Travel Guides: All Countries / Central America / Mexico / Mexico City
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| | | Fourth-largest city |  | Why go on holiday to Mexico City?
Mexico City is the world's fourth-largest city and a hive of astonishing ancient palaces, music and noise, brown air and green parks, grand museums and appalling poverty.
It seems to encompass all of human experience - good and bad - in one vivacious sprawl.
How much does it cost?
If you shop around you may get a discount return flight for £350 to £450, though prices will rise in the summer. Hotels from £20.
When should I go?
Mexico City's climate is drier and more temperate than most of the rest of the country. May to October is the hottest time, with July and September probably good only for the most hardened heat-seekers. December to February can get very chilly.
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| | | Impressive historical centre | | What should I do when I'm there?
The city's historical centre is packed full of impressive buildings, museums and ancient ruins, and can be covered on foot.
Start at the Plaza de la Constitucion (Zocalo) and take in the huge Palacio Nacional and Catedral Metropolitana. The surrounding streets hold numerous delights like the Casa de Azulejos.
The remnants of the Aztec Templo Mayor and the museum dedicated to it are remarkable.
What museums are there?
Too many to list, but many are within the Bosque de Chapultepec, a large area of woodland within the city. It houses the magnificent Museo Nacional de Antropologia with its world-class archaeological collection.
Nearby are the National History and Modern Art Museums and the terrific Papalote Museo del Nino (children's museum). The Museo Frida Kahlo was the longtime home of the artist, and houses several of her works and Mexican regional costumes worn by her.
Are there any green spaces?
There are several pleasant parks in Mexico City. Once an Aztec marketplace, the Alameda Central is a large, lush park near the city centre.
The extraordinary white marble Hemiciclo a Juarez dominates the south side, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is a must for neo-classical art buffs and several other interesting museums reside in the pleasant grounds.
The Bosque de Chapultepec is the largest park, covering more than four square kilometres, and has lakes, a museum, and a zoo.
What's out of town?
Two kilometres north is the Santa Cicilia Acatitlan, a well-preserved pyramid with a complete Aztec temple on top and fine surrounding gardens.
Fifty kilometres north-east of the city lie the unmissable, magnificent ruins of Teotihuacan, Mexico's largest ancient city. Cuernavaca, to the south, is exclusive, elegant and expensive.
Narrow cobbled streets and plazas add a touch of colonial splendour to the town of Taxco, to the south-west.
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| | | Colourful markets | | Where's good for nightlife?
There's plenty going on at night. Tiempo Libre (published every Thursday) is the best listings magazine. The glitzy Zona Rosa is where the city's moneyed night owls hang out.
There are dozens of live music venues around the city and plenty of cinemas (many non-Mexican films are dubbed into Spanish). Culture vultures will savour the huge choice of classical concerts, ballet, contemporary dance, and Spanish-language theatre.
What's the food like?
Mexico City has eateries spanning all tastes and budgets, with European, North American, Argentine and Asian restaurants aplenty.
Mexican cuisine is based around three staples: tortillas, fried beans and chilli peppers. La comida, lunch, is the biggest meal of the day. Fruit and vegetables are plentiful and a fantastic array of fresh juices is available.
The city's cheapest food is to be found at its thousands of street stands.
What should I buy?
The centre has the department stores, malls and boutiques that grace all major towns as well as hawkers and tiny hole-in-the-wall outlets.
For a truly Mexican experience wander through one of the many bustling and colourful markets where artesanias - Indian handicrafts - usually make high-quality souvenirs. The Zona Rosa is good for boutiques, art and antiques.
What is there for children to do?
Mexico City offers a plethora of kids' entertainment. Don't miss the great hands-on children's museum, Papalote Museo del Nino. There is a children's funfair in Parque Espana and a good zoo in the Bosque de Chapultepec.
Tourist office
Mexico Tourist Board, Wakefield House, 41 Trinity Square, London, EC3N 4DJ. Brochure line: 00800 11112266 (freephone) or for information, call: 020 7488 9392.
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| | Available rental properties in Mexico City |
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| |  | | Al Di La-M
Constructed in the 70's for Mexico's Presidential incumbant, this is an expansive beachhouse on the exclusive Pichilingue beach in the Puerto Marques bay.
|  | | Bel Ha Villa-M
This luxury fully serviced holiday villa
is lavishly furnished to the highest standards.4 Bedrooms, 4 en suite Bathrooms.Sleeps up 8.
|  | | Dulce Suenos-M
Dulce Suenos is a spectacular Mexican-style villa located in one of the country’s most sophisticated and exclusive resorts, Isla Navidad. 3 bedrooms sleeps up 6.
|  | | Puerto Vallarta-M
Casa Cielito is located north of Punta Mita in a remote setting on a mile long beach on the Pacific Ocean that is shared with twelve other villas.
|  | | La Playa de Arizona-M
Rich with Mexican spirit, this charming beach house blends the very best of modern conveniences with the accents of traditional Mexico.Accommodations for up to 8 adults and 2 children.
| | Click here for more properties... |
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