Mexico City - Places to See
Chapultepec Park
This is a beautiful park with playgrounds, lakes, zoo and other attractions. It also houses six museums which are well worth seeing. They are very interesting. This park is huge and well visited. If you want to go there, better make an early start. . .
Plaza de las Tres Culturas
A pre-Hispanic Aztec ruin, colonial church and modern high rise.
Alameda Park
A colonial-era park with lots of fountains and replica statues from Paris. The most interesting thing to see are the policemen on horseback, dressed typically like 'Charros', with the Mexican hat and all.
Templo Mayor
Close to the Zocalo are the ruins of the Great Temple of the Aztecs, destroyed by the Spanish, who used the stones to built a cathedral nearby. The temple is the ceremonial center of Tenochtitlan (today called Mexico City). Visit the in-situ museum, which is has over 3 floors.
Historic Centre
This centre houses ruins from pre-Hispanic times, Aztec ruins and colonial churches.
Zocalo
The place where the Halls of Moctezuma stood. To the north you have the largest church of Latin America, the Metropolitan Cathedral. To the east is the National Palace, to the west is the 200-year-old National Pawnshop and lots of jewelry.
On weekends the Zocalo is always a place of fun and culture. A day before 'Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe' (in December) they have the Philharmonics and Tenors singing the 'Mañanitas' for the virgen. Impressive performance! On other days you may find artists who will show typical Aztec dances. There is always something going on weekends at night. Just pop in and have a look at what is on, you will not regret it. But leave your car at home, there is hardly a spot to park and not at all around the Zocalo. Police are very strict.
Frida Kahlo Museum
The home of Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Riviera, with works from both and other artists. This museum is a stunning revelation of the real Frida. Quite impressive, in fact. After a visit there you will better understand the somewhat disturbing pictures of this great artist. If you are into cooking, don't forget to purchase the book "Las fiestas de Frida y Diego". Absolute great recipes and along goes the story of the artists life.
Casa de Cultura - Trotzky
Visiting this place you may want to hire a guide. Not that the place is very big, but it gives you a much better insight of Trotzky living in fear for his life for so many years.
Xochimilco
Here you find the "floating gardens" dating from Aztec times. You can hire the gondolas and make a trip which lasts more or less 1 hour. On the rivers you can hire 'Charros' who will play music for you and you can even dance while floating along. Some people take food and beverages to have their 'floating picnic'. Tacos, quesadillas and other typical Mexican 'fast food' may be offered along the rivers as well. Even people selling arts and crafts will come alongside your boat if you wish. If you want to take some typicvl plants home, you may advise the 'gondoliere' to stop by one of the many 'viveros' alongside the rivers.
The Zona Rosa is very busy at weekends. It is also a favoured hangout for the gay community.
Torre Latinoamericana
It is one of the tallest buildings in Mexico City and has a top-floor observation deck. From up there you have a stunning view of the city of Mexico. It is advisable to go up there at night, since maybe during day you are not able to see much because of the smog.
Afterwards you may want to try the most delicious 'churros' of all Mexico. Go across to Cafe 'El Moro'. They serve hot chocolate in three different graduations of strength and taste. In the Mexican tradition you dip the churros into the chocolate and than eat them. Quite an experience!
