Mexico city is nowhere to be found on many of the top city tourist lists like the Hong Kongs and New Yorks of the world, but that could all change.

Mexico city is nowhere to be found on many of the top city tourist lists. But that could all change soon.

The city hosted 2 million international tourists in 2012 – a fraction of some of the bigger draws like Barcelona (8.4 million) or Shanghai (6.5 million). Typically promoted as a sun destination, in 2013, the Mexican Secretary of Tourism is making changes. They have recently invested nearly $12 million dollars in a campaign to promote Mexico City to internationals. A city already equipped with 50,000 hotel rooms, 400,000 employed in local tourism, and many available activities (see below). This campaign is intended to help diversify the countries current tourism focus which is primarily on beach front vacations. Beyond promotional initiatives, the city has made progress on their traffic and air quality issues. Issues that have given them a negative reputation in the past.

Moving around Mexico City is getting easier

while traffic is an issue, there are better options for getting around. They have one of the largest subway networks in the world with rides costing only 5 pesos ($0.38 or 0.28€). Those who prefer the surface can use the network of buses that have their own lanes (Metrobus).

The more central neighbourhoods in the city are quite compact making it more friendly to walking. And conditions are improving for cyclists. The city has been building bike lanes and offering

f

ree tourist bikes. The bike share system is fantastic for longer term tourists. For $30, one can purchase a 1-year bike share membership. And if you do have to brave the traffic, c

abs are a bargain. $5 should take you a long way. $15 will almost get you across the entire city.

Significant air quality improvements

Mexico City ranked the highest on IBM’s Commuter Pain index ahead of cities like Beijing and New Delhi. But

They have done wonders to clean up the air through policies implemented over the last 2 decades. Daily car restrictions, cycling improvements, fuel technology and new public transit have all played a role. It was once ranked the most polluted city in the world by the UN. But in 2010, the Washington Post summarized significant changes. Drops in lead (90%), suspended particles (70%), and ozone (75%) have occurred since the 1990s. According to the Pan-American Health Organization, it was like the city went from a 10 to a 5 in terms of poor air quality. Now, the World Health Organization’s outdoor air pollution database shows 180 cities have lower air quality than Mexico City. This includes Seoul – one of the most visited cities in the world.

Improved air and transport should go a long way to making all that Mexico City has to offer more attractive to foreigners. The city already receives 8 million visitors from other parts of Mexico. This is beyond the 2 million international tourists per year. Still, compared that to the 5 to 15 million foreigners that other major top tourist cities attract today, Mexico City remains in the minor leagues. With an improving US economy, added promotion from the federal government, and emerging suggestions (such as Business Insider’s 13 places to visit in 2013), foreign visitor numbers could see steady growth soon.

Quick Guide

Suggested 4-day itinerary

Arrive on a Thursday and head to Xochimilco

in the south part of the city

. In this area, yo can be taken on a gondola ride through a network of canals . Later, try a cantina tour in the central historic district. Here, you can walk around many of the walking streets leading to the 3rd largest central square in the world. The next morning, take a bus to see the great pyramid of Teotihuacan before dinner at one of the many world class restaurants in Polanco. 2 of the top 50 in the world are in this neighborhood . On Saturday, hit one of the many markets (maybe the one in San Angel) for breakfast and some shopping. Once full, head to Condesa for drinks in one of their many art deco establishments. Are you a sports fan? Watch a big football game at Azteca Stadium, the biggest of it’s kind in the world. On Sunday, take it easy and head to Chapultapec Park where you can head to the old Castle of Maximilian for a great view of the Belgium styled ceremonial street, Reforma. Or, you can wander into the Anthropological museum. It’s ranked as the number 2 museum in the world by Tripadvisor. Looking for something more active? Every Sunday, the city opens Reforma to cyclists. It’s a great way to see the city and get some exercise.

Other options

Zona Rosa, Santa Fe, Torre Latino Americano, Jumex museum, Sumaya museum, Platino Theatres, Ajusco, Templo Mayor, UNAM, Casa Azul, Torre Mayor.

Day Trips

Taxco, Cuernavaca, Valle de Bravo, Puebla, San Miguel de Allende, Queretaro, Guanajuato

Nearby places to visit for a few days

Oaxaca, Acapulco

Notable Festivals

Day of the dead, Dia de la Candelaria, Semana Santa

Food for thought

4 Unesco World Heritage sites

6 archeological sites

1,400 colonial building

49,000 hotel rooms

[Sources: World Health Organization, IBM, Conde Nast Traveler, Tourism Review, Economic Times India, ETN Global Travel Industry News, Touropia, Eturbonews, Forbes, Business Insider, Wikitravel, Rediff, Travel and Leisure, Visit Mexico, United Nations]