Explore 5 Fun Weekend Activities in Vibrant Mexico City
The first adjective that comes to mind when I think of Mexico City is “ginormous”. My mouth literally gapes whenever I fly over the city just before landing. It is the largest city in Mexico and the capital of the country covering 573 miles. It is an amazing and vibrant city, full of life and culture. The city is alive with the sound of Mexican and popular music from the U.S., markets full of locals, tourists co-mingling, and the smell of delicious Mexican cuisine. The city also features stunning architecture, parks, plazas, and a skyline of modern high-rises. Mexico City is a city that has something for everyone and is sure to leave a wonderful impression. So very often I hear visitors say that they were pleasantly surprised by Mexico City based on their preconceived notions.
I was also a bit surprised when I moved here. I’d never visited although I’d done some extensive YouTube research and must say it exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds. I’ve lived here for 6 months now and don’t feel that I’ve even begun to scratch the surface of all there is to partake of in this huge metropolis. Nevertheless, I will share a bit of what I’ve conquered so far with you. Here are 5 amazing places to visit on your weekends here in Mexico City:
Castillo de Chapultepec
If there is one attraction that should not be missed, it’s Castillo de Chapultepec, or Castle of Chapultepec located in Chapultepec Park - one of the largest urban parks in the Western Hemisphere. The castle has a long and storied history. Built in the late 18th century, the castle was originally the home of Emperor Maximilian I and his consort Empress Carlota of Mexico. After the emperor’s execution in 1867, the castle was converted into a military academy. Today, it is a museum open to the public where visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms and courtyards and learn about the country’s rich culture and history. The castle is a stunning example of classical European architecture, with its tall towers, grand entrance, and ornate decorative features. Inside, visitors will find an array of antiques, paintings, and artifacts that tell the story of the castle’s past and the people who lived there.
I took some of my family to the museum and for the whole day, my niece pretended that she was Niña Maria Louisa, the daughter of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota. We couldn’t pull her away from Maria Louisa’s room!
On the grounds, there are breathtaking formal and topiary gardens with vibrant flowers. This is also where you’ll get great views of the sprawling city.
We were even able to catch the incredibly skilled orchestra that plays in the castle’s pavilion. Truly magical!
Admission to the castle is free on Sundays and about $80 MX pesos per person or $4.50 U.S. dollars. A huge treat that doesn’t empty your pocketbook.
Chapultepec Park
Bosque de Chapultepec park is one of the largest urban parks in the world. It is technically a forest covering over 1,600 acres and is home to numerous attractions, including the castle mentioned above, a zoo, and several museums.
It is a great place to do some bike riding, take a stroll or bring a blanket for some relaxation. The park is lined with “Chiangis” or temporary booths selling local foods and souvenirs. Visitors will surely encounter a sight that is unforgettable. There are the Concheros, or Aztec ritual dancers dressed in tall, magnificent feathered head pieces and ankle bells who burn copal, play drums and perform spiritual cleansing to bystanders. There are also Danza de los Voladores performing a Mesoamerican ritual for harvest and fertility where 5 men dressed in bright red, gold and white outfits carefully climb a 30-meter pole and then swing their way down. A spectacular and unforgettable scene.
Bosque de Chapultepec is a wonder of nature. It’s the home to ponds and fountains, is grandiose and immaculately groomed. It hosts concerts, park events and so much more. I consider this an absolute must-see for visitors to Mexico City.
Sundays on Paseo de la Reforma
Paseo de la Reforma is a major thoroughfare in Mexico City. It is considered one of the most important streets in the city and is a major tourist attraction. The avenue is lined with monuments, statues, and fountains. It is also home to some of the city's most iconic buildings, including the Torre Latinoamericana and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. It is also the site of many annual events and festivals such as the Festival de México, the Festival of the Sun, and the Day of the Dead. Paseo de la Reforma is a symbol of the city's vibrant culture and history.
On Sundays from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm, Paseo de la Reforma is closed to motor vehicles, offering a perfect opportunity to bike, rollerblade or walk your way through the main artery of the city. The Reforma welcomes locals, tourists, families as well as family pets. No one is left out.
Starting at the Monument to the Revolution, Paseo de la Reforma winds its way through modern office towers, historic monuments, and lush parks. As you pedal along the wide boulevard, you’ll find plenty of places to stop and explore, eat or have coffee. There are exercise groups that you will find dancing to the latest tunes. You can feel free to stop, join the fun and get your cardio in. It’s completely free!
On one side of Paseo de la Reforma, you’ll see the Arch of Caballito, a beautiful monument dedicated to Mexico’s heroes. On the other side, Zocalo Square offers a glimpse of the city’s colonial past. But the most impressive sight along Paseo de la Reforma is the soaring Angel of Independence monument or Angel de Independencia. This iconic symbol of Mexico City is especially impressive when seen from the seat of your bicycle (and even more spectacular when lit up at night). Don’t regret riding past this monument without taking a few pictures! You’ll be sure to come away with lasting memories of your time in Mexico City.
El Bazar Sábado, San Angel
Saturdays from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
I’ve gone to San Angel only once for a very good reason: I wanted to buy everything I saw! If you’re looking for a unique Mexican shopping experience, El Bazar Sábado in San Angel, Mexico City is quite the experience. This outdoor market has been a mainstay of the city for more than 30 years and is renowned for its quirky, eclectic vibe.
Set in the beautiful San Angel neighborhood, El Bazar Sábado is a paradise for those seeking unique gifts and souvenirs. From traditional Mexican handicrafts to vintage items, you’ll find a huge variety of goods. Whether you’re looking for jewelry, clothing, or art, you’ll find it here. The market has a relaxed, creative atmosphere that’s perfect for strolling and browsing. You can find all kinds of fascinating items, from hand-made folk art to modern Mexican fashion. There’s also a great selection of food and drinks, so you can refuel as you shop. One of the best things about the market is its friendly, welcoming atmosphere; it's full of locals, who are always happy to chat and tell you about their wares. You may find yourself asking vendors over and over, “You made this?!?” “Really?!?”
El Bazar Sábado is an incredible place to pick up an unusual piece of Mexico City to take home with you. Words of advice: give this shopping experience the whole day and carve out time to take a walk around gorgeous San Angel. It’s one of the most quaint, picturesque areas of Mexico City! Increíble!
Museo Anahuacalli
Museo Anahuacalli is a must-see destination in Coyoacán and is honestly a more interesting museum than others much more famous. It is located in the south of the city and is a world-renowned museum dedicated founded by Mexican architect and artist, Diego Rivera. The museum houses a collection of over 55,000 artifacts from the ancient Aztecs, Mayas, and other pre-Hispanic cultures. It is located in a spectacular building that was designed by the founder himself. The building is made of black volcanic stone, in an Aztec architectural style, with a pyramidal roof. Inside, the museum is filled with stunning works of art and ancient artifacts.
Inside this spectacular museum, there are various galleries featuring pottery, stone sculptures, jewelry, masks, and other items. There are also a variety of educational activities, workshops, and special events. You can also take part in guided tours, which provide an in-depth look at the museum’s collections and exhibits. Museo Anahuacalli offers an opportunity to explore the fascinating history and culture of the Aztecs and other pre-Hispanic cultures in Mexico. It is also a great place to learn more about the renowned architect and artist, Diego Rivera.
Diego Rivera was a Mexican painter and muralist who was renowned for his large-scale works of public art that combined traditional Mexican themes with modernism. Rivera was married to painter Frida Kahlo and the two of them are now among the most celebrated figures in Mexican art.
See Mexico in all its glory here in this relaxation film: Magical Mexico
