The first thing you will notice about Mexico City is that it is huge. I remember the first time I flew into the airport. Up into that point, the longest landing approach over a city I had experienced was Los Angeles. If you come into LAX from the east, you are over city for a while before landing. It seems small compared to Mexico City.
When I’ve visited Mexico City, it’s been while en route to one of the coastal areas. A day or two added in Mexico City will give you the opportunity to experience more of Mexico than just the seaside.
Once you are there, don’t let the sheer size overwhelm you. The Mexican megalopolis has much to offer the intrepid visitor and the merely curious.
The Zocalo and National Palace (Palacio Nacional)
If you’ve never been to Mexico City, these are obligatory sites to see for a look into Mexican history and culture. The Zocalo is the large plaza in front of the Palacio Nacional, in fact, the facade of the Palacio takes up the entire east side of the Zocalo.
The Zocalo is the second largest public square in the world, behind Red Square in Moscow.The National Palace stands on the site razed by Hernando Cortes after destroying the Aztec Castle of Montezuma. The Cathedral and Temple Mayor are at the Zocalo too.
The This link provides a photo walk through of the Zocalo and National Palace, including some of the fantastic mural art of
Chapultepec Park
While visiting another country to take in history and culture past, one should also look at how the current culture lives, works, and plays. For the latter, there are few better places than Chapultepec Park. The huge urban green space provides city dwellers the chance to get out in the open and recreate.
In Chapultepec Park you will find lakes, an amusement park, play areas, and several museums, including the world-class Museum of Anthropology.
Paseo de la Reforma, Zona Rosa
Take the metro out to Chapultepec, but come back toward downtown via Reforma Avenue, or Paseo de la Reforma. Originally laid out by Maximilian and called The Emperor’s Avenue, Paseo de la Reforma slices through Mexico City offering views of cathedrals, monuments, hotels, offices, and fountains.
After leaving Chapultepec Park, look for the Diana Fountain as the marker for entering La Zona Rosa, or Pink Zone. La Zona Rosa is a diverse section of town offering restaurants, nightclubs, and the chance to see a wide variety of people.
Museo Casa de Leon Trotsky
One of my favorite places to see in Mexico City is the Museum consisting of the former home of Leon Trotsky. It’s a must for any student of Russian or Mexican history.
Take the metro out to Coyoacan, and walk to the Museo Frida Kahlo. The former home of two of famous artists Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera, the home is also the first place Trotsky lived when he settled in Mexico in 1936.
It’s only a short walk from there to the house where Trotsky moved to, and was assassinated in. The Museo Casa de Leon Trotsky is a looking glass to the international struggle for worker’s rights, and the hijacking of that fight by Josef Stalin.
Mexico City Club Scene
In addition to the more well-known La Zona Rosa, hot areas for clubbing around Mexico City include the Polanca, Condesa, and San Angel districts. The nightlife is vibrant varied, and entertaining. Just remember the altitude. If the night before you were out in a seaside resort, you will notice the drinks in Mexico City take effect sooner, and stronger.
The Mexico city nightclub scene is varied, so deciding where to go can be daunting. This article provides a good starting point.
Mexico City travel pointers
The megalopolis called Mexico City has some of the worst smog anywhere. To see less of it, go in the summer or early fall, when the rainy season helps to clear the sky. Be smart with your valuables, and guard against pickpockets. At night, stay in groups if you can. Check the U.S. State Department website for more information.
