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A vital lung in a city of millions, the green Chapultepec Park has served as a retreat for centuries. Meaning ´the hill of Grasshoppers' in the Aztec Náhuatl language, today Chapultepec Park attracts locals and tourists alike to its 4 sq km (1.5 sq mi) shady haven. Only within the 20th century was the park opened to the people, before then it was the grounds belonging to the castle perched on Chapultepec hill. These days people flock to the park, its museums, zoo and the artificial lake where you can rent rowboats; perhaps many just come to escape the pace of a busy city.

A great way to enter the park is from the Avenida Reforma passing the Monument of Heroic Boys / Monumento Niños Héroes. This monument dedicates its six pillars to six cadets left in charge of defending the castle from the US troops during the Mexican-American war. Legend has it that the six leaped from the hill to their deaths instead of surrendering, one with the Mexican flag wrapped around him so as not to let it fall into the hands of the Americans.      

The Anthropology Museum is testament to Mexico's love affair with its history. It is a world class museum contained in a pleasant building showcasing the many pre-Hispanic cultures and modern indigenous themes. Upon a large maypole looking column, not far from the Museum's entrance, you can find the Voladores de Papantla / Flyers of Papantla. Four men with their feet attached by rope make 13 rotations in unison, unwinding the rope as they go.         

Getting There: Either walk to the entrance from Avenida Reforma or alternatively take the metro to Metro Station Auditorio which would leave you closer to the Anthropology Museum and Zoo.     

Anthropology Museum / Museo Nacional de Antropología     

Peseo de la Reforma & Calzada Gandhi      

General $45 Pesos, Under 13Yrs & Students free     

Tues. ? Sun. 9.00 to 19.00      

Tel. + 55 53 63 86        

A truly well put together museum showcasing pre-Columbian Mexico and indigenous Mexicans in a modern world; a trip to this museum is not to be missed. To do the museum justice give yourself the good part of a day, the permanent exhibits are extensive and temporary expositions feature regularly. The museum contains 26 exhibition halls which make up the perimeter of a dramatic central patio supporting a central fountain which umbrellas the entirety of the enormous inner courtyard.         

The Museum is well organized allowing the visitor to explore exhibits chronologically detailing the many aspects of Mexico?s indigenous past and present; including more than 10,000 original artifacts from the Aztecs, Mayas, Zapotecas, Toltecs Mixtecas, and Olmecs. Outside close to the entrance the massive Aztec statue symbolizing the rain god, Tlaloc, stands tall as if on guard; and nearby the Papantla flyers soar high above the tree line offering an animated glimpse into a time-honored tradition.        

National Museum of History (Chapultepec Castle)     

Admission $40 pesos        

Tue. Sun. 9.00 to 16.30      

Tel. + 52 41 31 00        

Construction of the buildings began in 1785 with the intention of serving as a country house, but funds were exhausted for that project and it was turned into a military academy.  During the Mexican-American war of 1847, brave cadets died attempting to defend the castle from American troops. The ceiling above the entrance stairs depicts in mural the story of this confrontation. In 1863 Austrian born Maximilian of Hapsburg, at the urging of Napoleon during the French occupation, was crowned Emperor of Mexico. During his short tenure as emperor, Maximilian converted the Castle into his palace and embellished it with stately furniture from Europe. The furniture remains though the castles role was changed to serve as the National Museum of History.         

After the execution of Maximilian, the castle became the president?s residence until it was dedicated as the National Museum of History in the year 1939.  A deceivingly long path spirals up to the museum?s entrance which traces Mexican life from the conquest to the Revolution. Other aspects making the trip worth while are the beautiful gardens, Maximilian?s personal effects and imperial carriage, Mexican themed murals and a stunning panoramic view of the park and surrounding cityscapes.          

Rufino Tamayo Art Gallery / Museo Rufino Tamayo       

Peseo de la Reforma & Calzada Gandhi      

Admission $15 pesos, free Sunday        

Tue.  Sun. 10.00 to 18.00      

Tel. + 52 86 65 19         

This Museum is dedicated to the Oaxacan born, renowned painter Rufino Tamayo and displaying paintings, prints and sculptures by the artist. As well as containing important 20th century works from the master himself, there is also on display the  pieces he collected by such artists as Dalí, Miró, Warhol and Picasso.          

City Zoo / Zoológico de Chapultepec        

Admission Free           

Tue.  Sun. 10.00 to 16.30        

Tel.+ 55 53 62 63        

The zoo attempts to provide natural looking and hopefully naturally feeling holding pens for its animals with one of its aims being to teach people about environmental protection. The visitor can find 260 species of animals here and many are native to the Americas. The zoo is also quite proud of being one of the first to have Panda?s produce offspring in captivity. The grounds of the Zoo cover 42 acres (17 hectares) with various sections dedicated to different biomes including tropical rainforest, deserts and temperate zones.
      

A stroll through La Condesa will take you past Art Deco style mansions along tranquil tree lined streets. This hip area is very cosmopolitan and one will find good bookshops, galleries, antique shops, cafes and restaurants with outdoors seating. This is also a nightlife centre of Mexico where professionals of all ages come to hangout at pubs, bars and discos.

