Olmec heads.
Bustling Markets: a taste of local life
Afterwards, indulge your senses in one of the numerous markets of Mexico City. From the vibrant colours of the Mercado de la Ciudadela to the tantalising aromas of street food stalls in La Merced, these markets are a feast for the senses. Grab a flavoursome bite to eat and take your time soaking up the atmosphere. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to come across some street dancers!
Torre Latinoamericana: a bird’s eye view
As the day draws to a close, ascend to the top of the iconic Torre Latinoamericana for panoramic views of the city at sunset. From this vantage point, you can admire the sprawling metropolis below, with its mix of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and lush green spaces stretching as far as the eye can see.
Places to eat
Food is a central part of the culture in Mexico City. From street markets to restaurants, the city offers diverse and memorable cuisine. Try tacos al pastor or mole poblano for traditional flavors. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample authentic street food like tamales, quesadillas, and elotes (grilled corn on the cob). And of course, finish the day with churros dipped in chocolate sauce! Here are a few places to try:
Nicos
This family-run restaurant has been a mainstay in Mexico City since 1957. You know how places boast of their ‘authentic family recipes’? Well, these guys really mean it. Nicos takes pride in sourcing ingredients for their seasonal menu from small-scale Mexican producers, and focuses on offering tradition, quality and good times for their guests.
Fugaz
Situated on a bustling avenue in the suburb of Roma Norte, Fugaz is a seafood restaurant that sources its produce fresh from Mercado de la Viga (Mexico City’s largest seafood market). Expect deceivingly simple, elegant dishes with their roots in traditional Mexican cuisine, and a few international twists to spice things up.
Quintonil
A guide to Mexican dining wouldn’t be complete without making mention of this fabulous fine dining restaurant. If you’re in the mood to splash out, book a table and prepare to be blown away by the creative ways that the chefs reinvent simple Mexican ingredients, harvested daily from a nearby garden.
El Huequito
It’s easy to find fabulous street food in Mexico City, but undoubtedly the most quintessential dish is Tacos al pastor (seen below), and there is no better vendor than El Huequito (which translates to ‘the little hole-in-the-wall’). El Huequito is open from 8am to 10pm and it’s right in the city centre, so be sure to factor it into your day’s route, whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late-night snack.
Accommodation
Your best bet at finding a good and affordable place to stay in Mexico City is to jump on Airbnb and look for a room within reasonable walking distance of the city centre – safe, but close to the action! If you haven’t used Airbnb before, never fear, it is brilliant! Just make sure you read the reviews (there need to be at least three) before you book.
Our ride partners in Mexico also recommend The Red Tree House, a B&B that has been enjoyed by many of their guests. It’s within walking distance of many attractions, including Chapultepec Park.
Have fun, globetrotters!
Image credits: feature images by Alexis Tostado via Unsplash, Julio Lopez via Pexels, Mark Flying via Pexels, Jarritos Mexican Soda via Unsplash. Preview image by Eduardo González via Pexels.