What to do with Children in Tow
1. Chapultepec Park: Address: Paseo de la Reforma, Centro Historico, Mexico City
Mexico
Mexico City
Mexico City is ranked as one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with an overall population of over 18 million residents. It is divided into 16 major boroughs, which are further categorized into various neighborhoods to ease administration.
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A CLOSER LOOK
Top places to visit
Plaza de la Constitución (El Zócalo)
The third largest public square in the world. A display of some of the city’s finest monuments, including the impressive National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Contains a large Mexican flag in the center of the square, believed to be the overseer of unity within the Mexican Republic. A large variety of social and cultural events takes place here, ranging from the wildest concerts to the wildest political demonstrations. This plaza is the central point of the historic district, a place you should start your journey from and regroup at, at the end of the day, as it centrally links all of Mexico City and its important landmarks.
National Palace (Palacio Nacional)
A palace echoing with the grandeur of the colonial Spaniards. It served as the residence of the Spanish Viceroy until the Spanish were overthrown and Mexico gained independence, when it gained the status of the President’s House. Today, however, it serves as a gallery space for some of Diego Rivera’s murals, which take you on an epic journey through the history of Mexico, from pre-colonial to the present day city. Free entrance and free tours in English are provided to groups - ask for them at the reception desk.
Metropolitan Cathedral
An absolute delight for the history-lover! Experience a different kind of Spanish architecture, comprised of the European High Renaissance merged with some elements from the remains of Islamic architecture back in Spain, namely domes and square towers. The building presents a beautiful façade, and the interior is none the less charming, and it is at times difficult to comprehend what style of architecture it actually belongs to – classical set within vernacular Mexican? An odd context, perhaps, but the impact of the entire construction is so intense and so mystifying that it makes for at least a good couple of hours well-spent studying and photographing it. A must-visit for history and architecture geeks! Admission is free, and for a small charge of 12 pesos you are allowed to visit the upper levels of the bell towers for breathtaking panoramic views of the public square and capture amazing skylines from a bird’s eye view.
Templo Mayor
The site for an ancient temple built by the Aztecs at Tenochtitlan, and destroyed subsequently by the invading Spanish armies, who then built a cathedral at the site. The buried temple chambers were discovered by accident in 1978, and the site was soon reclaimed as a heritage site. Now you can actually see the layers of Aztec construction as you walk down the excavated site. A modern museum, the Museo del Templo Mayor, houses many of the archaeological artifacts dug up at the site, and makes for an interesting visit for children and adults alike. Admission to the museum is 48 pesos, but is free for students, and children under 12.
Museo Nacional de Arte
Address: No. 8 Tacuba, Col. Centro, Mexico City. Phone: 5130 3400 Fax: 5130 3401 Website: http://www.munal.com.mx/ Timings: Tuesdays to Sundays: 10 am to 530 pm Admission: 30 pesos Tuesdays to Saturdays. Free admission on Sundays.
Museo Franz Mayer
Address: Hidalgo 45. Centro Histórico, México D.F. 06300 Phone: 5518 2266 Fax: (55) 5521-2888 Website: http://www.franzmayer.org.mx/ingles/index.html Email: [email protected] Timings: Tuesdays to Sundays 10 am to 5 pm. Admission: Adults 45 pesos Students and Teachers 25 pesos (with ID) Free admission for children under 12 seniors over 65 Franz Mayer Museum members ICOM members
Paseo de la Reforma
A walk along this pleasant avenue would reveal the true diversity within such a complex metropolitan district – from the quiet, ancient residential blocks to the towering, glowing buildings, and businesses that have recently sprung up, lending a different touch of color and taste to a secluded aspect of colonial architecture.
Angel de la Independencia
A monument serving as a symbol of pride for the Mexican nation, located on the Paseo de la Reforma. The Angel was built in 1910 to mark the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. Needless to say, the site offers all kinds of crazy photo opportunities, at different times of the day, and with different background environments!
Fuente de la Diana Cazadora
A beautiful fountain-sculpture of Diana, which depicts her aiming her arrow at an invisible target, it makes for amazing opportunities for photography in conjunction with the city’s skyline in the background.
