What can I say that hasn’t already been said about Mexico’s capital? I could try to talk about unusual things to do in Mexico City!
The Mexican capital is a lively and vibrant city, with extraordinary historical and contemporary appeal. Sure, there are problems (I left the city a couple of days before the killing of El Mencho led to a violent response from the Jalisco Nueva Generacion drug cartel. The images of burning cars came mostly from the Pacific coast and Monterrey, but the international media impact was there), but every city has its own, and Mexico City at least can boast of concrete achievements over the last 25 years.
I’d also add that writing the usual guide on what to see in Mexico City would be pointless for a small blog like mine. Hundreds of other sites tell you, in detail, what you can see in this city if you’re a tourist passing through.
So I’m aiming for something unusual, something that might fascinate or repel you, but hopefully won’t leave you indifferent. Ready to take a trip to Central America?
Unusual things to do in Mexico City: where do you go if you don’t have bananas?
I praised Mexico City’s neighborhoods (i migliori quartieri di Città del Messico, but it’s in Italian), talked about the cafes I liked the most in Mexico City, and then, in a display of remarkable Italian courage, I also addressed the topic of Mexico City being dangerous (again, Città del Messico pericolosa, in Italian, let google do his magic).
This time I want to tell you about 4 + 1 places that, for me, are incredibly fascinating and provide the basis for some complex thinking. Okay, I’ll cut it short. I want to tell you about:
- The tomb of one of the men who changed the course of history
- An under-recognized sports outlet
- A rousing theatrical performance
- The Banamex Palace of Culture, with its temporary exhibitions
- And finally, something more classic like the legendary Museum of Anthropology (MNA)
The theory of great men
Many people, especially in this geopolitically explosive period, believe in the theory that it is the direct actions of single individuals that change the course of history. Destiny is unwritten, popular movements or mass ideologies have a place, perhaps in the front row, but in the end, what really moves things forward are the actions, stupid or heroic, of men, great or ordinary.
Kermit Roosevelt Jr. in Iran (the CIA man who fomented the coup against Mossadegh), Napoleon in France, Hitler in Germany, Rosa Parks refusing to get up from her seat on a white-only bus in Alabama, Mohamed Bouazizi in Tunisia in 2011 (the Arab Spring). All men whose actions profoundly affected the course of history. Would things have turned out the same without them?
Whether this theory has any basis in truth or not is of little importance, because I need it to introduce a man who really changed the course of history.
Unusual things to do in Mexico City: Hernan Cortes’ Tomb
Well, in this list of unusual places, I feel it’s necessary to include the tomb of Hernán Cortes. The Spanish conquistador has a secure place in history as the man who, with a handful of men, defeated the mighty Aztec (or Mexica) empire.
The reality is obviously more complex, and a couple of books (Tu sueño imperios han sido, by Alvaro Enrique and The Fifth sun by Camilla Townsend) could help you clarify some aspects of what is an incredible story, for better or worse.
My recent trip to the Mexican capital brought me face to face with the reality born from this encounter /clash between two very different worlds, that of the Aztecs and that of the Spanish.
The tomb of Hernan Cortes is located today in Mexico City, in a corner of a sober church in the historic center of the capital, the Parroquia de Jesus Nazareno, and whether you see Cortes as an unscrupulous murderer, a slaughterer of men, or whether you see him as a simple man, a product of his time thirsting for gold and glory, well, in front of this tomb you might stop and think.
Because it is undeniable that, with all its merits and defects, today’s Mexico is the result of this violent con-fusion between the Renaissance European world and the ancient empires of Central America.
Unusual things to do in Mexico City: Sportplace outlet Mexico City
I know, I mix the sacred with the profane and this place probably won’t even stimulate complex reasoning in you, but allow me this foray into the world of sportswear.
While in Mexico City, I found myself searching for a pair of athletic shoes that could withstand intense walking sessions, and I finally stumbled upon this store in the San Rafael neighborhood, along Avenida Ribera de San Cosme.
This isn’t an advertising post, nor is it a glowing endorsement. The store is quite large but not overly stocked, and the most popular brands are Adidas, Puma, and Fila, so not everyone will be happy. Still, you can find good deals, with 4-for-2 offers, low prices on both sportswear and shoes, and we’re definitely away from the chaos of a large shopping mall or the historic center. As they say, if you’re passing through here…
The Fronton Theater in the area of the Monument to the Revolution
A theater, yes, a theater. To be precise, a rather controversial play held inside the Fronton Theater. I have a certain weakness for theater, even in another language and even outside of Italy. Some Broadway productions are incredible, and this one is certainly on par with the greatest.
