Most people focus on the trendy neighborhoods of Mexico City that they have seen in many blogs of foreigners traveling in Mexico City, but why know only the part that tourists will see in a city where there are more than 200 neighborhoods, that’s why as Mexicans born and raised in this great metropolis, we have created some options of places you can visit that are off the beaten path.
1. Cárcamo de Dolores
This is one of the places that almost no one visits and it is one of the greatest works of Diego Rivera, it is called “El Cárcamo de Dolores”.
In the middle of the 2nd section of the Main Park of Mexico City (Chapultepec Park) you can find this sculpture that represents the water cycle.
The sculpture is open 24 hours a day, but the truth is that during the night you can’t really appreciate it, so we recommend you to go during the day, besides it is better when the Cárcamo (the building next to the sculpture) is also open because you will be able to see the mural made by Diego Rivera.
In fact, if you stand on the opposite side of the entrance to the small museum that is there, you can see how the mural connects with the sculpture that is outside the Cárcamo, it is an impressive image of the head of Tlaloc (the god of rain) showing his hands as if offering water, in the mural.
Here is the link to Google Maps so you can easily locate it.
2. Tianguis La Lagunilla (Flea Market)
This place is a place that as locals we love, because it is only on Sundays, there we can go to buy things at this Flea Market such as home decor, antiques, clothes, shoes, tennis shoes, etc., but we can also go to eat, drink and party, yes that’s right, party.
You should know that in Mexico City we drink micheladas (beer with several ingredients inside the glass), which are totally different from the ones created mainly in the United States, but why we talk about micheladas, simply because this Tianguis de la Lagunilla (remember that Tianguis is the name we use for street markets) many now call it as the Tianguis de las Micheladas, because you can find many flavors, colors (yes colors), shapes and different mixtures that have been created.
Of course you should know that maybe your first Michelada or its appearance is not something you want to drink at first sight, but if you are in Mexico City you should at least try it to see if you like it.
Besides, you can find many delicious things to eat at a very cheap price, because it is a very local street market.
ATTENTION:
We recommend that it is best if you go with a local friend either Mexican or foreigner, but who lives in Mexico City. You will see some other travelers and many people, but, although it is not a very dangerous place it is better in this area of the city to go with someone who has been there before so you feel safer, plus it is uncommon to find someone who speaks another language besides Spanish.
Also note that if you go, try not to go too late, the best time to go is always from 11 am to 3 pm maximum, because many people after that time are drunk and it is not a pleasant experience, so try to go early, so you will see a more familiar atmosphere.
You can also get there by Uber or Metrobus, only that the Metrobus on Sunday is always full, and if you go by Uber we recommend you to indicate as arrival point: Chedraui Reforma.
We share with you a small map, so you know which streets are safe to walk on.
3. Santa María la Ribera y San Rafael
Maybe you have never heard of these neighborhoods or have heard very little about them, because in fact very few travelers go outside the tourist areas, however, these neighborhoods are super interesting, with a lot of history and great places where you can see the real daily life of the capital of Mexico City and not just the touristy part ” The Bubble” which is what many locals have started to call after the pandemic to the neighborhoods of Roma/Condesa.
Even some locals have started to avoid going to those areas, as they still like to feel the real Mexico City vibe and not the concept that is growing in those areas that are becoming touristy.
These are big neighborhoods with a lot of things to know, places to explore, food to try and all the history behind them, because they were one of the first neighborhoods in Mexico City before Roma/Condesa.
That’s why we consider that the best way to explore them is by bike through this experience called Mexico Off The Beaten Path (It’s a Street Food Bike Tour) because in 5 hours you will have the opportunity to see several hidden gems of Mexico City, taste food that is not only Tacos (because Mexico is not only Tacos), know what has happened in these places and feel for a few hours that while tasting several types of Mexican food.
You will also have the opportunity to taste one of Mexico’s most ancestral beverages called Pulque, which was created long before tequila or mezcal. And if you book on a Sunday, you can go and try real Barbacoa in a street market, as it is a tradition in the city to get Barbacoa on Sundays.
Plus you get to see these neighborhoods before they become super popular and become a tourist area, because there are actually a lot of interesting things in these neighborhoods.
4. Cineteca Nacional
The Cineteca Nacional is one of the most important places in Mexico for film and culture lovers. Here are some reasons why you should visit it:
1. Exhibitions and events: The Cineteca Nacional is a space that has exhibitions, screenings and cultural events that honor Mexican cinema and cinema in general.
2. Wide selection of films: The Cineteca Nacional has an extensive collection of national and international films, from classics to contemporary films.
3. Library: The Cineteca Nacional has a library that offers a wide variety of publications related to cinema, such as books, magazines, newspapers, scripts, among others.
4. Architectural space: The Cineteca Nacional building is a unique and spectacular architectural space. Designed by architect Michel Rojkind, the building has an impressive façade and a wide variety of open spaces to enjoy culture, art and architecture.
In a nutshell, the Cineteca Nacional is a place worth visiting if you are a lover of cinema, culture and architecture.
Street Food Bike Tour
Explore over 200 neighborhoods in Mexico City effortlessly on a bike. Avoid traffic and parking hassles, delve into the city’s parks, savor street food, and immerse yourself in its stories and vibrant culture. Check out these bike-friendly options, and click ‘More Info’ to discover further details about our tours and guest experiences.
Below, you can also find videos featuring our foodie guests during the tour and their reactions to tasting authentic Mexican street food.
Street Food Tour Reactions
Get in touch
164 Sonora Avenue, Condesa Neighborhood ZIP Code 06100, Mexico-City
Phone: +52 55 4001 3430
Email: [email protected]
Mon-Sat 09:00 - 19:00
Sunday 10:00 - 14:00
