TRAVEL TIPS
MEXICO CITY
OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER
OVERVIEW Mexico City is one of the most populous
The city is still a paradise for the lovers of
capitals of the planet, being then very similar
spicy food (even in the breakfast), of the chilis,
to the main metropolises of the world. It is big,
guacamoles, tacos, tapas and tortillas, not
densely populated, polluted and has a terrible
counting the delicacies using cactus as its base
traffic, but it also has one of the most fantastic
(even juice is done with the plant – you should
histories of America and it preserves very
try it!) and the drinks done with tequila, a drink
well the buildings and the ruins of the ancient
also based on the exotic plant of the desert.
civilizations. Not mentioning the several parks spread around the city, such as the Alameda
Busy, amusing, tasty, colorful and interesting.
and the Chapultepec.
Mexico City is just that, only in gigantic proportions. And it gives a certain sparkle in
Besides squandering native and colonial
the eyes to know that you are walking around
history, the city is modern, with intense
the second most populous city of the world
financial business, in great part influenced by
(with 22 million inhabitants behind only to
the frontier with the United States.
Tokyo). Important and imposing, the Mexican capital offers to a tourist a world of options.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS MEXICO CITY
You can invest in a cultural and historical
one week is too little to explore all the city has
itinerary, as there is no lacking of museums, art
to offer. But, if this is your available time, even
galleries, monuments and archaeological sites.
so, is worthwhile. Now, if you have more days,
A gastronomic circuit is also available, food and
go further than the touristic places and try to
typical drinks are a compulsory part and are all around. The city also cheers up the lovers of flowers and gardens, of walks in the charming streets and, of course, of good purchases. The wooded Mexico City is a true party of contrasts, where the contemporary and the ancient coexist in absolute harmony, in spite of having dimensions of a megalopolis. An
go to the points that the Mexicans go. Mexico City is the most ancient metropolis of America and it is situated in the region of the Central Elevated plain (height 2.240m); covered by the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, it is known to have the best climate of the world, with a middle annual temperature of 22° C. Known previously as the “ City of the Palaces “, Mexico City also has two of UNESCO’s World
Aztec temple can be close to a very modern
Heritage places: its historical center surrounded
building, earthquake proof, as well as groups of
by pretty religious and historical buildings as
pop music and the mariachis that share popular
the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace
likes. And it is this mix that attracts tourists of
or the Fine Arts Palace, and its Ecological Park
all kinds, who, by the way, are very welcomed by the cheerful Mexican people. If you are one of those people that like exploring places thoroughly during your holidays, you should know beforehand that
of Xochimilco. If your interest is culture, Mexico City offers a great variety of museums: the National Museum of Anthropology, the National Museum of Arts and the National History Museum (inside the Chapultepec Castle). To the north you will be able to visit Guadalupe’s Basilica, the second sanctuary most visited in the world after the Basilica of Saint Peter, in the Vatican. It is a must for those who want to know more about the customs and the traditions of the city. For all that we can say, Mexico City is a cosmopolitan enclave, where the inheritance of the colonial tradition is combined with the activities of a modern city: you buy in the bazaars and in the markets of craftwork, like those from the districts of Coyoacán and San Angel, or in boutiques and shopping centers, like the ones in Polanco and Santa Fé enclosed by the glamour and the comfort of their hotels and international restaurants.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS MEXICO CITY
TRANSPORT
SUBWAY The subway of the city is one of the cheapest in the world; 2 $ pesos since 2002. The
To walk around the city on foot is the best way of knowing it in details. Even because you escape from the intense traffic. But, if you want to use the public transport, a good option is the subway. Besides the public transport, the visitors can also use the double-deck buses that circulate through the main touristic places. This bus has at present two lines, one that goes through the historical center and the other one that goes to the south region. The traveler pays only one price to go around the two areas. The price of this service is the best and the walk is worthwhile.
difference from other subways in the world, you can change lines without paying another ticket. Undoubtedly the subway of Mexico City is the best, quickest and safest means of transport of the city. For a better trip avoid to use it in the hours of peak (from 7 to 9am, 3 to 4pm and 7 to 8pm).
METROBUS This transport is a modern system as an alternative to the problems of traffic in the city; it is on top of Insurgentes Avenue, the longest in the world, which crosses the whole city. The
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS MEXICO CITY
cost is 3.50 $ pesos per travel, you pay with an electronic card that $ costs 11.50. This card has a refund of 8.00 $ pesos and a travel.
ELECTRIC TRANSPORTS This system is another alternative to reduce the emissions of toxic gases; at present it disposes of 15 lines (Trolebus andLight Train) being the best form of bringing the Xochimilco near theHistorical Center.
