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México Mexico

INTRODUCTION

Mexico City is a huge megalopolis that is among one of the five most populous cities in the world. It has a unique culture that is the result of the blending of its population's Native American roots with the modern influences of technology and art.

HISTORY

The city now known as Mexico City was founded by the Aztecs in 1325. The old city is referred to as Tenochtitlan. The settlement grew rapidly between 1325 and 1521, eventually dominating the Gulf of Mexico. By the time the Spanish arrived, the Aztec empire dominated much of Mesoamerica.

With the Spanish invasion, tensions rose until, on the night of 30 June 1520 – during a struggle commonly known as La Noche Triste – the Aztec revolted against the conquistadors and managed to drive them out. The Spanish however, lay siege to the city less than a year later. The new king, Cuauhtémoc, finally surrendered in August 1921.

The city quickly expanded throughout the 16th century, and many churches from this era can still be seen today. Economically, Mexico City prospered as a result of trade. Unlike Brazil or Peru, Mexico had easy contact with both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Independence for Mexico was declared by Agustin de Iturbide in 1821 after he and his army marched into the city. While Iturbide's regime tried to keep as much of the old order as possible, he soon had to abdicate and Mexico was declared a republic in 1824, with Mexico City as its capital. The next few decades were characterized by unrest as different factions fought for control. The Mexican Federal District was established by the new government and by the signing of their new constitution, where the concept of a federal district was adapted from the American constitution.

During the Mexican-American War, American forces marched toward Mexico City and stormed Chapultepec Castle. The treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in what is now the far north of the city. Mexico continued to grow, developing modern infrastructure, such as roads, schools, transportation, and communication systems. Unfortunately the regime concentrated resources and wealth into the city while the rest languished in poverty which eventually led to the Mexican Revolution.

Explosive growth in the population of the city started from the 1960s, with the population overflowing the boundaries of the Federal District into the neighboring state of Mexico. This explosion caused social and environmental problems, and many migrants from the countryside settled in shantytowns surrounding the city.

Today's Mexico City has benefited from numerous restoration projects and widespread revitalization, gradually becoming a major player in international trade, politics and culture.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Taking pictures inside a church when there is a service going on is considered disrespectful, so you should refrain from doing so. Taking pictures inside a church at other times is acceptable.

Bargaining and barter are common activities in Mexico, especially at markets, artifact stores and handicraft workshops. Never accept the first price you are offered, but be realistic with your offers, and don't become too aggressive with your position. If you speak Spanish (even broken Spanish) you stand a much better chance of getting a better a deal on your purchases.

ATTRACTIONS

Zocola
Templo Mayor
Angel of Independence
Metropolitan Cathedral
Paseo de la Reforma
Pyramid of the Sun?
RESTAURANTS

Aguila y Sol - This Polanco area restaurant is known for its nouvelle Mexican cuisine and its popular chef who has authored multiple cookbooks. Try the duck mole or the salmon dish that is coated with maize and accompanied by clams. While waiting for your meal to arrive, order a rosewater cocktail or a hibiscus-flower beverage.

Cafe Tacuba - If you are in the Centro Histórico area, stop in at the Café Tacuba for lunch or dinner for authentic Mexican cuisine served in a classy setting complete with brightly colored tiles, handmade furniture, stained glass windows, wall murals and large archways. Feast on tasty tamales, chiles rellenos and enchiladas. Live music is performed most nights.

Chez Wok - Located near the popular shopping destination of Av. President Masaryk, this restaurant has earned a cult-like following for its excellent, authentic Szechuan and Shanghainese dishes.

Fonda el Refugio - Celebrities and regular folk alike voice rave reviews for this classic Mexican restaurant that is housed in a quaint two-story house. It has been a Zona Rosa mainstay for over 40 years and simply gets better with age. Enjoy scratch made tortillas, chicken breast topped with light chocolate sauce, mole poblano, beef-stuffed chiles and other inventive dishes.

La Valentina - Pulling together regional dishes from across Mexico, this restaurant serves entrees made of a unique blend of chilies, herbs, nuts, spices, poultry, vegetables and seafood. Try the cilantro soup, the fish tacos or the blackened marinated chicken. Live music acts perform here every once in a while, and the bar has a quality assortment of tequilas.

San Ángel Inn - Housed in a 17th-century monastery and located in the San Ángel suburb, this classy restaurant is tailor made for special occasions and celebratory nights out. Tables are adorned with white linens, and suited waiters attend your every whim. The menu serves a blend of Mexican and international cuisine.

LODGING

Hotel Habita - If you want to rub shoulders with the city's elite, this is the place to be. The hotel's architects and designers deliberately chose a minimalist design scheme for the 36 rooms in order to give guests a break from Mexico City's overwhelming visual landscape. The decor is white and cream with colorful touches like blue agave plants and parenthesis lamps.

Camino Real Pedregal Mexico - Standard rooms are comfortable and well maintained and the 54 rooms in the Camino Real Club have access to an executive lounge where Continental breakfast is served each morning, in front of Sky television and spacious in-room working areas.

Fiesta Americana Santa Fe - Fiesta Americana focuses on providing great service, and the hotel team includes an executive staff to help organize events and conferences. The business center is better equipped than most hotels, and there are 14 attractive and well-appointed boardrooms, many flooded with natural light. If you don't plan to wander far from Santa Fe, there are a number of swanky restaurants inside the hotel, as well as a bar, a gym, and a heated indoor pool. The largest mall in Mexico City is also just a short drive away.

HauSuites by Dominion - These suites are designed for long-term visits to the city, with prices adjusted according to the length of your stay. These brand new accommodations are tastefully decorated in a contemporary style, tending toward minimalist rather than cozy. Blond wood floors are livened up with bright rugs, and the color schemes are bold blends of red, orange, brown, and white. Modern, dark wood furniture is stylish and comfortable.

Condesa df - Located in the hip Condesa neighborhood, this property was converted from a colonial apartment building into a boutique hotel. Everything about Condesa df is perfect: the rooms are spacious and comfortable, equipped with all sorts of amenities that make your stay more pleasant (you can even request an iPod). As comfortable as the rooms are however, you’ll want to explore the hotel itself, as well as the neighborhood.

The Red Tree House - If you are looking for something more personal or quirky, The Red Tree House (RTH) may be for you. This seven-room guest house is in a 1930s home in the Condesa neighborhood, and visitors have consistently praised the RTH’s owners for their warmth and the property’s creative vibe. It’s not really a tree house, but in a city of such magnitude, you’ll be surprised how private and even pastoral this property feels—particularly if you enjoy its wonderful garden.