MarionrockstheworldAre you looking for unusual and unique things to do in Mexico City? Here is a guide if you want to enjoy fun activities to do. Most of them are off the beaten tourist track and will allow you to discover Mexico City like a local.
Enjoy the sunset from the top of the Mexico City’s Revolution Monument
The Mexico City’s Revolution Monument is an emblematic symbol of Mexico City. It houses the National Museum of the Revolution, which also relates an important episode in the history of Mexico.
You can access the top of the Monument, but be ready to climb a lot of steps! It is definitely worth it, as it offers a stunning view of the city and the surrounding mountains. It’s an unusual and unique place in Mexico City where to learn about Mexican history and to see the sunset. Plus, there were not so much people when I visited it.
Join a cultural event in the Palace of Bellas Artes to see it in a unusual and unique way
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If you have time during your stay, I strongly advise you to visit the Palace of Bellas Artes, which houses exhibitions and cultural events. I had the opportunity to visit it twice, first for an exhibition and then for a concert of the national symphony orchestra, which was amazing. I could enjoy the concert in a beautiful edifice, where the Art Nouveau style is omnipresent. This is one of the most stunning examples of Art Nouveau in Mexico, which is not a common style for the country.
Most tourists only see the Palace of Bellas Artes from the outside. But if you have the curiosity to enter, you can enjoy an incredible local event or discover Mexican Art, while being surrounded by a beautiful architecture.
Participate to one of the Night of Museums, a unique thing to do to discover the Mexican culture
Every last Wednesday of the month, several museums in the city reopen their doors one or two hours after the normal closing time and host special events such as concerts, guided tours, workshops or film screenings. This is an 100% local experience. Perfect to immerse yourself in the Mexican culture, and you won’t find any tourists.
For instance, I attended a folkloric dance show, housed in the museum of El Carmen. For free, moreover.
More information here.
Join a local event to immerse yourself in the Mexican culture
Keep an eye on the city’s programming, there are often events, such as concerts or dance shows, organised in the city. For example, I attended a jazz concert in Coyoacan. It was also free. Each event is different and will bring you a unique experience during your stay.
More information here.
Visit the Chapultepec Castle & the National Museum of History
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The Castle of Chapultepec is located in the heart of the parc of the same name, the biggest park of the city. The castle houses the National Museum of History. The visit is really interesting and allow you to learn more about Mexican history.
The Castle itself, from the 18e century is a real gem. Located at the top of a hill, it offers an amazing view of the park and the high buildings of the city in the background.
Rent a boat in Xochimilco, an unusual and fun experience in Mexico City
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Go to Xochimilco for an afternoon and enjoy few fun hours on these colorful little boats! It’s a place outside the city centre of Mexico City, where you can rent a boat by the hour to wander on the canals. Many locals love to go there during the weekend.
If you are looking for a calm moment and to admire the area, go there during the week. If you prefer a good and dynamic atmosphere, go there on the weekend, where you will meet many locals. If so, you can plan to bring with you some music and drinks.
If you want to experience it in a more unique way, there are some events organized during specific periods. For instance, around El Dia de los Muertos, there is a theatre play of the Llorona, that you watch from the boat.
Explore the city by bike, a unique and unusual way to visit the city
In Mexico City, you can rent a bike for free. There are many booths called “Bicygratis” throughout the city. It allows you to rent it for 3 hours. It’s an unusual and unique way to visit the city. There are more and more bicycle paths in the capital, nevertheless, be careful in certain areas where traffic is heavier. I would advise to bike in quieter areas, such as Coyoacan.
Otherwise, on Sundays, some roads block the access to cars, so that everyone can enjoy the area safely, by bike, roller skates, skates and so on.
Celebrate El Dia de los Muertos, a unique opportunity in Mexico City
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If you have the chance to be in Mexico for Dia de los Muertos, enjoy the celebration organized by the city ! Mexico City is one of the places where the celebrations are the most important. They will be plenty of events to attend. Parade, concert, and much more. It’s one of the most important events of the year in Mexico. People dress up, the streets are decorated for the occasion.
I personally attend several parades; the one in the city center, starting from the Park of Chapultepec and ending at Zocalo. I wouldn’t advise it, there so much people, you don’t enjoy it fully, it’s even hard to see something. I largely preferred the little ones organized in different neighbourhoods of the city. I joined the one of Coyoacàn, where I had a great moment.
Enjoy a Mariachi show and typical Mexican dances
What’s more typical than Mariachi music? It is a fun and unique experience. You can book an evening show to enjoy a concert of Mariachi. It is accompanied by traditional Mexican dances. You will see beautiful costumes of the different regions of Mexico.
There are several places offering this kind of performance. Personally, I went to a place called Guadalajara de Noche. It’s located on the Garibaldi square in Mexico City, where you will find several restaurants of this same type.
Admire the Pyramids of Teotihuacan from the sky, unusual and unique point of view
I visited the archaeological site of Teotihuacan before, this place has already blown up my mind this first time (more information here). But seeing it from a hot air balloon is something else. Those tours are organized early in the morning so you get to see the sunrise !
That was my list of the unusual and unique things to do in Mexico City ! I would be glad to know more about your own experience ! Let me know about it in comments.
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