Once Upon a Time in Mexico City

Mexico City, situated in the heart of Mexico, is the country’s capital. Known to some as the City of Palaces, thanks to an abundance of historical architecture, some of the city’s buildings date back to the 12th century.

The Zócalo, or main square, embodies the vibe of Mexico City, with its mix of both historical sites and modern-day activities. Chapultepec Park regularly hosts magic shows and other free family activities. Expect to spend plenty of time outdoors, as weather is mild no matter which season you visit.

Venture beyond city limits to explore the ruins of Teotihuacan; visit the Xochimilco’s floating gardens, in existence since the time of the Aztecs; take the kids to watch a game of fútbol (soccer). The city has more than 100 museums that focus on everything from anthropology to modern art to popular culture; check local newspapers for listings of numerous dance performances and art shows happening weekly.

Overlooking the Chapultepec Park and Castle, the Fiesta Americana Grand Chapultepec Mexico is approximately two miles from Zona Rosa and five miles from Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport. The hotel faces the Chapultepec Forest and a few steps to the cities most important museum, as well as the commercial and financial areas. This location is also two miles from the anthropological museum, seven miles from San Angel, and eight miles from Bellas Artes Palace. The hotel amenities include the fitness room, ballroom, beauty shop, and a full-service restaurant and bar. Room service is available 24-hours a day. Other hotel service include babysitting, concierge, valet laundry, porter, shoeshine, turndown, and mail service. All rooms feature air-conditioning, coffeemakers, Internet access, voicemail, hairdryers, irons, minibars, and clock radios.

The world's third largest square is the La Plaza de la Constitución,  also known as El Zócalo. A very important square in Mexico City, it's been around since pre-Hispanic times and still is a vital site. This square is used by people for demonstrations, manifestations, and socio-cultural concentrations including the festivities on the 15th of September (which is one day prior to Mexico's Independence Day).

This beautiful monument commemorates the centennial of Mexico's War of Independence, which over the course of time has become a symbol of the city itself. A golden statue of Winged Victory, affectionately referred to as El Ángel crowns a tall Corinthian column, sculpted by Antonio Rivas Mercado and erected in 1910. Beneath its pedestal lie the skulls of some of the main protagonists of the Mexican independence movement, honoured by an undying votive flame. Four figures sculpted in carrara marble sit at the four corners of the base of the column representing Peace, War, Law and Justice. A lion stands among them, crowned with laurels. The statues of war heroes stand at the base of the column.

This is a traditional Spanish restaurant, and its excellent location in a trendy area south of the city grants it a relaxed and calm atmosphere. One of its distinctive features is the classic and manorial decor in its rooms. It is located within an ancient mansion with big chandeliers, stained glass windows, old paintings and large wooden doors. The specialties are typical of this type of cuisine: Chistorra, Butifarra (types of sausages), Stews, Gazpacho, Roast Kid, Veal Breast and more. It is worth trying the Paella, which is delicious and well served.

This traditional restaurant serves typical Mexican food, and has been the subject of many local legends and a song (it is said there is a ghost hanging around the place). Established in the 19th century, it has been visited by many personalities including presidents and artists. The decor consists mainly of Talavera tiles, covering the Colonial-style building. Wooden hand-made furniture in traditional colors such as orange and royal blue add a festive touch. Music plays while you enjoy the delicious Mexican delicacies: enchiladas, tamales or freshly baked sweet bread.

Chapultepec Forest is one of Mexico City's favorite attractions. It has been a popular spot for those who want to rest and relax in a peaceful environment for centuries. Many cultural events take place here and it is also home to one of the most important zoos in America. This is also a superb place to practice sports. Special jogging tracks have been laid down, although there is nothing to stop you making your own route through the trees and around the borders of the lakes. Bicycles and dogs, however, are forbidden.

A well-chosen Spanish champagne and delicious Basque dishes make this an excellent place to eat with the entire family or to have a high-level business meeting. Offering more than just traditional dishes, the menu delves into contemporary cuisine, sophisticated in its elaboration and elegant in its presentation. Some of the house recommendations are Sautéed Prawns with Plums and Salt Pork, and Grilled Quail. Valet parking is available, although it might be better to go by underground.

Diego Rivera's most famous mural, "Sueño de una Tarde Dominical en la Alameda" (Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda) dates from 1947 and measures 15 by four metres. It was originally a fresco on the walls of the Hotel del Prado, damaged after the earthquake of 1985, it was moved here. The mural portrays various historical figures, including Viceroys, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Maximiliano of Hapsburg, Benito Juárez, José Guadalupe Posada, Porfirio Díaz and José Martí. The artist includes himself as a child holding the hand of Posada's "Catrina" (a satirical skeletal society woman from pre-Revolutionary Mexico) standing in front of his beloved Frida Kahlo.

Admission: General: $7 Students and teacher: Free with ID

This is one of the tours that you cannot miss when you visit Mexico. Just 45 minutes away from the capital city, it constitutes a unique experience for those who are fascinated by ancient civilizations. Although the main attractions are the pyramids dedicated to the sun and moon, at Teotihuacan you will also find the remains of a whole ceremonial center that includes temples, patios, murals, sculptures and sacred altars covering an area of 156 square kilometers. Located at the entrance to the site is the Teotihuacan Museum with life-size reproductions of goddesses and gods, and a large quantity of artifacts, maps and chronological charts related to their culture. By car, take the road to Tulancingo or to Pachuca; or, take the tourist bus from the Indios Verdes metro station.

