Budget Travel: Mexico City

Description:

Originally the Dominican priests had a school on this site, but in 1711 the church of Porta Coelli supplanted the school. A Black Christ, which was venerated here until being moved to the Cathedral, lies here. Legend has it that a knight who had been poisoned by a treacherous friend, entered the church to kiss the then white holy image. The figure of Christ supposedly absorbed the poison, saving the knight's life, but at the cost of its complexion. Another tale, backed this time by historical evidence, is linked to Friar Servando Teresa de Mier, who carried out his ecclesiastical duties at Porta Cali: his fate was to be imprisoned by the Inquisition for questioning the appearance of the Virgin of Guadeloupe.

Description:

If you are walking around the old historic city centre on a Sunday afternoon and are not quite sure what to do, you could perhaps drop into this art gallery. Considered to be one of the most important in the country, it is only open to the public on this particular day of the week. The exhibition includes paintings by some of the most famous artists from the colonial period, including Juan Correa, Villalpando and José Juárez. There is also a section dedicated to the Virgin Mary and another to religious art, from the early colonial days to the nineteenth century. A good opportunity to see a fine collection of quality paintings.

Description:

As indicated by its name, this convent belonged to the Order of Jerome, where the eminent Baroque poetess Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz lived and died. Often referred to as the Tenth Muse, her literary works made a huge impact on the Hispanic world. Although the convent later went through many changes, its original construction (between 1585 and 1623) place the structure and its accompanying church firmly in the Baroque period of architectural design. After an ignominious period as a military barracks, restoration was commenced in 1976, and the installations now house the Universidad del Claustro Sor Juana. The original structure of cloisters is still discernible amidst the modern classrooms. The remains of some of the original cells can also be seen, along with crosses and fountains. There is an outdoor canteen that offers a good place to rest and have a drink.

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Their seafood is very memorable, try either their small seafood soup or a shrimp cocktail full of avocado and freshness

Description:

The Salon Corona is a bit of an institution, and locals claim that if you have not been there… you have not been in Mexico City. A mixture between a cantina and a restaurant, Salon Corona has been a favourite, since the 70s, as a spot to watch big soccer games. The decor boasts some of those memorable socer moments both on the field and in the restaurant. The food is your typical Mexican fast food' tortas (the massive and delicious Mexican version of the baguette), 18 different types of tacos, quesadillas and some seafood classics. Salon Corona has a reputation for delicious octopus tortas and Torta al Pastor (a torta made with skewered pork, much in the Arab tradition of the doner kebab). The place is spacious and well lit and renovations have made it look as if it was a new comer to the Centro scene, even though it has an over 40 year tradition. Due to its popularity the Salon Corona has had to open another locale nearby.

Description:

In spite of having lost some of its past glory, this vintage Mexican club is still a good place to spend time with friends and enjoy a few drinks. The music, mostly techno, is varied, and the same tunes are repeated week after week. The bar, however, has not been modified, and the entrance to the place is expeditious. Dress is casual, and on Saturdays the cover charge includes free access to the open bar.

Description:

This hotel represents excellent value for money. It's centrally located and although there are no frills, it does have good, clean, decent sized rooms. It also offers a restaurant and the service is friendly. A good budget hotel, ideal for students or young people.

Description:

This is the main public plaza of Mexico Distrito Federal and the epicenter for events, festivals and protests. The plaza is equally recognized as the Zócalo, which means pedestal. At one time destined as a monument to Independence-planned but never built-the name remained and has become synonymous with the word plaza throughout Mexico. The Spaniards erected their main institutions, between the 16th and 18th centuries, around the plaza, built on the former ceremonial site of Tenochtitlán. Daily flag ceremonies take place at 6 am and 6 pm.

Description:

This is one of the oldest and best Lebanese restaurants in Mexico City, it is located in La Florida neighborhood, towards the south of the city, near Insurgentes.

