“Mexico is a safe, as well as a beautiful and warmly gracious, place to visit.”
– Margaret Chan

It was like yesterday when I visited Mexico City. I still remember the places I went and the authentic Mexican food I had. Mexico City is the capital of Mexico. It is located in the Valley of Mexico. It is considered the oldest capital city in the Americas because it was founded by the American Indians. I will share my destinations during my trip to Mexico City last August 2014. I went there to attend and present at the International Congress of Parasitologists. I enjoyed the city in my free time by going to these beautiful places.

1. Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Established in 1531, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe attracts millions of people each year. It was built to commemorate the Marian apparition th the hill next to the Basilica. The compound houses the old and new Basilica. More stories about my trip to the Basilica can be found here.

2. Xochimilco

The old city of Xochimilco is characterized by a system of canals. Along the 170 km canal are colorful gondola-like boats called “trajineras.” During the ride, tourists like me are treated to Mexican food and music by the Mariachi.

3. Garibaldi

Plaza Garibaldi is Mexico City’s home of mariachi music. At the Plaza, many mariachi bands play or ask for gigs from visitors. I went there at night and enjoyed watching a musical show in one of the restaurant bars in the area.

4. Zocalo

Zócalo, formally known as Plaza de la Constitución, is the heart of Mexico City. I visited several tourist spots around the square, including the presidential palace, Palacio Nacional, and the massive Metropolitan Cathedral. The Templo Mayor is not far away. It is an important Aztec historical site. It is also home to the remains of the Great Temple of Tenochtitlán.

5. Chapultepec

Bosque de Chapultepec has an area of more than 4 square kilometers, making it the largest park in Mexico City. The Castillo de Chapultepec stands atop the Chapultepec Hill. It served as the residence of the monarchs Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota during the Second Mexican Empire. The castle also sheltered Mexico’s presidents until 1939. Then, it was converted into the Museo Nacional de Historia by President Lázaro Cárdenas.

6. Coyoacan

The name Coyoacán most likely means place of the coyotes. From 1521 to 1523, it was made the first capital of New Spain, a group of Spanish colonies. I went there to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum or La Casa Azul. It was where the famous Mexican artist Kahlo was born and grew up. She lived with her equally famous artist husband, Diego Rivera. Eventually, she died there.

7. Teotihuacan

The Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan was designated a World Heritage Site in 1987. It was the highlight of my visit to Mexico, and I considered this trip the best part of my stay. Teotihuacan’s name means “the place where the gods were created.” It is home to massive monuments. Notable structures include the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon.

8. Alameda Central

Parque Alameda Central is a beautiful park decorated with many fountains and sculptures. Next to it is Mexico’s cultural landmark, Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts). Built in 1934, the marble building is considered an architectural marvel and serves as an opera house and concert hall. Fifteen minutes’ walk from the park is the Ciudadela Market. I had time to buy souvenirs for myself and my friends there.

There are still many places I want to see in Mexico, so a second visit is a must.