If Cancun is the social destination of Mexico, then Mexico City is the cultural center of the country. Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, seat of government for the country and the center of finance and the arts. Tourists booking flights to Mexico City land in the country’s heartbeat, where more than 20 million occupy the land making it one of the most populous cities in the world.
Mexico City is trendy and still coming into its own. While Mexico City makes changes to move forward in the 21st century, it also stays steadfast to its Aztec heritage. Mexico City tourists will find themselves immediately immersed in antiques and artifacts dating back centuries, and then enjoy fine dining at one of the world-class restaurants in the city center. Visitors will find affordable and recognizable restaurants, a bustling nightlife and enchanting museums. Cheap flights to Mexico City and discount hotels and accommodations are just as available as first-class seats and five-star resorts.
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Because of its high altitude, Mexico City has pleasant summers and mild winters. May is the warmest month with temperatures reaching the low 80s (F), and January is the coolest with temperatures generally in the 60s and 70s, but night frosts are possible. The rainy season is June to September with July getting the most rain. February is the driest month.December and January also have the most smog, although the pollution levels are improving.
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Peak Season:
The three-week Festival del Centro Histórico in March takes over the city with cultural events. The holiday periods of Semana Santa (Easter week) and Christmas to New Year are particularly busy with Mexicans visiting the cities as well as tourists. Book flights to Mexico City and hotel accommodations for the area in advance.
Off Season:
With its mild climate, you will be hard pressed to find an off season in Mexico City. For fewer crowds, visiting during a non-holiday period is the best bet and cheap flights to Mexico City are likely.
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There is a Metro service from the airport to downtown Mexico City. Taxis are regulated and passengers can pay in advance at the taxi counter in Arrivals. There are also suburban bus services. Some hotels offer a pick-up service, however it is worth checking their charge as it's generally cheaper to take a taxi.
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The biggest city on the planet has an efficient and cheap public transportation system—getting around Mexico City is easy. The metro is clean, fast, easy to use, and runs from 6am to midnight. The bus service is extensive and reliable, but easier to use if you speak Spanish. Minibuses (peseros or colectivos) are smaller, faster, more comfortable than buses, and will stop anywhere along the route. All public transportation is very crowded during rush hour. Crime levels are high on the subway and buses, particularly during rush hour and at night.
There are areas that are pleasurable for walking, especially the cobblestone streets of the central square.
Taxis are available, but do not hail a taxi or take an unauthorized taxi as their passengers are often crime victims. Most hotels and restaurants can arrange for a reliable cab.
Driving in Mexico City is tricky and rental fees are high. If you do drive, your car is not allowed within the city limits one day a week. Check the last number of the license plate against the list at any tourist office. December and January smog levels are so high that your number may come up twice a week.
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- The city lies on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the ancient Aztec capital. There are ghosts of the past at every turn: the Mexican National Palace is built on the site of Montezuma’s Palace, while the Metropolitan Cathedral is built on the Temple of the Aztecs.
- The city has two UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Historic Center has the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace, and the Palace of Fine Arts is home to many of the city’s cultural events. Xochimilco Ecological Park is the other World Heritage site. It is made up of canals, lagoons and floating gardens and is often called the Venice of Mexico. A trip on a trajinera, a square-shaped, brightly painted boat, which carries up to 12 passengers, is a treat. It is possible to hire a floating mariachi band to serenade you too.
- The Basilica de Guadalupe is in the north of the city and very popular. Only St Peter’s Basilica in Rome gets more visitors each year.
- The Coyoacan and San Angel areas have great craft markets, while Santa Fe and Polanco offer a more upmarket shopping experience.
- One of the best places to admire the city is from Bellini, the revolving restaurant on the 45th floor of the World Trade Center.
- Teotihuacan is Mexico’s most popular archaeological site. Tourists can climb up the Pyramid of the Sun, the world’s third-largest pyramid, and its companion, the Pyramid of the Moon.
- The world’s largest bullring is here too - the Plaza de Toros.
- Chapultepec Park is an enormous green park – more than 2,000 acres - in the center of the city. It is home to the National Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Modern Art, the National History Museum and Museum Rufino Tamayo.
- The city’s oldest park is Alameda Park. It dates from 1541.
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