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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/
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