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Sections of
Mexico City
ACCOMMODATIONS
AMUSEMENT AND RECREATION
ARCHEOLOGY
ARTS AND CRAFTS
ATTRACTIONS
CONTEMPORARY
ARCHITECTURE
ECOTOURISM AND OUTDOOR
ACTIVITIES
ENTERTAINMENT AND
SPORTS EVENTS
FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS
GASTRONOMY
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE
MUSEUMS
NIGHTLIFE
SHOPPING
Mexico City,
the oldest metropolis on the American continent, is perched
atop a highland valley at about 2,240 meters (7,392 feet)
above sea level. Towering high above the city’s southeast
side are two volcanoes: Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl. The
nation’s capital has some of the best weather in the world
with an average temperature of 22º C (72º F.)
Once known as the “City of Palaces,” Mexico City has two
areas that were declared World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO.
The first, the Centro Histórico (Historic Center,) has
beautiful historic and religious buildings, such as the
Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral,) one of the
most important architectural structures in the Western
Hemisphere. The Palacio Nacional (National Palace) with its
spectacular Diego Rivera murals that chronicle Mexico’s
history. And the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine
Arts,) which hosts the city’s most important cultural
events; being a beautiful construction that blends the Art
Nouveau and Art Deco styles. The other World Heritage Site,
Xochimilco Ecological Park, is often called the “Venice of
Mexico” due to its beautiful canals. Flower-painted boats
offer tours of the canals and floating gardens.
If you are interested in cultural events, Mexico City offers
a wide variety of museums, such as the Museo Nacional de
Antropologia (a world-class anthropology museum,) the Museo
Nacional de Arte (The National Art Museum) and the Museo
Nacional de Historia (a history museum in the Chapultepec
Castle where you can see an amazing exhibit that chronicles
the nation’s history and art, from the pre-Hispanic era to
present day.)
In the northern part of Mexico City, you can visit the
Basilica de Guadalupe, one of the most visited basilicas in
the world; in fact, it is second only to Saint Peter’s
Basilica, in Vatican City, in the number of visitors it
receives each year. This is a must-see for those who want to
learn more about the country’s customs and traditions.
What is more, Mexico City is a cosmopolitan metropolis,
where new and old traditions coexist side by side. Here you
can go shopping at bazaars and crafts markets in the
Coyoacan and San Angel neighborhoods. Or you can go to
exclusive boutiques and shopping centers in the posh
communities of Santa Fe and Polanco, where you will be
surrounded by the comfort of top-notch hotels and
restaurants.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
ECOTOURISM AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:
Camping:
In Mexico City you will find plenty of green areas where
you can go camping. These places offer all the necessary
outdoor services, plus lookout points, restaurants,
restrooms and security to make your camping experience as
pleasant as possible.
Ecotourism:
Mexico City has several ecological reserves that allow
you to observe diverse forms of plant and animal life. The
beautiful scenery in these areas invites you to take a long
walk on a nature trail or along the shore of a stream.
Extreme Sports:
Near the city there are many wooded areas that provide
the opportunity to go mountain biking. The trails will prove
challenging for beginners and experts alike. Following the
lead of a tour guide, you’ll put your skills to the test as
you overcome various obstacles along the paths.
Golf:
Mexico City has excellent golf courses offering the
finest services and spacious facilities. The city’s pleasant
climate makes a day on the links all the more enjoyable.
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Club
Campestre de la Ciudad de Mexico: Located at 1978
Calzada de Tlalpan, Colonia Country Club. This 18-hole,
par-72 course is the oldest in the nation.
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Club
Campestre Chapultepec: Located at 425 Avenida
Conscripto, Colonia Lomas Hipodromo, Nacaulpan, in the
State of Mexico. This course has 18 holes and a par 72.
Outdoor
Activities:
In the natural areas surrounding Mexico City, you can do
exciting recreational activities, such as rock climbing and
rappelling on natural volcanic rock formations. These places
offer experienced guides that will teach you the safest way
to enjoy these sports.
Spas:
The city’s spas have full treatment systems, highly
professional staff and state-of-the-art therapeutic
equipment that give better and faster results. These
facilities offer a wide range of services, including
massages, facials, dermo-cosmetic clinics and makeup and
beauty treatments. In short, you will find everything you
need with the comfort of knowing that you’ll receive
specialized attention. Visit some of these places to
revitalize your energy while you get a relaxing massage with
body oils.