Avenida Michoacán and the surrounding streets is the place to go for fine restaurants, charming cafes and great bars. It also cuts through Parque Mexico, a beautiful park with Art Deco features, a duck pond, roller skate section and benches which mimic logs and branches. The park takes on an ellipse shape due to a racetrack that used to be found in that area in years past.

Getting There: For the closest Metro stop take the brown line to Chilpancingo station.

Apart from being home to Mexico City's Stock Exchange building and financial district, Zona Rosa is a place where wealthy Mexicans love to play. Offering sidewalk cafes, boutiques, jewelry stores, bars, nightclubs, hotels and some of Mexico's finest dining options; there is always a tourist presence here.

Metro station Insurgentes on the pink line is a good starting point, then heading up the promenade on Genova where many shops and galleries can be found. Zona Rosa also houses a wax museum and a 'Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum'. There is also a Sunday outdoor art fair in the 'Jardìn Del Arte' from 10.00 to 15.00.

The indigenous name Coyoacan means 'place of the Coyotes' which are emblemized in statues proudly showcased throughout the neighborhood. The conquistador Hernán Cortéz temporarily resided here and the Spanish were headquartered here during the redevelopment of the Aztec capital in the area now known as the Historic Centre.

Cobble-stoned streets amongst colonial houses painted with the typical Mexican blend of colours, lead the visitor to Coyoacan's centre plazas and church where you will find musicians, dominoes games and young lovers embracing on park benches. The houses of Frida Kahlo and Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky bought certain fame to this edgy bohemian area.          

Jardin Del Centenerario & Plaza Hidalgo makes up the core of Colonia Coyoacan. Sculptured hedges and fountains compliment the impressive Ex Convent of St John the Baptist, a 16th century church that is one of the oldest in Central Mexico. The weekends bring market stores and street performers in what is popularly referred to as the hippy market.

Getting there: Coyoacan lies 8 Kilometers to the south of the city centre. Take line 3 on the city Metro to Coyoacan station, or alternatively to Viveros crossing the peaceful wooded park          

Church of St John the Baptist         

Jardin Centenarion 8        

Casting shadows over Jardin Hidalgo is the Ex Convent of St John the Baptist. Built by the Dominicans in 1528, many changes have ensued for the baroque landmark over the centuries. Originally vaulted but suffering a collapse, the roof was rebuilt and now stands out as a beautiful attribute to its baroque style. The church attracts many worshipers during the day and it is asked that you reframe from touring the chapel during mass.House of Cortes (Casa Municipal)       

Jardin Hildago 1      

Mon. Sun. 8.00 to 20.00       

Although not the original residents of Cortez, it is believed to have been built in 1750 by his descendents on the same site as a previous palace utilized by Cortez and his army during the conquest of Aztec capital. Today it is an administrative headquarters of the local government delegation. Inside contains a few murals.

Museum of Popular Culture / Museo Nacional de Culturas Populares        

Av. Hidalgo 289          

Free Admission         

Tue. Thurs. 10.00 to 18.00, Fri. ? Sun. 10.00 ? 20.00        

Tels. + 91 72 88 59, + 91 72 88 40          

The museum of popular culture was created by a group of anthropologists that questioned the traditional museum. It aims to reflect the creativity of Mexican people from the different regions of Mexico showcasing their beliefs, artefacts as well as regional food. The museum at times also hosts folk music, lectures and plays.        

Frida Kahlo Musuem       

Cnr.Londres & Allende        

Admission $20 pesos      

Tue. Sun. 10.00 to 17.45        

Tel. + 55 54 59 99           

Opening just four years after the death of Frida Kahlo, this blue house is where she grew up and later lived, painted and taught. The Museum houses many of her personal effects including her famed ?tehuana? dresses, diary, and many paintings including her last known work. Walking around the nine rooms it is easy to imagine the eccentric artist carrying out her days amongst the collections of pre-Hispanic idols and popular Mexican art. The museum includes a bookshop and café.Leon

Trotsky Museum      

Viena 45      

Admission $10 pesos        

Tue. Sun. 10.00 to 17.00       

Tel. + 55 54 06 87         

Leon Trostky, the Soviet Revolutionary, was killed in his former Coyoacan residence by a Spanish Communist assassin. The assassin was in Mexico on a forged Canadian passport posing as a businessman under orders of Stalin. Trotsky gained asylum in Mexico with the help of artist Diego Rivera, one of the founders of the Mexican communist party.           

The front wall and door of his former home is riddled with bullet holes from a previous failed assassination attempt. Inside conserves the house as he and his wife kept it in 1940, as well as Trotsky?s rare cactus collection. The museum is also the headquarters of the Institute of the Right to Asylum and Public Liberties

Built in 1966 for the 1968 Olympic Games, the Estadio Azteca remains the largest soccer stadium in the world, holding 105,000 fans. Not only hosting Olympic soccer games, the stadium was also the stage of two world cups, including the game where Argentinean legend Diego Maradona starred in the hand of god incident. Later in the same game many believed he scored the greatest goal ever and a monument to Maradona has been erected outside the stadium to honor the man.    

