Beyond the Beach: Discovering Ancient and Modern Mexico

As a history lover, I was eager to explore Ancient Mesoamerica, starting with a guided visit to Teotihuacan, the “City of the Gods.” Dating back to 100 BCE, it was once one of the largest cities in the ancient world. We walked the Avenue of the Dead, marveling at the Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon, and Temple of Quetzalcoatl. Though its builders remain unknown, the site was later revered by the Aztecs and influenced by several other civilizations over time. Our guide helped us understand how multiple civilizations interacted with and contributed to the city over the centuries.

Back in Mexico City, we took a fascinating walking tour of the historic center, where layers of history are visible on every block. We stood in the vast Zócalo, one of the largest city squares in the world, once the ceremonial center of Tenochtitlan. Just steps away, the Templo Mayor ruins remind visitors of the Aztec Empire’s former grandeur, now in dialogue with nearby Spanish colonial buildings like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace (Palacio Nacional)—where Diego Rivera’s murals depict Mexico’s tumultuous and inspiring history.

One of the most moving visits was to the Frida Kahlo Museum (also known as La Casa Azul) in Coyoacán. Stepping into Frida’s world gave us deeper insight not only into her life and art but also into the strength and resilience of Mexican women throughout history. From Indigenous matriarchal societies to revolutionary leaders and contemporary changemakers, the role of women in shaping Mexico is undeniable. In fact, Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s current president as of 2024, is the first woman—and the first Jewish person—to hold the office, a powerful reflection of the country’s evolving identity.

But the highlight of our trip was spending an entire day at the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología). This world-class institution is not just a museum—it’s an epic narrative of human civilization in the Americas. From the massive Aztec Sun Stone to intricate Mayan stelae, Olmec heads, and vibrant regional exhibits, the museum weaves together archaeology, art, and cultural anthropology in breathtaking fashion. It helped connect the dots between the ancient sites we visited and the living traditions that continue to shape modern Mexico.

Our journey to Mexico City opened our eyes to a side of the country often overshadowed by its beautiful beaches. It’s a destination for thinkers, seekers, and anyone curious about the civilizations that laid the foundations of North American history. If you’re ready to go beyond the beach, CDMX is a brilliant place to start.

Getting around Mexico City

Mexico City is easy to reach via its well-connected international airport. We arranged a car service in advance to take us to our hotel in Polanco, a stylish, upscale neighborhood just west of downtown. We stayed at Las Alcobas, a Fora Preferred Partner and a Marriott property—perfectly located for strolling to parks, shops, and great restaurants.

I highly recommend booking a local guide—especially for the day trip to Teotihuacan and for a walking tour of the historic city center. Both of our guides were completing their PhD’s in anthropology and history. We missed out on booking a guide to the Museo Nacional de Anthropologie, so book in advance! We enjoyed a fabulous lunch at the Anthropologie museum. It was a perfect break during our tour on a calm and peaceful terrace.

One of our favorite meals was on the rooftop at Balcón de Zócalo—the creative twist on traditional dishes was delicious, and the views of the National Palace were absolutely stunning.

The Mexican people are incredibly warm and welcoming, and while we felt very comfortable and safe, we were a bit surprised that English isn’t as widely spoken as we expected in the capital—so brushing up on a few Spanish basics helps! A cheerful “¡Hola!” goes a long way.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Mexico City page.