ATTRACTIONS:
Atoltecayotl: Located in southeast Mexico City, at 15
Avenida Nuevo Leon, Colonia Barrio de Santa Maria, Milpa
Alta District. Here visitors can explore large forest areas
and the incredible volcanic landscape of Teuhtli, an
inactive volcano. Camping enthusiasts will enjoy walking
around the foothills of the volcanic zone. This place
provides restrooms and security services.
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe: The Basilica is a
Roman Catholic Church, minor basilica and National Shrine of
Mexico located in the north part of Mexico City. The shrine
was built nearby the place where it is said Our Lady of
Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin. This site
is also known as La Villa de Guadalupe or, in a more popular
sense, simply La Villa. The new Basilica houses the original
“tilma” (or apron) of Juan Diego that shows the icon of Our
Lady of Guadalupe. The image of the Virgin of Guadalupe is
supposedly a source of various miracles.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most
visited catholic sanctuaries in the world, la Villa de
Guadalupe, receives approximately 20 million people a year.
People who come to Mexico City from all parts of the world.
This massive phenomenon becomes all the more noticeable as
the date to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe, every 12th of
December, comes closer. During that time the number of
visitors can climb to three million, counting all the
devotes and the dancers who offer their spectacular dances
of prehispanic origin to the "Patrona de Tepeyac" –and of
course all the vendors with anything to sell from religious
items to edibles.
The Villa is an architectural complex whose main
construction is the new Basilica of Guadalupe, consecrated
in 1976 and with a capacity to shelter 10,000 people inside
the premises. Furthermore, temporary seats are often placed
in the atrium allowing up to 40,000 people to take part of
the Mass and other ritual celebrations. There are also nine
chapels in the ground level, each able to seat about 200
people.
The Villa of Guadalupe includes:
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The
Old Basilica, built in 1709 and which nowadays works
as a Museum of Viceregal Art.
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The
Pocito Chapel, which means “Chapel of the Little
Well,” a Baroque hermitage built around a ferrous waters
well with healing properties, located to the east of the
hill of the Tepeyac. The chapel was built by Francisco
Antonio de Guerrero y Torres, being the first sanctuary
ever built in this place.
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The
Temple of the Capuchins, a neoclassic building built
in 1787.
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The
Indians' Chapel, or San José de los Naturales
Chapel, a 16th century building in which Our Lady of
Guadalupe was first venerated.
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The
Saint Michael Chapel, a chapel built in 1526 in a
Baroque style on top of the Tepeyac hill, devoted to the
Archangel Michael.
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The
Pantheon of Tepeyac, built in a Baroque period, it
gives today shelter to a museum behind its beautiful
façade.
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The
Baptistry, a chapel whose floor plan is
snail-shaped, designed by José Luis Benlliure.
Cultural
and Recreational Park Desierto de los Leones (the Desert of
the Lions): Located in west Mexico City at Antiguo
Camino al Desierto de los Leones, Colonia Parque Nacional
Valle de las Monjas, off the Mexico - Toluca Highway 15.
This is one of the city’s most important nature reserves. At
this park, you will find Encino oaks, pines and oyamel firs
on hills and in ravines. Taking a walk in the peaceful
environment of the surrounding areas of the Desierto de los
Leones allows you to learn more about coniferous forests,
the natural habitat of opossums, rabbits and squirrels. Near
the road that leads to an ancient Carmelite Convent, you
will find an easily accessible trail. The park also has
springs and streams. This park has 25 kilometers (15 mi) of
sloped paths, which you can cover on bicycle from the
ancient Carmelite Convent to the town of San Miguel, which
you will reach after passing the Cerro del Triangulo
(Triangle Hill.)
Ecological Park of San Nicolas Totolapan: Located in
southwest Mexico City at Km 11.5 off the Picacho - Ajusco
Highway, Magdalena Contreras District. This two hectare
(5-acre) park has a wide variety of endemic flora in
pastures and mixed forests, including Encino oaks and oyamel
firs. The wide-open green areas and the abundance of plant
and animal species in the nearby Ajusco Mountains are reason
enough to camp at this beautiful place. This ecological park
has a designated camping area with showers, restrooms,
barbecue grills, campfire pits, security services, guided
tours and tent rentals. The important efforts that have been
made to conserve the natural habitat of the white-tailed
deer and the volcano rabbit have allowed this park to
develop an ecotourism infrastructure that encourages
visitors to help conserve the endemic plant and animal
species of the Ajusco Mountains. As part of your exploration
activities, you can check out a deer reserve and participate
in reforestation efforts as guides lead you along
interpretive trails. Both experiences will make your visit
even more enriching.
