I stayed at the Maria Isabel Sheraton at the Paseo de la Reforma. Outside my window was a wonderful view of the golden angel and a monument depicting heroes of Mexican Independence Revolution.
1. This is a part of the modern city with proximity to great neighborhoods such as Zona Rosa and the modern shopping and financial district.
2. Polanco, an upscale neighborhood is just stone’s throw for an amazing restaurant and shopping scene with the big brands like Christian Dior, Hermés, Tiffany’s.
3. On Sundays, the Paseo de la Reforma is closed to vehicular traffic and all one can see are bicycles and skates and people dancing! Of course I rented a bike.
5. I could walk up to the Angel monument anytime during day or night (when it’s beautifully lit) and just sit at the steps and watch the city move around me. I even climbed up to the top to get a view of the city. A long wait in the line followed by some big winding steps, but completely worth it!
6. The angel is the symbol of celebration or protest in the modern times, and I did get a good view of the fun Gay Pride parade when I was there. There is never a dull moment, I promise!
It is the most touristy thing you will do, but climbing on this double-decker bus and sitting on the open top will make it worth the effort. Apart from being able to feel all the trees and branches on your face, you get a great view of the city from a height with the wind in your face.
While in Mexico City, you have to dedicate a few days to Museums alone! The city is buzzing with them (almost 150 I hear). For me, the most noteworthy ones were:
- National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropologia)
- Palacio de Bellas Artes (beautiful building and collection – a must visit)
- Museo del Templo Mayor
- Edificio de Correos (I only saw this from outside, but a beautiful building with great architecture)
- Museo de Arte Popular (This had a huge collection from the local art scene/historical art and handicrafts)
- National Museum of Art
- Museo Nacional de Historia
- Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno)
- Museo Biblioteca Palacio Postal (The post office – one of most beautiful buildings)
- Museo Mural Diego Rivera
- Museo de Cera de la Ciudad de Mexico
The city is an amalgamation of both Spanish architecture and ancient Aztec ruins. Mexico’s capital is the oldest capital city in the Americas and was founded by Native Americans in 1325 as Tenochtitlan, and subsequently redesigned and rebuilt in accordance with the Spanish urban standards. So if you are a person who enjoys history and culture as a part of travel, be prepared for a long haul.
I was mesmerized with the ‘Palacio de Bellas Artes’ building, so I decided to spend the evening at a rooftop café overlooking it. It was beautiful to see this charming landmark glow with the fading sunlight.
Love
TipToes!
I cannot help but recall the food – it’s to die for! I have a whole other post on food which you can read here.