25 Amazing Mexico City Facts: The Heart of Aztec Culture

Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is a vibrant metropolis with a rich cultural heritage and fascinating history.

With a population of over 21 million people, it is one of the world’s largest and most populous cities.

Mexico City uniquely blends modernity and tradition, with stunning architecture, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. 

Here is a list of amazing facts about Mexico City 

Mexico City is built on the ruins of an ancient Aztec city

Mexico City was founded in 1521 by the Spanish conquistadors, but it is built on the ruins of an ancient Aztec city, Tenochtitlan.

At the time, Tenochtitlan, which served as the capital of the Aztec Empire, was widely regarded as one of the most advanced and aesthetically pleasing cities in the world.

 Today, you can still see remnants of the ancient city, including the Templo Mayor, a magnificent Aztec temple.

It is the highest capital city in the world

Mexico City is located at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level, making it the highest capital city in the world. Due to its high altitude, Mexico City has a pleasant and mild climate year-round, with temperatures rarely exceeding 30°C (86°F).

Mexico City is sinking

Mexico City is built on a lake bed, which is why it is sinking at an alarming rate. The city has sunk by over 9 meters (30 feet) since the 1900s, and some areas have sunk by as much as 4 meters (13 feet) in the last 20 years.

 To deal with this problem, the city has implemented measures like building new water systems and restricting the extraction of underground water.

The city has the largest number of museums in the world

Mexico City is home to over 150 museums, making it the city with the largest number of museums in the world.

These museums cover a wide range of topics, from art and history to anthropology and natural sciences.

Some of the famous museums include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of Popular Culture.

Mexico City has the largest bullfighting ring in the world

The Plaza de Toros Mexico is the largest bullfighting ring in the world, with a seating capacity of 41,000 people.

The arena hosts bullfights every Sunday during the bullfighting season, which runs from October to February.

Bullfighting is a controversial tradition in Mexico, with many people calling for it to be banned.

Largest taxi fleet in the world

Mexico City has over 100,000 registered taxis, making it the city with the largest taxi fleet in the world.

These taxis are easily recognizable by their pink and white color scheme, and they are a popular mode of transportation for both locals and tourists.

Mexico City has a floating garden

The Xochimilco Floating Gardens is a unique attraction in Mexico City, where you can take a ride on a colorful gondola-style boat called a trajinera through the canals lined with floating gardens.

The gardens were originally created by the Aztecs, and they are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The largest university in Latin America

With more than 350,000 students, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is the largest university in Latin America.

Situated in the city’s southern region, the university is renowned for its contemporary architectural style and remarkable cultural activities.

Mexico City is a culinary capital

Mexico City is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, with influences from indigenous, Spanish, and other international cultures.

The most popular dishes include tacos, tamales, chiles en nogada, and mole.

The city has a thriving street food scene, with food vendors lining the streets and plazas, offering affordable and delicious meals.

The city has a vibrant art scene

Mexico City has a vibrant and diverse art scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and cultural centers showcasing local and international artists.

Some of the most famous art museums include the Museum of Modern Art, Rufino Tamayo, and Soumaya.

Home to the largest public square in the world

The Zócalo, also known as the Plaza de la Constitución, is the largest public square in the world, with an area of 57,600 square meters (620,000 square feet).

It is surrounded by some of the city’s most important landmarks, including the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

The city is known for its stunning architecture

Mexico City is home to various architectural styles, from ancient Aztec ruins to modernist skyscrapers.

The most iconic buildings include the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Torre Latinoamericana, and the Chapultepec Castle.

Mexico City is a city of parks

Mexico City is renowned for being a bustling metropolis but also a city of parks. Despite its vast size, it has more than 170 parks and gardens, with something for everyone.

The crown jewel is Chapultepec Park, which spans over 1,695 acres and boasts a plethora of attractions, including museums, a zoo, and a lake. 

The park’s size and variety make it an ideal destination for families, joggers, picnickers, and anyone else seeking a slice of nature in the city’s heart.

