7 days in Mexico City

Our Local Expert Says:

Undoubtedly Mexico City’s most well known landmark and top of the list on the “must see” list.

Description:

Considered by Mexicans to be the heart of Mexico City, this enormous plaza surrounded by gorgeous colonial governmental buildings serves a stage for hundreds of civic, artistic, and political events every year. Everyday is a different story here: indigenous dancers, traditional spiritual healers, free concerts ranging from ska and pop superstars to opera and world music; political rallies, protests (some including naked participants), and even an ice skating rink are just a few of the myriad events that take place in the Zocalo. Also each afternoon at 6pm Zocalo is taken over by the military as they perform a ceremony to take down the enormous flag that serves as a center piece to this magnificent Mexican trademark.

Our Local Expert Says:

An amazing glimpse at pre-Hispanic Mexico, definitely worth the visit.

Description:

In Aztec times this place was considered the center of the universe and it was at this temple that human sacrifices, a traditional ball game and many religious ceremonies took place. Dating from around 1375 the temple went through many reconstructions until in 1520 the Spaniards decided to destroy it and build on top of it. A reconstruction in the early 1980s revealed what was left of an impressive archeological site. Nowadays the Templo Mayor has a large and impressive museum focusing on the culture and traditions of Mexico City's early inhabitants. It houses sacrificial stones, statuettes and sacred artifacts. The museum itself is expansive and might take some time to visit in its entirety, but it is definitely worth the visit.

Description:

Hernán Cortés, the conqueror of Mexico, built this government palace on the site of Moctezuma's residence. The Palacio Nacional that we see today dates back to 1693, although a floor was added in the 1920s. Inside there is a wonderful collection of murals by Diego Rivera. The most famous one is the "Epic of the Mexican People in their Struggle for Freedom and Independence", where two thousand years of history are condensed into the space of an enormous wall. The palace also houses a small museum dedicated to Benito Juárez and the Mexican Congress. Admission: Free

Description:

If you would like to enjoy haute Mexican cuisine in beautiful surroundings, you could do no better than to book a table at this fine eatery. Located in the Plaza Manuel Tolsá, you can dine outside at one of the tables on the terrace. Lawyers and politicians from the Cámara de Senadores (Senate) next door number amongst the regular clientele. Don't forget to order the Tamarind Mole and a Mestizo dish. The restaurant has a trio of musicians that play every weekday evening, Mondays to Fridays.

Description:

Originally built in 1922 as a convent, this building became the home of the Secretary of Public Education in 1922 and was decorated with a great series of more than 200 Diego Rivera murals, dating from 1923 and 1928, that cover over 1,500 sq. m (16,146 sq. ft.) of wall space. Other artists did a panel here and there, but the Rivera murals are the most outstanding.

Description:

Construction of the Palace of Fine Arts started in 1904 and ended in 1932. Technical difficulties, budgetary constraints and the 1910 Mexican revolution interrupted what was supposed to be a four year project.

It is a magnificent white marble building used for world-class performing arts shows such as symphonic orchestras, operas, plays, singers and performers. It is undoubtedly the most prestigious performing arts center in all of Mexico.

In addition, the building is also a museum with a steady stream of shows of Mexican and European painters. The interior walls have murals by Jose Clemente Orozco as well as stunning bronce sculptures and stained glass windows.

Description:

Mexico City's temple of hot licks, the Zinco Jazz Club, is hidden in the basement of an old bank in the Historic Center, a fitting location. It is perfect because the Art Deco interior transports patrons back to 1920s New York City and the old security vaults of the space make for excellent acoustics. The passionate owners of the club present national and international jazz stars like saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera, trumpet player Ingrid Jensen, Leo Corona's Latin Jazz All Stars, and Todd Clouser's A Love Electric. Entertaining on little stage in front of a classic red velvet curtain are new young talents like the fusion artists, Tres Tristes Tangos, and such diverse voices as funky soul band El Soul, and the conceptual rock bank, the Twin Tones. Light snacks and cocktails are available. Zinco Jazz Club is close to the Torre Latino Americana and Iglesia de San Felipe Neri.

