Travel Tips & Facts
Mexico City Attractions
Touristic Information Modules

Mexico City Travel Tips & Facts

Greeting someone in Mexico City

Generally, most people address each other on first-name terms. The standard business greeting is a handshake. However, Mexico City is a great deal more formal than the resort towns, as might be expected for a city of its size, and people here can be less friendly than elsewhere in Mexico- so bear this in mind.

Tipping advice

Tipping is usually expected- but people may expect larger tips than seems reasonable. As a guide, waiters should be tipped about 10 - 15% of the bill, depending on the service, and bell boys and porters should recieve about 10.00 to 20.00 MXP. Hotel maids should recieve about 10.00 MXP per night, and taxi drivers should not be tipped unless they provide help with your bags- then they should be paid about 4 MXP to 8 MXP, or 10% of the fare. Bear in mind at all times that pesos were replaced by new pesos in 1993, so change should be checked for unfamiliar coins and credit card reciepts should be checked for inaccuracies.

Taxicabs

Only use authorized taxicabs upon arrival at Mexico City’s Airport. Their rates are established according to destination and tickets can be bought at clearly identified counters within the baggage claim area and at main airport exits. As in any city throughout the world, one of the main security measures for visitors is to avoid boarding taxicabs off the street. If you need to travel from any point within the city, you can use the service of radio taxicabs or those that can be found parked in special areas called “Sitios”. These offer a safe trip at reasonable prices. As a security measure when taking a taxicab off the street, make sure the driver’s I.D. is visible and that the taximeter is working properly.

Subway

The subterranean train is a cheap and efficient means of transportation and represents another excellent option for traveling from the airport to any point within the city.

Climate

It is moderate in winter, warm and dry during the months of April and May. The rainy season begins in May and ends around October and generally consists of sunny mornings followed by cloudy afternoons with rain. Mornings and nights may be cold, especially during the winter. The average temperature is 15°C.

It is recommended to use comfortable clothing and footwear during the day, although at some locations formal attire is required both during the day and at night.

Telephone Cards

It is necessary to purchase a Prepaid Card in order to use public telephones. These can be purchased at self-service stores, tobacco shops and newspaper stands.

Plan your departure ahead of time

Mexico City is considered as one of the largest cities in the world and it is quite conflicting because of the amount of vehicles circulating throughout its streets, for which reason it is recommended that you take precautions and leave with plenty of time for your appointments and/or commitments.

Credit Cards

Almost all Hotels, Restaurants, Travel Agencies, Airlines, etc., accept international credit cards, such as: Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Dinners Club. We suggest you ask the establishment before using your card.

Currency

Mexican Peso. You can change foreign currency to pesos at Money Exchange Offices, the majority of which are open during the week from 09:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You will get the best exchange rates in banks which are open to excahnge from 09:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The currency is composed of several denominations in metal and paper: there are 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent coins, including 1,2, 5, 10 and 20 pesos; there are 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 peso bills in circulation.

Taxes

There is a Value Added Tax in Mexico, better known as I.V.A. This tax is paid when purchasing and consuming a majority of articles and everyone pays it, including residents and tourists. This tax is normally already included in the price of food and drinks in restaurants, store and boutique purchases and excursion fares. It is presently 15% of the value of the purchase, but is subject to change without previous warning.

All hotels in Mexico are presently charging a 2% tax in addition to the 15% I.V.A, on account of the cost of lodging itself that goes directly to the mixed fund at each entity for the promotion and dissemination of each state.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations required in order to enter our country are basically against cholera and above all yellow fever for African countries such as Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Zaire and some in America (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Peru). It has not been eradicated, for which reason it is recommended that you enter Mexico with your Health Certificate.

Change of Timetable

There are two timetables in Mexico: the summer timetable takes effect from the first Sunday in April, by setting the clock ahead one hour and it comes to an end the last Sunday in October when it goes back to the normal timetable.

Water

The water in the Valley of Mexico contains chlorine in order to make it drinkable, and for this reason tourists are affected when drinking it, but it should be pointed out that the water is in perfect condition for its consumption.

Personal Security

It is recommended that for your personal security not to wear expensive jewelry, ostentatious articles and other valuables; instead they should be placed in the safe deposit box of the hotel.

It is recommended to change in advance sufficient money for spending the first days of your trip, thereby avoiding carrying huge amounts of cash.

It is advisable that when traveling you carry sufficient prescribed medications so they will last during your entire stay and that you also carry all your prescriptions and keep medications in their original containers to avoid misunderstandings with local authorities.
It is suggested that the visitor ask about requirements and services covered by insurance policies in case there is an emergency away from place of origin.

