Mexico City

Overview

Mexico City is one of the largest cities in North America, blending Aztec civilisation and Spanish colonial culture with world-class museums.

History

Mexico City stands on the site of Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec empire, founded in 1325 and one of the largest cities in the world at the time with about 250,000 inhabitants. In 1521 the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés destroyed the Aztec empire and built the capital of New Spain on its ruins. The city was built on drained lake bed and still sinks unevenly today. A massive earthquake in 1985 caused severe damage, and the historic centre became a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Highlights

• •The Templo Mayor, still only partly excavated
• •Teotihuacan and its Pyramid of the Sun, the third largest in the world
• •Revolutionary murals by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo
• •The sheer scale of the Zócalo, the main square
• •Traditional trajinera boats on the canals of Xochimilco

Practical tips

• •Acclimatise to the high altitude
• •Watch for pickpockets in crowded places

Practical information

Best time

October to April

Tickets

Museum of Anthropology about MXN 80; Teotihuacan about MXN 95

Opening hours

Museums roughly 9:00 to 18:00; the Zócalo open all day

Local food

Tacos, tamales and mole

Getting around

The metro is extensive and cheap; avoid peak hours and watch your belongings

Visa

A tourist visa is required; holders of a valid US visa may enter visa-free, subject to Mexican immigration announcements.

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