One of the first things you will notice when you arrive is that all the tables are big round tables for eight to ten people. The reason for this is that this is basically a family restaurant and the Arabic tradition is for the whole family to get together for a meal.

You can't go wrong here, all the traditional Lebanese dishes are served, kippe, humus, tjine as well as the honey and pecan covered baklava and other desserts.

Description:

This former hacienda houses the works of popular artist Diego Rivera. It also houses an exhibition of more than 600 pieces of furniture and ornaments from the Mexican colonial period. It has works by Frida Kahlo and Beloff, apart from a selection of popular Mexican art. Guided tours take place from Tuesday to Saturday. Children under 6 go free and there are discounts for pensioners.

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

Description:

Specialties from the Yucatan peninsula abound in Mexico City but few capture the true flavor and only these select locations are favored and recommended by Mexico City residents. Los Almendros is definitely one of them, in either of its two locations" Polanco and Insurgentes Sur. The latter is extremely attractive because it is housed in a turn of the last century mansion with gorgeous gardens and one hundred year old trees.

All the Yucatan classic dishes are available plus some contemporary creations from the master chefs. It's a bit pricey, entrees range from US$20 and upward but the quality of the food and the service merit a visit. Cochinita Pibil, Pollo Tikul, Sopa de Lima and Panuchos are strongly recommended,

Description:

This hotel represents excellent value for money. It's centrally located and although there are no frills, it does have good, clean, decent sized rooms. It also offers a restaurant and the service is friendly. A good budget hotel, ideal for students or young people.

Our Local Expert Says:

Their seafood is very memorable, try either their small seafood soup or a shrimp cocktail full of avocado and freshness

Description:

The Salon Corona is a bit of an institution, and locals claim that if you have not been there… you have not been in Mexico City. A mixture between a cantina and a restaurant, Salon Corona has been a favourite, since the 70s, as a spot to watch big soccer games. The decor boasts some of those memorable socer moments both on the field and in the restaurant. The food is your typical Mexican fast food' tortas (the massive and delicious Mexican version of the baguette), 18 different types of tacos, quesadillas and some seafood classics. Salon Corona has a reputation for delicious octopus tortas and Torta al Pastor (a torta made with skewered pork, much in the Arab tradition of the doner kebab). The place is spacious and well lit and renovations have made it look as if it was a new comer to the Centro scene, even though it has an over 40 year tradition. Due to its popularity the Salon Corona has had to open another locale nearby.

Description:

This is the only museum in Mexico City dedicated to architectural exhibits. It offers a plethora of information about the city's different periods of architectonic development, illustrated by murals, photographs, paintings, models and other documents. Original blueprints and photographs of Adamo Boari, Federico Mariscal, Juan O'Gorman, Carlos Obregón Santacilia, Guillermo Kahlo and other prominent architects of the city are showcased here. There are also exhibits related to architecture worldwide and a library worth visiting. Check local listings for temporary exhibitions.

Description:

Diego Rivera's most famous mural, "Sueño de una Tarde Dominical en la Alameda" (Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda) dates from 1947 and measures 15 by four metres. It was originally a fresco on the walls of the Hotel del Prado, damaged after the earthquake of 1985, it was moved here. The mural portrays various historical figures, including Viceroys, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Maximiliano of Hapsburg, Benito Juárez, José Guadalupe Posada, Porfirio Díaz and José Martí. The artist includes himself as a child holding the hand of Posada's "Catrina" (a satirical skeletal society woman from pre-Revolutionary Mexico) standing in front of his beloved Frida Kahlo.

Description:

The Mexicans have had a National Lottery for many years now. It's a good way of raising money for charity, as it is non-profit making and run by the government. The main lottery is this elegant art deco construction on the Paseo de la Reforma. If you go in after 7.30 and take a seat, at 8pm you will see the "sorteo" or draw take place. Admission is free.