The stadium sometimes serves as the venue for concerts but it is usually associated with soccer (futból) acting as home to the Mexican National side and local club side America. Games to look out for are when America plays the Pumas or Guadalajara.

Tickets go for about $50 - $100 pesos, more from scalpers but be careful you are not purchasing fakes.      

Getting There: Estadio Azteca station on light rail service from Tasqueña Metro Station.

Citizens of Mexico City flock to the two Lucha Libre Arenas with cult-like passion making a night at the fights great fun while taking you out amongst the people. The fighters are professional acrobats and the crowds become part of the action with funny and relentless name calling. Most wrestlers wear masks and the greatest insult is for this mask to be pulled off to reveal their identity. Some say this is a throw-back to when the Aztec warriors fought in mask?s to instill fear in their enemy. The bouts are usually between good and evil played out by heroes and villains (rudos). Every Mexican child has their favorite luchador (wrestler) and souvenir masks are big business in Mexico. Warning: If you are seated in the first couple of rows you may be closer to the action than you think, sometimes the fun spills out into the audience.       

Admission can cost between $40-$150 pesos, there are two main arenas: The Arena Coliseo and Arena Mexico also known as The Catherderal of Luch Libre.     

Arena Coliseo     

Cnr República de Perú & República de Chile, Historic Centre     

Metro stations: Allende or Lagunilla    

Sunday afternoons

Arena México (better for the big-name wrestlers)     

Dr. Lavista 189, Col. Doctores      

Tel. + 55 88 03 85     

Friday 20.30 ? 11.00    

Metro Station: Cuauhtemoc or Baldreas    

A truly Mexican experience is to be serenaded by a band of Mariachis neatly dressed in traditional getup.  In the Plaza Garibaldi come 8pm, you will find plenty of groups waiting for their chance to entertain onlookers willing to part with 50 pesos or so. But it is free to walk around the plaza and listen to Mariachis in full swing and Plaza Garibaldi is a great place for a shot of Tequila or two with many drinking establishments lining the perimeter.     

Plaza Garibaldi, 5 blocks north of Palacio de Bella Artes     

Metro Stations: Garabaldi or Bella Artes

This grand spectacular draws on styles and themes from all over Mexico. Choreographer Amalia Hernandez, once a famous dancer herself, continuously revises routines in an effort to modernize the movements while not taking away from Mexican nostalgia. It is a festival of colour and movement which separates itself from the tackiness which could easily accompany these kinds of performances.     

Palacio de Bellas Artes, Avenida Juarez 1     

$360-$600 pesos      

Wednesday 20:30 hrs / Sunday 9:30 and 20:30       

Tickets at the Palacio de Bellas Artes or call Ticketmaster + 53 2590 00     

Legend has it that in 1531, while a recently converted Aztec Indian was on his way to mass, a vision of the Virgin Mary appeared requesting that a church be built on this hill. The story goes that a cloak was left by the apparition as proof of the encounter, on this cloak was imprinted the image of a dark-skinned virgin. A church was then built and the Virgin of Guadalupe was declared the Patroness of Mexico and Empress of the Americas.      

Today the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe can be found all over Mexico and many Mexicans make the pilgrimage to the basilica, some even on their knees. The original image of the Virgin of Guadalupe can be seen in the 100 meter (330 feet) diameter circular basilica. With a conveyor belt moving the many faithful beneath it for a closer look. The basilica can accommodate up to 50 000 worshipers and there are masses every hour on the hour everyday of the year. Besides the main basilica you can visit other buildings including the Old Basilica built in 1709 as well as the Capilla del Cerrito constructed on the site where the apparition appeared. There are also many gardens, statues and fountains to be found on the grounds.       

The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe takes place on December 12, extremely crowded but lively and interesting with music and entertainment. Careful around the church as there are many pickpockets in the area, do not flaunt your valuables!      

Getting There: Take metro to Indios Verdes station. Follow the crowds or just ask for the Basilica.

With 80 kilometers (50 Miles) of Canals to explore, allow yourself plenty of time when visiting the floating gardens of Xochimilco (soh-chee-meel-coh). The Aztecs cultivated the canals long before the arrival of the Spanish and today the area still supplies much of the food to Mexico City. For about $150 pesos brightly painted flat-bottom boats called ?trajiners, navigate locals and tourist around the canals much like the gondolas in Venice.     

Weekends can get quite festive if not a little crowded. Many of the trajiners have picnic-style tables making them popular with families who bring their own food, though if you don?t have your own then floating vendors will dock beside you while they take your order. Mariachi bands float around in their own boats to serenade you if you wish; this will cost about $200 pesos for three songs.      

Getting There: Xochimilco lies about 28 kilometers south of the city centre; take the Metro to Taxqueña and then catch the light-rail train (tren ligero) to Embarcadero. Outside the station head east two blocks to where the boats leave from.