| Located in a large valley in the high | | | | VW Beatles that make up most of the |
| plateau of central Mexico, and sitting | | | | city's taxi fleet is a must. |
| at an altitude of 2240m, Mexico City is | | | | If your time in Mexico City time is |
| one of the highest capitals on earth. | | | | limited, why not start your day off in |
| Originally built by the Aztec | | | | Condesa, the bohemian enclave just west |
| civilisation in 1325, the city came | | | | of the centre, where you'll find quaint |
| close to complete destruction during the | | | | cafes and plenty of people-watching on |
| attack of 1521 by the Spanish | | | | offer. Then head to the indigenous |
| conquistador Hernan Cortes, when he and | | | | street market and take in the hustle and |
| his forces tried to capture the city; | | | | bustle of locals shopping for everything |
| but ended up enduring a 79 day siege, | | | | from poblano pepper to mangoes and |
| which reduced most of the of Aztec city | | | | mutton. After the crowds of the market, |
| to rubble. After finally succeeding in | | | | the Bosque de Chapultepec - a city |
| capturing the city, it was rebuilt, and | | | | forest - is a good place to seek some |
| has continued to expand ever since. | | | | solace and take a break from the throng |
| Today, it is the most populous city in | | | | of people. Hotels in Mexico city range |
| Mexico with over 8 million inhabitants. | | | | from cheap and cheerful hostels, to the |
| Today the city is a leading centre of | | | | most lavish and luxury five star abodes, |
| popular culture and music, and as might | | | | so there's something to suit all |
| be expected, Mexico City has an | | | | budgets. |
| extremely vibrant and diverse nightlife. | | | | Like most large cities in developing |
| The music scene offers jazz clubs, all | | | | countries, Mexico City is a place of |
| night parties, Mariachi music, Flamenco, | | | | great contrasts: shiny sky scrapers loom |
| Cuban and salsa clubs. For the more | | | | over upmarket cafes and restaurants full |
| discerning, there is also opera, | | | | of wealthy upper class Mexicans; yet |
| orchestra, and chamber music, plus | | | | there is also the poverty and rancid |
| plenty of dance clubs, rock and roll | | | | smells from open sewers in the shanties, |
| bars and Broadway-style theatre shows. | | | | and there is always risk of crime if you |
| Mexico City is famous for being one of | | | | don't follow sensible precautions. |
| the world's most difficult cities to | | | | However, most travellers describe Mexico |
| drive in due to the hectic traffic, | | | | City as an assault on the senses, and |
| congested roads and drivers who seem to | | | | with so much colour and noise, it's a |
| play by their own rules. So rather than | | | | place pumped full of energy and |
| hire a car, it's best to take a licensed | | | | somewhere that visitors will never get |
| cab; one of the classic green and white | | | | bored of. |