As soon as we start talking about Mexico City in the guide below, you will see why tourists are so much in love with this location. The city shines for many reasons, from its excellent public transportation system which can get you anywhere you want to go to its vibrant food and drink scene, ranging from street food to top-ranked restaurants. Mexico offers travelers a chance to step into history.
In this guide, we’ll look at top historical destinations in Mexico, exploring its culture and heritage. Along the way, we will also provide some useful travel tips, including how to get there and a few precautions to consider.
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Where to Stay in Mexico City
Mexico has different neighborhoods like Coyoacán, which can make your stay there memorable. You can book transportation tickets within Mexico with bookaway.
We recommend focusing on the central trio of Roma Norte, Condesa, or Juárez, especially if you have a short trip like four days.
Here’s why:
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Location
These neighborhoods form a convenient triangle on the southeastern side of Chapultepec Park, roughly equidistant between Polanco and the Centro Histórico. This means you will never be too far from where you want to go.
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Vibes
Roma Norte and Condesa are among the more affluent neighborhoods in Mexico City. They feature tree-lined streets and some of the best food and drinks in the city. Each of these neighborhoods has its unique charm:
Roma Norte: This area is our top recommendation. It’s charming, filled with good dining and drinking spots, and a starting point for fun activities like cooking classes and tastings. Although it is a bit pricey and heavily gentrified, the appeal of Roma Norte is undeniable. If you’re looking for a place to stay, consider Roso Guest House or Ignacia Guest House. For more space and a kitchen, UTOPIC by ULIV is a great choice.
La Condesa: This neighborhood is a close second. It’s upscale with two large parks, a variety of dining options, and a pleasant atmosphere. It’s a bit more polished than Roma Norte, and you’ll hear more English spoken here. The Red Tree House is a fun and affordable guesthouse near Parque México, while Casa Decu is a beautiful hotel. For an apartment with more space, check out Be Mate Condesa Hipódromo.
Juárez: This neighborhood is a bit more budget-friendly, with a great location and a good selection of places to eat and drink. It’s less touristy and more affordable than Condesa and Roma Norte, though it does have a more concrete jungle feel with its skyscrapers.
If you’re traveling with family, either Roma Norte, La Condesa, or Coyoacán are good choices. Coyoacán is a bit further out but offers a different vibe and a more affordable price point.
Top Destinations
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Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro
Santiago de Querétaro, or simply Querétaro, is a city rich in cultural and historical significance. Located in the Bajío region, this charming town played a role in Mexico’s fight for independence.
In Plaza de Armas, you’ll find impressive colonial buildings. Plaza de los Fundadores features statues of key figures like Fernando de Tapia (Conín) and Nicolás de San Luis Montañez, key founding fathers of the city.
The Museo de Arte de Querétaro houses works by notable Mexican artists. Don’t miss the Temple and Ex-convent of San Francisco de Asis, the first religious center in Querétaro, and the 18th-century Aqueduct, or Los Arcos, which is especially stunning at night. Other sites include the Benito Juárez monument in Cerro de las Campanas Park and Zenea Garden with its Art-Nouveau kiosk.
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Tlacotalpan, Veracruz
Tlacotalpan, located in Veracruz state, is a Spanish Neoclassical town with a Caribbean twist. The Historical Center, featuring colorful houses and red-tiled roofs, was designated a World Cultural Heritage site in 1998.
In Plaza Zaragoza, visit landmarks like the Parish Church of San Cristobal and El Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. The adjacent Plazuela Agustín Lara houses the charming Capilla de la Candelaria. Tlacotalpan is also known for its traditional lace crafts, found in various local shops.
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Guanajuato
Guanajuato is a city rich in artistic and cultural history, with a UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical center. Known for its Neoclassical buildings and romantic alleys, it played a role in Mexico’s independence.
Key sites include the Alhóndiga de Granaditas, the University of Guanajuato, and the Guanajuato Bicentennial Park Museum. Nearby towns Irapuato and Dolores Hidalgo are also notable. Irapuato, the second most visited city in Guanajuato, has museums and historic buildings. Dolores Hidalgo, a Pueblo Mágico, is popular for its role in the independence movement, with sites like Museo de la Independencia and Iglesia de Dolores.
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Morelia, Michoacán
Morelia, Michoacán’s capital, is a beautiful heritage city with a well-preserved historical center. It is known for its pink stone buildings. Morelia was named after independence hero José María Morelos y Pavón.
Start at the Catedral de Morelia, a Baroque masterpiece with a unique tubular organ. The Museo Casa Natal de Morelos, in Morelos’ birthplace, offers insights into Mexico’s fight for independence. Other must-see sites include the Temple and Ex-convent of the Capuchinas, Morelia’s Old Palace of Justice, and Colegio Primitivo y Nacional de San Nicolás de Hidalgo. Don’t miss the Aqueduct and Las Tarascas fountain, which depicts three Purépecha princesses.
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San Luis Potosí
San Luis Potosí is known for its beautiful Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. Located in the northern Bajío region. It is a prime destination for ecotourism and historical exploration.
The historic center features elegant buildings like the Baroque Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Expectación and the Municipal Building with its collection of oil paintings depicting independence heroes. Other notable sites include Casa de la Gándara and the House of Felix Maria Calleja. Before you leave, visit the Teatro de la Paz, a luxurious 19th-century theater recognized by UNESCO, which hosts a range of cultural and artistic events.
For travel planning, you might find services like Bookaway helpful in organizing your trips between these historic destinations.
Even though public transportation in Mexico City is decent, it’s not as smooth as in Europe, so don’t expect perfection. So, here are a few tips to make things easier:
- If you’re in a rush, especially during peak hours, it’s better to take a taxi or Uber and allow extra time.
- You can use either a public transport card or paper tickets for the subway, but only the card for the Metrobús. The card costs 15 MXN (€0.7) and is available at subway station ticket windows or Metrobús vending machines.
- Always watch your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
- If using buses or colectivos, double-check you’re heading in the right direction. You can ask the driver or keep an eye on Google Maps, though it’s not always 100% reliable.
- Lastly, the subway has separate compartments for women. Men should avoid these, and solo women travelers should make use of them for safety.
Is Mexico a Safe Destination?
When planning a trip to Mexico, one of the common concerns for many travelers is safety. Mexico, and specifically the capital, Mexico City, is often portrayed in a way that raises questions about whether it’s a safe destination for tourists. However, like many major cities around the world, the key to staying safe lies in being informed and prepared.
According to the U.S. State Department, cities like Paris and Amsterdam, which are commonly viewed as safe, have similar risk levels to Mexico City. The idea that Mexico is uniquely dangerous is often overstated.
For tourists, the reality is that the areas they are most likely to visit in Mexico City are generally quite safe. Popular neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and the Historic Center are frequented by travelers from all over the world and are known for their vibrant culture and relative safety.
That said, here few safety tips we at Bookaway recommend for Mexico City:
- Leave valuables at home.
- Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
- Avoid walking alone at night.
- Opt for Uber over taxis.
Mexico is a country full of exciting history and a colorful environment. In cities like Querétaro and Guanajuato, you can see historical buildings and learn about important events from the past. Mexico City is a mix of old traditions and new fun things to do. It’s a big city where you can eat enjoy quality food, and explore cool neighborhoods.
Mexico is a great place to visit although it’s important to be careful, like not walking alone at night or keeping your stuff safe, With a little caution, you can have an amazing and safe adventure in this beautiful country.