Mexico City dress code

Loose, light fabrics are favored in this climate. Daytime wear is cool and casual with suits not necessarily required for business, although this depends on the occasion- as more formal meetings require formal dress, such as a suit and tie or tailored dress. Some people prefer to be slightly dressier for the evening, and several of the more expensive hotels and restaurants may expect a suit and tie or similar clothing. A warm jacket can be useful as the evenings can become cool.

Local Customs

Another form of weather exists in Mexico City and it's all about the smog. If you drive a car, whether it's yours or rented, bear in mind that one day out of every seven is a “Dia Sin Auto”, in which your car isn't permitted within Mexico City boundaries. You can tell if your car's day has come by checking the last number of the licence plate against the official list at any tourist office, or as signed on the road. In December or January - the worst months for smog- the number could come up twice a week, so be careful.

Mexico City Attractions

Mexico City has a long and fascinating past, an intriguing present and an exciting future. Many of the area's pre-colonial capitals were based here, the last being the Aztec, Tenochtitlan, which in the 14th-century was the largest city in the Western Hemisphere. Remains of this old capital can be visited today or you can explore the more modern colonial treasures that are abundant, such as the Museo Nacional de Antropologia or the impressive Zocalo Square. The Palacio de Bellas Artes is a fabulous building, designed by the famous architect Porfirio Diaz and is worth visiting. You really need to spend as long as possible in Mexico City, to fully appreciate the majesty and excitement of this fabulous capital.

Museo Nacional de Antropologia (Museum)
Section 1 of Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City
Phone: +52 5 553 1902

With an amazingly extensive collection of artifacts, spanning some 100,000 square feet, Mexico City can boast one of the finest anthropological museums in the world. The ground floor focuses on the native cultures and societies of Mexico before the Spanish conquest. See the famous Aztec sun stone, among the fantastic collection of artwork from the indigenous population. Upstairs, the museum provides information about how the descendents of these cultures live today. This beautiful museum was designed by Pedro Ramirez Vazquez.

Considered one of the world's most comprehensive natural history museums, this famous institution houses four square kilometers of exhibits in 23 exhibition halls.
Attraction type: History museum; Museum; Natural history museum
Visit the website: http://www.mna.inah.gob.mx

Castillo de Chapultepec (Castle)
Section 1 of Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City
Phone: +52 5 553 6246

Resting on Grasshopper Hill, this splendid castle has served a variety of functions throughout Mexican history. The castle has been the home of Emperor Maximillian and several Mexican presidents. Since 1939 it has served as the Museo Nacional de Historia, where visitors can see exhibits portraying the rise and fall of Nueva Espana, the establishment of Mexico as an independent nation, and the Mexican Revolution. There are fantastic murals by O’Gorman, Orozco, and Siqueros decorating the first floor and the area where Maximillian once resided can be entered from a garden walkway.

Chapultepec Park, [Scenic/Leisure]
This 1,600-acre bucolic park has enough activities to fill days at a time
and is particularly popular among families with children.
Attraction type: Park; Urban park; Forest; National park
Parque Zoologico de Chapultepec [Scenic/Leisure]
The site of a former Aztec zoo, its present incarnation,
open since the 1920s, is best known for its Russian pandas.
Attraction type: Zoo

Palacio de Bellas Artes (Theater/Museum)
Eje Central Lazero Cardenas and Avenida Juarez, Mexico City 06050
Phone: +52 512 2593

President Porfirio Diaz commissioned this beautiful white-marble concert hall and arts center. The palace contains some of Mexico’s finest murals, including works by Rufino Tamayo, Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros. Inside, there is a grand stained-glass stage curtain, which contains nearly one million pieces of colored glass. The theater is home to productions by international and national artists, including the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico.

Palacio Nacional (Building)
East side of the Zocalo, Mexico City

Serving as the home of the Mexican government, this structure occupies the entire east side of the Zocalo Square. The main attraction of the Palacio Nacional is the amazing display of murals by Diego Rivera. For 16 years, Rivera and his assistants painted the walls of the palace, producing 1200 square feet of fantastic, vivid murals that embellish the second floor. Rivera’s view of the history of the Mexican civilization is represented through this vast display.

Templo Mayor (Heritage)
Seminario 8 at Repulica de Guatemala, Historic Center, Mexico City 06060
Phone: +52 5 542 4784

In 1978 when Mexico City telephone repairmen accidentally discovered an eight-ton stone carving of the Aztec Goddess, Coyolxauhqui, the excavation of this site began. The vast ruins, including the Templo Mayor, are now an extremely significant archaeological site. Decorated with 240 skulls, this temple was dedicated to the Aztec cult of death and was the location of thousands of human sacrifices made to Huitzilopochtli, the god of war. An amazing collection of Aztec artifacts including ceramic warriors, stone carvings and knives can be seen at the Museo del Templo Mayor.

