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MEXICO CITY TRAVEL GUIDE
Mexico City – the catchy name for Mexico’s capital city – is home to over 8 million people living in the city proper (and over 20 million living in the metro region surrounding the city). Mexico City sits in a valley that was originally settled by the Aztecs in 1325. It is a city of contrasts with luxury, glitz and glamour mixed with poverty, pollution and crowds. Yet, it has a Latin charm with bustling markets, modern and historical museums and incredible archaeological digs that explore the Aztec history. This city is the political and financial centre of Mexico and is known for its cultural celebrations. Mexico City is never boring and there is always something new to see or do just around the next corner.
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MEXICO CITY WEATHER - When To Go
There is really no bad time to visit Mexico City. Summer, from June to September, is mild with temperatures rarely exceeding 27 degrees Celsius. The nights can get cool so a light jacket is often necessary. Summer is the rainy season and there can be daily afternoon showers. Autumn and winter from November through February can get cooler at night but the temperature rarely drops below 10 degrees Celsius. And these months are quite dry with very little rain.
Possibly the best time to visit Mexico City is October when the rains have stopped, much of the pollution has been washed from the air and everything is still bright green and glorious. Day of the Dead is a Mexican festival that is also celebrated in October and can be quite fun to experience. Avoid the month of April, as the city tends to be quite dirty and polluted. Another fun time of year is from Christmas to New Years, (end of December) when the holiday celebrations are in full swing and the city takes on a joyous atmosphere.
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MEXICO CITY ATTRACTIONS - Things to See & Do
Mexico City is full of fun activities and amazing sites. From a modern Six Flags Park with thrilling rides to an ancient archaeological dig site, there is something to suit every age and taste. There are some sites that should be included on every traveller’s “must-see” list.
A perfect place to start a tour of the city is Plaza de la Constitucion or as it is called by the locals, Zocalo. Located in the heart of downtown, it is the main city square and one of the largest in the world. People gather on a regular basis in this square for festivals, exhibitions and cultural celebrations. The city radiates out in all directions from this central point.
Look to the North while at the Zocalo and the Catedral Metropolitana is clearly visible. This cathedral took 250 years to build and is a combination of several different architectural styles. Built on top of an Aztec ruin, the cathedral is slowly sinking which accounts for the many cracks visible in its walls. Visitors are welcome to walk around when there is no religious service being held. Take note of the Altar de los Reyes just behind the main altar. It was built in the 18th century and is a great example of the Churrigueresque design style.
Just to the east of Zocalo is the Palacio Nacional. It is here; every September 15th that Mexican independence is celebrated. The building can be accessed especially to see the Diego Rivera murals that depict Mexican history. Admission is free but you must bring an ID and leave it with the guard at the entrance to the building.
Just around the corner from the Palacio Nacional is the Templo Mayor or The Great Temple. This is an Aztec temple dedicated to the god of rain, Tlaloc and the god of war, Huitzilopochtli. Archaeologists began investigating the temple grounds in 1978 and many of their discoveries can be found in the Templo Mayor Museum. There is a small fee to enter and explore the ruins.
Another nearby building that is fun to explore is The House of Tiles. In the 1700s this was home to the Count and Countess of Orizaba and during a renovation they decided to decorate the whole house in the blue tiles seen today. The home has been converted to a shopping and eating area and is a wonderful place to grab a bite to eat and people watch.
Another short walk from the Zocalo is the Museo Nacional de Art (National Art Museum). The museum was designed to look like a 1900s Italian Renaissance palace. The art itself features Mexican artists with exhibits from the late 19th century up to the early 20th century. There is an exhibit of modern plastic art as well as contemporary painting and sculptures.
Make a chore a lot more enjoyable and pick up some stamps for those postcards at Palacio Postal also located in downtown Mexico City. The building was erected in the early 20th century and is another building erected in the Italian renaissance style. Once the postcards have been mailed check out the Tarascan farmer mural in the lobby that is made with over 48,000 stamps!
