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North America Mexico Mexico City Do & See Xochimilco

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Xochimilco

The guide was updated: 2024-08-28

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Xochimilco, Coyoacán & Frida Kahlo Museum

Located in the south of Mexico City, Xochimilco is an area of lush gardens and canals with colourful boats leisurely sailing back and forth. Some know Xochimilco as the “Venice of Mexico”. Relax on board one of the boats, where you can eat, drink and have your one music inside it, stroll along flower beds and visit the local wildlife preserve. You won't regret coming here. The basic boat tour takes you along the main canal and lasts about an hour. The boat ride is best enjoyed in a group.

Useful Information

Address: Calle del Mercado 133, San Jerónimo, CDMX
More Info: It's easiest to board one of the boats from Nuevo Nativitas Embarcadero
Phone: +52 55 1013 3063

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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Palace of Fine Arts

Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is an art deco and art nouveau building that holds varying exhibitions, a stunning concert hall and dazzling white marble columns. Among its four floors you can experience old and contemporary paintings and sculptures by renowned Mexican artists. You can choose to visit only the building or also the museum inside it. Temporary exhibitions on the upper floor feature aspiring local and international talents. One of the biggest attractions of Bellas Artes is a grand fresco by Diego Rivera — the social-realist Man at the Crossroads, which was originally designed for the Rockefeller Center in New York.

Fuente de los Coyotes in Coyoacán

Fuente de los Coyotes in Coyoacán

Two bronze coyotes are the center of this magnificent fountain. The animals were of big significance to the Aztecs, reigning the grounds in and around Mexico City in the past; many still hold beliefs about the supernatural powers of coyotes to-date. The fountain is located in a park in Coyoacán, whose name translates as "place of abundant coyotes". The bohemian Coyoacán district is known for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. Come here for the Frida Kahlo Museum, the home of Leon Trotsky, art galleries, cozy cafes and restaurants, as well as colorful artisan markets.

National Palace

National Palace

The National Palace of Mexico holds the offices of the President as well as the Federal Treasury. Marvellous paintings of Diego Rivera are contained inside. Admire the building from the outside or join a guided tour and learn about recent political developments in the country.

Teotihuacan Pyramids

Teotihuacan Pyramids

Book a tour with a local provider to visit the impressive Teotihuacán Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. The archaeological site belongs to the UNESCO cultural heritage list, and is located about 28 miles (45 kilometers) from the city center. With its 213-feet (65-meter) height, the Pyramid of the Sun is the third biggest in the world and dates back to the year 100 A.D. A mystical atmosphere envelops the place and you can get a whole new perspective climbing the stairs to the top. It's best to come early to avoid crowds and the scorching sun. On days when access to the pyramid complex is closed, you can see them from a hot air balloon.

Metropolitan Cathedral

Metropolitan Cathedral

This monumental structure can't be missed — it is located right in the centre of Mexico City. Step in to admire the murals and religious statues or climb the bell tower to enjoy a stunning view. It's always worth a visit. The cathedral, inspired by Gothic churches of Spain, was built in sections from 1573 to 1813 around the original church that was constructed soon after the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlan, eventually replacing it completely.

Xochimilco

Xochimilco

Located in the south of Mexico City, Xochimilco is an area of lush gardens and canals with colourful boats leisurely sailing back and forth. Some know Xochimilco as the “Venice of Mexico”. Relax on board one of the boats, where you can eat, drink and have your one music inside it, stroll along flower beds and visit the local wildlife preserve. You won't regret coming here. The basic boat tour takes you along the main canal and lasts about an hour. The boat ride is best enjoyed in a group.

Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead

Unlike other nations, Mexicans celebrate the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead, on November 2) with a feast. Instead of grieving the dead, cemeteries are decorated in bright colours and people meet up for a merry get together. Keep an eye out for city celebrations and join in!

Six Flags México

Six Flags México

Roller coasters, go carts and candy cotton await you at this wonderful amusement park! Bring the whole family and spend your day at dizzying heights and exciting rides. There is a number of restaurants and cafes inside to rest and regain your energy. Park opening hours can change, so don't forget to check it on the official website before your trip.

Island of the Dolls

Island of the Dolls

Not too far from the Xochimilco canals you'll find a small area with hundreds of chilling dolls dangling from bridges, trees and bushes. Legend has it that a girl once drowned in the canals and the dolls were placed here to quiet her wandering soul.

UNAM

UNAM

With over 250,000 freshman students starting at UNAM each semester, this is one of the largest universities in the world. You can visit the campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, take in its impressive buildings and take a look at the notable central library. Take a short hike and check out the UNAM Sculpture Space located inside the ecological reserve. Metal sculptures that contrast sharply with the landscape emerge from the scree.

Viveros de Coyoacán

Viveros de Coyoacán

The Viveros de Coyoacán public park is an ideal location for a romantic evening stroll or a quick run in the afternoon. The beautiful green gardens and flower beds will make you want to linger and appreciate the here and now. The park also serves as a "tree nursery" — a project started in an effort to combat forest damage.

Monument to the Revolution

Monument to the Revolution

The Monument to the Revolution is a major landmark that commemorates the Mexican Revolution. Go up to the observatory on the massive glass lift and get a stunning view over the city, or come here at night for the colourfully lit fountains. In the museum nearby you can learn more about Mexican history.

Independence Day & Parade

Independence Day & Parade

On September 15th (yes, not May 5th), chilangos gather in front of the National Palace to hear the President shout from the balcony "Viva México", and to shout it back — the famous Grito de Independencia or Cry of Independence. Independence Day is celebrated with a big party in the evening and a military parade along Avenida Paseo de la Reforma the next morning. If you happen to be around at this time of the year, make sure not to miss the festivities.

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