Zocalo (Historic District)
Bounded on the south by 16 de Septiembre, north by 5 de Mayo, east by Pino Suarez, and west by Monte de Piedad, Mexico City

Zocalo is the largest square in the Western Hemisphere. The square was once part of Tenochtitlan, the political and religious hub of the Aztec Empire. Over the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries the Spaniards built exquisite mansions and public structures from the stones of the Aztec temples that they had destroyed. Today, Zocalo is the heart of Mexico City with shops, cantinas, street vendors, and some surviving historic structures.

Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum)
Reforma and Gandhi, Section 1 of Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City 11560
Phone: +52 5 553 6233

This museum contains an excellent collection of modern art focusing on the works of Mexican artists. Exhibits displayed include Mexican painting, lithography, sculpture, and photography.

Metropolitan Cathedral (Building)
Madero, Mexico City

This, the oldest and largest cathedral in Latin America, was built over three centuries, beginning in 1573. The result is a structure of various styles and containing five altars and 14 chapels. An endless amount of beautiful paintings, statues, and altarpieces decorate the interior.

Museo de Frida Kahlo (Museum/ Historic Home)
Londres 247 at Allende, Mexico City
Phone: +52 5 554 5999

Frida Kahlo, the well-known feminist artist, was born in this interesting house and it was where Diego Rivera joined her from 1929 to 1954. Kahlo lived a most unusual life, as she battled with diseases and addictions, she participated in the lives of many infamous figures. Frida married Rivera twice and had numerous affairs including one with Trotsky. The museum displays her letters, diaries, and native costumes as well as works by Kahlo, Klee and Duchamp.

Teotihuacan (Heritage)
An hours drive, north of Mexico City

Take a fascinating visit to the ruins of the ancient city of Teotihuacan. The Avenue of the Dead divided the symmetrical city into two sections that contained apartment compounds with pyramidal structures. Today, you can travel on the avenue to see the ancient Moon and Sun Pyramids which are both massive and mysterious.

Bazaar del Sabado (Leisure)
North Side of Plaza San Jacinto, Mexico City

Every Saturday the Plaza San Jacinto contains a colorful bustle of vendors, artisans, and artists. At the Bazaar del Sabado you can enjoy shopping for Mexican paintings, sculptures, and excellent quality handicrafts. Also, there are many wonderful restaurants nearby for a fine meal.

Museo Nacional de Arte (Museum)
Calle Tacuba 8, Mexico City
Phone: +52 5 521 7320

Housing a diverse collection of Mexican art, the museum represents a variety of artistic styles. The primary focus is Mexico’s artistic development between 1810 and 1950.

Museo Rufino Tamayo (Museum)
Avenida Reforma, Section 1 of Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City
Phone: +52 5 286 6519

Visit Tamayo’s fine collection of art that includes paintings and sculptures from Picasso, Miro, and Warhol, as well as works by the renowned Mexican muralists.

Centro Cultural de Arte Contemporaneo (Cultural Center/Museum)
Campos Eliseos and Jorge Elliot, Mexico City
Tel: +52 5 282 0355

Exhibits from the Louvre and the Prado are occasionally displayed here, and the permanent collections are also very impressive. The Center houses a fantastic Photographic Art section and many amazing pre-Hispanic artifacts.

Xochimilco (Scenic/Leisure)
Southern suburb of Mexico City

The “Floating Gardens” came into existence 700 years ago, when the Aztecs created man-made islands south of Mexico City, near Xochimilco. For a relaxing afternoon, take a small boat through colorful canals to reach these ancient islands.

Museo de Leon Trotsky [Museum]
The house where Leon Trotsky, the exiled Russian leader, lived the final three years of his life in the 1930s.
Attraction type: Historic home; History museum; Museum

Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)
One of the largest churches in Latin America, this famous cathedral dominates the Zócalo.
Attraction type: Place of worship; Ancient ruins; Historic site

Museo Dolores Olmedo Patino
Opened in 1994, this museum and its 13 galleries hold an impressive collection of paintings by Mexico's greatest artists.
Attraction type: Art museum; Historic home; Museum

National Palace (Palacio Nacional)
This historic building was once occupied by Hernán Cortés, the Spanish explorer who conquered the Aztecs, and includes a famous panoramic mural of Mexican history by Diego Rivera.
Attraction type: Architectural building; History museum; Government building; Historic site; Historic home

Coyoacan
Once a major city itself, this suburb of Mexico City manages to remain a provincial refuge from the chaos of the rest of the city.
Attraction type: Neighborhood

San Angel
This neighborhood is known for its narrow cobblestone streets and is an oasis in otherwise bustling Mexico City.
Attraction type: Neighborhood

Palacio de Bellas Artes
This historic white marble building serves as both the city's top performance hall and an art museum.
Attraction type: Art museum; Theater; Historic site; Other; Museum; Educational site

