Fun Facts About Mexico City that Will Surprise You

Mexico City, known as CDMX, is a fascinating metropolis home to a rich history, vibrant culture and a unique fusion of traditions.

Its colorful streets hide countless secrets and treasures, making it a must-see destination for travelers eager for unforgettable experiences.

In this article, we invite you to discover some fun facts about Mexico City that will surely surprise you and awaken your curiosity to explore it. Get ready to delve into its exciting past, be amazed by its architecture and immerse yourself in the daily life of this incredible city.

Let's get started!

Mexico City is the Oldest City in the Americas
CDMX was founded in 1325 and was called Tenochtitlán. It was built as the capital of the Mexica Empire and had around 300,000 inhabitants—more than any European city at that time.

For this reason, here is also the oldest street in America. It is believed to have been built around 1380, and today it starts with the name Tacuba (in the heart of the historic center), then changes to Hidalgo Avenue, Puente de Alvarado, Ribera de San Cosme, and finally becomes Calzada Mexico-Tacuba.

It Was Built Over Water
Before the arrival of the Spaniards, Mexico City was located on an island in the middle of a lake. The Mexica (or Aztecs as they are also called) built the city of Tenochtitlán in the 14th century and turned it into an engineering marvel with canals, dikes and chinampas (artificial islands used for agriculture).

Although much of the original lake dried up due to the construction of the modern city, vestiges of its aquatic past can still be seen in some neighborhoods and parks.

The Largest Urban Park in Latin America is Located Here
Chapultepec Forest is the largest urban park in Latin America. It is 2 times bigger than Central Park in New York and is divided into 3 sections where you will find museums, cultural centers, restaurants, lakes, sports facilities and many green areas.

If you haven't visited Chapultepec Forest, you must! It is the great green lung of Mexico City.

Mexico City is Home to the Only Royal Castle on the American Continent
In the first section of the Chapultepec Forest locates the Chapultepec Castle, which is the only royal castle in the American continent. Its construction dates from the end of the 18th century and was initially built as a resting place for the viceroys of the Spanish colony in Mexico. Still, over time, it was conditioned for other uses.

Today it houses the National Museum of History and is one of the must-see places in CDMX. From its terraces, you will have incredible panoramic views of the city!

Mexico City has the Second Largest Number of Museums in the World
CDMX is a city full of art and culture! It is the second city with the most museums in the world, after London. It has 151 officially recognized museums, and more than 200 that still need to be formally recognized.

The most visited museum in the city is the National Museum of Anthropology, located in the Chapultepec Forest.

There are Also Several Archaeological Sites that You Can Visit
Another of the great charms of Mexico City are the different archaeological sites located among the city's modernity. The pre-Hispanic ruins you can visit most easily are: the Templo Mayor (next to the Metropolitan Cathedral), Tlatelolco (a few minutes from the historic center) and Cuicuilco (located south of the city).

Although the archaeological site of Teotihuacán is located in the State of Mexico (approximately 1 hour from the city), it is also considered one of the must-see sites when visiting CDMX.

The Basílica of Guadalupe is the Second Most Visited Catholic Shrine in the World
In Mexico, Catholicism has a solid presence, and this is demonstrated with the Basílica of Guadalupe, which, with more than 14 million visitors a year, is the second most visited Catholic shrine in the world, after the Vatican.

The Historic Center of CDMX was Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
The historic heart of Mexico City has such a valuable historical and cultural legacy that in 1987, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

As you can see, Mexico City is a cultural jewel with a rich and fascinating history that always captivates visitors. From its pre-Hispanic past to its vibrant and cosmopolitan present, CDMX always has something new and surprising to discover.

On your next visit, we invite you to stay at Central Hoteles, where we offer you the best experience with a Mexican touch to stay in the heart of Mexico City's historic center. Our privileged location makes us a starting point to explore all the treasures the city offers.

We’d love to see you soon!