Mexico DF- miss it at your peril (Mexico City)

Member Name: Starlight81

Product:	Mexico City
Date:	20/08/09 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lively, with plenty to do

Disadvantages: Polluted and altitudinous

I landed at Benito Juarez International Airport during the day, and was shocked by the sheer size of Mexico City- it is a massive urban sprawl, within which is a cluster of impressive-looking skyscrapers- presumably the financial district. The whole city is surrounded by mountains, as well as two snow-capped volcanoes- the mountains act as a bowl, holding in the pollution of the city. Whilst this has apparently improved over the years, I still found the altitude affected me more in Mexico City than in other equally altitudinous areas, presumably due to the pollution.

I really loved the city, and found it to be the most pleasurable place I visited whilst in Mexico, along with San Cristobal. It is supposed to be one of the most dangerous cities in the word, but as long as you take the same precautions as you would in, say, London, I think you'll be perfectly fine. I certainly didn't experience any problems.

There are a wide range of cultural activities to partake in, as well as numerous museums to visit. The Zocalo (main square) must be visited, not just for the effect of its size (it's one of the three biggest squares in the world) but also because it is bordered on one side by the Palacio Nacional, housing Diego Rivera's murals.

These were being renovated when I visited a few days ago, but were impressive nonetheless. There is one huge mural portraying the history of Mexico, back to the Mesoamerican tribes, through the Spanish conquest and continuing up to the unsettled decades of Rivera's own era. Rivera had then planned to break these periods of history down into smaller sections and paint them in more detail around the entire central courtyard. Unfortunately he died before these were completed, but you can still see them up to and including the Spanish conquest. These are well worth looking at, particularly if you wish to visit one or more of the archaeological sites scattered around the country, as they put these into a context. Also, entrance is free, but make sure you take your passport with you or you will not be allowed in.

Along the same lines, I would definitely recommend a visit to the anthropological museum, located within Chapultepec Park. It costs 51 pesos entry (about £2.50) and you could easily spend a day or even two in there. Each room is dedicated to a different period of Mexico's history, and there are several rooms downstairs covering the different tribes. Even better- each room has an outdoor area where there are reconstructed temples and other buildings. You can also see the original jade mask of Pacal, excavated at Palenque, as well as a replica of his tomb, from which it was taken.

I also very much enjoyed the Frida Kahlo museum and Trotsky's house, but I will review these separately.

A slightly surprising alternative is the city's university. It is famous for the murals painted all over the walls of the main library, and the main campus is a world heritage site. It's the last stop on the metro, so a bit of a long way out of town, but it also has a very green and peaceful main campus which can provide a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city itself.
Aside from this, the food and drink are wonderful. The best place to get Quesadillas appears to be from street-side vendors, as, in my experience, they make them using corn flour rather than ordinary white flour, as most of the more expensive restaurants seem to, and these are much tastier and flavoursome. These are also cheap- you can buy a taco or quesadilla from about 6 pesos (40p).

You should also buy at least one can of Arizona on your travels- these always cost 10 pesos (50p) and are deliciously refreshing- particularly the watermelon flavour!

Another must whilst in Mexico is to visit a bakery. I have never seen bakeries like them anywhere else. You can find a huge range of bread, pastry products, cakes and biscuits at a very low price. You take a tray and a pair of tongs at the entrance and load whatever you fancy onto the tray. I've never spent more than 40 pesos (£2) even with a full tray. A particularly good one in the city is Panaderia Ideal, located on Avenida 16 de Septiembre, just off the Zocalo.

I would also recommend Hostel Moneda, for any backpacking or budget travellers. Also just off the Zocalo, prices range from 120-155 pesos per night, depending on the size of the dorm (£6-8), and this includes dinner and breakfast. They also offer free walking tours of the city and have a range of activities available at a reasonable price- we went to see Lucha Libre, which was organised by the hostel, and without their help we probably couldn't have gone, as the arena is in a slightly dodgy area of town and so it's best to go as a group.

If you're going to visit Mexico, don't miss Mexico City- you'll be surprised by how great it is.

Summary: Great-don't go to Mexico without visiting the capital