Papalote (El), Museo del Nino
This children's museum has tons of interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater.
Attraction type: Children's museum; Museum

Diego Rivera Studio Museum
Located in one of Rivera's former studios, this museum has a small collection of his paintings.
Attraction type: Art museum; Museum

Alameda Central [Historic District]
This bucolic park has a long history dating back to the era when it served as an Aztec marketplace.
Attraction type: Park; Neighborhood; Concert

Plaza de las Tres Culturas
This plaza is influenced by Aztec, Spanish and modern Mexican cultures and is the location of the remains of Tlatelolco, an old Aztec city.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins; Place of worship; Town center/square/plaza

Museo Anahuacalli
This impressive building made of volcanic stone was designed by Diego Rivera and houses his collection of pre-Columbian art.
Attraction type: Art museum; Museum

Monumento a los Heroes de la Independencia
This famous monument built in 1906 for the people who died in the Mexican fight for independence stands 150 feet tall.
Attraction type: Monument

San Jacinto Plaza
Selected artists gather at this city square to display and sell their works.
Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza

Secretaria de Educacion Publica
This government building is famous for its large collection of Diego Rivera murals.
Attraction type:
Architectural building;
Educational site

Zona Rosa
This upscale neighborhood is filled with fancy restaurants and popular night-spots.
Attraction type: Neighborhood; Landmark/point of interest

Museo Nacional de la Historia Natural
Located in the Castle of Chapultepec, a structure which has served as everything from a military academy to the home of the Mexican president, this museum specializes in Mexican art and culture.
Attraction type: Castle; History museum; Natural history museum; Museum; Historic site; Landmark/point of interest

Plaza Hidalgo
This town square is named for Father Miguel Hidalgo, a key figure in the Mexican Revolution.
Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza

Garden of Art (Jardin del Arte)
An area of Sullivan Park where local artists gather to exhibit and sell their works.
Attraction type: Garden

Paseo de la Reforma
Mexico City's main street runs through an upscale residential neighborhood as well as the city's historic district.
Attraction type: Street

Torre Latinoamericana
On a clear day, visitors can take in a spectacular view from this skyscraper's observation decks and visit the highest aquarium in the world, located on the 38th floor.
Attraction type: Architectural building

Rotonda de los Hombres Ilustres
This park was built in 1954 to celebrate 17 of the leading intellectuals in the region's history and includes bronze statues of each.
Attraction type: Park

La Condesa
This quiet neighborhood is popular among the arts crowd.
Attraction type:
Neighborhood

Historic Center (Centro Historico)
The designated location of many of Mexico's older colonial structures.
Attraction type: Historic walking area; Historic site; Neighborhood

Six Flags Mexico
This recently opened Six Flags is the first in Latin America.
Attraction type: Amusement/theme park

Ruth Lechuga Museum and Home
This home has been converted into a museum and features Lechuga's 8,000-piece collection of local arts and crafts.
Attraction type: Historic home; Art museum

Museo Casa Luis Barragan
The preserved home of Mexican architect Luis Barragán allows visitors to view a primary example of his famous architectural style.
Attraction type: Museum; Historic home

Franz Mayer Museum (Museo Franz Mayer)
Located in a 16th-century Spanish hospital, this museum features a large collection of colonial art.
Attraction type: Art museum; Museum

Plaza Mexico
Considered to be one of the largest of its kind in the world, this bullring has a seating capacity for more than 50,000 people.
Attraction type: Arena/stadium/field

House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos)
This beautiful 16th-century house is covered with tiles, a symbol of success in the colonial era.
Attraction type: Historic home; Architectural building

Museo Rufino Tamayo
Opened in 1989, this museum features a collection of art by Mexican great Rufino Tamayo as well as a scattering of paintings by foreign artists.
Attraction type: Art museum; Museum

National Museum of Art
This museum has a huge collection of artwork ranging from ancient times to the present.
Attraction type: Art museum; Museum

Museo Nacional de San Carlos
This small museum is connected with the famous San Carlos Academy, the art school which Diego Rivera attended.
Attraction type: Art museum; Museum

Museo de Cera de la Ciudad de Mexico
Located in an old mansion, this museum chronicles the history of Mexico's capital city from the time before European contact to present day.
Attraction type: History museum; Museum

Archaeological Museum of Xochimilco
This museum has a wide range of exhibits from the region's past, including ancient bones and Indian artwork.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins

Convent of San Bernardino de Siena
The signature of this 16th-century convent is an abundance of stone carvings of flower petals.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Galeria del Museo de Historia
Located next to the larger Museo Nacional de Historia, this small museum documents the history of the country from 1800 to 1917, with an emphasis on the Mexican struggle for independence.
Attraction type: Museum

Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico
This hotel has an exquisitely ornate lobby.
Attraction type: Architectural building