Ecological Park of Xochimilco: Located in south
Mexico City at 1 Avenida Periferico Oriente, Colonia Cienega
Grande, Xochimilco District. UNESCO Has declared Xochimilcoa
World Heritage Site because of its cultural value and unique
natural characteristics, this park offers the ideal setting
for an ecological and cultural tour. On the outing, you can
learn about the park’s projects to conserve the indigenous
plant and animal species that inhabit one of the city’s most
important aquatic areas. It also has a recreational area, a
bird reserve and numerous green areas, such as the Xochitla
and the Botanical gardens. During your visit, do not forget
to tour the canal aboard a colorful trajinera (wooden boats
often compared to gondolas.)
Escaladromo Carlos Carsolio: Located in north Mexico
City at 18 Tecnicos Mexicanos Street, Colonia Santa Maria
Ticoman, Gustavo A. Madero District. This new club concept
is an excellent option for those who enjoy rock climbing,
yet want to practice the sport within the city. It has
vertical and inclined walls that are 12 meters (40 feet)
high, as well as a cave and a tower. The service and the
facilities are top-notch.
National Park Cumbres del Ajusco: Located southwest
of Mexico City on Avenida Periferico Sur, at Km 22 off the
Ajusco Highway, Tlalpan District. One of the city’s most
visited natural areas; this park has various mountain biking
routes. Among the most popular trails is a 28 km (17 mi)
path that begins in the town of Capulin and passes through
the foothills of the Xitle volcano. At that point, it
divides into two separate trails that run alongside an
impressive canyon until reaching a dried out lagoon called
Quila. Here you can also do downhill runs in the town of
Huitzilac, which borders the State of Morelos.
Park and Touristic Corridor Los Dinamos: Located in
southwest Mexico City on Avenida Mexico, Colonia Magdalena
Atlitic, Magdalena Contreras District. This natural area
consists of a wooded ecosystem surrounded by part of the
Ajusco Mountains. The Magdalena River runs through a gorge
that spans five km (3 mi.) This is an ideal spot for rock
climbing, as you will find rock formations up to 30 meters
(100 feet) high, as well as smaller cliffs of varying
difficulty levels. In addition, there are three areas with
three totally distinct volcanic rock formations, requiring
you to climb each one using a different technique.
Presa (Dam) Madin: Located north of Mexico City, in
Atizapan de Zaragoza, in the State of Mexico. On this large
body of water, you can go kayaking and sailing. You will
find rental companies for all the equipment you will need at
the location. Nearby, you can also go mountain biking and
trekking.
Valley of Monte Alegre: Located southwest of Mexico
City, in the Ecological Park of San Nicolas Totolapan, at Km
11.5 off the Picacho - Ajusco Highway, Magdalena Contreras
District. This area is considered a mountain biker’s
paradise, as it offers downhill runs for those seeking a
high-fueled adrenaline rush. The 150 km (93 mi) circuit
offers trails for beginners, intermediates and experts.
Cyclists can test their skills in areas such as the Criadero
de Trucha (trout hatchery,) el Camino de la Virgen (the
Virgin’s path) or la Barranca de la Leona (the canyon of the
lion,) all of which were designed for varying skill levels.
ARCHEOLOGY:
In Mexico City you can find archaeological ruins of the
Mexica culture (more commonly known as the Aztec culture.)
At these places, and in their museums, you can learn more
about the mysteries of the Aztecs’ Cosmo-vision and their
customs, some of which persist in the capital today.
Templo Mayor: Located in downtown Mexico City at
eight Seminario Street. This is a small archaeological zone
where you can see the remains of the Aztecs’ Grand Temple,
the most important building of Tenochtitlan (the old Aztec
capital now known as Mexico City.) The site has a museum
that houses objects found during excavation and restoration.
The Aztecs built the temple in honor of their gods Tlaloc
and Huitzilopochtli. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tlatelolco: Located in the center of the city, on Eje
Central Lazaro Cardenas, Colonia Nonoalco - Tlatelolco.
Considered the sister city of Tenochtitlan, the capital of
the Aztec empire. The base of a main temple still stands at
this site, similar to that of the Templo Mayor. There is
also a round temple that was built to the honor the god of
wind. The pre-Hispanic constructions form part of a group of
architectural structures known as the Plaza de las Tres
Culturas (Three Cultures Square,) which is where you will
also find the colonial building of the Church of Santiago
Tlatelolco and a housing complex.
Cuicuilco: Located in south Mexico City at 156
Avenida Insurgentes Sur and Anillo Periferico, Tlalpan
District. This is one of the oldest pre-Hispanic urban zones
in Mexico. Here you will find the preserved ruins of several
religious and residential buildings, as well as the remains
of a water works system. One of the most interesting ruins
is a round terraced pyramid with five levels, considered the
first attempt by Mexico’s pre-Hispanic civilization to
create a relationship between religion and the cosmos.
