Though in need of a polish from time to time, Mexico City is a jewel. At once the target of scorn for a metro population that now exceeds 20 million and the recipient of praise for a reputation as the most progressive city in Latin America, the capital of Mexico demands some of your attention and time.
With a history that dates back to 1325 as a Nahua Aztec tribal base of power, Mexico City has gone through various incarnations that together, in their totality, make it a very attractive destination for tourism. As a result of a rich cultural heritage and a conglomerate of influences, the city offers up an embarrassment of treasures.
It starts with streets outside the city center that pulse with life and contain a myriad of quaint restaurants, coffeeshops, bookstores, antique shops and various objects of curiosity. Like any other major city, it behooves visitors to walk the distinct neighborhoods and get a feel for everyday life. In Mexico City there is a vibrancy in the air and sense of pride that may stem from the fact that as a cultural destination, it has few rivals. No other city in the world has as many museums and only London, New York City and Toronto boasts more theaters. Restaurants have become a major draw here as well over the years, as native and foreign chefs collaborate to create some of the most innovative and inspirational cuisine in the Western Hemisphere.
With so much on the plate, where to begin? First of all, remember to consult our guide to the best hotel deals in Mexico City. With that, our quest to help you digest Mexico City in all her glory starts pronto.
Fans of the bi-curious expressionist with the most notorious unibrow in history will want to make a pilgrimmage to her former home. The museum may not contain the most extensive collection of works by Kahlo and husband Diego Rivera but nonetheless serves as a wonderful time capsule of their lives.
The ideal compliment to the Kahlo house is the Museo Dolores Olmedo Patino. The former mansion of Diego Rivera muse and financier Dolores Patino, the palatial home alone makes for a worthy trip. Pair it however with some of the best examples of Kahlo and Rivera art, in addition to other supreme collections, and you have a world class art gallery.
The extravagant opera house of Mexico City is also the best place to view the murals of Rufino Tamayo, David Alfaro Siqueiros, José Clemente Orozco and of course, Diego Rivera. As a canvas for the great muralists the Palace is a wonderful attraction. It also provides the scenery for some of the best opera in the world (Maria Callas was once a regular), not to mention superlative Fine Arts and Architecture museums.
Museo Nacional de Antropología
The National Museum of Anthropology is the museum of record in Mexico. A foundation on which rests all other exposition halls, the museum collection of Aztec, Mayan, Olmec and pre-colonial artifacts is the most important in the Americas and indeed, traces the ethnic and cultural roots of both continents. A tour reminds you of Mexico’s exceptional contribution to the development of human civilization and provides singular perspective on her history.
Aztec Stadium is a vital dream factory in world football lore. The premier sports pilgrimmage site was the host of two FIFA World Cup finals, in addition to the 1968 Summer Olympics. The grand stadium swells with capacity crowds well over 100,000 for major events and football games that involve Mexico City favorite Club América. As a place to watch world class football and observe a unique slice of life in the capital, it gets no better than Azteca.
No matter how you think you feel about the “sport”, a bullfight is one event that everyone must witness at least once. With a heartfelt apology to Spain, what better location to watch this unique spectacle than Mexico City? The open amphitheater confines of Plaza de Toros holds more bullfight spectators - 50,000 - than any other in the world and despite campaigns against the sport, avid supporters in Mexico City are still rabid for what they consider a crucial component of their cultural heritage.
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