Iglesia de Jesus Nazareno
The remains of Hernán Cortés are located in this church, situated close to the spot where he first met the Aztec leader Montezuma.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Museo Nacional de la Revolucion
This museum, which documents the Mexican struggle for independence, has an impressive revolutionary monument located in the courtyard in front of it.
Attraction type: Monument; Museum; Town center/square/plaza

Museo Nacional de la Estampa
This museum examines prints, engravings and other graphic arts from pre-Columbian times to present day.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo de Arte Alvaro y Carmen T. Carrillo Gil
A gallery of modern artwork.
Attraction type: Art museum

Palacio de Mineria
This former 19th-century mining school is known for its striking architecture.
Attraction type: Architectural building

Plaza Tolsa
This plaza is known for its famous statue of Spain's King Carlos IV called El Caballito.
Attraction type: Scenic/historic walking area

Suprema Corte de Justicia
This building, the seat of the Mexican Supreme Court, has impressive justice-related murals within its confines.
Attraction type: Government building

Plaza Garibaldi
This raucous and sometimes crazy plaza is filled with mariachi bands and other musicians.
Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza

Museum of the City of Mexico (Museo de la Ciudad de Mexico)
Fine museum located in a 18th-century colonial residence includes objects of art and history from pre-Hispanic era through the 20th century.
Attraction type: History museum; Art museum

Hotel Santa Clara
This 16th-century structure, now an operating hotel, was once the home of Diego de Mazariegos, the founder of San Cristobal de las Casas.
Attraction type: Historic home; Historic site

Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
This famous church, located on the site where an Indian claimed to have seen the Virgin of Guadalupe in 1531, contains an image of her that is the most famous religious icon in all of Mexico.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Tlalpan
A large suburb of Mexico City, located on the city's southern border.
Attraction type: Neighborhood

Mercado Sonora
This indoor market offers a number of interesting items, including voodoo dolls.
Attraction type: Mall

Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno)
This museum features a large collection of works by the greats of 20th-century Mexican art.
Attraction type: Art museum; Museum

Parroquia de San Juan Bautista
A 16th-century church known for its well-preserved artwork.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Cerro de la Estrella
This hill once served as an important Aztec spiritual center and was the location of ancient civilizations dating back to 1000 B.C.
Attraction type: Historic site

Iturbide Palace (Palacio de Iturbide)
Once the fanciest private courtyard house in Mexico City, Iturbide Palace now serves as a bank lobby.
Attraction type: Landmark/point of interest; Architectural building

Casa de los Espejos
This small building contains a house of mirrors where visitors can see their image distorted in 16 different mirrors.
Attraction type: Architectural building

Ciudadela
One can find great buys at this marketplace on artwork, jewelry and other wares imported from throughout the country.
Attraction type: Flea/street market

Parroquia de San Bernardino de Siena
This enormous cathedral was built in the 16th century by a group of Franciscan monks.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Mercado de Flores
This 32-acre market in Xochimilco is one of the largest areas in the world dedicated to selling flowers and plants.
Attraction type: Flea/street market

Plaza de Santo Domingo
The plaza's "place of scribes," where specialists in reading and writing have gathered for centuries, evokes the spirit of yesteryear.
Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza; Historic site

Casa Azul
This brightly colored house where artist Frida Kahlo lived for over 10 years with her husband Diego Rivera has been transformed into a museum dedicated to her work.
Attraction type: Historic home

Polanco
One of Mexico City's more upscale neighborhoods with a variety of interesting shops and quality restaurants.
Attraction type: Neighborhood; Street

La Ciudadela
This huge arts and crafts market has hundreds of vendors selling anything and everything.
Attraction type: Flea/street market

Tlatelolco
This site was once a major Indian city that rivaled and eventually was conquered by the Aztec empire.
Attraction type: Historic site

Museo Jose Luis Cuevas
This small museum features Cuevas's personal collection of works by other artists in addition to a number of his own works.
Attraction type: Art museum

Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso
This recently restored old college, established by Jesuits in 1588, now hosts various exhibitions.
Attraction type: Art museum

Museo del Ex-Arzobispado
This 18th-century structure houses a large collection of contemporary art.
Attraction type: Museum; Ancient ruins

Conjunto San Ildefonso
Located in what was an important school in colonial times, this museum is devoted to colonial art but also has works by modern muralists, such as Diego Rivera.
Attraction type: Historic site; Museum; Landmark/point of interest

Tula
The ruins of an ancient city that once served as the capital of the Toltecs, Mexico's most powerful people before the rise of the Aztecs.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins; Historic site

University City (Ciudad Universitaria)
This neighborhood is the home of the National University of Mexico, founded in 1551.
Attraction type: Educational site

Cuicuilco
Some of the ruins at this ancient archaeological site date back to 500 B.C.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins

El Sagrario
The adjoining parish church of the huge Metropolitan Cathedral, El Sagrario was constructed in 1750 and is noteworthy in its own right.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Carrillo Gil Museum
This museum houses works by some of Mexico's greatest muralists, including Orozco and Rivera.
Attraction type: Art museum

Pinacoteca Virreinal de San Diego
A gallery of religious paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries located in a former church.
Attraction type: Museum; Art museum

Museo Nacional de las Culturas Populares
This museum features a large number of exhibits regarding archeology and anthropology from around the world.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Nacional de las Intervenciones
This museum features exhibits on the history of military conquests by foreign nations in Mexico.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo de Artes y Industrias Populares
This museum features exhibits on the art and culture of both ancient and modern Mexican society.
Attraction type: Art museum

Acuario Aragon
This aquarium features shows with trained dolphins and seals.
Attraction type: Aquarium

Acuario Piso 38
An aquarium located on the 38th floor of the Torre Latinoamericana.
Attraction type: Aquarium

Acuavida
This aquarium houses a wide variety of species from both tropical and temperate climates.
Attraction type: Aquarium

Arbol de la Noche Triste
The tree under which Hernán Cortés cried after suffering severe losses in a battle against the Aztecs in 1520.
Attraction type: Historic site; Lake

Atlantis Marine Park
An aquarium with dolphin and seal shows.
Attraction type: Aquarium

Autorretrato
An art museum that also features classes on how to paint a self-portrait through the use of a mirror.
Attraction type: Museum

Ayuntamiento
Mexico City's famous town hall, located on the Zócalo, has been in use since the colonial era.
Attraction type: Government building; Historic site

Capilla de la Concepcion
This 18th-century baroque church has a number of intricate mosaics and alterpieces.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Casa de Cortes
Although this interesting building was not constructed until the 18th century, it was allegedly built with stones from the original house of Hernán Cortés.
Attraction type: Historic home

Casa de la Malinche
This house was once inhabited by the Indian lover of Hernán Cortés.
Attraction type: Historic home

Casa de los Condes de Heras y Soto
This mansion once belonged to Count Heras y Soto and houses an impressive collection of 19th-century artwork and furniture.
Attraction type: Historic home

Centro Cultural El Punto
This cultural center includes a theater that shows a variety of independent foreign films.
Attraction type: Theater

Centro Cultural Jose Marti
This cultural center, which includes a library and an auditorium, is dedicated to educating people on the universal aspects of Latin American culture.
Attraction type: Theater

Centro de Convivencia en Mundo E
This ecological center, which promotes the ecological education of children, has a variety of animal species.
Attraction type: Zoo

Centro de Educacion Ambiental Ecoguardas
The ecological center is popular for camping and learning about nature.
Attraction type: Park

Los Dinamos
This park, located on a hill above Mexico City, provides excellent views of the surrounding area and is a popular respite for the crowded city.
Attraction type: Park

La Enseñanza
This famous baroque church is an impressive presence on the city's Zócalo.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Ex-Convento del Carmen
This old preserved convent has a number of mummies on display on its basement.
Attraction type: Architectural building

Fraccionamiento Hipodromo-Condesa
This distinctive area of the city began in 1925 as an extensive urban project and is filled with various examples of art deco architecture.
Attraction type: Historic site

Museo Legislativo
Attraction type: Museum; Architectural building

Iglesia de Balvanera
This historic church, located in the city's Centro Histórico, is dedicated to the Virgin of Balvanera.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Iglesia de La Profesa
One of many old churches located in the city's Centro Histórico.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Iglesia de San Bernardo
This late 17th-century church has a famous sculpture of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Iglesia de San Fernando
This church, dedicated to King Fernando III, who banished Muslims and Jews from Spain, was once the site where punishments were carried out against heretics.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Iglesia de Santa Teresa la Antigua
This baroque-style 17th-century church is known for its huge domed top.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Jardines del Pedregal de San Angel
These gardens, located among the upscale houses of San Angel, boast a large number of rare plants.
Attraction type: Architectural building

Jardin Centenario
This bucolic park is surrounded by a number of colonial buildings.
Attraction type: Architectural building

Jardin de la Triple Alianza
This small garden has sculptures of the three Indian kings who set up the Triple Alliance in the 15th century.
Attraction type: Park

