Mexico City,
the oldest metropolis on the American continent, is perched atop a highland valley
at about 2,240 meters (7,392 feet) above sea level. Towering high above the city’s
southeast side are two volcanoes: Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl. The nation’s
capital has some of the best weather in the world with an average temperature of
22º C (72º F).
Once known
as the City of Palaces, Mexico City has two areas that were declared World Heritage
Sites by the UNESCO. The first, the Centro Historico (Historic Center), has beautiful
historic and religious buildings, such as the Cathedral Metropolitano (Metropolitan
Cathedral), one of the most important architectural structures in the Western Hemisphere.
The Palacio Nacional (National Palace) has spectacular Diego Rivera murals that
chronicle Mexico’s history. And Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts), which
hosts the city’s most important cultural events, is a beautiful construction that
blends art nouveau and art deco styles. The other World Heritage Site, Xochimilco
Ecological Park, is often called the Venice of Mexico due to its beautiful canals.
Flower-painted boats offer tours of the canals and floating gardens.
If you’re
interested in cultural events, Mexico City offers a wide variety of museums, such
as the Museo Nacional de Antropologia (a world-class anthropology museum), the
Museo Nacional de Arte (The National Art Museum) and the Museo Nacional de
Historia (a history museum in Chapultepec Castle where you can see an amazing exhibit
that chronicles the nation’s history and art, from the pre-Hispanic era to present
day).
In north Mexico
City, you can visit the Basilica de Guadalupe, one of the most visited basilicas
in the world; in fact, it is second only to Saint Peter’s Basilica, in Vatican City,
in the number of visitors it receives each year. This is a must-see for those who
want to learn more about the city’s customs and traditions.
What’s
more, Mexico City is a cosmopolitan metropolis, where new and old traditions coexist
side by side. Here you can go shopping at bazaars and crafts markets in the Coyoacan
and San Angel neighborhoods. Or you can go to exclusive boutiques and shopping centers
in the posh communities of Santa Fe and Polanco, where you’ll be surrounded by the
comfort of top-notch hotels and restaurants.