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE:
Mexico City’s Historic Center is the oldest part of the
capital and it has many architectural treasures that are
appreciated in Mexico and throughout the world. As you walk
around the downtown area, you will find excellent examples
of classical and colonial architecture. Many of the
buildings are shrouded in magic and legend and the area has
such an impressive architectural offering that the UNESCO
declared it a World Heritage Site. Among the most important
structures are:
The National Palace: Built on top of the houses of
Aztec Emperor Moctezuma, this building lies in front of the
Zocalo (Mexico City’s main square.) Inside, you can marvel
at the spectacular murals of renowned artist Diego Rivera,
which chronicle the history of Mexico.
The Metropolitan Cathedral: Located next to the
National Palace in the Zocalo, this important work is Latin
America’s largest religious structure. It brings together
the artistic grandeur of a Viceregal construction with the
religious fervor of Catholicism.
The Palace of the Mines: Located on Tacuba street in
the Historic Center. This neoclassical- and Baroque-style
building hosts the International Book Fair, an annual event
that takes place in February and March.
Edificio de Correos (Post Office): Located on the
corners of Eje Central Lazaro Cardenas and Tacuba, this is
one of Mexico City’s most beautiful and elegant buildings.
Its style reminds one of the grand palaces of Venice.
Palacio de Bellas Artes (The Palace of Fine Arts):
Located next to the Alameda Central Park on the corners of
Avenida Juarez and Eje Central Lazaro Cardenas. This
structure is an eclectic blend of art nouveau and art deco
styles, and it is ornamented with impressive sculptures. The
building has one of the most beautiful concert halls in the
world.
Temple of the Profesa: Located on Francisco I. Madero
Street in the Historic Center. This building is one of the
best examples of the New Spain Baroque style. On display
inside is a wonderful collection of religious paintings from
the Colonial era.
The Casa de los Azulejos (The House of the Tiles):
Located on Francisco I. Madero in the Historic Center. This
building’s famous façade is covered with thousands of
multicolored tiles made in the state of Puebla. Inside is a
popular restaurant.
The Plaza of Santo Domingo: Located north of the
Zocalo on the street Republica de Brazil. This is a group of
buildings that includes the Santo Domingo church, which is
where the plaza gets its name. The other structures are the
old Customs Building and The Palace of the Inquisition,
which once housed a school of medicine.
CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE:
Mexico City is full of history and it has been the center
point of a nation in constant growth, as evidenced in the
modern architecture seen in the present-day capital. To
fully appreciate this, you can visit the areas that are
considered the most representative in contemporary
architecture.
Colonias (neighborhoods) Roma and Condesa: These two
centrally located neighborhoods are known for their elegant
houses and buildings, which are Art Nouveau and Art Deco
constructions. During the beginning of the 20th century,
around the time of the Porfirio Diaz era, Mexico’s elite
lived in these buildings. In the 1920s, many of the
structures were renovated to preserve their old splendor.
Near the Parque Mexico, one of the city’s best parks, you
will find bookstores, art galleries and cultural centers,
among other places that have given this part of town such a
strong artistic tradition.
Ciudad Universitaria (University City): Located in
southwest Mexico City off Avenida Insurgentes, between Eje
10 Sur and Anillo Periferico. This is the campus of the
National Autonomous University of Mexico, or UNAM. The
architecture at this university is considered one of the
best examples of functionalism in Latin America and it
responds to the need to create a national style with its own
identity. Many of the buildings have murals by such renowned
Mexican artists as Diego Rivera (on the university stadium,)
David Alfaro Siqueiros (on the dean’s building) and Juan
O’Gorman (on the main library.)
Corredor Reforma: Also known as Avenida Paseo de la
Reforma, the main avenue that runs through the city’s
central areas. Along this avenue, you can see many of Mexico
City’s most famous monuments and modern buildings, such as
the Torre Mayor, Latin America’s tallest skyscraper with 55
floors and one of the city’s most important modern
construction projects. From there, as you head toward
downtown, you will come across the Fountain dedicated to
Diana the Hunter, where you will see a bronze statue of the
Roman goddess that was designed by Vicente Mendiola and
sculpted by Juan Francisco Olaguibel. The next sight along
Reforma is the Independence Monument, better known as “The
Angel.” The Angel, perched atop a Corinthian-style column,
represents the Winged Victory. At the base of the column,
depicted in feminine forms, is a sculpture featuring symbols
of war, peace, law and justice, and beside the columns are
statues of independence heroes. Further ahead, you can
admire the Cuauhtemoc Monument, a three-tiered structure
with a statue depicting the Aztec emperor hurling a spear.