Museo Antiguo Palacio de Iturbide
Built in the 18th century, this large home provides visitors a look a traditional baroque architecture.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Antiguo Palacio de Medicina
This museum, located on the Plaza de Santo Domingo, traces the development of medicine and doctors throughout Mexican history.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Antiguo Palacio del Arzobispado
This preserved 16th-century home has been transformed into a museum that traces the development of Mexican art from pre-Columbian times to modern day.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Arqueologico Cuicuilco
Located in the crowded downtown area, these preserved ruins of the Cuicuilco culture have been transformed into a museum.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Biblioteca Palacio Postal
The headquarters of the city's postal service, this huge castle-like structure is a striking architectural site.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Capilla Alfonsina
The preserved house of the famous writer Alfonso Reyes includes a collection of interesting books and other artifacts.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Casa de Carranza
The preserved home of Venustiano Carranza, who helped to draft the Mexican Constitution in 1917.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Casa de La Bola
This house has served as the home to a host of famous occupants dating back to the 16th century.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Casa del Poeta Ramon Lopez Velarde
The former home of Ramón López Velarde has been transformed into a museum dedicated to the life of this famous poet.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Centro Cultural Isidro Fabela
This recently re-opened museum, located in a beautiful 17th-century mansion, has a collection of both historic and contemporary artwork.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Comite Olimpico
A museum dedicated to the history of Mexican athletes in the Olympic Games.
Attraction type: Sports museum

Museo Escultorico de Geles Cabrera
This recently opened museum displays the sculptures of Geles Cabrera.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Hidraulico
Located in a water recycling plant, this museum educates visitors on the methods by which technology sustains the world's water supply.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Interactivo del Medio Ambiente
Located in the large Pentitlán Metro station, this exhibit explores the relationship between humans and the natural environment.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Nacional de Arquitectura
Located within the Palacio de Bellas Artes, this museum provides examples of various architectural styles found throughout Mexican history.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Serfin
This museum contains numerous artifacts of indigenous artwork.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Soumaya
This museum explores the role of art and culture in human life and includes art by such luminaries as the French sculptor Rodin.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo Tecnologico de la Comision Federal de Electricidad
This museum focuses on the science and technology of energy.
Attraction type: Science museum

Museo Universitario del Chopo
A museum of modern art and culture, affiliated with the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo de Geologia de la UNAM
This geological museum, affiliated with the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, was designed to present the basic issues in the earth sciences.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo de Geologia del Instituto Politecnico Nacional
This government-run museum is dedicated to educating visitors on key issues in geology.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo de Sitio Talavera
This art and history museum has one floor each dedicated to pre-Columbian times, the colonial era and modern times.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo del Zapato
Opened in 1988, this off-beat museum displays various types of shoes from throughout history.
Attraction type: Museum

Parque Hundido
This bucolic park has a collection of reproductions of 51 famous pre-Columbian cultures.
Attraction type: Park

Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones
A large pine forest with a 17th-century Carmelite convent.
Attraction type: Park

Blue Planet (Planeta Azul)
This educational museum includes a natural history wing with models of numerous prehistoric animals and a giant woman which visitors can enter to learn about anatomy.
Attraction type: Children's museum

Planetas
This planetarium has a number of high-powered telescopes and has a special star-gazing program for children.
Attraction type: Observatory/planetarium

Porta Coelli
Church that once was the home of a famous black Christ figure.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Rally en San Ildefonso
History museum where the main attraction is a "race" in which the person knowing the most about Mexican history and culture wins a prize.
Attraction type: History museum

San Antonio Panzacola
Founded in the eighteenth century by the wealthy mother of two felons, this church has an interesting altar and medieval arch.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Zoologico Los Coyotes
This ecological park contains local flora and fauna as well as outdoor exercise facilities.
Attraction type: Nature reserve

Funny Land
This amusement park includes a roller-skating rink, games and lots of fun for both children and adults.
Attraction type: Amusement/theme park

Hospital de Jesus Nazareno
This working hospital was originally constructed in the 16th century.
Attraction type: Historic site

Iglesia de Loreto
This church, built in the early 1800's, offers stunning architectural details.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Iglesia de San Francisco
This ornate church is home to a school to educate the native children.
Attraction type: Place of worship; Educational site

Iglesia de San Hipolito, Mexico City
This church, built in the 1700's, is dedicated to Saint San Hipolito.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Iglesia de Santa Catarina
Originally built as an open chapel in the sixteenth century, this church has been enclosed over the years and painted a brilliant yellow.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Iglesia de la Concepcion
This chuch, constructed between 1617 and 1732, offers a tower with amazing architectural detail.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Iglesia de la Santa Veracruz
A popular church which houses the tomb of Manuel Tolsa as well as paintings by Miquel Cabrera.
Attraction type: Place of worship

Museo Ripley's Ciudad de Mexico
This museum features odd items from Robert L. Ripley's collection.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo de Sitio del Claustro de Sor Juana
Built during the baroque period, this former convent has wonderful architectural beauty.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo de la Charreria
This museum houses an impressive collection of items relating to the Mexican sport of Charros.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo de la Policia Preventiva de la Ciudad de Mexico
A museum featuring items and history of the local police.
Attraction type: Museum

Museo del Automovil
This museum features a car collection of ninety-eight different models.
Attraction type: Museum

Plaza de la Conchita
This plaza features an eighteenth century chapel.
Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza

Santisima Trinidad (La)
An eighteenth century church with incredible architectural detailing.
Attraction type: Architectural building; Place of worship.