Muslim travel planner
Full guidePlan a Muslim-friendly trip in Mexico City
THE LOCAL TABLE
Halal restaurants in Mexico City
Bellini Restaurante Giratorio (International/Mexican)
Address: Av. de las Naciones 1, World Trade Center, Col. Napoles, Mexico City Phone: 55/5628-8305 Timings: Lunch 1 pm to 7 pm Dinner 7 pm to 2 am Website: http://www.bellini.com.mx Email: [email protected]
La Valentina (Mexican)
Address: Av. Presidente Masarik 393, Col. Polanco, Mexico City Phone: 55/5282-2297
Benkay (Japanese)
Address: Campos Elíseos 204, Col. Polanco, inside Hotel Nikko, Mexico City Phone: 55/5283-8700 Timings: Lunch and dinner only
Hacienda de los Morales (Local/Contemporary)
Address: Vázquez de Mella 525, Col. Del Bosque, in Polanco area, Mexico City Phone: 55/5096-3000 55/5096-3054
Cambalache (Argentinean)
Address: Arquímedes 85, Col. Chapultepec Morales, Mexico City Phone: 55/5280-2080 55/5282-2922 Timings:
Chez Wok (Chinese)
Address: Tennyson 117, Col. Polanco, Mexico City Phone: 55/5281-3410 55/5281-2921
Specia (Polish)
Address: Amsterdam 241, at Michoacán, Col. Condesa, Mexico City Phone: 55/5564-136 Timings: Lunch and dinner, reservations advised as may get very crowded
Thai Gardens (Thai)
Address: Calderón de la Barca 72, Col. Polanco Chapultepec, Mexico City Phone: 55/5281-3850
Hostería de Santo Domingo (Mexican)
Address: Belisario Dominguez 72, Col. Centro, Mexico City Phone: 55/5510-1434 55/5526-5276 Timings: Breakfast, lunch and dinner 8 am to 10 pm
Rincón Argentino (Argentinean)
Address: Av. Presidente Masarik 177, Col. Polanco, Mexico City Phone: 55/5254-8775 Timings: Lunch and dinner
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Where to stay in Mexico City
Embassy Suites Hotel
Address: Paseo de la Reforma No. 69, Col. Tabacalera, 06030 México D.F., México Phone: +525550613000 Fax: + (52-55) 5061-3001 Website: http://www.embassysuitesmexicocity.com/ Email: [email protected]
Melia Mexico Reforma
Address: Paseo de la Reforma, 1 Mexico City, MEXICO 06030 Phone: +525551285000 Fax: + (52) 555 1285027 Website: http://www.meliamexicoreforma.com/ Email: [email protected] Another splendid lodging experience in the Reforma district, just 20 minutes away from Mexico International Airport. It is the ultimate in luxurious accommodation, being one of the few AAA Four Diamond awarded hotels in Mexico City. With unmatched standards of luxury, hypnotic elegance of design, and the comforts of warm and timely service, this is one hotel that promise the rich traveler full value for money. The hotel is also fully adapted to cater to handicapped and disabled clients. Additional features include a florist, jeweler’s, tobacconist, a reliable currency exchange service, and babysitting and medical assistance. Efficient surveillance cameras are installed in all public spaces like corridors and elevators, making this one of the most secure hotels in the city.