More than 700 years ago the Aztecs built a magnificent work of art, the Chinampas (floating gardens) of Xochimilco. Nowadays, tourists can find flowers, fruit trees, medicinal and edible plants growing there. The best way to see the gardens is to take a ride in the colorful Trajineras (boats) through the 50 miles of canals and while afloat, enjoy mariachis, Mexican food and arts and crafts vendors that will come close to you as you leave the pier. Besides the journey through the canals, you can also walk in the colonial neighborhood of Xochimilco filled with colorful flower markets and restaurants.

If you would like to enjoy haute Mexican cuisine in beautiful surroundings, you could do no better than to book a table at this fine eatery. Located in the Plaza Manuel Tolsá, you can dine outside at one of the tables on the terrace. Lawyers and politicians from the Cámara de Senadores (Senate) next door number amongst the regular clientele. Don't forget to order the Tamarind "Mole" and a "Mestizo" dish. The restaurant has a trio of musicians that play every weekday evening, Mondays to Fridays.

In 1904, the construction of the Palacio de Bellas Artes began on the remains of the Santa Isabel convent. Porfirio Diaz had wanted to inaugurate it in 1911, to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of Mexico's independence from Spain. However, the project, under the guidance of Italian architect Adamo Boari, suffered serious setbacks due to the instability of the ground that had been chosen for the building. Time passed, the revolution broke out, and in the end the palace was not completed until 1934, with architect Federico Mariscal heading the project. It is not strange, therefore, that the marble façade, built in a style between Neo-classical and Art Nouveau, is contrasted by an interior that looks much more Art Deco in appearance. Art connoisseurs will certainly appreciate the museum's murals by Rivera, Siqueiros, Orozco, Tamayo and Montenegro, along with the glass Tiffany curtain, composed of almost a million individual pieces, on which Doctor Atl (a modern Mexican landscape painter) depicted the volcanoes of Mexico.

This church is located in a square of the same name, and is considered to be one of the most important in the city. The baroque influence of well-known Spanish architect Jose de Churriguera is apparent. In 1526 the Spanish conqueror of Mexico, Hernan Cortés, established the so-called Archicofradía de la Santa Veracruz, in what is now one of the oldest churches in the city: this was an act of thanksgiving for his successful arrival in America in 1519. However, the actual building seen today dates back to 1739, and inside, there are paintings by Miguel Cabrera. The tomb of the Valencian sculptor and architect Manuel Tólsa is one of the more interesting spectacles here.

This is a traditional Spanish restaurant, and its excellent location in a trendy area south of the city grants it a relaxed and calm atmosphere. One of its distinctive features is the classic and manorial decor in its rooms. It is located within an ancient mansion with big chandeliers, stained glass windows, old paintings and large wooden doors. The specialties are typical of this type of cuisine: Chistorra, Butifarra (types of sausages), Stews, Gazpacho, Roast Kid, Veal Breast and more. It is worth trying the Paella, which is delicious and well served.

The Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the most important historical buildings in Mexico City. Construction was started at the beginning of the eighteenth century and continued throughout the next 300 years. This is why different influences can be detected in the architectural style, dominated by Spanish Renaissance and French Neo-classicism, along with a Baroque-touch to the rose sandstone roof. The çathedral's five aisles are adorned with ornate altars and elaborate engravings, and its floors are made of marble. Don't miss this transcendental symbol of the Mexican people's faith and devotion.

This is one of the three restaurants with a great view of Chapultepec Forest. It's also a traditional meeting place for business executives who meet here in the mornings to enjoy a good breakfast (there's a buffet brunch on Saturdays and Sundays). Because it is so close to the hotel district, it is also frequented by tourists. The cuisine is international and the Prime Rib and Chicken Casserole are among the recommended house specialites. Don't forget to book an outside table with a view of the lake.

Overlooking the Chapultepec Park and Castle, the Fiesta Americana Grand Chapultepec Mexico is approximately two miles from Zona Rosa and five miles from Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport. The hotel faces the Chapultepec Forest and a few steps to the cities most important museum, as well as the commercial and financial areas. This location is also two miles from the anthropological museum, seven miles from San Angel, and eight miles from Bellas Artes Palace. The hotel amenities include the fitness room, ballroom, beauty shop, and a full-service restaurant and bar. Room service is available 24-hours a day. Other hotel service include babysitting, concierge, valet laundry, porter, shoeshine, turndown, and mail service. All rooms feature air-conditioning, coffeemakers, Internet access, voicemail, hairdryers, irons, minibars, and clock radios.

Mexico City, situated in the heart of Mexico, is the country’s capital. Known to some as the City of Palaces, thanks to an abundance of historical architecture, some of the city’s buildings date back to the 12th century.

The Zócalo, or main square, embodies the vibe of Mexico City, with its mix of both historical sites and modern-day activities. Chapultepec Park regularly hosts magic shows and other free family activities. Expect to spend plenty of time outdoors, as weather is mild no matter which season you visit.

Venture beyond city limits to explore the ruins of Teotihuacan; visit the Xochimilco’s floating gardens, in existence since the time of the Aztecs; take the kids to watch a game of fútbol (soccer). The city has more than 100 museums that focus on everything from anthropology to modern art to popular culture; check local newspapers for listings of numerous dance performances and art shows happening weekly.