At the following roundabout, you will see the Christopher
Columbus Monument, made by French sculptor Carlos Gardier;
the Columbus statue stands atop a pink Renaissance-style
pedestal. Finally, at Reforma and Avenida Juarez, you will
find the sculpture El Caballito (The Little Horse,) the work
of a sculptor from the state of Chihuahua named Sebastian.
The Caballito is a reference to an equestrian statue of
Carlos IV, which is in front of the National Art Museum in
the Historic Center.
Santa Fe: Located on the city’s southwest side in
neighboring districts Miguel Hidalgo and Alvaro Obregon.
This is Mexico’s most ambitious and advanced development
project. In this area, you will find excellent academic
institutions, such as the Iberoamerican University, as well
as modern corporate buildings, such as the Calakmul and
Bosque Arcos. The high-end development project also has
residential areas, such as the Tomas Moro Apartments, a
structure built with strong emphasis on space, forms and
lighting.
ARTS AND CRAFTS:
In Mexico City you will find crafts from any state in the
nation: gold and silver jewelry, textiles, leather products,
such as belts and purses, and wooden toys (spin tops, yo-yos
and Mexican baleros.) You will also see a wide selection of
furniture made from various materials that require different
techniques. These are just some of the arts and crafts that
you can buy in markets such as the Ciudadela and the Centro
Artisanal Buenavista.
FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS:
Mexico City has always been considered the center of
celebrations and religious festivities, yet it maintains the
important traditions that prevail in other states across the
nation. The festive atmosphere at these celebrations is
cause for rejoice, particularly on holidays when the
nation’s cultural and historical values reinforce the
Mexican people’s sense of identity, such as Independence Day
in the Zocalo. On September 15, the night of the so-called
Independence Day Cry, the main square becomes a huge fiesta
full of colorful lights, music and all kinds of traditional
Mexican food. Day of the Dead, an ancient tradition carried
out each year on November 2 to remember the deceased, is
also an important national holiday. Some of the most
beautiful Day of the Dead ceremonies and rituals take place
in Mixquic. Another important religious celebration,
Candelaria, falls on February 2. This day marks the
presentation of the infant Christ to the church. On that day
in Mexico, families get together to eat tamales, drink atole
and enjoy each other’s company. As part of Mexico’s Easter
festivities, in Iztapalapa Catholic adherents reenact the
passion and death of Jesus Christ on the Cerro de la
Estrellas. The reenactment has many years of tradition in
Mexico City.
GASTRONOMY:
Mexico City offers a wide variety of restaurants where you
can enjoy delicious national cuisine, such as sopas,
guisados, tacos and antojitos (which are a fusion of
indigenous and Spanish culinary traditions.) The city is
also well known for its gourmet and international fare. In
restaurants with many years of tradition, such as the
Hacienda de Los Morales, the San Angel Inn, and El Arroyo,
you can try a wide array of soups, entrees and desserts.
During your stay in the capital, be sure to try a tasty
alambre dish or insect tacos stuffed with grasshoppers,
maguey worms or ant roe and accompanied with beans,
guacamole sauce and your favorite drink.
MUSEUMS:
Mexico City has more museums than just about any other
tourist destination in the world. Many are worth visiting
for their architecture as well as their cultural offerings,
which include art exhibits and history displays.
Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso (Ancient College of San
Ildefonso): Located in the Historic Center at 16 Justo
Sierra, Colonia Centro, Cuauhtemoc District. This historic
building houses permanent and temporary art exhibits and
hosts various cultural events. It has three patio areas
known as: El Patio de los Pasantes, el Colegio Chico and el
Colegio Grande. In the latter, you will find murals from
renowned Mexican artists, such as Diego Rivera. Open Tuesday
through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Museo Nacional de Arte (National Art Museum): Located
in the Historic Center at 8 Tacuba Street, Colonia Centro,
Cuauhtemoc District. This is one of the most important art
museums in Latin America due to its collection, facilities
and services. It exhibits Mexican art from the 16th to 20th
centuries, including paintings, sculptures, engravings,
photography, manuscripts and antique furniture. Open Tuesday
through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Museo de la Ciudad (Museum of the City): Located
downtown at 30 Pino Suarez in the Palacio de los Condes de
Santiago de Calimaya, Colonia Centro. This building is
considered an architectural and cultural treasure of New
Spain. Its 27 showrooms have various exhibits, including
paintings, maps and models, which chronicle the history of
Mexico City, from the pre-Hispanic era to present day. The
museum also has temporary art exhibits, concerts, theatrical
performances, conferences and workshops. Open Tuesday
through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Museo Franz Meyer: Located at 45 Avenida Hidalgo, in
front of the Alameda Central Park, Colonia Centro,
Cuauhtemoc District. In a building that was once the San
Juan de Dios church, this museum has an unparalleled
collection of pre-Hispanic and colonial objects that were
donated by German businessman Franz Meyer. The museum has
colonial-style showrooms, a lovely indoor patio and a
library with a collection of books on decorative arts. Open
Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and
Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m.to 7:00 p.m.