JW Marriot Hotel
Address: Andres Bello 29 Mexico City, 11560 Mexico Phone: +52555999000 Fax: +52 55 59 99 0001 Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mexjw-jw-marriott-hotel-mexico-city/
Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel and Towers
Address: Paseo de la Reforma 325 Col. Cuauhtemoc • Mexico City, Federal District 06500 • Mexico Phone: +525552425555 Fax: +(52)(55) 5207 0684 Website: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=259 Email: [email protected]
Fiesta Americana Grand Chapultepec
Address: Mariano Escobedo 756 Colonia Anzures Distrito Federal Mexico City 11590 Mexico Phone: +52 55 2581 1500 Website: http://www.fiestamericana.com/portal/FA_index.jsp
Holiday Inn Hotel Zocalo
Address: Av Cinco De Mayo 61 Col Centro Colonia Centro Mexico City 06000 Mexico Phone: + 52 55 51305130 Fax: +52-55-55212122 Website: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/mexdt
Best Western Majestic
Address: Avenida Madero 73 Col. Centro, Mexico City 06000 Mexico Phone: +(52-55) 55 21 86 00 Fax: +(52-55) 55 12 62 62 Website: http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=70165
Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico
Address: Av 16 de Septiembre 82, Mexico City 06000 Mexico Phone: +52 1083 7700 Website: http://www.granhotelciudaddemexico.com/pagina_prin_eng.htm
Fiesta Inn Centro Historic
Address: Av. Juárez 76 / José Azueta 27 C,, Col. Centro, 06010, México, D.F., México Phone: +52 (55) 51 30 29 00 Fax: +52 (55) 51 30 29 10 Website: http://www.fiestainn.com/portal/p/es_MX/FI/ALA/1/0/Availability/showHotelInformation.do
Hotel Catedral, Mexico City
Address: Hotel Catedral, Donceles # 95, Col. Centro, Mexico D.F., C.P. 06020 Phone: +52 5518 5232 Website: http://www.hotelcatedral.com/ Email: [email protected]
History and today in Mexico City
Annual Temperature
a- January; High: 21 C° (70 F°) Low 6 C° (43 F°) b- February; High: 23 C° (73 F°) Low 7 C° (45 F°) c- March
Mexico City Residents
Mexico City has a very varied population, both local and international, as permanent residents. These include Americans and Spanish speaking immigrants as well as a large number of indigenous people, who speak their own dialects of Spanish and other local languages, bringing greater diversity to the city.
Public Holidays
January 1:: New Year's Day; February :: Constitution Day; March 17:: Birthday of Benito Juárez
Exchange Rates
Mexican Peso: MXN
Fast Facts
-Location:: Mexico City, Mexico -Dialing code: +52-1-55 -Emergency numbers; Police:: 060 and 080; Fire:: +52 5768-8261
When to go
Alive with activity all year round, Mexico City offers visitors a perfect vacation getaway with so much to offer in terms of its rich cultural heritage, in the form of museums, artifacts, and hand crafted souvenirs, not to forget the scrumptious variety of local and contemporary cuisine.
Mexico City Today
Mexico City is ranked as one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with an overall population of over 18 million residents. It is divided into 16 major boroughs, which are further categorized into various neighborhoods to ease administration.
Mexico City History
Mexico City has its roots buried in ancient tradition – the history of the city is put together from myths and heroic epics alike. From the founding of the legendary island city of Tenochtitlan in 1325 and the reign of powerful leaders like Montezuma, to the savage plundering of the Aztec empire by the Spanish colonialists in 1521, the civil uprising in 1810, and the establishment of Mexico City as the capital of the Mexican Republic in 1823, and finally the subsequent invasion by the American army in 1847, the history of Mexico City has been fantastically dramatic. It was the resistance to the American invasion that gave rise to heroes such as Zorro – imaginary, probably, but inspired from revered real-life personalities
Useful information
Shopping
Liverpool
Addresses: Av. Insurgentes Sur 1310, Col. Guadalupe Inn, Mexico City Venustiano Carranza 92, Centro Histórico, Mexico City Mariano Escobedo 425, Col. Polanco, Mexico City Plaza Satélite shopping center, Mexico City Perisur shopping mall, Mexico City Mariano Escobedo 425, Colonia Miguel Hildalgo, Mexico City Phone: 5278 9905 Website: http://www.liverpool.com.mx/shopping/store/ Timings: Monday to Saturdays 10 am to 8 pm Sundays 11 am to 8 pm
Santa Fe Shopping Mall
Address: Salida a Toluca, Santa Fe, Mexico City Phone: (505) 473-4253 Website: www.shopsantafeplace.com Timings: Monday to Saturdays 10 am to 9 pm
Antara Polanco
Addresses: Ejercito Nacional s/n, Col. Polanco, Mexico City Phone: 55/5280-2954 Website: http://www.webantara.com/webingles/ihome.html Timings: Outlets open from 11 am to 8 pm Food court open from 9 am to 8 pm
Perisur
Addresses: Anillo Periferico Sur 4690, col. Ampliacion Pedregal de San Angel, Mexico City Phone: +52 55 5545 1000
Plaza Moliere
Address: Av Moliere 22 between Calles Horacio and Homero, Col. Polanco, Mexico City Website: http://www.plazamoliere.com.mx/
El Palacio De Hierro
An architectural marvel - an overlay of platonic shapes, including triangular prisms, cuboids and a tall cylindrical tower, and fascinating nighttime illumination – this is a trendy yet surprisingly affordable shopping solution for tourists. Contains garments for all seasons, fashion accessories for all ages, and a variety of canned and packed food for everyone’s taste buds. Has a large number of outlets for children’s clothes, and an equally large number of outlets for electronic entertainment products including the latest in gaming hardware, Play stations and Nintendo Wii systems. A must-visit for shopaholics with a modest budget.
