Visitors are often overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of Mexico City. This metropolis is home to millions and sprawls almost as far as the horizon in every direction. Houses are often stacked on top of each other and personal space is an alien concept. Mexico City is a place of heat; food, passion, and the unforgiving sun make this vibrant city the perfect place to indulge in a love of spice, and cold beer.
What to Expect
The center of the city, or Distrito Federal, is extremely international, and very modern in spite of its traditional look and atmosphere. Some traditions are kept though, and the generous hospitality of the local people is one aspect that is a welcome remnant of the old world. This is not to imply that Mexico City is crime-free. Far from it, although violent crime tends to be gang-related and tourists are generally safe. The exception to this is night-time movement (stay in groups and stay away from the Metro after dark).
Getting Around
The public transport system (predominantly bus and Metro, in daytime) is clean, safe and a bargain at around $0.10 a ticket. Taxi rides can be more convenient, as well as an entertaining experience - Mexican taxi drivers are pretty lively, and impromptu serenades, jokes or insult-exchanges with the driver of the next cab over are common. If you really need to hail a cab in the street, be prepared to pay through the nose – a better alternative is to prebook a taxi with one of the established companies.
Places to See
The Paseo de la Reforma is at the heart of the city, and is where you can best see the infinite variety of people who call Mexico City home. Sunday is the best day to be here as the streets are closed to traffic. Take a leisurely stroll (or hire a bike), while indulging in the people-watching that seems to be a national pastime. The food, shopping and crowds here must be seen to be believed, and the atmosphere is vibrant.
The three faces of Mexico can be seen in the Plaza de las Tres Culturas. Aztec, Spanish and modern Mexico meet here in a fascinating display that includes the remains of the ancient city of Tlatelolco and the early 16th century Church of Santiago, all easily sitting in a setting of the avant garde architecture and design that Mexico City is known for. A great tourist spot without the overwhelming 'touristy' feeling.
Arts
Arguably the best thing to come out of Mexico City is the combined powerhouse of artist Frida Kahlo and her artist husband Diego Rivera. Kahlo's home has been made into a museum and here some of her work, as well as personal letters and photographs are stored, along with her furniture and most of her clothes. Unmissable for anyone who has heard of this extraordinary talent. Said to be one of his greatest works, Rivera's fountain, the Fuente de Tláloc was built in 1952 after he finished painting El agua, origen de la vida (Water, origin of life). This homage to the Aztec god of rain and water is a tile-mosaic in bas-relief.
Food
Although Mexico City is becoming an international hub of commerce and industry, there are still infrastructural problems with basic amenities, so make certain you ask for bottled water unless you have already developed a travelers stomach.
Don't stay away from the local food though – if you are averse to hot spice, ask for it to be put on the side, but true Mexican food is a delight: a riot of flavors and colors that is a world away from the franchised international version of Mexican that many of us are used to eating.
Hotels
Accommodation options range in quality and price. Private rooms with their own bathroom can be had in family-run guesthouses or Bed and Breakfasts for between $15 and $30 per night (these are often the best way to really get to know Mexico City). If you have a little more cash to splash, sumptuous digs at the Embassy Suites will cost around $150 per night.
Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder on the left to find cheap hotels in Mexico City.
(Photo:Fotolia/Bill Perry)
