What to see in Mexico City: my 7 essentials for a first visit

Where I would begin

Seven places that introduce very different sides of the city.

A ver: I always say that Mexico is a good idea and that, in a previous life, I probably lived in Mexico City. I have no evidence, but I have no doubts either.

My seven essentials are the Zócalo, Palacio de Bellas Artes, Roma and Condesa, the National Museum of Anthropology, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Angel of Independence and Chapultepec Castle.

• Begin at the Zócalo to understand the scale of the historic centre.
• Look up inside Bellas Artes: the marble, murals and dome are the reason it makes my list.
• Walk through Roma and Condesa instead of treating them as a ten-minute photo stop.
• Give the Museum of Anthropology real time; the Sun Stone was one of my highlights.
• Include the Basilica even if the purpose of your journey is not religious.
• See the Angel of Independence in person on Paseo de la Reforma.
• Reach Chapultepec Castle early for the views and a calmer visit.

Coyoacán

Casa Azul is the visit I would book before flying.

Walking through Frida Kahlo’s home brings her work into a personal setting: the rooms, objects, garden and details of her life make it very different from seeing one painting elsewhere.

If Casa Azul matters to you, secure the official ticket first and arrange the rest of the day around it. I would not leave it as a last-minute decision.

A serious part of the research

Four taquerías from my own list.

With invaluable assistance from Dr Simi—because every investigation needs an independent authority—I shared four names: Maizajo, Taquería Orinoco, Taquería El Califa and Tacos Atarantados.

This is my selection, not a universal ranking. In Mexico City, asking where to find the best taco can start a much longer conversation than asking which museum to visit. Check the current branch and opening time before crossing the city.

Practical planning

Fix the limited parts first and leave room to walk.

Book any priority visit that can define your day, then group the remaining places by area. Mexico City is too large for an itinerary built as a random list of famous names.

On one Madrid–Mexico City journey I flew in economy on an Iberia Airbus A350-900. A seat towards the front of economy can help you leave the aircraft sooner, although the aircraft and cabin layout can change. Treat that as a personal tip, not an operational promise.

Seven places are enough to begin, not to finish the city. Which place would you add as number eight?