10. Dive into Mexico’s indigenous heritage at the Anthropology Museum

Once the heart of a mighty ancient empire, Mexico City has evolved into a vibrant and innovative modern capital, standing tall as one of the Americas' greatest metropolises since its origins.

In this sprawling city filled with bustling markets, monumental museums, and an endless array of neighborhoods, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. For first-time visitors to the Mexican capital, these 10 recommendations provide the perfect starting point for your adventure.

1. Discover the personal realm of Frida Kahlo at Casa Azul

Casa Azul is the birthplace and home where renowned artist Frida Kahlo spent the majority of her adult life. Nestled in the Coyoacán neighborhood, this famous site is a must-visit for any art enthusiast eager to delve into Kahlo's world and legacy.

The striking cobalt-blue structure is filled with her self-portraits, cherished family photos, and personal mementos, including her traditional Mexican clothing and pre-Columbian artifacts that she treasured.

Kahlo's life was deeply influenced by hardship and pain, reflected in the crutches, medicines, and the four-poster bed that confined her for extended periods after an accident. These poignant details make Casa Azul a deeply moving experience.

2. Experience the excitement of a lucha libre match

You can catch thrilling lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) events at various venues, including Arena Coliseo (dubbed the 'cathedral of lucha libre'), Arena México, and Arena Naucalpan, located to the northwest of the city.

Once you're settled in, treat yourself to a large plastic cup of budget-friendly beer and some potato chips from vendors navigating through the bustling stands. Be prepared to be entertained as masked luchadores (wrestlers) perform acrobatic stunts, flips, and dramatic falls, their sweat-drenched, lycra-clad bodies hitting the mat with a thud. The local fans become intensely engaged in the spectacle, and their enthusiasm is contagious.

Planning tip: The neighborhoods surrounding the stadiums can be a bit sketchy at night, so make sure to leave quickly while crowds are still around after the event.

3. Get lost among the shelves in Mexico City’s libraries

More than just repositories of books, Mexico’s libraries are stunning architectural feats. Biblioteca Vasconcelos is renowned as one of the most beautiful libraries globally, featuring an industrial yet ethereal design with glass walls, towering steel bookshelves, and futuristic floating walkways.

The UNAM Central Library is an imposing 10-story structure adorned with vibrant stone tiles. Walk around its exterior, which acts as a canvas for a massive mural, depicting Mexico’s pre-Columbian, colonial, revolutionary history, alongside its modern-day narrative.

4. Explore the city through a food tour

Mexico City stands as a culinary giant on the global food landscape, making it easy to feel overwhelmed by the countless street stalls and upscale restaurants. With so many local specialties boasting peculiar names, even fluent Spanish speakers may find deciphering menus a challenge.

This is why joining a food tour can provide a more focused approach to your culinary adventure in the city. Devoured is a socially responsible, Mexican-owned food experience company that offers themed tours to up-and-coming culinary hotspots – like the Juarez neighborhood – as well as trips to help you navigate the city’s flea and farmers’ markets, sampling tacos along the way.

5. Spiritual Exploration at Sonora Market

Venture to the back left corner of Mercado de Sonora to uncover a realm of santería and shamanic practices, filled with an array of herbal remedies and plants designed to heal various ailments. For the bold traveler, inquire about experiencing a limpia (spiritual cleanse).

Beyond the elixirs and herbal potions, the offerings here reflect the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions in the city. You'll find Catholic crucifixes alongside voodoo dolls, cowrie shells for Afro-Caribbean rituals, and artifacts associated with Santa Muerte, Mexico’s saint of death.

Planning tip: In Mexico, haggling is not common, so it’s advisable to pay the suggested price, especially for religious items. Also, note that the back right section of the market features live animals sold as pets or for sacrificial purposes.

6. Immerse yourself in Mexico City’s cinematic landscapes

Mexico City serves as a hub for global cinema, hosting a diverse array of films ranging from international blockbusters to indie gems. Interestingly, Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film Romeo and Juliet was primarily shot in Mexico City rather than the picturesque Verona.

Make your way to the castle that sits atop a hill in Chapultepec Park, portrayed as the Capulet family’s opulent home. The Iglesia del Purísimo Corazón de María in Colonia del Valle is the church featured in some of the film's most iconic moments. This striking gothic and art deco gem boasts a 10-meter statue of the Virgin Mary, reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer.

And let’s not forget the James Bond film Spectre, which showcased a Day of the Dead Parade set against the vibrant backdrop of Mexico City. Interestingly, this grand outdoor celebration only began after 2016; while Día de Los Muertos has long been celebrated, it used to be a more personal affair, typically observed in cemeteries or at home.

7. Drift through the canals of Xochimilco

Located about 22km south of the city, Xochimilco was once a freshwater lake that the Aztecs transformed into an extensive network of canals around 1150 AD. This area features chinampas, floating agricultural islands that historically provided sustainable food for the civilization that evolved into Mexico City.

Today, however, Xochimilco is best known for its lively weekend boat parties, where countless locals and tourists gather on vibrant trajinera rafts to enjoy pulque (fermented agave drink) and dance enthusiastically to mariachi music.

Planning tip: Choose a more eco-friendly way to experience Xochimilco by booking a sunrise tour with Arco Tierra. These excursions include farm-to-table breakfasts made from ingredients harvested on the remaining active chinampas.

8. Breathe in the beauty at Jamaica Market

While this market offers a wide array of goods, it shines in its floral selection. As you step into the largest flower market in the city, you’ll be greeted by an explosion of enormous bouquets filled with roses and sunflowers, all meticulously crafted by local vendors and artisans.

With 5,000 species available, you'll find stunning arrangements for every occasion, from Day of the Dead ofrendas (altars) to wedding bouquets and vibrant displays proclaiming te amo (I love you) in a riot of colors.

Detour: After exploring the flower section of the market, make your way to Mariscos El Paisa, a casual yet gourmet open kitchen renowned for its diverse menu of innovative seafood dishes. Don't miss the tacos de pulpo al pastor (marinated octopus tacos) or the caldo de mariscos (seafood stew), located at stands 287 to 292 on the market's northern edge.

9. Soar above the ancient Teotihuacán Pyramids

After immersing yourself in the modern wonders of Mexico City, take a step back in time to Teotihuacán, which was once the largest urban settlement in the Americas. This ancient Mesoamerican civilization mysteriously declined by the 8th century, leaving behind a site rich with unanswered anthropological mysteries.

Stroll down the Avenue of the Dead, the main road of the ancient city, leading you to the Pyramid of the Sun, the world's third-largest pyramid, and the Pyramid of the Moon. You can explore on foot or ascend into the skies in a hot air balloon for a stunning aerial view of these majestic structures.

Planning tip: Head to gate eight at the North Bus Station to buy a bus ticket that will transport you to the site, located about an hour north of the city.

To truly grasp Mexico, one must explore its pre-Columbian history, and the capital’s Museo Nacional de Antropología is the ultimate destination. This remarkable site boasts an astonishing collection of 600,000 artifacts spread across 23 rooms, making it easy to get lost, so it's wise to focus on a couple of specific areas.

Make your way to the Aztec Hall to admire the museum's crowning jewel, the famous Aztec sunstone, or head over to Olmec Hall to see the colossal stone heads.

Planning tip: Admission to the museum is free on Sundays, and it remains closed on Mondays.