Museo Nacional de Antropologia (National Museum of
Anthropology): Located on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma,
Colonia Chapultepec Polanco, Miguel Hidalgo District. This
is considered one of the best anthropology museums
worldwide. It has showrooms specializing in archaeology,
where you’ll see important exhibits of pre-Hispanic culture
and objects, as well as ethnology rooms, where you get to
take a closer look at ancient indigenous artwork. The museum
also has temporary exhibits, a library, audiovisual
services, a restaurant and guided tours in English and
French. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00
p.m.
Museo de Arte Moderno (Modern Art Museum): Located
off Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, at Gandhi Street in
Chapultepec Park, Miguel Hidalgo District. This museum has
an important collection of national and international 20th
century art, consisting of paintings, sculptures, drawings
and photography. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m.
to 5:30 p.m.
Museo Nacional de Historia (National History Museum):
Located in the first section of the Chapultepec Park in the
Chapultepec Castle. It has 12 showrooms that house objects
from various stages in history, including the conquest, the
Viceregal era, Mexican independence, the reform movement and
the revolution. On the top floor, in addition to a library,
you will find two sections with recreated rooms of the
castle during the time when Emperor Maximilian of Hapsburg
resided there with his wife Carlota Amalia of Belgium. In
addition, the museum has a garden area and an old
observatory. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m.
Museo Nacional de Culturas Populares (National Museum of
Popular Culture): This museum is located at 289 Avenida
Hidalgo, Colonia del Carmen, Coyoacan District. It has six
different areas with Mexican culture from various regions on
display. It is also a cultural center with an auditorium and
two patio areas where you can listen to music or see a
theatrical performance. Guided tours are offered in German,
French, Italian and Portuguese. Open Tuesday through
Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday through
Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Museo Casa Frida Kahlo “Casa Azul:” Located in south
Mexico City at 247 Londres, Colonia del Carmen, Coyoacan
District. This was the home of artists Frida Kahlo and Diego
Rivera. In several rooms, you will see their personal
objects, altarpieces, popular art and a large collection of
pre-Hispanic art from Mexico’s western, southern and Gulf
Coast regions. You will also see works of such artists as
Jose Clemente Orozco, Jose Maria Velasco and Paul Klee,
among others. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m.
Museo Soumaya: Located in southwest Mexico City in
Plaza Loreto, at Avenida Magdalena and Avenida Revolucion,
Colonia Tizapan, Alvaro Obregon District. In these showrooms
you can enjoy a permanent collection of New Spain portraits,
religious art and Latin America’s most extensive sculpture
collection of Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel. You will
also see a varied collection of national and international
artists such as Rufino Tamayo, Paul Gauguin and Vincent Van
Gogh. The museum also has a play area for children where
they can enjoy fun activities related to the exhibit. Open
Wednesday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and
Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS EVENTS:
This city has many options for family outings, including
amusement parks, city parks and zoos. The following places
are among the best:
Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Park): Located in
Colonia San Miguel Chapultepec. This is one of the city’s
most important natural reserves and a recreational area
where families can do various activities in the park’s three
sections. Here you can enjoy a picnic, take a walk, go on a
bicycle ride or take out a row boat on a manmade lake. You
can also visit the park’s museums or rise 120 meters (400
feet) high in a hot air balloon. You can enter the park at
various points along Reforma, Chapultepec and Constituyentes
avenues. Open daily from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Zoologico de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Zoo): Located
in the first section of Chapultepec Park. This zoo covers 17
hectares (42 acres) and has more than 200 animal species,
some of which are endangered. Here you can see giant pandas,
gorillas, bears, hippopotami, giraffes, wolves and much
more. The natural habitats of many species at the zoo have
been recreated successfully, allowing some of the animals to
reproduce while in captivity. The zoo also has a reptile and
bird exhibit. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m.