Admission: Friday and Saturday cover charge, USD $10
Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Amex
Facebook: /pages/Zinco-Jazz-Club-el-bajocentro-Network-Oficial/302886781561
Parking: Valet, limited street parking
Services: bar, restaurant, live and recorded music, restrooms
How to Get There: Metro Allende and Bellas Artes read more

Description:

W is one of the most popular hotels in Mexico City because it combines a friendly atmosphere with a sophisticated look, it is centrally located in Polanco overlooking Chapultepec park and although it caters mostly to business people, it is perfectly suited for a romantic weekend or a vacation getaway.

Talk about details! The rooms are equipped with a Bose sound system, showers have rain forest water jets, there is a hammock in your bathroom, a CD and DVD library (in your room!) and featherbed down duvet.

The Terrace, the lounge located in the lobby is a popular local nightspot catered mostly by a young crowd, the atmosphere is sophisticated and the mood is relaxing. There is also a formal restaurant called Solea featuring international cousine and like everything I saw at W, it is elegant and sophisticated.

Berenice, the hotel's head concierge is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. She will go out of your way and spend as much time as necessary to help you solve a problem, answer a question or anything else you need during your stay.

Description:

The Chapultepec forest was the vacationing estate for the Aztec nobility and hence is dotted with trees, brooks, two large lakes where visitors can row, ruins, a theatre for children, a music garden, majestic marble water fountains, a lakeside art gallery, Latin America's largest zoo, and a sumptuous castle overlooking this leisure paradise. It is a perfect place to get lost hiking, take a picnic, or rent a bike. Chapultepec is Mexico City's favorite Sunday spot so if you wish to avoid the crowds visit it from 9am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday.

Our Local Expert Says:

On a clear day this castle is probably the best place to see Mexico City from a higher ground. It boats views extending as far as the mountain ranges surrounding DF. It also houses some magnificent Orozco murals.

Description:

The Castillo de Chapultepec was built between 1780 and 1790, constructed on top of an Aztec fortress with panoramic views of the city. The gardens surrounding the palace were designed by Empress Carlota during the French occupation and offer a beautiful stroll. It once served as the Colegio Militar (Military Academy) and was also the official presidential residence until 1939, when President Cárdenas converted the palace into the Museo Nacional de Historia. Restoration efforts have significantly enhanced the construction as well as the design of the interiors.

Description:

If you have time for only one museum during your stay in Mexico City, this is the one. It was inaugurated in 1964 and it contains two dozen individual areas each one dedicated to a particular culture that inhabited Mexico for any length of time before the arrival of the Spaniards.

The largest exhibit areas are dedicated to the Aztecs, Mayas, Toltecas and Olmecas and they all contain original artifacts and works of art that have been found during the ongoing excavations in the hundreds of live archaeological sites. Before you enter you will see a huge statue of Tlaloc, the God of rain and once inside and holding center stage the commonly known Calendar of the Sun.

There are guided tours and also pre-recorded guides that you can rent for a nominal fee. There is a restaurant and a coffee shop as well as a gift shop with plenty of books and souvenirs. It is practically impossible to see all the exhibits in one day so choose the ones that interest you the most and spend quality time there.

Description:

If you enjoy pleasant atmospheres, and flamenco dances and music, Gitanerías is the place for you. It is located in the Roma neighbourhood and offers several singing shows with guitars in hand and professional flamenco dancers. They have an ample wine cellar which offers tequilas, rums, mixed cocktails or whisky. Valet parking available.

Description:

W is one of the most popular hotels in Mexico City because it combines a friendly atmosphere with a sophisticated look, it is centrally located in Polanco overlooking Chapultepec park and although it caters mostly to business people, it is perfectly suited for a romantic weekend or a vacation getaway.

Talk about details! The rooms are equipped with a Bose sound system, showers have rain forest water jets, there is a hammock in your bathroom, a CD and DVD library (in your room!) and featherbed down duvet.

The Terrace, the lounge located in the lobby is a popular local nightspot catered mostly by a young crowd, the atmosphere is sophisticated and the mood is relaxing. There is also a formal restaurant called Solea featuring international cousine and like everything I saw at W, it is elegant and sophisticated.

Berenice, the hotel's head concierge is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. She will go out of your way and spend as much time as necessary to help you solve a problem, answer a question or anything else you need during your stay.

Description:

Mexico is rich in culture and many different groups inhabited the country before the arrival of the Spaniards. Aztecs, Mayas, Otomis, Zapotecos, etc. But there is a great mystery surrounding Teotihuacan, there are theories about who built this city and why it was abandoned buy no one knows for sure.