Headquarters
Address: Atlixco 118, Colonia Condesa Phone: 5211 7389
Plaza Del Ángel Shopping Arcade
Address: Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City Timings: Open all days of the wekk, from 930 am to 9 pm.
Bazar del Centro
Address: Isabel la Católica 30, just below Calle Madero, Col. Centro, Mexico City
Parque Delta
Address: Av. Cuauhtémoc 462, Col. Narvarte, Mexico City Phone: 55/5584-3409
Signature sights in Mexico City
Chapultepec Park and Zoo
Address: Between Paseo de La Reforma, Circuito Interior and Av. Constituyentes, Chapultepec District, Mexico City. Phone: 5553 6263 Fax: 55536263 Website: http://www.chapultepec.df.gob.mx/ Email: [email protected] Admission: 5 pesos.
National Museum of Anthropology
Address: Avenada Paseo de la Reforma Chapultepec Polanco Mexico City 11560 Phone: +52 05536266 Website: http://www.mna.inah.gob.mx/muna/mna_ing/main.html Email: [email protected] Timings: Tuesdays to Sundays: 9am to 7 pm. Admission: 51 pesos Tuesdays to Saturdays. Sundays free. Free entrance for: Children under 13 Seniors over 60 Students and teachers with ID
Museum of Modern Art
Address: Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City. Website: http://www.momamexico.com/home.html
Papalote (Children's Museum)
Address: Avenida Constituyentes, 268, Mexico City 11560, Mexico Phone: 52 52 37 17 81 Fax: 52 52 37 17 70 Website: http://www.papalote.org.mx/papalotemuseo/ Admission: Children under 12 and over 60: 30 pesos Children in between: 40 pesos
Chapultepec Castle
A building that has seen generations come and go, has endured the ramifications with dignity, and stands strong to this day to tell the tale. It has always been a residence for the rulers of Mexico - Spanish Viceroys and Mexican Emperors. It was also, at different times during its history, a military academy, the presidential palace, an observatory, and, finally, has come to be used as a museum – it houses today the Museo Nacional de Historia (Museum of National History), which features a beautifully landscaped garden area, as well as the old observatory.
David Alfaro Siquerios Museum
Address: Tres Picos No.29 Showcases some of the work of well-known Mexican muralist David Alfaro. A treat to the eyes.
Festivals and events in Mexico City
Mexico City International Contemporary Film Festival
The MICFF promotes budding directors and film makers in the city. Initiated in 2004, this event was an instant hit and drew in crowds from all over the city, also attracting a significant number of international enthusiasts. Aimed at putting México City on the map of modern cultural hotspots, this festival is for everyone who likes to be associated with cinema and film, whether it is creating, viewing, rating, or just criticizing for fun. Screenings of various genres of film, ranging from documentaries to pure imaginative fiction, discussion groups and interview sessions with the film makers, and competitions for amateur film makers are the main highlights of this festival.
Festival de Mexico
Usually held in mid-March every year, this is a music and arts festival that promises a pleasant change of taste from just another ordinary arts festival. Renowned national and international names in the music and performance industry gather around to perform in the city’s squares, parks, and palaces. With theatrical shows, dance performances, musical nights, and exhibitions of paintings and literary works, this festival has something to match everyone’s taste. It also has special evening shows for children and families.