Description:

One of not many discos for very young people in between 17 and 26 years old, with great atmosphere of alternative and pop music mixed with a live group that plays at some instants of the night. Located one square beside the nightclub zone of the Historical Centre of Mexico City. Accessible prizes, amazing opening hours: from 10pm to 10am, along with security in the place and valet parking makes of La Fábula a very comfortable and enjoyable place. Admission is free for all.

Description:

This hotel represents excellent value for money. It's centrally located and although there are no frills, it does have good, clean, decent sized rooms. It also offers a restaurant and the service is friendly. A good budget hotel, ideal for students or young people.

Description:

The Castillo de Chapultepec was used as the official presidential residence until 1944, when it became the National History Museum. The 20 halls in the two-story building showcase the most relevant political and social changes Mexico has undergone throughout its history. Some of the halls have murals depicting the nation's major historical evolution, painted by such talented Mexican artists such as Eduardo Solares, Juan O'Gorman, David Alfaro Siqueiros and Jorge Gonzalez Camarena. Classical music concerts, temporary exhibitions and other events are frequently scheduled. There is a café and library. Guided tours: +52 5 2860700.

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:

This restaurant seems to have left behind the old Hindu politics and manages to serve fantastic Pakistani curry alongside Indian ones. Also available are the water pipes with flavored tobacco.

Description:

El Tandoor is possibly the best restaurant when it comes to Indian cuisine in the city. The dishes here are prepared in an authentic Tandoori oven and the Mumbai born chef is always happy to come and chat after your meal. The locale is comfortable and the second floor is usually hired our for large events. Due to its traditional Indian menu you are always likely to find British or Commonwealth ex-pats. Likewise their curries are reasonably priced and often come with eclectic entertainment of belly dancers and, if you wish, scented smoke pipes. Their naan bread is to die for.

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:

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 museum never fails to delight children. Providing a trip through time and the evolutionary process, science is illustrated and enlivened with the aid of preserved animals and other objects. The most relevant aspects of the origin and evolution of the universe, along with earth's composition, are dealt with through a global perspective. A day of entertainment is guaranteed.

Description:

In Tablitaco, you can experience a new concept in taquerias. The service consists of a menu divided into five parts, starting with the appetizers (empanadas and melted cheese), soup (choice of two), mixed salad, french fries or roast potatoes, and finally all the tacos you could possibly eat. What makes this menu different is the high quality of its dishes and the delicious flavor of the tacos. The decor of the restaurant is western in style and the waiters are young and attentive. A good place to try when going out with the family or a group of friends.

Description:

When Mosaico opened it's doors in 2003 it was almost impossible to get a table here, it was an instant hit. With it's French atmosphere and delicious cuisine it attracted high-end clientele that could afford a $30 lunch not including drinks.

Since then it has continued to thrive and expanded to Polanco (Mazaryk) where it has a nice amount of clients but it did not replicate the huge success of its flagship location. Nothing to do with the quality of it's food or service, it's just that so many restaurants have opened in Polanco and Condesa that competition has reduced the possibilities of any one place cornering the market.

Nevertheless Mosaico's Condesa location is still a trendy and attractive restaurant that caters to mid-level executives that work in the area during the week.

Description:

Mariachi and tequila are the most popular traditions in Mexico and this is a great place to enjoy them. Tenampa is a bar decorated in typical Mexican style, where you can choose from an enormous variety of tequilas and listen to the best mariachis in town. Make sure you visit this great place during your stay in Mexico City.

Description:

This hotel represents excellent value for money. It's centrally located and although there are no frills, it does have good, clean, decent sized rooms. It also offers a restaurant and the service is friendly. A good budget hotel, ideal for students or young people.

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:

An astonishing monument to Catholicism in Mexico. A definite must see.