RTP The buses of the RTP cover many roads of the city, around 3.500km of longitude, being the connection between housing areas and subway stations in 88 different directions; they are very comfortable and safe. This service works every day, from 4am to 10:30pm and the ticket costs 2 $ pesos per travel. Taxi: There are different types of taxis, most of them are green with two or four doors. The most representative is the one called, in Mexican slang, of vocho. Avoid to board the taxis with the plates that do not begin with the letters L or S. The best is to call for the service of authorized taxis, as the security in all senses is better and it can be found easily in the airport and in the hotels. of which still present in the daily life of the
ATTRACTIONS
inhabitants of the capital. The Templo Maior is located in the center of Mexico City, and is a small archaeological site where it is possible to admire the ruins of the Templo Maior of the
In Mexico City you can discover the
Aztecs, the most important building of Mexico:
archaeological tracks of the Mexican culture;
Tenochtitlรกn, the capital of the Mexican empire.
at these places and in its museums you will
Tlatelolco, located in the center of the city, is
find out the great mysteries of this culture
considered as the twin city of Tenochtitlรกn,
cosmovision, as well as its customs, some
in it survives the base of the main temple,
of similar format to the Templo Maior of the
Independéncia, best known as El Ángel, which
Mexican capital, as well as a circular temple
represents “Victoria hauled”, is a column of
devoted to the god of the wind. Cuicuilco,
corinth style, with figures one of the heroes
which is situated in the south of Mexico City, is
of the independence and symbols of the war,
one of the most ancient urbane zones of the
peace, law and justice represented in the
pre-hispanic Mexico, where it is preserved the
form of feminine thirsty figures. Further on
remains of the multiple religious and housing
you will be able to admire the Monument to
buildings, as well as part of the hydraulic
Cuauhtémoc, set of square plants of three
system that supplied the city.
bodies, which emphasizes the figure of the Aztec emperor in attitude of combat, seizing a
The whole city is full of history, which reveals
spear; and the next one, in the public square,
the past of a nation of constant growth that is
the Monument to Christopher Columbus, work
reflected through the monumental examples
of the French sculptor Carlos Gardier, who is
of the architectural modernity distributed by
distinguished by the pink color of its support
any metropolis. To prove it is enough to visit
in renaissance style. Finally, on the corner
the places considered representative of the contemporary architecture: Colonies Rome and Condesa – Situated in the center of the city, they outstand for their houses and elegant buildings in art nouveau and art deco styles. The two neighborhood housed members of the high society in the beginning of the 20th century, were abandoned during the conflict of 1910 but during the 1920’s recovered its ancient splendor. In Park Mexico, one finds bookstores, art galleries and cultural centers. Corredor Reforma – Situated in the center of the city on Paseo de la Reforma Avenue. Along all this avenue, it is possible to admire the most famous monuments of the city, as well as the modern buildings such as: theTorre Maior, the highest building in Latin America with 55 floors; the Fuente de La Diana Cazadora, which was called like that in memory of the Roman goddess of hunting, projected by Vicente Mendiola and sculptured in bronze by Juan Francisco Olaguíbel; the Monument to the
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS MEXICO CITY
of Paseo de la Reforma Avenue and Juárez
right in front of the Zócalo (Central Square),
Avenue, you will see the famous structure
where you will be able to admire concerts
known as El Caballito, work of the sculptor
from well known artists, such as Diego Rivera,
Chihuahuense Sebastián, that makes reference
that shows the historical route of the political
to the equestrian statue of Carlos IV, which
power in Mexico.
is in front of the National Museum of Art, in theHistorical Center.
Templo Maior – While visiting Templo Maior and the attached museum, which shows pieces
The Historical Center of Mexico City is the
found in the diggings, the visitor will be able
oldest part of the capital, and also disposes of
to see the mock up which display how it was,
some of the artistic treasures appreciated not
in the past, this area of the city. Illustrations
only in the country, but also in the world, as it
on the works carried out in the basement of
is possible to find in its surroundings excellent
the cathedral, which also can be seen in the
examples of the classic and contemporary
museum, indicate that in other points of the
architecture, beset by magic and legend,
historical center there are constructions of
which also contributed for it to be enclosed in
the time of the Aztecs. The City of Mexico
UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Amongst its most
was built, in part, on a landfill. That is why
important buildings stand out:
some constructions literally were sinking in the ground. In the works of drainage carried
Constitution Square or Zócalo – Constitution
out, were found tracks of the Temple of the
Square is the main square of Mexico City,
Sun, of the Circular Temple, of the Temple
unofficially known as “el Zócalo”. It is the
Quetzalcóatl and the place where the bullet
fourth biggest square of the world and the
games happened when it was practiced by the
center of the national identity of Mexico,
Aztecs.
being only behind, in dimension, to Tiananmen Square in Peking (China), theMonterrey
Fine Arts Palace – Situated in front of Central
Macropraça (Mexico) and the Red Square
Avenue, corner withAvenue Juárez and
in Moscow(Russia). The square is located in
the Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas. Scenery
the center of the Historical Center of the city,
with impressive sculptures is an eclectic
this location was chosen by the conquerors
combination of the art nouveau and art deco
because it was formerly the political and
styles, this building accommodates one of the
religious center of Tenochtitlan, capital of the
prettiest concert hall in the world.