The city has a vibrant nightlife

Mexico City is renowned for its lively and diverse nightlife, offering a plethora of options for entertainment-seekers.

Visitors can explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, such as Zona Rosa, Condesa, and Polanco, which are known for their trendy bars, clubs, and music venues. 

Whether you prefer to dance the night away or enjoy a few drinks with friends, the city’s nightlife scene caters to all tastes and interests.

With a rich culture, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere, Mexico City’s nightlife is an experience not to be missed.

Home to the largest library in Latin America

The Central Library of the National Autonomous University of Mexico is the largest library in Latin America, with over 400,000 books and documents.

The library is housed in a modernist building designed by Mexican architect Juan Sordo Madaleno.

Mexico City has the world’s largest fleet of electric buses

Mexico City has taken a significant step towards a sustainable future by introducing a fleet of over 1,200 electric buses for its public transportation system.

This initiative has led the way in promoting clean energy and reducing pollution levels in the city. By transitioning from traditional buses to electric ones, 

Mexico City has significantly improved air quality, making it healthier for its citizens to breathe. The city’s efforts towards sustainability demonstrate its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and creating a healthier environment for its residents.

It has one of the world’s largest markets

La Merced Market is a vast commercial space that spans over 4 square kilometers (1.5 square miles) and is considered one of the largest markets in the world.

The market in Mexico City offers an impressive range of products, including fresh produce, meats, seafood, clothing, handicrafts, electronics, and household goods. 

The market is a hub for local vendors and attracts visitors from all over the city and beyond. Its extensive size and variety make it a unique shopping experience, where customers can find almost anything they need, from daily essentials to rare finds.

The city boasts a unique underground river system

Mexico City sits on top of a network of underground rivers and canals known as the “Mexican Venice.”

The Aztecs originally built these waterways to transport goods and people throughout the city.

One of the most densely populated cities

With a population exceeding 21 million people, Mexico City is a vibrant metropolis that ranks among the world’s largest and most populous cities, trailing only Tokyo and Delhi in terms of population. 

The city boasts a rich history, diverse culture, and impressive architecture, and despite facing challenges related to pollution and urbanization, it remains a thriving hub for commerce, art, and entertainment in the Americas.

UNESCO’s Seal of Approval

According to its remarkable cultural and architectural significance, Mexico City’s historic center was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1987.

The area, also known as Centro Histórico, encompasses numerous landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and the Templo Mayor. 

Its streets and squares are lined with ornate colonial-era buildings, and the overall ambiance reflects the city’s pre-Hispanic and colonial past.

This recognition by UNESCO is a testament to Mexico City’s historical and cultural importance and helps to preserve its cultural heritage for future generations to appreciate.

Bosque de Chapultepec: One of the World’s Largest Urban Parks

With an area of more than 1,600 acres, Bosque de Chapultepec is among the biggest urban parks globally, offering visitors an array of museums, monuments, and other sights.

The city can take pride in the fact that it’s home to one of the most significant green spaces in the world.

The city has a unique recycling program

Mexico City’s innovative recycling program, known as “Green Angels,” employs local residents to collect and sort recyclable materials, reducing waste and helping create community jobs.

Mexico City is a city of fountains

The city has a rich collection of over 170 fountains in all shapes and sizes. These fountains serve both practical and aesthetic purposes, ranging from small decorative structures to large public works of art.

Some of the fountains are located in public squares or parks, while others adorn the grounds of private homes and buildings.

 Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll or guided tour to explore the diverse fountains that contribute to the city’s unique character and charm.

The city is a center for innovation

Mexico City is home to a growing tech industry, with numerous start-ups and innovation hubs driving growth and development in the city.

The city has a strong tradition of lucha libre wrestling

Lucha libre, or Mexican wrestling, is a popular sport and entertainment in Mexico City, with regular matches held at the city’s Arena Mexico.

Mexico City is a truly unique and fascinating city with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning architecture.

From its ancient Aztec roots to its modern-day vibrancy, this incredible city has something for everyone. To know more about such amazing facts, visit our website.