Festival de Mexico en el Centro Historic
The largest of all cultural festivals taking place in Mexico. A largely open-air festival featuring musical nights, theatrical performances, dance and drama, and exhibitions of contemporary and modernistic visual arts. Also includes activities for children. Some family activities are free to participate in. The festival progresses as a series of events held at various venues throughout the city.
International Contemporary Art Fair Mexico City
Got a fine taste for art? Or a taste for the fine arts? This art exhibition is a sure delight for any art lover. An exclusive artist’s event, the ICAF caters to well-established as well as emerging talent. Display booths categorized according to the artists’ experience, into different sizes, collectively covering an area of around 10’000 sq m, including a Publications Sections that caters to photographic and video displays by national as well as international media. Special booths are sometimes also arranged for solo projects by eminent artists. Some shows of the exhibition might include trips to local museums and cultural centers.
San Ángel Flower Festival
date:16-26 July San Angel Flower Festival has roots deep in tradition. It began in the ancient times when inhabitants of Mexico City worshipped numerous gods one of which is Xiuhtecuitl, the God of the Flowers. The San Angel Flower Festival is held in honor of Xiuhtecuitl and to seek a productive season for flowers and fruits. The festival comprises of various neighborhood-level events arranged in streets, churches, and other places of cultural significance. A wide variety of some of the finest of Mexico’s flowers are up for sale. And like all festivals of a lively city, this event also features live street performances and street parties open for free to every fun-loving person! The festival is held from 16-26 July every year. Website: http://feriadelasfloresdesanangel.blogspot.com/
Mexico City tours and experiences
National Institute for History and Archaeology (INAH)
Address: Frontera 53, San Angel, Mexico City Phone: (55) 5286 1933 Website: http://dti.inah.gob.mx/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3022&Itemid=359
Bestours
Address: Hamburgo 182 bis, Mexico City Phone: (55) 5514 3080
Turisbus
Website: http://www.mexicocity.gob.mx/index.php?idioma=en
Mexico City masjids and Muslim travel
Masjid
There are no mosques in Mexico City. Local communities of Muslims gather to pray at temporary masjids (praying areas), and praying spaces are also usually available in restaurants and shops/businesses owned by Muslims. Otherwise, prayers are usually offered at home.
Transportation
Taxi
Convenient, easily available, and inexpensive. A 6 pesos base fare, with 0.7 pesos for every additional quarter-kilometer, for rides between 6am to 11pm. Night fares are around 20% higher. Some cabs would not follow the meter but prefer to haggle out the fare with the passenger – if you think the fare is inappropriate, wait and you will soon get another cab.
Driving Tips
Mexico City is not really a driver friendly city, especially for tourists, and more so for those who cannot read Spanish, as almost all signs on the road and freeways are in Spanish.
Car for Hire
Although driving in a city like Mexico can be quite a chore for amateurs, it might be, for some, the most convenient means of going places. Some of the most popular rental car agencies are:
Buses
Buses present the most convenient form of public transport within the city due to their easy availability and affordable fares. There are two main kinds of public buses running around the city: the government operated RTP and the Microbuses. RTP buses charge a standard $2 fare (no change, so pay an exact amount) for a journey of any length along their designated route. They are large, comfortable, and are operated by drivers who adhere strictly to traffic rules, and so these buses are a safer means of travelling.
Metro
The Metro in Mexico City is one of the most widely used metro systems in the world. It is ideal for a city with a large population and insufficient roads. It is quite popular with the locals, as tickets are very cheap (2 pesos per trip with the facility to transfer from one line to another). The metro is thus usually heavily crowded, which makes it stuffy and uncomfortable at times, but the speed and the effectiveness of the system compensate for the occasional discomfort.
From the airport
There are three primary ways to find your way into the city after you land at the airport.
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Let’s just say, Mexico City is not the safest place in the world for a tourist – it is not even the safest place for a local. But common sense is as essential to survival in the city as visiting all those risky neighborhoods is to your perfect tourist experience.
