Mexico City Travel Information

Mexico City Information

Mexico City is a vast and vibrant metropolis that blends historic charm with contemporary convenience in both its architecture and infrastructure. Surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, it is located in the heart of Mexico on a plateau that is over 2000 metres above sea level. The urban centre boasts a population of just fewer than 9 million people and the entire metropolitan region has well over 20 million people, making it one of the largest cities in the world.

Mexico City offers the visitor a feast of historical, cultural and artistic sights and can be overwhelming in its sheer enormity. A popular place to begin is Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital with the main city square, Zócalo the Plaza de la Constitución which is the city’s nerve centre. As the city’s Centro Histórico, it is filled with historic sites and lovely colonial architecture. It measures around 240 square metres and was paved in stone from ruined Aztec buildings in the 1520s.

Adjacent to the square is the Palacio Nacional (Presidential Palace) housing the offices of Mexico’s president, the nation’s treasury and the stunning Diego Rivera murals. Close by, visitors will discover Alameda Central parkland in the centre of the city. The park is surrounded by museums and some of the city’s most fascinating architecture and is a very popular family destination on the weekends. It is also the city’s largest park, and its shadowy history as an execution site of the Spanish Inquisition is easily forgotten as its leafy, pleasant atmosphere—complete with food vendors, open-air concerts and street stalls—provides a relaxing contrast to streets outside.

A visit to the Palacio de Bellas Arts at one end to the park is a definite must, as it contains works by Mexico’s most famous muralists and has a fabulous art-deco interior. Museum enthusiasts will also be enthralled by the Museo Nacional de Antropologia (Museum of Anthropology). Located only a short distance away at Chapultepec Park, it is globally recognised for its superb and extensive displays. For a stimulating shopping experience, visitors can enjoy strolling through La Zona Rosa (the Pink Zone) an area that is popular for fine dining, shopping and has a lively nightlife. A visit to the colourful markets in San Angel is also a great way to see some authentic arts and crafts and soak in the ambiance that is created by the plethora of roving musicians and street performers.

For a complete change of pace visitors can enjoy an afternoon cruise down the city’s network of canals in colourfully painted gondolas (trajinera). This is a perfect way to relax and enjoy the music, beer and food on offer from vendors on passing boats.