The pyramids have been climbed, photos of renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo's Blue House have been shot, and the amazing views from Mexico City's main square or Zócalo have been soaked in. So what should Mexico City visitors do now?
Enjoy Mexico City's off the beaten path treasures and delve deeper into the country's history, culture and food.
Tlalpan on Mexico City's South Side
To escape the urban madness of the city, head to Mexico City's south side. The charming colonial neighborhood of Tlalpan boasts good eateries along its main plaza, cobblestone streets and a low-key vibe. A cone-shaped pyramid still stands in this once pre-Hispanic village. For a short period, Tlalpan served as Mexico's capital after Mexico gained independence.
The lush vegetation and beautiful architecture can be enjoyed throughout the neighborhood. The central garden and historical buildings such as the Convent of the Capuchinas offer a peaceful atmosphere in a city that's 20 million strong. It's a great place to take a stroll and enjoy a cup of coffee on a Sunday afternoon.
Take the Metrobus to the Fuentes Brotantes stop and walk a few blocks.
Tlatelolco—Plaza de las Tres Culturas (Plaza of the Three Cultures) and Memorial 68 Museum
Aztec, Spanish and Mexican cultures collide at this awe-inspiring plaza. Contemporary apartment buildings loom over the remains of the ancient Aztec city of Tlatelolco while a Spanish colonial-era church sits in stark contrast to its surroundings. Spanish conquistadores defeated Aztec warriors at Tlatelolco in the last battle of the Conquest, which led to the birth of Mexico.
In modern times, Tlatelolco was the site of a historical tragedy. Ten days before the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics, the Mexican army and police massacred an estimated 300 student protesters gathered in the Plaza de Las Tres Culturas at Tlatelolco.
The students were protesting the injustices in the university system as well as around the country. But in an effort to silence the students before the world came for the Olympics, Mexico's President Díaz Ordaz ordered the military and police to end a rally at the plaza on October 2.
The excellent Memorial 68 Museum, just next door to the Plaza de las Culturas, gives visitors an in-depth look at the Mexico City student movement in the 1960s and honors those who died in the cause.
The closest Metro train station is Tlatelolco on Line 3.
Cultural Center at UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico)
Also in the city's south side sits a hidden gem rarely visited by tourists. The campus of Mexico's largest university, often called University City, offers everything from free outdoor plays, one of the city's best restaurants, concerts, art, theater, and film all in UNAM's cultural center.
For a chance to see diverse independent films, head to the UNAM's Sala José Revueltas and Sala Julio Bracho movie theaters, where film directors are often invited to speak after their film is screened. It's also a popular venue for many of the city's best film festivals.
Check out plays and other performances at the following theaters: Foro Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Teatro Juan Ruiz de Alarcón, and the Centro Universitario de Teatro. And when visitors get hungry, they don't have to even leave the Cultural Center.
The Azul y Oro restaurant, which has a popular chef who cooks with Oaxacan flair, often tops lists of the city's best restaurants. The extraordinary salads are a hit along with the early morning hot chocolate.
The closest Metro station is Universidad, at the southern end of Line 3.
Nancy Flores - My freelance work, which ranges from writing articles, producing and editing online video and shooting photos, focuses on Mexican travel, ...