Just across from the Palacio Postal is Palacio de Bellas Artes or The Fine Arts Palace. The building was designed in the Art Nouveau style out of exquisite marble. There are still regular theatrical productions held in this stately building.
To take a break from the city head to the Alameda Park next door to Palacio de Bellas Artes. The park dates from the 16th Century and there are beautiful fountains and lawn areas to relax.
If the day is clear stop and visit the Torre Latinoamerican or Latin American Tower. Go up to the 44th floor where there is an open terrace and an awe-inspiring view of the city. If it is a bit too windy, as can often be the case, floors 42 and 43 have observation decks that are better protected from the elements. There is a museum on the 38th floor that contains pictures of old Mexico City and some artefacts that were unearthed when the tower was built in the 1940s and 50s.
For the truly religious, make a pilgrimage to the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe Church). It was here in 1531 that a man named Juan Diego saw a vision of the Virgin Mary. A church was built by the local bishop to celebrate the event. There is a shrine over the spot where the vision was seen. Christians from all over the world come to Mexico City to visit this church.
For a fun day on the water head south of downtown to Xochimilco. This is an area of over 176 kilometres of canals built by the ancient Aztecs. Take a trip on a wooden boat throughout these waterways and visit the vendors selling various wares or authentic Mexican cuisine. Mariachi bands float along in their own boats serenading all who float by. It is quite a festive atmosphere.
Treat the children to a day of fun and excitement at Six Flags Mexico. This is an amusement park fashioned after the famous Six Flags parks in the USA. There are numerous thrill rides as well as tamer rides for the younger children. There are also plenty of places in the park to get a cheap meal.
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MEXICO CITY - Eating Out & Nightlife
The Mexican people love a celebration and dancing is at the heart of this culture. There are many dance clubs that feature the local styles of Salsa, Flamenco and Cuban dance. For a more universal style of entertainment there are a myriad of jazz clubs, discos and rock venues with live music, DJs and dancing. There are also plenty of more formal and more classical forms of entertainment with opera, the philharmonic orchestra, classical concerts and traditional theatre.
Some of the best discos and bars are located in the larger hotels. Take note that many do not open until late in evening around 10pm and will keep going until early in the morning. Pick up a copy of Tiempo Libra, which is published every Thursday. This is a magazine that will let the traveller know what is going on at night from movies and live music to bars and nightclubs.
Restaurants are strewn throughout the city with the main eating areas in the Zona Rosa, Centro, and Santa Fe neighbourhoods. For those worried about safe places to eat, there are plenty of American fast food restaurants as well as Mexican chain eateries that all have high standards of food preparation. Many of the hotels have fine restaurants that also focus on safe and clean practices. For the brave of heart there are small roadside eateries with delicious home cooking. Beware that many of these small cafes do not confirm to any standards of cleanliness.
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MEXICO CITY - Getting Around & Local Transport
One of the best and cheap ways to get around the city is by subway. They can be hot and crowded at rush hour, but trains run every few minutes so there is not a long wait if the first train is full. For those who do not speak Spanish, the system is colour coded for easy travel. The train system does shut down at midnight so alternate transportation will be required beyond that time.
There are numerous public buses that also run throughout the city. There are both public and private buses available. Try to use only the public buses, as the private bus drivers are not known for their safe driving.
There are also double-decker tour buses that might be fun to take around the city for a day. They stop at all points of interest and the traveller can board and disembark as desired.
Taxis are another mode of transportation. To be safe call or find a “base” taxi. Their registration starts with an “S” and they usually sit in specific locations. Avoid free roaming taxis to prevent “express kidnapping” where the victim is robbed and forced to withdraw money from local ATMs around the city! Mexico City is definitely not the safest city in the world, but don’t let that put you off, as it has so much to offer its visitors.
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MEXICO CITY FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
British Airways is the only airline offering direct flights between the UK and Mexico City, out of London Heathrow.
Otherwise try the big online flight-booking websites such as Expedia.co.uk for flights involving one stopover, normally either in Spain, the USA or Mexico (Cancun) on route to Mexico City.
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