Mexico City Off the Beaten Path

Our Local Expert Says:

The walk to the monastery is definitely for those with a good level of fitness. On weekends though you will be rewarded with live choral or classical music in the monastery grounds. Check with venue for times.

Description:

This place is where the locals go to spend a day away from the city noise, without leaving it. You can go walking or mountain biking across more than 200 forest-covered hectares or simply stick to the multiple paths and admire the scenery. There is an old Catholic monastery here, worth exploring.

Our Local Expert Says:

Once Latin America’s tallest building and still one of the most impressive aerial views of this massive city.

Description:

Built in the mid 50s this modest skyscraper was Latin America's tallest building for several decades. Now visitors can, for a fee, climb to the observation deck on the top floor and see how the immense Mexico City behaves. The sight is breath taking and on a clear day one can see as far as the local snow clad volcanoes and the beginning of Mexico State. Make sure to walk around the building as well as its grounds are often used as a backdrop for great sculpture exhibitions.

Description:

Opened in 1988, this fascinating museum exhibits the collection of the Villamayor Ballinas, a family of shoe-shop owners in the city. The thousand life-size and 15,000 miniature shoes on exhibit span several centuries, originate from different cultures and showcase a variety of styles. Porcelain, bronze and silk, are only some of the materials from which they are made; there is even a replica of a pair of boots worn by an astronaut from the Apollo II space flight. Call in advance as this place has very sporadic hours of operation.

Admission: Free

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

Our Local Expert Says:

On the fourth floor, overlooking the zócalo, El Mirador restaurant makes a great stop for a coffee or drink with a view.

Description:

This turn-of-the-century hotel, decorated in the Art Nouveau style, shows off a spectacular lobby. Look up as you walk into the hotel and you will see a gorgeous stained-glass dome. You will walk past caged birds (you can't miss them with the noise they make) and then an old-fashioned lift will take you to your room. All in all, it's quite an entrance. This was one of the most luxurious hotels when it was built at the beginning of last century, and it is highly recommended for special celebrations such as Independence day or New Year´s Eve because of its excellent location. The hotel has two high quality restaurants.

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:

The Jumex Collection is the largest Latin American private contemporary art exhibition space open to the public. The gallery has more than 600 works of art by artists from all over the world. The collection is housed in the Jumex Juice Factory located in Ecatepec, 45 minutes from Mexico City. Besides enjoying the exhibit, you can also visit the library and the reading room onsite. Open to the public weekdays by appointment; free admission.

Description:

This concept is completely new and different. Mama Rosa's offers an innovative fusion of Mexican cuisine with the culinary delicacies of Italy, resulting in dishes that are as original as they are tasty. Try the already legendary pizza a la leña, and as a main dish the chicken breast in Jamaica sauce will serve you well. There is also a great variety of pasta, seasoned to please traditional Mexican palates. For dessert, we recommend the three chocolates cake. The atmosphere is informal and very pleasant.

Our Local Expert Says:

On the fourth floor, overlooking the zócalo, El Mirador restaurant makes a great stop for a coffee or drink with a view.

Description:

This turn-of-the-century hotel, decorated in the Art Nouveau style, shows off a spectacular lobby. Look up as you walk into the hotel and you will see a gorgeous stained-glass dome. You will walk past caged birds (you can't miss them with the noise they make) and then an old-fashioned lift will take you to your room. All in all, it's quite an entrance. This was one of the most luxurious hotels when it was built at the beginning of last century, and it is highly recommended for special celebrations such as Independence day or New Year´s Eve because of its excellent location. The hotel has two high quality restaurants.

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:

Not everything is virtual nowadays. If you believe that only video games can offer stimuli, come and discover through your very own senses, the infinite amount of sensations that the body creates and perceives. Here people are blindfolded and then guided through a collection of scenes designed to awaken the senses. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing, and to be willing to be fully receptive.

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

On the fourth floor, overlooking the zócalo, El Mirador restaurant makes a great stop for a coffee or drink with a view.

Description:

This turn-of-the-century hotel, decorated in the Art Nouveau style, shows off a spectacular lobby. Look up as you walk into the hotel and you will see a gorgeous stained-glass dome. You will walk past caged birds (you can't miss them with the noise they make) and then an old-fashioned lift will take you to your room. All in all, it's quite an entrance. This was one of the most luxurious hotels when it was built at the beginning of last century, and it is highly recommended for special celebrations such as Independence day or New Year´s Eve because of its excellent location. The hotel has two high quality restaurants.

Our Local Expert Says:

Rumors have it that when Sinead O'Connor came on tour to Mexico City she made and impromptu tour of El Chopo, and bought her own pirated material. Ask anyone here and they'll have their own version of the tale.

Description:

This Saturday market gathers all the alternative and underground youth of Mexico for an extravganza of music swapping, and sales of al sorts of youthful, skater, rock, goth paraphenalia. With various national and international musicians playing in a haphazard backstage the mood can swing from sedate shopping experience to loud headbangers paradise. It is a crowded place to see where youth fashion and music sensibilities are headed.