Aztec empire. The square is surrounded by office buildings and hotels. In the northwestern
Mexico City is one of the tourist destinies with
corner of the square is the Museum of the
the highest number of museums in the world,
Templo Maior. Also the station Zócalo on Line 2
worth visiting not only for its architecture but
of the Subway from Mexico City.
also for its cultural value. In them, you will be able to appreciate the most notable samples
National Palace – Built on top of emperor
of art, history and culture of a country in
Moctezuma houses, this building is located
constant movement.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS MEXICO CITY
National Museum of Art – Situated in the
Museum of Mexico City – Situated in the
center of the city at Tacuba Street n °8,
center of the city at Pino Suárez Street n°
downtown, Delegation Cuauhtémoc. It is one
30, downtown. Installed in the Palace of Los
of the most important cultural places in Latin
Condes of Santiago of Calimaya, this place
America because of its collection, infrastructure
is considered an Architectural and Artistic
technique and services. It preserves a
Inheritance of New Spain. Along its 27 rooms
marvelous collection of Mexican art from the
the evolution of the Mexico City is exposed,
16th to the 20th centuries, which includes
from the “mexicas” up to today, through the
painting, sculpture, engravings, photographs,
paintings, the plans and the mock-ups. It also
manuscripts and furniture. Open from Tuesday
offers other activities such as: shows, concerts,
to Sunday, 10:30am to 5:30pm.
assemblies, conferences and studio. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00am to 6:00pm.
WHERE TO STAY Mexico City has the biggest infrastructure in tourist services of the whole country, the registration of hotel in the city goes up to 600 establishments, finding lodging for all types of travellers. The best chains of lodging complement the service with apartments, guesthouses and residences with quite low prices.
DINING OUT In the city of Mexico is possible to enjoy a variety of national and international
Historical Center that has a colonial atmosphere for a very nice breakfast or dinner. The district of the Condesa has many of the international restaurants (specially Argentinian, Colombian and Italian) also modern restaurants and varied menus. But if what you want is to eat the very traditional Mexican food, the markets of Xochimilco and Coyoacán offer the incomparable Antojitos Mexicanos.
SHOPPING Mexico City offers a great variety of options for you to shop: department stores, which offer clothes, shoes, sporting gear and
dishes. You can find selective and traditional
electronic equipments, and important
restaurants. If you are in search of traditional
commercial centers such as Center Coyoacán,
and Iberian dishes the best option is the
Perisur andSanta Fé, where you find boutiques and prestiged jewelry stores.
DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS MEXICO CITY
Along the Avenida Presidente Mazaryk, in Polanco, you find numerous exclusive boutiques and the shops of fashion designers of international reputation, whereas in Zona Rosa and in the districts of Roma andCondesa, you find the best art galleries offering works of famous artists. On the other side, in the markets La Ciudadela and the Craft Center Buenavista, you can acquire any type of original craftwork from all the states of the republic. Finally the market of Lagunilla and in the bazaars that are situated in the districts of CoyoacĂĄn, San Ă ngel and Rome and Condesa, ideal places for the lovers of the hippie and of the ancient monuments, you find books, jewels, coins, discs and photographies, amongst other objects.
STREET MARKETS In Mexico City you will be able to find craftwork of all regions of the country: jewels in gold and silver, products in leather as belts and bags, toys done from wood like lids, yo-yo and bullet, as well as a great variety of furniture prepared with several materials and using several techniques. Completely this is only one peek of the craftwork that you will be able to acquire in the markets of La Ciudadela and the Craft Center Buenavista.
CURRENCY The Mexican Peso is the official currency in Mexico. Its symbol is $ orMXN and it was the current currency used in North America up to 1911, when the United States of America
began to use the dollar. The Mexican peso is manufactured in the Treasury House from May 11th 1535. The new Mexican peso was introduced in January 1st 1993, and it is equal to 1000 pesos of the old Mexican pesos.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
060
EMERGENCIES
TOURIST BUREAU
(55) 3002 6300 INFOTUR
01 (800) 987 8224