Visiting the UNESCO-listed Ciudad Universitaria in Mexico City

When doing my research on the best things to do in Mexico City, I somehow overlooked Ciudad Universitaria – the University City. Not many sources mention this architectural gem of the Mexican capital, but once I learned about it, I knew I had to go there. I planned half a day in my Mexico City itinerary to explore the Ciudad Universitaria, and it was a good decision as the place turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip to Mexico.

If you are interested in 20th-century architecture or like to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, be sure to visit the university area. It’s a bit of a detour from all the other Mexico City attractions, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Here is your guide to visiting Ciudad Universitaria in Mexico City!

Why visit University City in Mexico City

The main campus of UNAM – the National Autonomous University of Mexico – was built in the 1950s on a huge area of 1.76 square kilometers, located in the southern part of Mexico City, in the Coyoacán area. Its purpose was to replace the outdated university buildings scattered throughout central Mexico City and to create one modern campus that would be home to around 40 faculties and institutes, as well as cultural and research institutions.

Some of the finest Mexican architects, including Mario Pani and Enrique del Moral, were involved in designing the space, creating an absolute masterpiece of modern architecture. The buildings vary in design and details (including the artworks referencing pre-Columbinan cultures or the history of Mexico and murals of well-known artists), the space is carefully planned, and altogether, the site is like a guideline of the principles of modern architecture. This is the reason why Ciudad Universitaria, the University City, was granted the UNESCO World Heritage Site title in 2007.

How to get to Ciudad Universitaria in Mexico City

Mexico City is a huge place so getting to areas outside of its central part can be time-consuming. The best way to reach Ciudad Universitaria, also known as the University City, is by metro.

You can use Metro Line 3, which runs from the central parts of the city to the Copilco or Universidad station (the last station on this line), and then walk a bit to the University City area. I recommend getting off at the Copilco station and following Cerro del Agua street to one of the main university gates (the distance is around 500 meters).

There are a few smaller pedestrian entrances along Escolar but when I visited the University City over the weekend they all were closed and I ended up going all the way around to the entrance at Joaquín Gallo street (which was over a kilometer away from the metro station).

You can also take Uber from any location in Mexico City to Ciudad Universitaria, but it may take longer than the metro due to traffic. If you choose this option, it’s best to arrive near Jardín del Edén and the Olympic Stadium and then start your exploration of the area from there.

What to see at Ciudad Universitaria in Mexico City

The area of University City is vast, and you need a whole day to explore it. If you are short on time, it’s best to focus on its highlights mostly. Those, fortunately, are located relatively close to each other.

Start at the UNAM Central Library – the most distinctive building of the Ciudad Universitaria area. The structure is covered in a massive mural by painter and architect Juan O’Gorman, whose impressive work showcases the history of pre-Hispanic culture, colonists, and contemporary Mexicans.

If you look carefully, you will find there numerous symbols that refer to the centuries-old testimony of Mexico, its culture, traditions, history, and its people. Be sure to see each wall of the UNAM Central Library building to get a full view of this magnificent piece of art (which is considered to be the largest mural in the world).

Across the square from the library, you can find the Rectory building of UNAM, known mainly for the mosaic mural by David Alfaro Siqueiros.

On the other side of the street is the Olympic Stadium (you need to use the underground passage to get there). Even if it was built before this major sports event, the stadium is where the 1968 Olympics were inaugurated. On its walls, you can see the spectacular work by Diego Rivera, the mural “La Universidad, la familia, y el deporte.”

These are the most important and significant landmarks at Ciudad Universitaria in Mexico City. However, the university grounds are home to numerous amazing modernist, functionalist, and brutalist buildings, so if you’re a fan of these architectural styles (like I am), this area is like a huge playground.

Explore the place, check each corner, follow your intuition when something catches your attention, and be curious. I was wandering around in awe, with my jaw dropped, loving every single building and place there.

Besides modernist, UNESCO-listed architecture, you can also visit some museums here (like the University Museum of Contemporary Art or Universum) as well as the large botanical garden.

Visiting the University City – practical information

I visited the University City on Sunday morning, and it was a good idea. There were not too many people around, and I could explore the place easily without distracting anyone. If you can, go there over the weekend or in the summertime. Over a hundred thousand students attend the UNAM, so it can get busy during the school year.

The area of Ciudad Universitaria is vast, so you might not feel like walking everywhere. Fortunately, there are free buses (so-called “Pumabus”) that operate 12 routes with 93 stops. They are available for both locals and visitors, so you can use them when exploring the university grounds.

Besides all the fantastic architecture, the whole area is quite green, and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Once you get tired of all the walking around, you can easily relax in the shadows for a bit before continuing with your sightseeing. If you visit the UNAM campus in the springtime, you can see some stunning jacaranda trees blooming, making the place even more beautiful.

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