Teotihuacan is an hour and a half drive north of Mexico City and I recommend you devote a full day to visiting. Leave early in the morning in order to avoid traffic and spend as much time as you can exploring this magnificent @font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } archaeological site.

There are two main pyramids, the Sun and the Moon, the first one is larger and taller and you can climb both of them. The sun is a bit difficult but once you get to the top you will have an incredibly beautiful view of the valley.

You can also walk around what was once the main avenue called Calzada de los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead) and see many small buildings and new discoveries from on-going excavations. You will be approached by locals selling... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Incredibly popular both among tourists and locals for top notch traditional Mexican food.

Description:

When you are walking around the downtown area, this is a perfect place to stop for lunch or dinner. It serves traditional Mexican food and has outstanding mole, rivaling this State of Puebla specialty. Order it with chicken or enchiladas and I assure you you will not be disappointed, actually you can't go wrong with any of the items on the menu. The decor will charm you, old historic paintings and Talavera tiles give it an authentic Mexican flavor. You will find an eclectic combination of locals and tourists from all over the world in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Entrees are in the $8 to $12 range and they have a full bar. It's location is perfect, just a few blocks from Palacio de Bellas Artes and Zocalo, the main downtown square.

Description:

W is one of the most popular hotels in Mexico City because it combines a friendly atmosphere with a sophisticated look, it is centrally located in Polanco overlooking Chapultepec park and although it caters mostly to business people, it is perfectly suited for a romantic weekend or a vacation getaway.

Talk about details! The rooms are equipped with a Bose sound system, showers have rain forest water jets, there is a hammock in your bathroom, a CD and DVD library (in your room!) and featherbed down duvet.

The Terrace, the lounge located in the lobby is a popular local nightspot catered mostly by a young crowd, the atmosphere is sophisticated and the mood is relaxing. There is also a formal restaurant called Solea featuring international cousine and like everything I saw at W, it is elegant and sophisticated.

Berenice, the hotel's head concierge is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. She will go out of your way and spend as much time as necessary to help you solve a problem, answer a question or anything else you need during your stay.

Our Local Expert Says:

A sleepy colonial town feel inside the large metropolis.

Description:

One of the most beautiful and oldest neighborhoods of Mexico City, the San Angel Plaza - or downtown - is an eclectic mix of cobblestone streets, colonial mansions and delightful traditional restaurants. Saturdays sees the Bazaar open its doors with truly unique and rather expensive Mexican arts and crafts, and Sundays are a great day to visit this sleepy, town-like neighborhood in the middle of the Mexico City hustle and bustle.

Description:

This was Dolores Olmedo's home in the southern part of Mexico City. She was a friend of Diego Rivera and posed for him as many paintings of his will attest. Ms. Olmedo was a very wealthy and active socialite from the 1930's through the 1960's and since 1994, a few years before her death she converted this XVII century mansion into a museum and opened it to the public for everyone to enjoy.

The gardens are immaculate and the peacocks that roam freely are a sight to behold but her private collection of 145 of Diego Rivera's paintings as well as a substantial sampling of Frida Kahlo's work are the reason you should trek to this part of the city.

You will not feel like you are in a staid museum but rather a guest of Ms. Olmedo because the house has been maintained as it was when she lived here and many of her personal items are on display as well as her bedroom and other rooms which until a few years ago were closed to the public. There is a restaurant and a gift shop and you should probably devote half a day to this visit since getting there can take at least half an hour depending on traffic.

Our Local Expert Says:

With its hundreds of kilometers of water canals this is Mexico’s equivalent of Venice. A great day out on the water.

Description:

400 Kilometers of water canals make of Xochimilco Mexico's version of Venice. The best way to see this wonder of the ancient world is to arrive at the Nativitas boarding area and jump onto a "trajinera" - large wooden boats beautifully decorated with colorful paintings and flower arrangements. The boat trip (which can last one to five hours depending on what you choose) takes you past floating gardens, a vast array of bird life and "tinampas" which were islets made by the Aztecs by compacting mud and straw and building them around roots of aquatic trees. Weekends are very hectic here with a variety of floating mariachi bands, corn sales people, and partiers. For a more relaxed time visit on a weekday.

