Do you have that one special place in the world that whenever someone says the name of it, you light up inside and out? Well, I do and that special place is La Ciudad de Mexico or Mexico City. I dreamed of traveling to Mexico City for a very long time. Finally, in the summer of 2013, my dream came true and my parents took me to the destination of my dreams. Here are my top 4 places you must visit if you take a trip to Mexico City weather it be for business, to visit family, or going on a family vacation.

1. The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Being a cradle Catholic and growing up as a Hispanic, Our Lady of Guadalupe has been my side from the very beginning. The number one reason for our trip to Mexico City was to visit Our Lady of Guadalupe in the basilica. It was the high point of my trip. The reason why this basilica is so historic and so beautiful is because the Virgin appeared to Juan Diego in the early 1500’s wanting Juan Diego to request a shrine to be built on mount Tepeyac. Because of the disbelief of the Bishop, he asked for a sign. The virgin asked Juan Diego to retrieve flowers in his mantle. He then brought the mantle to the Bishop. Once he opened the mantle, the flowers fell and a beautiful image of Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared. This same image from many years ago is framed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe where tourists and locals go to pray and ask for her intersession. There are many amazing chapels and stautes to see there. Not to mention the amazing spots for souvenirs. This is a must see no matter what your religious beliefs are.

2. Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a modern district located about 20 minutes from El Paseo de la Reforma. Santa Fe has to be one of the nicest places I have ever seen. The buildings are very modernized and it takes me to the future! My favorite place there is El Centro Santa Fe. It is a large enclosed mall with all kinds of selections of shopping as well as great restaurants. Santa Fe surely gives you a taste of modern day Mexico.

3. Polanco

Polanco is a city neighborhood in Mexico City. I compare Polanco to a Mexican Rodeo Drive. It has all your high-end stores from Chanel to amazing wedding dress stores. My favorite restaurant here is called Puerto Madero. It is delicious Buenos Aires cuisine that is irresistible. A beautiful stroll in Polanco is a must!

4. Angel of Independence

Last but certainly not least is the Angel of Independence. It is a beautiful statue with a golden angel at the top that is located on the Paseo de la Reforma. The Angel of Independence represents Mexico City and the entire country of Mexico.

There are many places in Mexico City that I have left out simply because we did not have time to visit. Places like The Chapultepec Castle, Teotihuacán Pyramids, The Zocalo, and much more. Mexico City is a beautiful city that is full of culture and beautiful people.