Mexico City, a sprawling metropolis teeming with culture, has long captivated the hearts of travellers and residents. From its ancient Aztec roots to its colonial heritage and modern-day vibrancy, the city showcases a unique history and cultural heritage. Among its many treasures, Mexico’s capital boasts one of the 30 coolest streets in the world, according to Time Out. We explore the cultural significance of Bucareli Street and its position in Mexico City’s real estate landscape.
History of Mexico City
Founded by the Aztecs in the 14th century as Tenochtitlan, Mexico City has undergone centuries of transformation. Following the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, the city was rebuilt atop the ruins of the Aztec capital, with grand cathedrals, palaces, and plazas adorning its streets. The Aztec city was originally built on an island in Lake Texcoco, but the Spanish drained the surrounding lake over centuries and expanded Mexico City onto the new land. Today, much of the city stands on layers of sand and clay. It is one of the highest-altitude cities in the world and sits almost a mile above sea level.
Mexico gained independence in 1821 and its capital evolved into a cultural and economic hub of Latin America. Today, it is one of the largest cities in the world, one of the oldest in North America, and a melting pot of traditions and lifestyles. The recent history of Mexico City is characterised by mass population growth, with the total population now sitting at 22,505,000.
Infrastructure Development and Tourism
In recent years, Mexico City has experienced a renaissance fuelled by infrastructure development and burgeoning tourism. Investments in public transportation, urban renewal projects, and cultural initiatives have revitalised neighbourhoods and enticed visitors from around the globe. Between 2019 and 2022, Mexico City modernised and expanded its transportation network with an investment of US$5.5 billion. Through increased use of public transport, the city aims to reduce traffic congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Mexico City is the 6th most-visited city in the world. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with iconic landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and the Templo Mayor drawing millions of tourists each year. Beyond the historic core, neighbourhoods like San Rafael, Juarez, and Roma have emerged as cultural hotspots, brimming with galleries, cafes, and street art. Jardín del Arte Sullivan art gallery in San Rafael was established in the 1950s and showcases over 400 local artists’ work each week.
Bucareli Street: A Cultural Crossroad
Nestled between the historic centre and other culturally vibrant neighbourhoods, Bucareli Street embodies the essence of modern-day Mexico City. Stretching from the iconic Angel of Independence monument to the bustling Zocalo, Bucareli serves as a thoroughfare connecting past and present, tradition and innovation. What sets Bucareli apart is its eclectic mix of architectural styles, from colonial mansions to sleek modernist buildings, reflecting the city’s diverse heritage. Along its tree-lined boulevards, visitors can explore galleries, boutiques, and eateries showcasing the best of Mexican culture.
However, it’s the dining scene which makes this street so special. With everything from traditional Mexican cuisine to international dishes from all corners of the globe, Bucareli combines culture, divine tastes and magnetic energy, earning it a place as one of the 30 coolest streets in the world.
Time Out listed their favourite dining spots on Bucareli Street, including Italian trattoria Suppli, steakhouse La Sirloneria, and a classic Mexican breakfast at Fonda Margarita—which we rather enjoyed ourselves.
Nearby Neighbourhoods
Close to culturally diverse neighbourhoods like San Rafael, Juarez and Roma, Bucareli Street occupies an enviable location.
The Colonia San Rafael is often overlooked; however, this quirky district is growing ever stronger. San Rafael is home to a street-side sewing circle, an experimental radio station and some stunning turn-of-the-century architecture. It’s a great place to escape the crowds of the historic centre and enjoy food, drinks and activities at low prices.
Juarez, known to be one of the safest neighbourhoods in Mexico City, is just a 9-minute drive from Bucareli Street. By day, you can expect to see vintage stores, trendy shops and coffee spots. At night, the area comes alive with drag shows and karaoke events which run into the early hours of the morning.
The Roma neighbourhood is perfect for wandering around and enjoying some of the best cuisine in the city. Roma is a hip, safe area full of countless amazing restaurants, hipster-run coffee shops, bars and parks. The neighbourhood was named the coolest in Mexico City by theworldorbust.com and there is no surprise as to why, with its beautifully eclectic architecture and cool, trendy eateries.
Value for Property Investors
For property investors, central Mexico City presents an enticing opportunity. The area’s rich cultural heritage, combined with its strategic location and infrastructure improvements, has made it increasingly desirable for both residents and businesses.
With a growing demand for housing and commercial space, property values in the city’s most popular neighbourhoods have been on the rise, offering the potential for attractive returns on investment. Moreover, government-led initiatives to promote urban renewal and sustainable development further enhance the long-term value proposition of investing in this dynamic area of Mexico City.
Mexico City’s house prices grew 10.0% annually in December 2023, following an increase of 10.4% YoY in the previous quarter. This, combined with stable economic growth, makes the city an ideal spot for property investment.
As Mexico City’s heart beats with vibrancy, streets like Bucareli stand out as symbols of its enduring allure. Recognised among the 30 coolest streets in the world, Bucareli embodies the spirit of a city in constant flux, where the past intertwines with the present, and possibilities abound.
Whether strolling its historic boulevards or contemplating nearby investment prospects, one thing is certain—Bucareli Street is a testament to Mexico City’s status as a global destination for culture, innovation, and investment.
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