Description:

W is one of the most popular hotels in Mexico City because it combines a friendly atmosphere with a sophisticated look, it is centrally located in Polanco overlooking Chapultepec park and although it caters mostly to business people, it is perfectly suited for a romantic weekend or a vacation getaway.

Talk about details! The rooms are equipped with a Bose sound system, showers have rain forest water jets, there is a hammock in your bathroom, a CD and DVD library (in your room!) and featherbed down duvet.

The Terrace, the lounge located in the lobby is a popular local nightspot catered mostly by a young crowd, the atmosphere is sophisticated and the mood is relaxing. There is also a formal restaurant called Solea featuring international cousine and like everything I saw at W, it is elegant and sophisticated.

Berenice, the hotel's head concierge is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. She will go out of your way and spend as much time as necessary to help you solve a problem, answer a question or anything else you need during your stay.

Our Local Expert Says:

Undoubtedly the best place to learn about the life of this iconic and world renowned artist.

Description:

No visit to Mexico City is complete without making pilgrimages to the holy sites of two Mexican goddesses: the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Frida Kahlo's home, the Casa Azul. Known for disturbingly intimate self-portraits, Frida lived 47 years of pain and passion. Her turbulent marriage to Mexican muralist Diego Rivera has been the fodder for books and movies - they were the art world's radical power couple in the 1930s. The Casa Azul in Coyoacán, where Frida was born, lived, and died, remains untouched by time. "Blue House" visitors pass through galleries, kitchen, and dining room, but most fascinating are Frida's bedrooms, one each for day and night. Her doll collection, clothing, paintbrushes, and easel illustrate the storied life of México's Communist queen. After visiting Museo Frida Kahlo, stroll up to the Museo Casa de León Trotsky or down to Plaza Central and the Museo de Culturas Populares.

How to Get There: Métro: Line 3, Viveros and Coyoacán Stations. From Plaza Central, walk north on Calle Allende and turn right on Londres.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Admission: General: MX$55/US$5.50. Students and teachers: MX$20/US$2. Admission... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

A riveting and tumultuous piece of Mexican and Russian history.

Description:

Soviet revolutionary León Trotsky spent his final years of exile in Mexico City's Coyoacán neighborhood, where he was brutally murdered by an assassin dispatched by archrival Joseph Stalin. Trotsky and his family lived happily (but in constant fear of attack) at Casa Trotsky, a Neo-Gothic style house marred by the menacing gun slits of a watchtower. On August 20, 1941, Ramón Mercador entered Trotsky's study. Stalin's henchman pulled an ice axe from his coat sleeve and plunged it into Trotsky's skull. He died soon after. Curiously, Trotsky raised chickens and rabbits - the coops and hutches remain in the garden today, as well as cactus he planted, which grow around the memorial containing his ashes. Before entering Casa Trotsky, visitors pass through a modern exhibition hall where photographs of Trotsky and his family are displayed. Other popular Coyoacán destinations include Museo Frida Kahlo, Plaza Central, and the Museo de Culturas Populares.

Parking: Limited street parking
Services: Parking, restrooms, publications and souvenirs, library, audiovisual room, vending machines, audio guide in French and English. Call ahead for guided tours.
Additional information: The Trotsky House... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

This is one of the best taco chains for anyone adventurous enough to try the riskier Mexican cuisine' tripe taco, brain taco, intestine… the list goes on.

Description:

With many branches and one of the most traditional grills in Mexico city, El Farolito offers delicious dishes such as the traditional alambres and a great variety of tacos, pastor (with various meats like steak, chops or ribs and melted cheese), quesadillas and flavored waters. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is informal. The décor is casual and country-like. Some branches are built with red bricks like a rustic cottage. Parking area available. They have a delivery service that guarantees your order in 30 minutes. Also in Pabellón Bosques L- 301, Prol. Bosques de Reforma, Col. Vista Hermosa.

Description:

This museum is distributed throughout two buildings, providing two entrances. One entrance is accessed off of Reforma and the other is found near the Monumento a los Niños Héroes (Monument to Child Heroes). A sense of calm imbues the well-lit spacious interior. The main hall exhibits a retrospective of the Mexican school of painting, where highlights include works by Leonora Carrington, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Francisco Toledo and Rufino Tamayo. There is a pleasant café, along with a bookshop and library.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the most impressive art collections in the city in a beautiful building.

