| |
Experience Mexico City
Mexico City Attractions
Downtown Mexico City.
Downtown México City is a historic, financial, arts and business center that has preserved its rich history and architectural beauty. Declared a part of Mexico's cultural heritage by UNESCO, this four-mile district is filled with beautiful residential areas, museums, parks, restaurants and stores.Downtown Mexico City offers some of the world's most significant historical sites, including the ruins of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, which was partially constructed in the 14th century.
Paseo de la Reforma.
Mexico City's most beautiful tree-lined avenue - between Downtown and Chapultepec Forest - features luxury hotels, office buildings, art galleries, ancient areas, spectacular monuments and stunning architecture. One of the most extraordinary and longest streets in Latin America, Paseo de la Reforma is highlighted by historic monuments and statues of the Republic’s heroes that decorate its squares. Landmarks like Christopher Columbus statue, Diana Fountain and Independence Monument are dear to the Mexican people. At the southern end of Paseo de la Reforma. In front of Chapultepec Forest, Polanco is a dynamic neighborhood with the trendiest shopping and dining. dstrict.El Zócalo.
The Plaza of the Constitution, called El Zócalo, is one of the most magnificent plazas in the world. An immense flag waves in the middle of this vast square which is dominated by two buildings - the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. A harmony of old and new, Zocalo features historic buildings, restaurants, stores, hotels, and ancient Aztec ruins. [Top]
Metropolitan Cathedral.
Dominating the Zocalo, Metropolitan Cathedral is Latin America's oldest and largest cathedral. Featuring 67-meter towers, it is the heart of the most populated diocese in the world. Constructed over three centuries (from 1525 to 1813), the cathedral reflects the classic, neoclassic, baroque and Mexican churrigueresque architecture. Metropolitan Cathedral contains prized works of art from the colonial era, in a variety of artistic styles, as well as statues and altarpieces. This historic and spiritual site presents a sound-and-light show called "Voices of the Cathedral" - a candlelit stroll through the cathedral enhanced by period music.National Palace.
Located on Mexico City's El Zócalo, the National Palace was residence of the President of the Republic and the seat of Mexican government. Constructed during the Renaissance, the palace's most impressive feature is the great mural over the building's main staircase, which was painted by Diego Rivera at the height of the Revolution. The impressive site has been a palace for the ruling class of Mexico since the Aztec empire, and much of the palace's red tezontle facade is from the original that belonged to Moctezuma II. [Top]National Museum of Anthropology.
Opened in 1964, the enormous National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec Park is home to the most extensive collection of pre-Columbian, Aztec and Mayan artifacts in the world. At the finest anthropological museum in the world you learn about Mexico's colorful, pre-Hispanic history. The museum’s ground floor highlights the native cultures of México before the Spanish conquest, and the famous Aztec sun stone is displayed among the impressive collection of artwork from the indigenous peoples. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 to 7:00 and Sundays from 10:00 to 6:00. Call 5553 6381 or visit www.mna.gob.mx.Chapultepec Castle/ National History Museum.
The centuries-old Chapultepec Forest is crowned by the most magnificent castle in Mexico City. Constructed during the 18th century, this neo-classical castle served as home of the Emperor Maximiliano. Today, this historic landmark and world heritage site houses the National Museum of History, featuring various salons with opulent furnishings, historic jewels, the splendid imperial carriage and amazing murals by Orozco, Siqueiros and O’Gorman - the greatest muralists in México. The spectacular castle delights with incredible views of the city and manicured grounds. Open Tuesday through Sunday. [Top]
Chapultepec Park.
This beautiful 2,100-acre park is a cultural and recreational focal point of Mexico City. Chapultepec Park offers lush, green fields, children's recreational areas, amusement parks, a lake, and Chapultepec Zoo - the top zoo in Latin America. The magnificent, historic park features six important museums, including the Museum of Anthropology and Modern Art Museum, as well as the National Palace, residence of the president of the Mexican Republic.Templo Mayor.
Recently discovered in Mexico City, Templo Mayor (Great Temple) is a massive stone pyramid with two Aztec temples built in the 14th century in honor of the Aztec gods of war and water. Museo Templo Mayor illustrates the splendor of the Aztec Empire with over 3,000 artifacts excavated from this ancient site and in central México. The centerpiece is an 8 ton carved round stone discovered at the Templo Mayor depicting the moon goddess Coyolxauhqui. Notable pieces in the temple include: Tzompantli-Shrine or Wall of Skulls, a panel made of rows of human skulls covered with stucco; two identical life-size clay statues of Aztec warriors dressed in eagle costumes; and a stone eagle symbolizing the god Huitzilopochtli, where the hearts of sacrificial victims were placed. Visit www.conaculta.gob.mx/templomayor/. [Top]
Modern Art Museum.
Located in Chapultepec Park, the Modern Art Museum houses Mexico City's permanent art collection and features an impressive collection of artwork by Mexico's greatest contemporary artists including Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, David Alfaro Siqueiros and Frida Kahlo. Museum exhibits include Mexican painting, sculpture, lithography and photography. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 5:00.Fine Arts Palace.
