Mexico City

Colorful diversity has never been embodied more fully than the way Mexico City has. Traditional communities mingle with the bohemian and the socially modern in this dynamic city. The Coyoacán of Frida Kahlo’s era remains an intellectual haven. Museums art spaces abound, attracting the capital’s eclectic set. Polanco continues to attract a chi-chi crowd with its upscale boutiques and high-end bars and restaurants. Financial powerhouses coexist with shanty towns. Economic bullishness goes hand in hand with the grim reality of many. The streets are alive with screaming vendors, inviting food stalls and people.

Mexico City’s history is very much apparent in its modern streets. A series of canals still crisscrosses Xochimilco, a neighborhood that managed to keep to tradition. On weekends, the canals overflow with chinampas (floating gardens), food peddlers, and mariachis – a sensory overload, even for the most well-traveled visitor. Cobblestone streets line communities like Coyoacán. The Metropolitan Cathedral, the first of its kind in North America, still stands tall, albeit a bit battered by the elements and earthquakes that touched its land. Close to it is the Aztec Templo Mayor, the exposed ruins of an Aztec temple.

Mexico City was the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan since 1325. The ancient city was destroyed and rebuilt as the seat of its Spanish conquerors in 1521. It had since then gone through several revolutions, and a war against its American neighbor. Today, it is Mexico’s financial center, ranking 8th among cities worldwide for its gross domestic product.

A valid passport and visa are required for travelers to Mexico City. Visas are good for 180 days. The city’s streets are generally safe, although basic precautions are still necessary. Travelers should never flaunt expensive jewelry pieces and watches. Likewise, they should keep aware of their surroundings, especially when out drinking.