Description:

Infamous Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo managed to amass an impressive collection of art which includes some of the masters of the modern art world. In 1979 he began construction of a museum to house his gems as well as visiting exhibitions. The result, The Museo Rufino Tamayo is an architectonic feat (by architects Teodoro González de León and Abraham Zabludovsky) with nine exhibition rooms, a central patio, and some of the most innovative artworks in Latin America and the world. Definitely worth a visit.

Our Local Expert Says:

If the restaurant is not very busy ask the concierge if the head chef can join you for a glass of wine. He usually does and has vast tales to tell about world food, exotic liquors and life in general.

Description:

The sister of the Michelin three-star restaurant Arzak in Spain's Basque country. The Less well-known than traditional Spanish food, Basque cuisine is starting to generate more admirers in Mexico, due to its elaborated dishes of unique flavors. This restaurant is one of the best representatives of this type of food. Located inside the Royal Zona Rosa Hotel, it offers a sophisticated menu with specialties such as Lamb with Sugar Cane, Pil-pil Codfish with Red Peppers, Sea Beam with Hash with an aroma of Iberian ham, etc. The Spanish chef, Juan Mari Arzak, is the head of this enthusiastic team of cooks. The atmosphere is formal and prices are high.

Description:

W is one of the most popular hotels in Mexico City because it combines a friendly atmosphere with a sophisticated look, it is centrally located in Polanco overlooking Chapultepec park and although it caters mostly to business people, it is perfectly suited for a romantic weekend or a vacation getaway.

Talk about details! The rooms are equipped with a Bose sound system, showers have rain forest water jets, there is a hammock in your bathroom, a CD and DVD library (in your room!) and featherbed down duvet.

The Terrace, the lounge located in the lobby is a popular local nightspot catered mostly by a young crowd, the atmosphere is sophisticated and the mood is relaxing. There is also a formal restaurant called Solea featuring international cousine and like everything I saw at W, it is elegant and sophisticated.

Berenice, the hotel's head concierge is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. She will go out of your way and spend as much time as necessary to help you solve a problem, answer a question or anything else you need during your stay.

Our Local Expert Says:

The hike through the pine forest leading to the monastery requires a good level of fitness and is very popular track for dog owners and their furry friends. The monastery also offers weekend live classical music. Check with venue for times.

Description:

This national park provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Located in the Delegación Cuajimalpa reached by the freeway to Toluca, there are signposts to the park surrounding a seventeenth century former Carmelite monastery known as the "Desert of the Lions." Arriving in the 1600s, the Carmelites named this area with reference to the biblical Elijah, who lived in the wilderness and the Leones (lions) are a reference to the family León, who were the monastery's legal representatives. Walk the dark tunnels and explore the cabins. You can enjoy a comfortable day in the countryside. Food vendors offer delicacies representative of the region. Admission: Free

Our Local Expert Says:

Spend some time right outside of the building as well and you will discover a delightful collection of large sculptures by some of Mexico's top artists.

Description:

The observation deck of the Torre Latinoamericana (the Latin American Tower), offers a magnificent aerial view of the city, without having to fly! Constructed in 1957, it was one of the tallest buildings on the (Latin) American continent and of course, in Mexico City for decades. The observation deck is on the 44th floor and there are two viewing options to choose from: looking out of the windows in the restaurant, or going directly up to the outer balcony where there are nine telescopes offering different viewing angles.

Description:

This is a lofty spot, not only because of its exclusive menu featuring international cuisine, but also because this restaurant is located on the 45th floor of the World Trade Center, one of the tallest buildings in the city. As the restaurant slowly revolves, diners can enjoy the unique view by day or night, the only caveat being to watch out for bad weather and smog conditions. Bellini offers a variety of specialties including Squid Spirals and Spaghetti Cartoccio. You can expect personal attention and elegant decor in this sophisticated eatery.