The most beautiful building in México City, Fine Arts Palace is Mexico's national theater and opera house and home of Amalia Hernandez's folkloric ballet. Admire the elegant harmony of the Art Deco and Art Nouveau architecture, as well as fine Mexican art. Tiffany's in New York created the theater's main curtain, a mosaic made from one million crystals that depict the Mexican valley. The palace features the work of three great Mexican muralists -Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Juan O’Gorman and Rufino Tamayo. The magnificent venue presents artistic and cultural activities, including opera performances, classical music concerts, and art exhibitions or painting and sculpture. [Top]
Papalote Children's Museum.
Described as one of the most technologically advanced museums in Mexico, this colorful museum was designed to delight and inspire children. The museum features more than 248 interactive exhibitions divided into five areas: Con-science, I Am, Expressions, I Communicate and Our World. Kids are encouraged to discover the world and themselves through interactive games and educational exhibits that highlight culture, art, science and history. Check out the Megapantalla IMAX, where 3-D films like Grand Canyon are shown on the gigantic screen. Visit www.papalote.org.mx.Chapultepec Fair.
Located in Chapultepec Forest, just east of Lago del Nuevo Bosque, La Feria is Mexico City's most impressive amusement park. Chapultepec Fair features more than 50 exciting rides and fun attractions, including the Big Dipper. Open: Tuesday through Sunday from10: 00 to 6:00. [Top]Chapultepec Zoo.
The top zoo in Latin America, Chapultepec Zoo is part of the Mexican tradition of conserving animals that dates back to ancient times. Located in Chapultepec Park, one of the most significant zoological parks in the world houses a collection of over 2000 animals from more than 200 species. The Zoo is internationally famous for its renowned breeding program and three female Giant Pandas, Xiu Hua, Shuan Shuan and Xin Xin. Chapultepec Zoo consists of 7 areas - Desert, Pastures, Coastal Strip, Tundra, Aviary, Tempered Forest and Tropical Forest. Explore the Reptile House and the new butterfly house.
Six Flags.
One of the most exciting amusement parks in the world and the largest in Latin America, Six Flags features 48 thrill rides, pulse-pounding roller coasters, fun attractions and ever-changing family shows. Located in the Ajusco forest south of the city, Six Flags features an amazing collection of extreme rides and coasters like The Dark Knight, Superman El Ultimo Escape, Batman The Ride, Medusa, Roller Skater, Escorpion, and Catarina Voladora. The amusement park also features Adventure Kingdom, featuring new rides featuring new rides such as Wild River, Unexpected Trip, and Roller, and Dolphin Discovery, where you can swim with dolphins! Visit www.sixflags.com.mx. [Top]National Auditorium.
This impressive 9,683-seat performance and convention center is the leading concert and performance venue in Mexico City. Ranked the top concert venue in the world by Pollstar Magazine in 2007, the National Auditorium presents a diversity of blockbuster concerts, international performers and events with technologically advanced sound and lighting. Many international figures have performed here including Placido Domingo, Paul Simon, Kirov Ballet, Juan Luis Guerra, David Copperfield, Sting, Jose Carreras and The London Philharmonic Orchestra. The Auditorium houses the largest pipe organ in Latin America. For upcoming concerts and events, visit http://www.ticketmaster.com.mx.National Art Museum.
Located in the former Communications Palace, the National Art Museum features a great collection of Mexican art ranging from the 16th to the first half of the 20th centuries. The National Art Museum features revolving exhibits of contemporary painters, sculptors, lithographers, and photographers from around the world. Marvel at paintings by Juan Correa, Miguel Cabrera, Eugenio Landesio and the largest collection of paintings by the outstanding Mexican landscaper, Jose María Velasco. A whole room is devoted to the plastic arts of México from the 1930s to the 1960s. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Sundays are free. [Top]
Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum.
Designed by the great Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, this 23-room museum features an interesting collection of Pre-Hispanic Mexican ceramics and sculpture - the largest in Mexico. Meaning “House of the Valley of Mexico, the museum includes a replica of the painter's studio, along with sketches of the famous mural he painted in New York's Rockefeller Center, which was destroyed for political reasons, and re-created in the Fine Arts Palace. Built with volcanic rock and stone, Rivera took elements of Teotihuacan and Aztec architecture to highlight the pre-Hispanic past and create a significant artistic center. A central plaza sets the stage for theatrical and musical representations. Visit www.anahuacallimuseo.org.Frida Khalo Museum.
The house where the artist was born and lived, the Frida Kahlo Museum is a reflection of Khalo’s personality and art. The fascinating museum includes personal objects, work utensils, and some of her art work like giant papier-mâché skeletons outside the gloriously decorated kitchen. The collection also displays pictures and sketches of Diego Rivera, and paintings by Jose, Maria Velasco, Joaquin Clausell, and Paul Klee. Open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 to 2:00 and 3:00 to 6:00. Tel: 5-554 5999.Diego Rivera and Frida Khalo House Studio Museum.
Formerly the avant-garde abode where Diego Rivera lived with Frida Khalo, this museum features the works of these two famous Mexican painters. The museum displays a few examples of Rivera´s exceptional art and a lot of memorabilia from the famous artist couple. Rivera lived in the house until his death in 1957. Open: Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Tel: 5-550-1518. [Top]