In this case I’m talking to you about the show Malinche by Nacho Cano, a musician, composer, and record producer who created this show, debuted it in Spain, and then brought it to Mexico.
Now, let’s be honest, history buffs have been critical of this show, and even though I’m not a historian, I’ve noticed some inconsistencies that are quite offensive to modern viewers. The show’s overall tone is a bit “let’s love each other,” with a level of historical naiveté that would have been objectionable even in 1985, let alone today. Furthermore, the final scenes have a patriotic yet almost cringe-worthy feel.
That said, I don’t want to play devil’s advocate because, for me, the show is worth watching. It’s three entertaining hours, with beautiful music, beautiful dances, and, a musical that, if you just switch off your judgmental frontal lobe for a moment, can transport you to interesting places.
Tickets can be purchased online at malinchethemusical.com or directly at the theater box office. Visibility is excellent from almost any seat, but I recommend mezzanine sol 1 or 2 (about 50 euros) or Galeria sol 1-2 (about 40 euros).
The Banamex Palace of Culture (also known as Iturbide Palace)
Yes, this is touristy but bear with me because it’s not too bad.
If you stroll down Mexico City’s most famous pedestrian street (Avenue Francisco Madero), you’ll surely pass it. I’m talking about the Banamex Palace of Culture, a restored colonial building that now hosts temporary exhibitions.
When I passed by, there was a photography exhibition and a display of exquisitely crafted statuettes and sculptures dedicated to religious themes (and in particular to the birth of Jesus and it’s a shame there wasn’t a souvenir shop).
The building is very beautiful, admission is free, and the exhibitions are always very interesting, so I wouldn’t hesitate to check it out if you’re in the area.
And a classic, the National Anthropology Museum
If there’s one place a culture, and history enthusiast, shouldn’t miss in Mexico City, it’s this museum. The MNA is literally THE place to try to understand what Mexico was, and therefore what it is.
There are approximately 22 permanent exhibitions, and I’m not exaggerating when I say you could spend an entire day here. The settlement of the Americas, the Toltecs, the Olmecs, the Mayan kingdoms, the Mexica, Teotihuacan… these are just some of the rooms you can see, each featuring artifacts of exceptional symbolic and artistic value.
Of all the rooms, if I had to choose, I’d say the Maya, Mexica, and Teotihuacan rooms are undoubtedly the most impressive, with histories, beliefs, and social structures reflected in artifacts that are vastly different from what we’re used to seeing here in Europe.
I think it’s precisely in cases like these that I spontaneously wonder what kind of society would have developed in Central America if contact with the Spanish hadn’t led to the collapse of these kingdoms (and/or at least their partial fusion with the Spanish cultural and religious world).
The museum’s charm also lies in its layout. After the building housing the ticket office and the souvenir shop (very large and stocked with beautiful gifts, so much so that many of my souvenirs were purchased there), there’s a structure called “para agua” (umbrella), which occupies part of the central atrium, leading to all the rooms.
If you’re even a little curious and need to choose just one of Mexico City’s hundreds of museums, don’t hesitate; this is the one. Especially if you hire a guide.
Unusual things to do in Mexico City, a conclusion
Mexico City, as you’ve probably already guessed, has a little bit of everything. Diverse, vibrant, historic, modern, affordable, and expensive all at once, the largest city in Central and North America has exactly what you’re looking for.
In addition to the things I’ve mentioned, you’ll find some pretty interesting experiences on Airbnb:
- Going to a Mexican soccer match (highly recommended, €50 to €100 with a free t-shirt)
- Attending a Lucha Libre match
- A night out at local bars sampling the best cocktails in the Mexican capital (around 60 euro plus cocktails)
I participated in the first and third experiences and was fascinated by Mexican soccer and the atmosphere of the match, but a little less impressed by the bar crawl (in addition to the cost of the Airbnb tour, you have to pay for cocktails at some very chic bars).
The list I’ve presented here is only indicative and certainly not exhaustive. In CDMX, you can also visit the Azteca Stadium, the Santa Muerte Shrine, or explore the outskirts by cable car (always be careful visiting certain neighborhoods), among a thousand other things. As they say, CDMX is a city and a world at the same time.
That’s why I think that between my suggestions, and the firepower of Airbnb, you can be sure that Mexico City will leave a lasting impression.
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