Underrated Gems: Your Mexico City Guide Beyond the Mainstream
Hey, fellow travelers! We all know about the pyramids of Teotihuacan, the stunning Frida Kahlo Museum, and the bustling Zócalo. They are incredible, and you absolutely should see them. But for those of you who want to dive deeper and discover the city's best-kept secrets, I'm here to spill the beans. Mexico City is a treasure chest, and some of the best jewels are the ones you have to look for.
Here are a few of my favorite underrated things to do in CDMX:
1. Museo del Juguete Antiguo México (MUJAM)
Forget your average museum. This is a place for your inner child. Located in Colonia Doctores, this antique toy museum is a crazy, vibrant, and nostalgic collection of Mexican and international toys. It's not perfectly curated, and that's the magic of it. You'll find everything from vintage lucha libre figures to classic comic book heroes. It's a whimsical trip down memory lane that's full of color and personality.
2. The Murals at the UNAM Campus
Most people go to see the murals at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, but a visit to the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is a different kind of amazing. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a whole world on its own. You can wander through a campus filled with incredible architecture and monumental murals by masters like David Alfaro Siqueiros and Juan O'Gorman. The most famous is O'Gorman's mosaic on the central library, a jaw-dropping masterpiece that tells the Mexican history. It's a fantastic way to see stunning art in a more relaxed, local setting.
3. Parque Hundido
Sure, Chapultepec is huge and beautiful, but sometimes you just want a peaceful escape from the hustle. Parque Hundido, or "Sunken Park," in the Colonia del Valle neighborhood is exactly that. It's a chill, quiet park with a cool history. What makes it special are the reproductions of pre-Hispanic sculptures scattered throughout its paths. It's like a mini archaeological garden right in the city. Grab a coffee, find a bench, and just enjoy the calm.
4. The Cablebús
Want a new perspective on the city? Hop on the Cablebús! It's not a tourist attraction, it's public transportation, and that's what makes it so cool. This modern cable car system was built to connect hilly, less-accessible neighborhoods with the city's metro, and it offers some of the most spectacular views you'll ever get. You'll soar over colorful houses, bustling streets, and green hillsides, seeing a side of Mexico City that most visitors miss. It's an affordable and fun adventure.
5. Discover the peaceful side of Chapultepec Forest
Everyone knows about the castle and the Anthropology Museum, but Chapultepec is so much more! Go for a walk deeper into the park and you'll find hidden lakes, the whimsical Botanical Garden, and the new Anfibium, a beautiful new museum dedicated to the city's unique amphibians like the axolotl. It's a peaceful escape that will make you forget you're in one of the world's largest cities.
There you have it! A few of my favorite spots that go beyond the typical tourist checklist. When you stay with us at La Palomilla, you're getting a local guide ready to help you explore these hidden gems.
Book your stay with us at La Palomilla Hotel Boutique and wake up to a delicious, complimentary breakfast every morning! Our cozy rooms and friendly staff are waiting to make you feel right at home, so you can explore all the city has to offer feeling refreshed and well-fed. Come find your new favorite spot with us!
