Mexico City Tourist Attractions

Mexico Five-Star Hotel Mexico City El Zócalo Cuauhtemoc National Palace Mexico City Zoo Mexico City Art Museum Mexico City Auditorium

A magical harmony of old and modern, Mexico City is a vibrant destination with exciting tourist attractions, ancient landmarks, breathtaking art museums, historic theaters, beautiful parks and cultural diversions. From the famous Modern Art Museum, featuring Mexico’s celebrated contemporary artists, to the Metropolitan Cathedral, Latin America's oldest and largest temple, to the magnificent Fine Arts Palace, Mexico's national theater and opera house, Mexico City is an enchanting vacation destination of amazing attractions, art, architecture and aromas. A world heritage site, Downtown Mexico City is a dynamic district lined with amazing architecture, museums, parks, restaurants, shops and significant historical sites, including the ruins of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán.

Mexico City Most Famous Attraction

El Zócalo -

The Plaza of the Constitution, or El Zócalo, is one of the most magnificent plazas on the planet. 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 unique mix of old and new, Zocalo features historic buildings, restaurants, stores, hotels and ancient Aztec ruins.

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 is the current 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.

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 originally served and 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 incredible view of the city and manicured grounds make a visit to the castle even more spectacular. Open: Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 to 7:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 6:00.

Chapultepec Park/ Chapultepec Zoo -

This beautiful 2,100-acre park is the cultural and recreational heart 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 and historic park features six important museums, including the Modern Art Museum and Museum of Anthropology, as well as the National Palace. Chapultepec Zoo is one of the most significant zoological parks in the world housing over 2000 animals, including the famous Giant Pandas, Xiu Hua, Shuan Shuan and Xin Xin.

Templo Mayor -

Recently discovered in modern 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 others 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/.

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 of painting and sculpture.

National Auditorium -

This impressive 9,683-seat performance and convention center is the leading concert and performance venue in Mexico City. Ranked the best 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 concerts and events, visit http://www.ticketmaster.com.mx.

National Art Museum -

The National Art Museum features an extensive collection of Mexican art ranging from the 16th to the first half of the 20th centuries. The museum features revolving exhibits of contemporary painters, sculptors, lithographers, and photographers from around the world. The National Art Museum displays paintings by Juan Correa, Miguel Cabrera, Eugenio Landesio and the largest collection of paintings by the outstanding Mexican landscaper, Jose María Velasco. One 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.