Mexico City
Great cities have an underlying beat and a rhythmic composition of cultural surprises that complement a diversity of attractions and things to do. Whether for a couple of days or extended visits, touring Mexico City reveals a mixed bag of little surprises, which pulsate to an authentic Mexican beat. In Mexico City museums and archaeological treats are numerous; sculptured and tranquil gardens, plazas and parks embellish colonial neighborhoods; and shopping and dining preferences can be met to satisfy any travel style.
At the time of Spanish conquest, the Aztec capital of Technotitlan which preceded Mexico City was one of the largest on the globe; today Mexico City contests the same title in a modern world. The enormity of the city should not deter a visit; as all major sites are either close or simple to get to by taxi, public transport, or the hop-on-and-off Turibus, that now services all Mexico City's major attractions.
A visit to Mexico City should start at its heart. This was also the centre of the Aztec world and today you can witness the Metropolitan Cathedral slowly sinking into the same earth that entombs the ruins of the great pyramids of the Aztec. The historic centre boasts the grand scaled plaza affectionately referred to in Mexico as the ‘Zócalo.' The nearby unearthed ruin of the Templo Mayor emerges tamed by Spanish occupation and the National Palace borders the plaza in historic grandeur awaiting the glory of Mexico's annual Independence Day. This takes place on September 16th when the president tolls the bell from a balcony overlooking the square.
Neighboring the ‘Zócalo' you find the elegant Palace of Fine Arts which sits at the edge of Alameda Park, Mexico City's oldest. Walking the park's paths you can allow yourself a peek into the colonial charm of times past while weekends attract many performers and picnickers. Beyond the park the Paseo De La Reforma ornaments the city with a lengthy landscaped avenue dotted with many monuments and fine hotels; while also leading to the dramatic entrance to Chapultepec Park.
Mexico City features the world largest city park which accommodates many of the city's major attractions. Apart from the green oasis, zoo, and lake (where you can hire small boats), Chapultepec Park boasts well instituted museums. One museum can be found within the Castle of Chapultepec, where short-term puppet-emperor Maximilian resided. Mexico's most important museum, the National Museum of Anthropology, also graces the park with its well designed building that honours pre-Hispanic Mexico and indigenous cultures.
Other nearby areas of interest include the neighborhoods of Zona Rosa, Roma, Polanco and La Condesa, where the who's who of Mexico City go to shop, dine, and party. If the above-mentioned sites do not fill-up your days, then venture south into greater Mexico City. Coyoacan and San Angel are two areas where a walking tour will take you through streets lined with notable colonial mansions and charming plazas. Another short trip away is the ‘floating gardens' of Xochimilco which are unique to Mexico City, and a great way to float a day away.
The country of Mexico is far from just a beach resort, so visiting the Capital could be a great addition to your Mexican vacation, or even an outright destination in its own right. Apart from the attractions found within the city, there are many destinations one could visit in a day, including the great pyramids of Teotihuacán and the silver and jewelry Mecca of Taxco. A city full of sights and sound, a piece of Mexican culture on every corner, and a variety of entertaining excursions, make Mexico City a world class travel destination.