Description:

Construction of this grand cathedral began in the early 1570s and took two and a half centuries to complete. The resulting Catedral Metropolitana, or "La Catedral" as is known to locals, is a grandiose monument to Mexican devotion which uses a variety of architectonic styles (including neo-classicism, Spanish renaissance and a few obvious touches of Baroque). Inside the three vaulted basilica are intricate 16 Century wooden altars, gold gilded statuettes dating from the 16 Century, and 14 massive, astonishingly decorated chapels. Since the "Catedral" was constructed atop Aztec ruins, and due to the sheer weight of marble, stone and brick, the "Catedral" is sinking at a slow, but very noticeable rate. This is a definite must see.

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:

Deemed a little culinary hidden treasure, Casa Merlos is like going to an aunt's house… but an aunt who has been cooking professionally for over 30 years. The meals are traditional and with an emphasis on the food from Puebla (where the 30 + ingredients "mole" sauce comes from). Some of the most popular dishes include the rare entree "chalupas" which are small tortillas spread with various ingredients and deep fried. Also try the the lightly fried chile with chipotle sauce, stuffed with goat cheese, stewed pork, nuts, and raisins. It is also said that this is one of the best places in the city to tray the intricate Mole Poblano, a complicated sauce made with dozens of ingredients (including cocoa) and poured generously over chicken. The decor here is traditional, small townish and with a focus on Talavera, mud cermaics, wooden chairs, and handcrafts from small town Mexico. This is the sort of hidden restaurant that only locals know about, and is has been frequented by families for generations.

Description:

Mariachi and tequila are the most popular traditions in Mexico and this is a great place to enjoy them. Tenampa is a bar decorated in typical Mexican style, where you can choose from an enormous variety of tequilas and listen to the best mariachis in town. Make sure you visit this great place during your stay in Mexico City.

Description:

This hotel represents excellent value for money. It's centrally located and although there are no frills, it does have good, clean, decent sized rooms. It also offers a restaurant and the service is friendly. A good budget hotel, ideal for students or young people.

Description:

This hotel represents excellent value for money. It's centrally located and although there are no frills, it does have good, clean, decent sized rooms. It also offers a restaurant and the service is friendly. A good budget hotel, ideal for students or young people.

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.

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:

This is a simple hotel in an excellent location;in the city center, which makes it a great choice for visitors who'd like to get to know the historic area on foot. Modestly decorated, the carpeted rooms have TVs and telephones. There is a small café and restaurant, where guests can relax and eat good food.

Description:

Cost-conscious travelers and tour groups flock to Hotel Catedral, a 166-room property smack dab in the center of Mexico City's Historic Center. Located just one block from the Zócalo and Metropolitan Cathedral, the hotel gets high marks for its cleanliness and ample full breakfast buffet (included in the room price). Donceles is a busy thoroughfare - choose your room carefully to avoid the street noise. Accommodations, which feature one or two double beds, are pleasant and well maintained although American and Canadian guests might find the mattresses hard. Bathrooms come with standard shower although some rooms have Jacuzzi tubs. Restaurant Catedral serves Mexican and International lunch and dinner while El Retiro bar offers light fare. The 7th floor terrace, with its views of picturesque Colonial-era rooftops, is popular in the evening. The Hotel Catedral is convenient to all downtown locations including the Museo de la Caricatura and Museo del Templo Mayor.
Tel (Toll-free, Mexico): 01-800-701-8340
Tel (Toll-free, USA/Canada): 1 (866) 291-2312
Accommodations: 166 rooms
Rates: MX$590-1010/US$59-110. Does not include 18.5% room tax
Payment: Mexican pesos, Visa, MasterCard, Amex... read more

Description:

Sonora Market is a feat for the senses and an undertaking suitable for those seeking an alternative, quirky side to Mexico. Built in the early 50s, the Mercado Sonora quickly became house to many healers, shamans and spiritual people mixing traditional medicine and magic with Catholic symbolism. The result is a massive market that mixes the regular Mercado produce (fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats, etc) with an impressive array of spiritual paraphernalia such as herbs for good luck, rituals to scare off any evil spirits, statuettes, card readers, snakes, etc. This massive market in the heart of Mexico City can be a cultural shock so try to blend in and approach with an open mind.

