Mexico City, one of the world’s largest and most densely populated cities, may have a reputation as being dangerous and polluted, but the sprawling metropolis I discovered bubbled with energy and charm.
The many tranquil parks and gardens help to mask Mexico City’s frenetic pace. The air was cleaner than I expected and kidnappers were not lurking on every corner. I felt no more threatened in Mexico City than I do in London (there are parts of London I won’t walk around even during the day). I took taxis and used the Metro and have lived to tell the tale.
Yes, at times, Mexico City, which is 2,240 metres (7,350ft) above sea level, can be chaotic and frustrating. Driving round the city can be time consuming as there is always seems to be a rush hour. Well, it is home to over 20 million people.
Go with the flow and you will find Mexico City will get under your skin and win you over like no other city.
In common with other capitals, Mexico City has many faces. Old Atzec ruins blend with stunning modern architecture and wide boulevards – the Paseo de la Reforma, dotted with resplendent monuments, being the most beautiful.
Areas such as Polanco, home to some of the city’s smartest hotels and shops, and the boho-chic districts of Condesa and Roma, where great bars and restaurants fuse with cool boutiques and art galleries are where you can feel Mexico City’s sizzling energy.
San Ángel is a quaint colonial district, renowned for its Saturday bazaar. While Santa Fe, in the west, is the city’s newest upmarket suburb. Here you will find the city’s largest shopping mall, Centro Santa Fe. This and its high-tech buildings contrast sharply with the nearby slums.
A highlight of my trip was spending Sunday afternoon at Xochimilco. Sailing along its canals, one of the last reminders of the Aztec era, in a traditional boat (trajinera), with traders and musicians passing by and touting their wares is definitely one for the memory books.
The Centro Historico is where I began unravelling the layers that comprise Mexico City. At its heart is the Zócalo, the main square surrounded by architectural wonders including the Metropolitan Cathedral, which has taken over 250 years to complete, and the National Palace, which holds some striking murals depicting Mexico’s history by Diego Rivera, one of the country’s most renowned artists.
Round the corner are the ruins of the Great Temple of the Aztecs, once the ceremonial centre of Tenochtitlan, their capital. It is also worth a trip to Teotihuacan, approximately 30 miles outside the capital, to see the pyramids.
Other gems are the beautiful Fine Arts Palace, Mexico’s main Opera House and the Central Post Office.
Mexico City has over 100 museums so it would be hard to see them all, but the Frida Kahlo Museum is a must as is the Mexican business tycoon, Carlo Slim’s dazzling new Soumaya Museum.
For a flavour of Mexico City’s traditional nightlife, head to Garibaldi Square and Tenampa, a lively cantina where the mariachis wait to be hired to serenade you. I'm still humming the chorus (Ay, ay, ay, ay, Canta y no llores) of the renowned Cielito Lindo.
Round the corner are the ruins of the Great Temple of the Aztecs, once the ceremonial centre of Tenochtitlan, their capital. It is also worth a trip to Teotihuacan, approximately 30 miles outside the capital, to see the pyramids.
Other gems are the beautiful Fine Arts Palace, Mexico’s main Opera House and the Central Post Office.
Mexico City has over 100 museums so it would be hard to see them all, but the Frida Kahlo Museum is a must as is the Mexican business tycoon, Carlo Slim’s dazzling new Soumaya Museum.
For a flavour of Mexico City’s traditional nightlife, head to Garibaldi Square and Tenampa, a lively cantina where the mariachis wait to be hired to serenade you. I'm still humming the chorus (Ay, ay, ay, ay, Canta y no llores) of the renowned Cielito Lindo.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
Iberia (www.iberia.com/gb/)
Camino Real (www.caminoreal.com/english)
The St. Regis Mexico City (www.starwoodhotels.com)
Visit Mexico (www.visitmexico.com)
