Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview

On the basis of sheer scale alone, Mexico City is an overwhelming sightseeing destination rich in Aztec, colonial and modern art and architecture. Tourists tend to centre on the original Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán. At its centre is the Plaza de la Constitución, or Zócalo, the city's main square and political and religious focus. On two sides of the square are the Palacio Nacional (Presidential Palace), with its fine Diego Rivera murals, and the Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral). Close by, the Templo Mayor (Main Temple) and the adjacent Museo del Templo Mayor are filled with the artefacts unearthed from the site of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán.

Leafy Alameda Central park is a popular haunt with Mexican families at weekends. At one end is the impressive Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts), an arts centre housing some of the greatest works by Mexico's muralists and a must-see for its art deco interior.

Modern skyscrapers and hotels flank Paseo de la Reforma, the handsome street that runs from the Centro Histórico to the Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Park). On the way is La Zona Rosa (Pink Zone), a lively neighbourhood popular for shopping, dining and nightlife. Chapultepec Park is the Mexico City's largest park and home to many fine museums, including the Museo Nacional de Antropología (Museum of Anthropology), one of the most impressive museums of its kind in the world.

Two southern suburbs, Coyoacán and San Angel, formerly separate villages, have a colonial charm and merit a visit for their markets, museums and memories of their famous residents: Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. El Bazar del Sabado (Saturday market) in San Angel offers paintings and quality crafts, while the main square in Coyoacán hosts a colourful market every weekend accompanied by bands of musicians together with jugglers, street magicians and face-painters.

To venture further afield, the volcanoes Ixtaccihuatl and the very active Popocatepetl can be visited as a day trip as can the ancient ruins of Tula and Teotihuacan.

Mexico City's museums are closed on Monday, as is the Chapultepec Park. Free admission to museums each Sunday ensures day-long big crowds and long queues.

Tourist Information

Oficina de Turismo de la Ciudad de México
Londres 54, corner of Amberes, La Zona Rosa
Tel: (55) 5208 1030 or 1 800 008 9090.
Website: www.mexicocity.gob.mx
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1800.

SECTUR (National Tourism Ministry)
Avenida Presidente Masaryrk 172, corner of Hegel, in Polanco
Tel: (55) 3002 6300 or 1 800 903 9200.
Website: www.sectur.gob.mx
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1800, Sat 1000-1500.