Description:

Second only to the zoo in Beijing, China the Chapultepec Zoo receives the most visitors worldwide. The pre-Hispanic origins of this zoo date back to when the Aztec Nezahualcóyotl created this area for the population to enjoy the flora and fauna. It was meant not only for entertainment but also for medicinal, artistry, food provision and religious purposes. Today, around 2,000 animals of some 260 species-half of which are autochthonous-consider these 17 hectares their natural habitat. Different biospheres have been recreated to make these guests feel more at home. Temperate woods of conifer trees shield the bears, deer and wolves; there are pastures for herbivores and deserts of arid and semiarid regions for other creatures; the Arctic tundra for the polar bears and even a coastal shore for sea lions. This is also the home of the Russian pandas, which were the first to produce offspring in captivity. Admission: Free

Description:

This complex of buildings has a history dating back to the sixteenth century. The School of San Ildefonso was born when the San Bernardo, San Gregorio and San Miguel schools were joined in the 18th century. The three inner courtyards separate the colegio chico (small school) from the pasantes (interns) and the grande (big) school. The muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros embellished the stairs of the colegio chico, while the grande has a series of images by José Clemente Orozco which expresses his tragic sense of life and his keen sense of the ridiculous. These murals enhance what is now a cultural arts centre.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best seafood in Mexico City

Description:

The crowded dining room at Contramar, the Roma Norte seafood restaurant, is dominated by a broad, abstract mural - of fish, naturally. The number one choice of diners at this high-end lunch spot is the snapper "a la talla" - an entire grilled, butterflied fish, flavored with red chile and green parsley. Your meal could also include such dishes as tacos with lightly fried shrimp or octopus, consommé Oaxacan "Riscalillo-style, and squid salad with warm potatoes and basil. For dessert try the fig tart or coconut flan. The perfect beverage to wash down your meal is the concoction known as a michelada - beer served over ice with lemon juice, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Arrive early (or late) if you want to secure a table without a reservation. Otherwise, enjoy the people watching as you join the crowd waiting on the sidewalk. Contramar is near the Palacio de Hierro department store on Ave. Oaxaca.

Prices: MX$250+/US$25+
Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Amex
Parking: Valet, limited street parking
How to Get There: Metro Sevilla
Services: Restaurant, bar, restrooms

Description:

The acronym OMR is for founders Patricia Ortiz Monasterio and Jaime Riestra who opened this gallery for new and contemporary art. With eight exhibits annually and 10 years of participating in international art fairs such as Madrid's Arco, United States' Art Chicago, Berlin's Art Forum and Paris' FIAC, they are proven art merchants. The gallery represents a wide spectrum of renowned painters, sculptors and photographers while promoting young talent. Housed in an early 20th century mansion in the heart of Colonia Roma, OMR is the exclusive agent for the work of Adolfo Riestra (1944-1989) and Luis Ortiz Monasterio (1906-1990).

Admission: Free

Our Local Expert Says:

Definitely the best view of Zocalo and all it's hustle and bustle. Make sure to check out any rooftop bar on weekdays at 6pm for the best seat for the flag lowering ceremonies.

Description:

A Mexico City institution that visitors should experience at least once, this classic hotel has a prime location facing the zócalo -- reason enough to stay here. The lobby's glass ceiling is the floor of a sitting area surrounded by guest rooms. Rooms that don't overlook the zócalo overlook Avenida Madero or the hotel's inner court. The lobby and courtyard are decorated with stone arches, beautiful tiles, and stone fountains. Room furnishings are dated, and renovation plans continually stall. In lower-floor rooms facing Avenida Madero, street noise may be a problem. Guests in rooms that face the zócalo will suffer the periodic early-morning flag-raising ceremony, complete with marching feet, drums, and bugle. Quieter rooms overlook the courtyard, with its own aviary. The popular Terraza rooftop cafe/restaurant serves three meals. You can save considerably by booking directly with the hotel and by asking for promotional rates or discounts.

Our Local Expert Says:

Casa Lamm's impressively designed restaurant is a must for anyone trying to impress guests or enjoy a meal in a fantastic surrounding. The bookshop is excellent for anyone wanting beautiful books about Latin America.

Description:

Culture is being rescued in an impressive way; more so in this city, where it seems that stress and hurry don't allow the capital's inhabitants to ever stop and take a look around. This gallery is a private association that is concerned with providing open forums for cultural and artistic expression. In its facilities you will find fine arts retrospectives, sculptures, oil paintings in a variety of techniques, photography exhibits and book presentations. It also offers courses and workshops on many arts. There is a cafeteria, video club and bookstore.