Description:

The Feria (Fair) is undoubtedly one of the most popular and famous places for kids in the city. It has a total of 56 rides, including the legendary Montana Rusa (rollercoaster), which dates back to the '60s. The admission price varies according to the package you choose. The Pase Magico (Magic Pass) gives you access to 30 selected rides. The Pase Ecolim (Ecolim Pass), gives you access to 53 rides , and the Super Ecolim allows you to ride on all of the attractions, and includes lunch. Don't miss out on this, even if you're no kid anymore.

Our Local Expert Says:

Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Trotsky are said to have frequented here.

Description:

You haven't truly experienced Mexico City until you've visited a typical Mexican cantina. La Guadalupana is one of the oldest and most popular cantinas in the city. It was founded in 1923 and has still maintained the classic look of a traditional cantina. It offers a broad variety of tequilas, pulques and other Mexican drinks for its guests to sample. With its kicking Mariachi music and great drinks, La Guadalupana will give you a true taste of what Mexico has to offer.

Description:

Owned by one of Mexico's biggest young actor, La Bipolar has become a hangout for the film and modelling crowds yet without the attitude usually associated with such watering hole. The bar and dance floor sit above a restaurant and you must know where to head and how to deal with the zealous bouncers here. Once inside there are always great DJs and a lot of watching and being watched. Dress to impress. Cover varies.

Our Local Expert Says:

On the fourth floor, overlooking the zócalo, El Mirador restaurant makes a great stop for a coffee or drink with a view.

Description:

This turn-of-the-century hotel, decorated in the Art Nouveau style, shows off a spectacular lobby. Look up as you walk into the hotel and you will see a gorgeous stained-glass dome. You will walk past caged birds (you can't miss them with the noise they make) and then an old-fashioned lift will take you to your room. All in all, it's quite an entrance. This was one of the most luxurious hotels when it was built at the beginning of last century, and it is highly recommended for special celebrations such as Independence day or New Year´s Eve because of its excellent location. The hotel has two high quality restaurants.

Description:

The Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, Mexico's patron saint, is said to have appeared here to Juan Diego, a humble peasant, in 1531. Since then, the religious fervor toward Guadalupe has never waned. The place has become a Mecca for Catholics from around the world, who wish to see the shrine where she appeared and the massive infrastructure that it has created. Pilgrims often arrive here crawling, as a sign of humility and/or to pay for some miracle that has been granted to them. The adjacent museum is an exquisite glimpse at all things catholic and the history of the church in this deeply religious country. The Basilica de Guadalupe is a great place to glimpse at the deep devotion of Mexico.

Description:

Those who visit the Basilica of Guadeloupe can continue their tour by visiting this wax museum located in front of the new basilica's dome. A varied exhibition of fifteen historical and religious figures, with a back-drop corresponding to a particular period in time, is on display. Accordingly, the Virgin of Guadeloupe is found next to Benito Juárez and Saint Martín de Porres alongside Pope Pious XII.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of Latin America’s largest and most prestigious bullfighting rinks. Tickets are divided between "sun section" or "shaded" and vary in price according to how close you want to get to the action. Locals seem to purchase inexpensive tickets and then move to better seats once the event is underway.

Description:

While soccer has overtaken bullfighting as Mexico's national sport, the "corrida de toros" remains hugely popular despite the protests of animal rights activists. The Plaza México is the world's largest bullring - big enough to If you can afford it, purchase a seat on the shady side close to the action and observe the finest international bullfighters compete against tough, obviously angry, Mexican bulls. accommodate the 50,000 cheering fans that gather there on Sundays from March to November. Three matadors alternate in 15-minute long fights with a total of six different bulls. They dance an intricate paso doble - from the first row seats you can hear their intimate conversation: whispers, taunts, snorts, and grunts. Crowds tend to be friendly, especially to foreigners who show a desire to learn about this traditional sport. Plaza Mexico also presents boxing matches and concerts; the Estadio Azul football stadium and Poliforum Siqueiros are located nearby.
Hours of Operation: Sundays, 5:00 pm, approximately April to September
Admission: MX$90-231/US$9-23 at the (box office or Ticketmaster)
Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard
Parking: Very limited street parking, off-site parking garages... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

On the fourth floor, overlooking the zócalo, El Mirador restaurant makes a great stop for a coffee or drink with a view.

Description:

This turn-of-the-century hotel, decorated in the Art Nouveau style, shows off a spectacular lobby. Look up as you walk into the hotel and you will see a gorgeous stained-glass dome. You will walk past caged birds (you can't miss them with the noise they make) and then an old-fashioned lift will take you to your room. All in all, it's quite an entrance. This was one of the most luxurious hotels when it was built at the beginning of last century, and it is highly recommended for special celebrations such as Independence day or New Year´s Eve because of its excellent location. The hotel has two high quality restaurants.

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:

Nature lovers delight in this national reserve belonging to the community of Magdalena Contreras. The picturesque river Magdalena cuts through a ravine. Easily accessed by public transportation or private means, it is ideal for picnics, horseback riding, cycling and trekking besides offering the best rock climbing available in the Distrito Federal. There are four groups of boulders and walls reaching up to 60 metres high, complete with chimneys, crevices, knobs and other topographical requisites for a good climb and most routes are well equipped. Admission: Free