Mexico City (Ciudad de México, CDMX) is one of the largest and most vibrant metropolises in the world, serving as the political, cultural, and economic heart of Mexico. This ancient city, built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, blends pre-Hispanic heritage with colonial architecture and ultramodern neighborhoods. From world-class museums and gourmet restaurants to bustling markets and stunning murals, Mexico City offers an unparalleled urban experience.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Mexico City.
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1
Pre-Aztec Settlement
The Valley of Mexico was one of the most densely populated regions in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The ancient city of Teotihuacan (40km northeast) reached its peak between 100 BCE and 700 CE with a population of up to 200,000, making it the largest city in the Western Hemisphere at the time. The Toltec civilization subsequently dominated the region from their capital at Tula (100km north).
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2
Founding of Tenochtitlan
According to Aztec tradition, the Mexica (Aztec) people were guided by their patron deity Huitzilopochtli to found their capital on an island where they saw an eagle perched on a cactus devouring a serpent — the symbol now depicted on the Mexican flag. They built Tenochtitlan on islands in Lake Texcoco, constructing an elaborate network of causeways, canals, and floating gardens (chinampas). By the time of Spanish contact, Tenochtitlan had a population of 200,000-300,000 — larger than any contemporary European city.
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3
Aztec Empire Peak
The Triple Alliance (Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan) created the most powerful empire in pre-Columbian North America, eventually controlling much of central Mexico from coast to coast. The Aztec empire extracted tribute from conquered peoples and conducted ceremonial human sacrifices at the great Templo Mayor. At the center of Tenochtitlan stood the enormous twin pyramids of Tlaloc and Huitzilopochtli.
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4
Spanish Conquest
Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés landed on the Gulf Coast in 1519 with 500 men. Cortés was initially welcomed by Emperor Moctezuma II, who believed he might be the returning deity Quetzalcoatl. After a diplomatic breakdown, Cortés was expelled from Tenochtitlan on the 'Noche Triste' (June 30, 1520), suffering heavy casualties. He returned with Indigenous allies — particularly the Tlaxcalans who were enemies of the Aztecs — and besieged Tenochtitlan for 75 days. The city fell on August 13, 1521, marking the end of the Aztec Empire.
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5
Colonial New Spain
The Spanish demolished Tenochtitlan and built their colonial capital directly on the ruins. The Catedral Metropolitana was built over the demolished Templo Mayor; the Palacio Nacional over Moctezuma's palace. New Spain became Spain's most valuable colony, with Mexico City as the richest city in the Americas.
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6
Mexican Independence
The independence movement began on September 16, 1810 when priest Miguel Hidalgo rang his church bell in Dolores (now Dolores Hidalgo) and delivered the 'Grito de Independencia' calling for revolt against Spanish rule. After 11 years of guerrilla warfare, Mexico achieved independence on September 27, 1821.
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7
19th Century Upheaval
Post-independence Mexico experienced enormous political instability — 50 governments in 30 years, multiple coups, and foreign interventions. President Antonio López de Santa Anna ceded Texas and later much of northern Mexico to the United States. Reformist president Benito Juárez led the Reform War and the resistance against the French-imposed Emperor Maximilian I, who lived in Chapultepec Castle.
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8
The Porfiriato
Dictator Porfirio Díaz modernized Mexico City dramatically — building the Paseo de la Reforma, importing Parisian Haussmann-style urban planning, and constructing the Palacio de Bellas Artes (begun 1904). The city gained electricity, tram lines, and European-style boulevards.
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9
Mexican Revolution
The Mexican Revolution erupted against Díaz's dictatorship, becoming the first major social revolution of the 20th century. Revolutionary leaders including Francisco 'Pancho' Villa, Emiliano Zapata, Venustiano Carranza, and Álvaro Obregón fought for land reform and democratic rights. The Constitution of 1917 — still Mexico's current constitution — established land reform, workers' rights, and secular education.
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10
Post-Revolutionary Cultural Renaissance
The revolution unleashed a remarkable cultural renaissance. The Muralism movement — Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco — created world-famous public murals celebrating Mexican history and identity. Frida Kahlo emerged as an international art icon.
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11
Rapid Urbanization
Mexico City grew explosively as industrialization drew rural migrants. The population grew from 1 million in 1930 to 8 million by 1970. The 1968 Olympic Games were held in the city, but were overshadowed by the Tlatelolco Massacre on October 2, 1968.
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12
1985 Earthquake
A devastating 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck Mexico City, killing an estimated 10,000 people and destroying thousands of buildings. The government's poor response catalyzed civil society organization and is widely credited with beginning Mexico's democratic transition.
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13
Renaming from DF to CDMX
Mexico City officially changed its status from the Federal District (Distrito Federal / DF) to Ciudad de México (CDMX), becoming a federal entity with its own constitution, greater autonomy, and the right to elect representatives to all branches of government.
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14
2017 Earthquake
Remarkably on the same date as the 1985 earthquake, another major earthquake (7.1 magnitude) struck, killing over 370 people and collapsing numerous buildings. The city's response demonstrated improved emergency preparedness and extraordinary civil solidarity.
Historical sites
Places where Mexico City's past comes alive.
Templo Mayor
Admission: 90 MXN general admission; free for children under 13 and on Sundays for Mexican residents/nationals with ID
Palacio Nacional
Admission: Free; passport or official ID required for entry and security screening
Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)
Admission: Free — open public plaza at all times
Casa de los Azulejos
Admission: Free to view the interior courtyard and Diego Rivera mural (restaurant/Sanborns operates on the ground floor)
Torre Latinoamericana
Admission: Observation deck approximately 160-180 MXN for adults