Mexico City

Aztec ruins, world-class museums and a food scene that rivals any in the world.

Mexico City, one of the world's largest metropolises at 22 million in the greater metropolitan area, is an overwhelming and magnificent capital that sits at 2,240 metres altitude on a former lake bed in the Valley of Mexico. It is one of the world's great cities for art, food, history and cultural depth — a city that rewards exploration at every level. The historic centre (Centro Histórico) is the place to begin: the Zócalo (the largest plaza in Latin America), the Metropolitan Cathedral built on Aztec ruins, and the extraordinary Palacio Nacional with Diego Rivera's monumental murals depicting Mexican history from the Aztec empire to the Revolution are all here. The Templo Mayor archaeological site, the remains of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán, sits directly beside the cathedral — the juxtaposition is extraordinary. The Anthropology Museum in Chapultepec Park is one of the world's great museums. The Frida Kahlo Museum (La Casa Azul) in Coyoacán, Kahlo's blue house where she was born and died, is essential. Chapultepec Park is one of the world's largest urban parks. Palacio de Bellas Artes (Art Nouveau exterior, Art Deco interior, Rivera murals inside) is magnificent. The food — tacos, tamales, chilaquiles, tlayudas, mole — is extraordinary and the markets (La Merced, Jamaica, Coyoacán) are endlessly fascinating. Polanco is Mexico City's luxury restaurant neighbourhood; Roma Norte and Condesa are the most vibrant for independent culture.