Mexico City is vast, altitude-high and endlessly surprising — Aztec ruins under colonial palaces, world-class art, and some of the best food on the planet. Chilangos are warm and quick to help; a little Spanish opens everything.
- The Zócalo & Templo Mayor — one of the world's biggest squares, with the ruins of the great Aztec temple excavated right beside the cathedral. History stacked on history.
- Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul — the cobalt-blue house in Coyoacán where she lived and painted. Book online in advance; it sells out daily.
- Teotihuacán — an hour out, the vast pyramids of the Sun and Moon along the Avenue of the Dead. Go early, climb what's open, and feel very small.
- Chapultepec & the Anthropology Museum — a giant city park holding the world's greatest museum of pre-Hispanic cultures. The Aztec Sun Stone alone is worth the trip.
- Xochimilco — ride a painted trajinera boat through the ancient canals, mariachis floating alongside, on a lazy, festive Sunday afternoon.
Mexican Spanish is friendly and full of life — "¿qué onda?" (what's up?) and "provecho" (enjoy your meal) come fast. Find a Spanish speaker below and arrive ready to order tacos like a local.