Touristic Information Modules

Aeropuerto
Mexico City International. Capitán Carlos León s/n
Col. Peñón de los Baños. Delg. Venustiano Carranza. Phone: 5786 9002
Monday to Sunday from 7:00 to 21:00 h.

Antropología
Paseo de la Reforma y Gandhi, in front ofl Museo de Antropología, Bosque de Chapultepec. Delg. Miguel Hidalgo.
Monday to Sunday form 8:00 to18:00 h.

Bellas Artes
Av. Juárez y Ángela Peralta; betwen Bellas Artes and the Alameda Central, Col. Centro Histórico. Delg. Cuauhtémoc.
Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 18:00 h.

Basílica
Plaza de las Américas 1, Col. Villa de Guadalupe; in front of Basílica de Guadalupe. Delg. Gustavo A. Madero. Phone: 5748 2085
Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 18:00 horas.

Catedral
Monte de Piedad s/n Col. Centro Histórico; at one side of Catedral Metropolitana. Delg. Cuauhtémoc. Phone: 5518 1003
Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 18:00 h.

Chapultepec
Paseo de la Reforma s/n, kiosco 30, between Grutas, frente al Lago Bosque de Chapultepec. Delg. Miguel Hidalgo. Phone: 5286 3867
Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to18:00 h.

Cien Metros
Terminal Central del Norte del D.F. S.A. de C.V., main entrance: Av. 100 metros 4907 Col. Magdalena de las Salinas. Delg. Gustavo A. Madero. Phone: 5719 1201
Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 18:00 horas.

Coyoacán
Jardín Hidalgo1, Lobby of Casa Municipal, Col. Coyoacán. Delg. Coyoacán. Phone: 5659 6009
Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 19:00 h.

Del Ángel
Paseo de la Reforma y Florencia, in front of Ángel de la Independencia. Delg. Cuauhtémoc.
Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 18:00 h.

En el Corazón de México
Segunda de Gante Local 17, between Venustiano Carranza and 16 de Septiembre. Delg. Cuauhtémoc. Phone: 5518 1869 & 5518 1872
Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to18:00 h.

Observatorio
Terminal Central de Autobuses del Poniente, main entrance. Sur 122 esq. Río Tacubaya. Col. Real del Monte. Delg. Miguel Hidalgo. Phone: 5272 8816
Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 18:00 h.

San Ángel
Plaza San Jacinto 11, Col. San Ángel Inn; Bazar del Sábado. Delg. Alvaro Obregón.
Saturday 10:00 a 18:00 hs.

TAPO
Calz. Ignacio Zaragoza No. 200 Col. 10 de Mayo. Delg. Venustiano Carranza.
Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 18:00 hs.

Taxqueña
Terminal Central del Sur, gate 3. Av. Taxqueña No. 1320 Col. Campestre Churubusco. Delg. Coyoacán. Phone: 5336 2321
Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 18:00 hs.

Xochimilco
Nuevo Embarcadero Nativitas, street del Mercado s/n Col. Sta. Ma. Nativitas. Delg. Xochimilco. Phone: 5653 5209
Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a 18:00 hs.

Zona Rosa
Amberes 54 esq. Londres Col. Juárez. Delg. Cuauhtémoc.
Phone: 5208 1030 y 5525 9380
Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 19:00 hs.

Secretaría de Turismo del G.D.F.
Nuevo León 56, 4to. Piso Col. Hipódromo Condesa.
Delg. Cuauhtémoc. Phone: 5553 1901
Monday to Fryday from 9:00 to19:00 hs.

Useful Phone Numbers

TELEPHON NUMBERS INFORMATION
Phone: 040

WAKEUP CALL
Phone: 030

INFOTUR
Phone: 5250-0123 Y 0151

INTERNATIONAL LADA INTERNACIONAL BY OPERATOR
Phone: 090

MOVIES
Phone: 5224-4000

CITIZEN HELP
Phone: 060

LOCATEL
Phone: 5658-1111
MIGUEL A. DE QUEVEDO 270, COL. VILLA COYOACAN, C.P. 04000

TICKET MASTER
Phone: 53259000

TOURISTIC HELP
Phone: 5250-0123

MAIL, NATIONAL INFORMATION CENTER
Phone: 5250-8221/0123

TELSIDA
Phone: 5207-4077

NATIONAL TELEPHONIC TELEGRAMS
Phone: 5696-6010
Phone: 5696-6300

LADA WITHOUT CHARGE
Phone: (01800) 903-9200

CITIZEN ATENTION
Phone: _061
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Visit the official Mexico City Website: http://www.mexicocity.gob.mx/