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:

The park's outdoor theatre has weekend children's theatre by amateur performers. A great place for children.

Description:

The Luis G. Urbina park, popularly known as the Parque Hundido or Sunken Park, is the perfect place to take a break after a walk down the bustling Insurgentes Sur Avenue. Amid the beautiful flowers, shaded gardens and tall trees, you can also see some of the best examples of pre-Hispanic sculpture, for there are fifty-one reproductions on permanent display. Nearby is the Ciudad de Deportes (Sports City), which includes the 65,000 capacity Azul Stadium, and the Plaza México bullring. The latter, with its capacity of 48,000, is considered to be the largest such arena in the world.

Description:

Located on the flat roof of the Museum of Mexico is the former studio of this 19th century Mexican painter. Clausell was an impressionist strongly influenced by Monet, and you can see more than sixty square metres of his murals, the result of the artist, somewhat fortuitously, cleaning his brushes on the surrounding walls. As a consequence he left behind a fusion of landscapes, nudes and faces for the onlooker to decipher. Admission is free of charge.

Description:

El Bajío is an award-winning restaurant which specializes on food from Veracruz, Michoacán, Hidalgo, Oaxaca, Yucatán, and Puebla. One of their specialties is the 30-ingredient mole de Xico, their platains stuffed with bean sauce, carnitas, etc. El Bajio is well known as a traditional restaurant, focusing on food they way "granmas" used to make it. Fittingly, the restaurant has been run by the same family since its opening in 1972. The decor is also awe inspairing and collects some of the best handcrafts from various regions of Mexico. This restaurant, although award winning, is best known by locals than the tourists, therefore prices have remained low. This is a colourful, delightful place for families or large groups and its service is friendly and accomodating.

Our Local Expert Says:

Check out the Plaza Santo Domingo nearby for a glimpse at old printing presses of Mexico and the last surviving public scribes.

Description:

Right in the center of the most populated city in the world, we find this simple hotel. It is ideally located for strolls around the city center with your family and for appreciating the beautiful architecture surrounding it. The rooms are comfortable: carpets throughout, color TV, music and hot water all day long.

Description:

Appropropiate place to stay if good prices are what you're looking for. They have a small number of carpeted rooms, with colour TV and 24 hr room service. It is pleasant and simple. Car park available for guests.

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.

Description:

This church is located in the historic Plaza Santa Cruz and includes one of the oldest concave facades in the city. This Baroque construction, dating from 1727, was built by the religious order of the Juaninos, as was the Hospital de Desamparados of San Juan de Dios, which today houses the Franz Mayer Museum. Inside the church, visitors can see two paintings by the nineteenth century painter German Gedovius.

Description:

This magnificently restored 17th century building houses the museum, which opened in 1986 in what was the Hospital of San Juan de Dios together with the temple of the same name. The vast collection of objects on display is related to the applied arts. The everyday, commonplace pieces include furniture, gadgets, religious iconography, and watches. As a German financier who made his fortune in Mexico, Mr. Franz Mayer bequeathed his collection to the people of his adopted homeland. Other halls include paintings from the period of the Viceroys as well as decorative arts, religious sculptures and a collection of pieces from Europe and the Far East. There is a lovely interior courtyard and a remarkable library with an incredible collection of 800 different volumes of Don Quixote de la Mancha authored by the Spaniard, Miguel de Cervantes; many are both rare and unique.

Description:

Estampa means "engraving" or "printing," and this museum is devoted to understanding and preserving the graphic arts. The beautifully restored 16th-century building holds both permanent and changing exhibits. Displays include those from pre-Hispanic times, when clay seals were used for designs on fabrics, ceramics, and other surfaces. But the most famous works here are probably those of José Guadalupe Posada, Mexico's famous printmaker, who poked fun at death and politicians through his skeleton figure drawings. If your interest in this subject is deep, ask to see the video programs on graphic techniques -- woodcuts, lithography, etchings, and the like.

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.