La Feria (The Fair): Located in the second section of
Chapultepec Park near the Papalote Children’s Museum. This
is one of Mexico City’s most popular amusement parks for
kids. It has more than 50 rides, including a wood roller
coaster. Open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m., Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Papalote Museo del Niño (Papalote Children’s Museum):
Located in the second section of Chapultepec Park. This is a
fun and educational museum designed especially for children,
where they can touch the exhibits in any of the five
showrooms. It also has an IMAX screen and a Digital Dome,
where you can see audiovisual shows and films. Open daily
from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Six Flags: Located in south Mexico City off the
Picacho - Ajusco Highway at Km 1.5, in the Tlalpan District.
Six Flags has the best rides in the city, including such
attractions as hyper roller coasters for those who like it
fast, kid’s rides, a dolphin pool, an open-air theater,
souvenir shops, restaurants, food stands and much more. Open
Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
La Ciudad de los Niños (The Children’ City): Located
in southwest Mexico City in the Centro Comercial Santa Fe.
This is an innovative concept that gives children the
opportunity to experience the adult world as they work and
live in a make-believe children’s city. Open daily from 9:00
a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
AMUSEMENT AND RECREATION:
Mexico City is the nation’s entertainment, sports and
cultural capital. For that reason, it has a wide offering of
venues where you can go to concerts, theatrical
performances, expos, book fairs, soccer matches, bullfights,
and other exciting sports events. Among the most important
are:
Festival of Mexico in the Historic Center: Considered
one of the most awaited events of the year, this festival
offers a wide variety of cultural activities, such as music,
dance and film. It takes place in April.
International Book Fair: Takes place in February and
March in the Palacio de Mineria on Tacuba Street in the
Historic Center. At this fair you can find exhibitors from
Mexico and abroad offering their latest titles.
International Film Festival: Takes place at the
Cineteca Nacional and at different theaters throughout the
city. The first edition runs in March and April and the
second part in November and December. This is a highly
anticipated event, particularly among cinephiles.
The Theater of the City: Located at 36 Donceles,
Colonia Centro, Cuauhtemoc District. This is one of the
capital’s oldest theaters. Known for its eclectic acts, it
draws legendary international artists, such as Enrico
Caruso, Ana Pavlova and Maria Conesa (known as the white
kitten.) The theater holds up to 1,300 spectators.
The Palace of Fine Arts: Located next to the Alameda
Park at 1 Avenida Hidalgo, Colonia Centro, Cuauhtemoc
District. In this impressive eclectic construction you will
find some of the nation’s most important museums and
cultural events, such as its art and architecture museums.
In addition to a crystal curtain, which depicts a panoramic
view of the Valley of Mexico, the building’s concert hall
also has a notable stained-glass image of Apollo and the
Nine Muses. Also inside the palace are an audition room, a
showroom for temporary exhibits and a library. Another
strong draw is the art in the hallways, featuring murals of
Rufino Tamayo, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Jose Clemente Orozco
and Diego Rivera, among others. Open daily from 10:00 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m.
The Metropolitan Theater: Located at 90 Independencia,
Colonia Centro, Cuauhtemoc District. This gorgeous building
has two floors with an elegant staircase. Here, all kinds of
cultural events take place: concerts, movie premieres,
awards shows and much more.
National Auditorium: Located at 50 Avenida Paseo de
la Reforma in front of Chapultepec Park. With 10,000 seats,
this modern auditorium ranks second worldwide in admissions
among venues of its kind. It is one of the most popular
places for concerts, as it books big-name national and
international acts. It also hosts various cultural and
recreational activities, such as workshops and courses.
Center for the National Arts: Located in south Mexico
City, at Avenida Rio Churubusco and Calzada de Tlalpan,
Tlalpan District. This group of buildings has five art
schools and four national research centers. It also hosts
various cultural events, such as International Dance Day,
theatrical performances, concerts, national and
international film festivals and art exhibits.
World Trade Center: Located at 38 Montecito,
Colononia Napoles, Benito Juarez District. This is one of
the city’s tallest buildings. It has spacious and modern
facilities for expositions, as well as offices, banquet
rooms, conference and convention halls, department stores
and the city’s most famous revolving restaurant on the top
floor.
Centro Cultural Universitario: Located in southwest
Mexico City on the southern end of the University City
campus, at Avenida Insurgentes Sur and Circuito Mario de la
Cueva, Coyoacan District. This is one of the capital’s most
important cultural centers and it lies in the middle of the
Pedregal Ecological Reserve. Its facilities include a
library, a media center, a science museum, concert and dance
halls, movie theaters and performing arts venues.
Forum Sol: Located in east Mexico City, at Avenida
Rio Churubusco and Viaducto Rio Piedad, Colonia Granjas
Mexico, Iztacalco District. This highly versatile venue
stages all kinds of events: Concerts, professional baseball
games, expositions, fairs and private events, among others.
