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Mexico
City soars above the earth at an elevation of almost 8,000 feet.
The great basin of Anahuac, also known as the Valley of Mexico, is
an ancient lakebed about 60 miles long and 30 miles wide.
It is on this vast surface, surrounded by towering mountains on
all sides, that the
original settlement was established by nomadic, indigenous people
in the 14th century. From that modest beginning, the
city has grown in every direction to encompass 300 colonias
or neighborhoods connected by everything from cobblestone streets
and narrow alleyways to eight lane major thoroughfares.
Mexico
City is a place of incomparable energy and excitement. It is
sprawling and populous in the extreme, yet cosmopolitan and
modern. It is the site of a wealth of historical
attractions and museums, striking architecture, and world-class
performing arts.
The
heart of the city is the Zocalo, a large plaza flanked by the
Cathedral and the National Palace. This 500-block virtual
museum of colonial architecture, was built on ruins of the Aztec
capital, Tenochtitlan. The Templo Mayor, one block from the Zocalo,
is the foremost relic of that period. Artifacts unearthed at the
site are displayed next door in the Museo del Templo Mayor.
The
park just west of the Zocalo, Alameda Central, is lined by
museums, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a performing-arts venue
and a must-see for its art-deco interior and elegant dome, is at
its northeastern corner. Paseo de la Reforma, the city's stately,
elegant boulevard, flanked by modern skyscrapers and hotels, runs
along the western edge of the Alameda Central. From there, it
travels southwest to Chapultepec Park, the site of several museums
and the zoo.
There
are many points of interest in other colonias
(neighborhoods) southwest of the Historic Center. About halfway
between the Historic Center and Chapultepec Park is La Zona Rosa,
a commercial neighborhood of restaurants, shops and nightspots.
Just south of La Zona Rosa is Condesa, an attractive residential
neighborhood popular for shopping, dining and nightlife.
Chapultepec
Park is not only the city's largest park, but it's also home to
many fine museums, such as the world-renowned Museo Nacional de
Antropologia. In the daytime, the park is
patrolled by police on horseback who are dressed to resemble charros,
traditional Mexican cowboys. North of Chapultepec Park is Polanco,
an upscale neighborhood with many fine hotels, restaurants and
shops.
Mexico
City defines flavor for food and art lovers alike,
and you'll find great places to eat everywhere, from taco vendors
to upscale restaurants. You'll also find cuisine from every part
of the world, especially in Condesa and Polanco.
Those
traveling to Mexico City will find symphony orchestras, a national
ballet company, a national opera company and numerous theaters
offering performances in Spanish. Museums are
plentiful and impressive, and most offer free admission on Sundays
and are closed on Mondays. Ballet Folklorico's performances of
traditional Mexican dance at the Palacio de Bellas Artes are
particularly noteworthy. The most colorful attractions
are the traditional religious festivals occurring throughout the
year.
Mexico
City is an exciting combination of Aztec, Spanish colonial and
modern art and architecture. Between Alameda Central and the
Zocalo are several impressive buildings and museums, including the
Palacio de Iturbide, an Italianate baroque palace, Casa de
Azulejos (the House of Tiles), the Correo Central (the main post
office), the Museo Nacional de Arte, containing Mexican art
exhibits, and Museo Franz Mayer which displays religious art and
European antiquities.
About
6 miles south of the city center are Coyoacan and San Angel, both
with lovely colonial buildings housing museums, galleries, cafes
and shops.
The
climate in Mexico City is delightful for outdoor recreation:
walking, jogging, golf, tennis, paddleboating, when the
air-pollution level is not too high. Check the weather section of
the local newspapers for pollution levels. If the levels are
high, plan to exercise before 8 am or after 6 pm, when the levels
are a bit lower.
There
are jogging trails in Chapultepec Park and bicycle rentals by the
hour in the first section of the park. Most golf and
tennis clubs are private, but some hotels offer guest privileges.
Many hotels have swimming pools for their guests.
Shopping,
sightseeing, culinary delights, sports and recreation, a vibrant
nightlife, concerts, theater and fiestas year round: these
are the highlights of a vacation in warm and welcoming Mexico
City. |