If you’re the type of traveler who wants to get off the excursion bus and far from a guided tour, this is the guide for you!

Go to the movies. Mexico has a rich tradition of domestic filmmaking that extends back a century, and Mexico City has always been the heart of the country’s cinematic life. By 1906, more than 15 movie theatres had opened in the city and though many of the city’s oldest and grandest cinemas have since closed, the city continues to nurture a thriving passion for film. Whether you visit a commercial movie theatre (with tickets in many theatres as low as $23 pesos—approximately $2.00 US dollars) or find yourself in town during one of the city’s numerous film festivals, seeing a movie in Mexico is a great way to get a feeling for the creative life of this vibrant city.

Browse through the markets. Although mega-stores like Wal-Mart, Sam’s, and Home Depot have made their way into Mexico and have gained popularity among shoppers, the city is both big enough and sufficiently committed to its traditions to be able to continue sustaining the many markets that are spread across the city. Each market has its own personality, and many are famous for a signature item that may be difficult, if not impossible, to find anywhere else. The April 2008 issue of the magazine Donde Ir has a great guide to the city’s best markets, which, unfortunately, is not online as of this writing. The city government also maintains a guide and a history of the markets online.

Experience a Saturday morning tianguis. Tianguis, like markets, are a must-have Mexico City experience. While markets are fixed-station indoor stalls, tianguis are outdoor booths, tents, and parcels of sidewalk that are used by Saturday vendors to sell wares of all sorts. Like the markets, each tianguis varies in its offerings, ranging from antiques and collectibles to furniture and books. The best way to find a tianguis is simply to walk around the neighborhoods where they are popular. Colonia Juarez and Colonia Roma both have some great tianguis. One sure bet: Avenida Alvaro Obregon in Colonia Roma is lined with vendors each Saturday morning.

Witness a protest. “Nuestra ciudad de protestas”—“Our city of protests”—a taxi driver once said to me. As the capital, Mexico City is a hub of political activity, and not only for elected leaders. People come from all over the country to express their grievances with government, often installing themselves for days—and even months—at a time in tent communities around the city. You’re sure to encounter a protest on Avenida Reforma between Avenidas Insurgentes and Juarez. Witnessing the protests provides a window into Mexican political culture. From the unique exercise of voice by people who are powerless to the presence of police without firearms, there’s no faster way to get a grasp on political values from both sides of the fence.

Stay awhile. There’s no better way to get to know a place and experience it like a local than becoming a local… even if it’s only for a brief period of time. Is it possible for you to telecommute? Home swap? You’ll never know until you try.

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Need more Mexico City tips? Send me an e-mail at writingjulie@gmail.com!
Also, be sure to check out my Green Guide to Mexico City over at Matador!

Photo: zocalo2010