Oakland, California - Are you heading to Mexico City to watch the Raiders play host to the Patriots on Sunday? The Raiders are set to play in Mexico for the second consecutive season after taking home a 27-20 win over the Houston Texans last year in the first-ever Monday Night Football game played outside of the United States.
The game in Mexico City is sure to be a great opportunity for NFL fans from the United States to experience the vast culture that Mexico City has to offer. If you're traveling to Mexico City for the Raiders' Week 11 NFL game, be sure to stick around for the food, nightlife and sightseeing opportunities, too.
Here are five Mexico City destinations to see while you're in town for the game.
1. Traditional Markets - Explore the roots of Mexican design at markets established as a hub for arts and crafts from all over Mexico.
• Bazar del Sabado – eclectic mix of handicrafts, clothing and goods at this large indoor/outdoor market in San Angel (only open on Saturdays).
• La Ciudadela – an open air market in the heart of Mexico City that brings together traditional tourist souvenirs and artisanal products from all over Mexico.
• La Lagunilla – the city's largest flea market deals in everything from new and secondhand clothes to vintage furniture, cds and home de´cor articles.
2. Lucha Libre – Want an authentic Mexico City experience? Be a spectator at the dramatic, humorous Lucha Libre, also known as Mexican wrestling. Watch masked superheroes (te´cnicos, or good guys) take on villains (rudos) inside the ring as you enjoy tequila drinks (optional) and take home your own mask (awesome). Tour packages are available including pickup and drop off at your hotel, souvenirs and tickets, or you can take public transportation to Arena México.
3. La Casa Azul – The former home of painter Frida Kahlo, also known as the Blue House, now serves as a museum in her honor. The museum, called Museo Casa Azul, houses several pieces of artwork as well as many of the artist's personal possessions, including collections of folk art that once belonged to Frida and her husband, famed Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera.
4. Casa de los Azulejos – A popular photo shoot location, the House of Tiles is decorated with beautiful blue and white tiles. Built by the Count del Valle de Orizaba family, the building is now the flagship Sanborns, a well-known Mexican restaurant/department store chain owned by Mexican billionaire Carlos "Slim" Helú.
5. Anthropology Museum – Chapultepec Park has numerous museums in addition to the National History Museum. The Anthropology Museum is the largest collection of traditional Mexican art and artifacts in the world.
Bonus stop! Estadio Azteca – You'll already be going here for Sunday's NFL game! Located in the suburbs of Mexico City, Estadio Azteca is the home stadium of the Mexico national football (Americans soccer) team as well as Club América. One of the most famous soccer stadiums in the world, Estadio Azteca has hosted two World Cup Finals and was used for the 1968 Summer Olympics.
Need help planning your trip? For more information, news and updates on travel to Mexico City follow Mexico City Live on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Original article