|
|
| Home > City Guide - Mexico City - Sightseeing | ||
|
||
|
Sightseeing Sightseeing Overview It is not surprising that on arrival most visitors are overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of this megalopolis. It is, however, a great place for a few days’ sightseeing – Mexico City offers a fascinating array of Aztec, colonial and modern art and architecture. The city is divided into districts (colonia), often indicated with ‘Col.’ at the beginning. The Centro Histórico (Historic Centre), at the heart of the city, was built on the ruins of the original Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán and is packed with fine examples of colonial architecture. At its centre is the Plaza de la Constitución, or Zócalo, the city’s main square and political and religious focus. On two sides of the square are the Palacio Nacional (Presidential Palace), with its fine Diego Rivera murals, and the Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral). Close by, the Templo Mayor (Main Temple) and the adjacent Museo del Templo Mayor are filled with the artefacts unearthed from the original site of Tenochtitlán. The Alameda Central is a leafy park in the centre of town favoured by Mexican families at the weekend. At one end is the impressive Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts), an arts centre housing some of the greatest works by Mexico’s muralists and a must-see for its Art Deco interior. Modern skyscrapers and hotels flank Paseo de la Reforma, the handsome street that runs from the Centro Histórico to the Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Park). On the way is La Zona Rosa (Pink Zone), a lively neighbourhood popular for shopping, dining and nightlife. Chapultepec Park is the city’s largest park and home to many fine museums, including the Museo Nacional de Antropología (Museum of Anthropology), one of the most impressive museums of its kind in the world. Two southern suburbs, Coyoacán and San Angel, formerly separate villages, have a colonial charm and merit a visit for their markets, museums and memories of their famous residents: Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. El Bazar del Sabado (Saturday market) in San Angel offers paintings and quality crafts, while the main square in Coyoacán hosts a colourful market every weekend accompanied by bands of musicians of varying quality. Tourist Information Oficina de Turismo de la Ciudad de México Londres 54, corner of Amberes, La Zona Rosa Tel: (55) 5208 1030. E-mail: informacionturistica@mexicocity.gob.mx Website: www.mexicocity.gob.mx Opening hours: Daily 0900-1900. Transport: Metro Insurgentes. SECTUR (National Tourism Ministry) Avenida Presidente Masaryrk 172, corner of Hegel, in Polanco Tel: (55) 5250 0123 or (01-800) 903 9200, 24-hour help and information Mexico only. Website: www.mexico-travel.com Opening hours: Daily 0800-1800. Transport: Metro Polanco or bus 32. Passes There are no passes or discount schemes available for tourists. |
||