The two-tiered stadium holds 30,000 spectators, while the
floor area accommodates an additional 25,000 visitors.
The Palace of the Sports: Located in east Mexico
City, at Avenida Rio Churubusco and Anil, Colonia Granjas
Mexico, Iztacalco District. This is a sports complex with a
metallic bronze dome ornamented with pyramid-like
structures. The venue hosts concerts, expos and fairs.
Aerodrome Hermanos Rodriguez: Located in east Mexico
City, between Avenida Viaducto Rio Piedad and Avenida Rio
Churubusco, in the Ciudad Deportiva Magdalena Mixhiuca,
Iztacalco District. This track holds important auto races,
such as the Cart Series, among others.
The Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexico (Bullfight Arena):
Located at 241 Augusto Rodin, Benito Juarez District. This
bullfight arena, with a capacity of 50,000, is next to the
Estadio Azul soccer stadium; together they comprise what is
known as la Ciudad de los Deportes. Bullfight fans will
definitely want to visit this bullring, which has drawn
famous international acts such as Silverio Perez, Manuel
"Manolete" Rodriguez, Eloy Cavazos, Eulalio "Zotoluco"
Lopez, Enrique Ponce and Julian "El Juli" Lopez.
Hippodrome de las Americas (Horse Racing): Located in
west Mexico City, at Avenida Industria Militar, Miguel
Hidalgo District. This racetrack complex, which covers 52
hectares (128 acres,) has traditional horse races. It also
has restaurants, halls for special events and an expo
center. Doors open at 2:30 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and
Sundays.
Stadium Azteca: Located in south Mexico City, at 3465
Calzada de Tlalpan, Tlalpan District. This is Mexico’s
largest soccer stadium and can hold 110,000 spectators. It
has hosted two World Cup soccer events, professional
American football games, boxing matches, motocross races and
large-scale concerts.
Historic Center Trolley: This trolley bus tours the
most interesting parts of the Historic Center on eight
different routes, allowing you to appreciate the magnificent
buildings while you listen to interesting anecdotes and
legends surrounding the old structures. You will visit the
Metropolitan Cathedral, the Palace of Fine Arts, the Colegio
de San Ildefonso, the Plaza de Santo Domingo and many other
sights. Each route has its own schedule, so you will have to
get information on days and times from the city’s Historic
Center Cultural Tours offices. The departure point is next
to the Palace of Fine Arts and the trolleys run daily. Don’t
miss out on the opportunity to do this fascinating cultural
tour.
NIGHTLIFE:
Mexico City offers a wide variety of options for a night out
on the town, including restaurants, bars, cafes, modern
discos, dance halls and nightclubs, where you can party into
the wee hours of the morning. In Polanco and Santa Fe,
neighborhoods with night spots that draw young crowds, you
can go out to restaurants, bars and nightclubs where you can
hear the latest in pop, lounge, rock and electronic music.
In the Roma and Condesa, as well as in such traditional
neighborhoods as Coyoacan and San Angel, you will find
numerous establishments with a bohemian atmosphere that are
often frequented by artists and intellectuals. Meanwhile, in
the Zona Rosa and along Avenida Insurgentes Sur, you can
enjoy any number of restaurants, bars, gay clubs and
nightclubs that offer entertaining shows featuring
well-known local artists and comedians. If this is your
first visit to Mexico City, you’ll definitely want to visit
the Plaza de Garibaldi, a mariachi plaza in the downtown
area where you can listen to mariachi music while drinking
tequila, Mexico’s most traditional drink. Explore the plaza
at your leisure, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself
singing with the mariachis until the break of dawn.
SHOPPING:
Mexico City offers many options if you want to go shopping.
From department stores that sell clothes and electronic
goods, to first-rate shopping malls, such as Centro Coyoacan,
Perisur and Centro Santa Fe, where you’ll find boutiques and
jewelry stores selling the most prestigious brands. All
along Avenida Presidente Masaryk, in Polanco, you will spot
many exclusive boutiques and stores selling top-notch
designer goods. In the Zona Rosa, the Roma and the Condesa,
you’ll come across the best art galleries selling works of
renowned artists. To buy crafts, you can hit La Ciudadela
market and the Centro Artisanal Buenavista, where you can
purchase items made in different regions throughout the
nation. Finally, at the Lagunilla market or at bazaars in
Coyoacan, San Angel, the Roma and the Condesa, you will find
antiques, books, jewelry, coins, old records and photos,
among many other objects.
For prices, reservations, availability and bookings, please
contact us at:
visit@luxuriousmexico.com
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