With its world-class museums, fascinating architecture and cutting-edge food scene juxtaposed against ancient treasures and old-world traditions, modern day Mexico City is a walking masterpiece of Mexico’s past and present that will seduce you with its magnificence. Open your mind, and discover why this cosmopolitan capital has come into its own and re-emerged as a cultural mecca for in-the-know travellers. 

Above images by Filomena Rosati Fotografia

One of the world’s largest cities, the Mexican capital is home to 22 million people. Mexico City – or DF as locals call it, short for Distrito Federal - is packed and chaotic, guaranteed to invigorate intrepid travellers. And still, if you wander into the city’s inviting colonias (neighbourhoods) there is a quaint intimacy that beckons you to unwind and sip a latte al fresco. Mexico City is a study in contrasts, and a place that will inspire you beyond your imagination. 


Built in the 16th century by the Spanish on the ruins of Tenochtitlan (the old Aztec capital), Mexico City remains one of the most captivating UNESCO World Heritage Cities. Its heart beats in the Zócalo Plaza in the Centro Histórico. This impressive plaza, officially called the Plaza de la Constitución, is flanked by the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral, the Renaissance-style National Palace and the Colonial Arcade. Soak up the scene. The Zócalo is buzzing with life and bystanders watching performers re-enact Aztec history. Each morning and night, ceremoniously, Mexican soldiers install and remove the giant Mexican flag that sits in the centre of the square. Steps away stand the pre-Hispanic ruins of the 14^th century Templo Mayor, an Aztec temple where anthropologists continue to unearth ancient relics displayed at the onsite museum.


Discovering the city is a life lesson in purging stereotypes. If you think you know Mexico City based on past media reports, you don’t! Become acquainted with DF’s resurgence by exploring its distinctive colonias, many of which have been gentrified. Start with the bohemian Condesa and Roma districts that will lure you in with their hip bars, trendy restaurants, sidewalk cafes and edgy boutiques. La Condesa features Art-Deco architecture along the tree-lined Avenida Ámsterdam that circles Parque Mexico – the city is filled with these peaceful pockets of nature that provide a welcome change of pace from the chaos.  Its neighbour, Roma, was adopted by artsy Chilangos and is lined with French-style 19th century mansions and an inspiring street-art movement, perfect for Instagram photo-ops. For glamour and high-end fashion head to the swanky Polanco neighbourhood that serves as the playground for the rich and famous, with its main street Avenida Masaryk reminiscent of Rodeo Drive.    


Much of Mexico City’s spectacular architecture is European in flavour. Not only was the former Aztec city rebuilt and redesigned by the Spanish in the 16^th century, the country’s former president, Porfirio Díaz, was so enamored with France that he had Europe’s finest architects replicate its beauty throughout. Nowhere is that more evident than along the striking avenue, Paseo de la Reforma, styled after Paris’s famed boulevard, Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Mexico City offers all the history, allure and great culinary experiences of a European getaway, but at a fraction of the cost and travel time. And at an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level, the climate is perfect for site-seeing!






Many are unaware that DF is home to more museums than any other city in the world. There are literally hundreds of galleries and museums to explore. Among its most exciting are the massive National Museum of Anthropology with its remarkable collection of Aztec and Mayan artifacts; the Palacio Nacional with its bold mural from the legendary Diego Rivera depicting the history of Mexico; and Frida Kahlo’s ‘Casa Azul’ (Blue House) that provides an intimate glimpse into the life and times of this artistic icon. Admire Latin America’s largest collection of decorative arts at the Museo Franz Mayer; visit the modern marvel known as Museo Soumaya; the Museo Nacional de Arte is housed in a neoclassical building that is just as impressive as the art; and of course you must visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes which features a variety of exhibits in one of the city’s most iconic buildings.

Images by Travelista73