Mexico City

Mexico City is the second largest metropolitan area of the world, only overtaken by Tokyo, with a population of over 20 million, including its metropolitan area, with over 300 neighborhoods. It is considered one of the world’s global cities in terms of its economic importance. It is one of the most fascinating and happening modern cities in the world. Most of the city’s cultural attractions are found in the historic center which includes its main square, the Plaza de la Constitución, or better known as Zocalo. In winter, this most famous square of Mexico is converted into the biggest ice skating ring of the world. The historical center is filled with landmarks such as the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor and the Palace of Fine Arts.
Mexico City is home to the most museums of any city worldwide with 170 to be found around the city, all of which are free on Sundays. The city’s biggest park is Chapultepec Park which has within it attractions such as the Chapultepec Castle, the Modern Art Museum and the National Museum of Anthropology amongst others.
Over the last few decades, several traditional neighborhoods have been renovated and emerged into some of the trendiest zones of this Metropolis, especially Condesa, which is known for its art scene. The Polanco neighborhood, located off Reforma Boulevard, is home to some of Mexico´s best known nightspots and filled with galleries and chic restaurants and some of the most modern and hip hotels in the city.
Mexico City was originally constructed in the Valley of Mexico over the ancient Lake Texcoco superimposed upon the ancient Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlan. The Aztecs built an intricate network of canals to navigate their city. After the arrival of the Spanish in 1519, most of the Aztec structures and canals were destroyed. One of the best ways to understand Aztec history is a visit to the Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan in Mexico City. Combined with a visit to the Anthropology Museum, you will gain an understanding of the lives of the Aztecs and their influence on present day Mexico. For more ancient civilizations, visit the impressive pyramids at Teotihuacan just outside the city.