Mexico City

Avda México Coyoacán 389· Pricey

Designed by Mexican architect Manuel Rocha Díaz and completed in 1984, the Cineteca is dedicated to the preservation and showing of films in Mexico.

enter through Av Chapultepec

The most famous venue for lucha libre (Mexican wrestling).

take Metro to Tasquena, then the light rail towards Xochimilco, get off at Estadio Azteca

The largest stadium in Latin America is also the eighth biggest soccer stadium in the world. Built in 1961, it has an official capacity of 95,500 but frequently packing in several thousand more.

across the street from the monument to the Revolution (giant arch), Metro to Revolucion

Are you familiar with the sport of jai alai? It's sometimes called the fastest sport in the world, and it does look fast (and hard). It's a traditional handball game from the Basque region of Spain.

Containing the highest peak in Mexico City (3,900 meters), the Ajusco National Park is a dense pine and oak forest that is home to small mammals, reptiles, and several dozen bird species.

Hiking trails go up to the top of the dormant volcano and also lead through cool forests to a natural cave, an historic ranching areas, and other natural attractions in the park.

Calle del Mercado

take one of hundreds of boats (trajineras) through the canals which is all that is left of the lake on which Mexico City was built. This activity used to be widely enjoyed by Mexicans and it used to be one of the more authentic tourist…

Mexico is one of the few countries in the world that celebrates this day (Dia de los Muertos), in which people go to the cemeteries to offer tribute to their departed ones, and decorate their graves with marigolds and bright colors.

There are actually two lakes that are connected, a bridge spanning them at mid-point. Lounge around the shore, or rent a canoe or paddleboat to explore.

The biggest celebration of this national holiday takes place at the plaza in front of the Basilica. For 2 weeks prior to the feast day, indigenous dancers, called matachines, dress in elaborate costumes and dance their way through the…

Vázquez de Mella 525· Expensive

Historic and cultural space that operates as a traditional Mexican restaurant specializing in brunch, but with a spectacular dinner menu as well.

corner of Caballocalco/Allende and Cuauhtémoc· Moderate

This is a very old, family-owned coffee roaster's shop, and there are now at least three locations in Coyoacán. They have really good and cheap coffee, bad and cheap tortas (sandwiches in French bread), and reasonably standard…

about 100m north of Plaza Hidalgo· Cheap

Just off of the Plaza Hidalgo, this little hole in the wall has some of the best traditional food in Mexico City. Their flautas are especially delicious, both the cheese (queso) and steak (barbacoa) variety.

on north side of street, between Insurgentes station and Amberes; around the corner from Best Western Royal Hotel· Pricey

This restaurant is a lot bigger than it looks, but on this crowded sidewalk of Avenida Chapultepec just west of the station you might almost miss it.

between Florencia and Varsovia· Expensive

The best tacos in the city. Established by Beatriz Muciño Reyes, who decided to immigrate into the city in 1887 alongside her brother Claudio, hoping for a better life.

Av. Morelos 62, Colonia Juárez· Pricey

Opened in 1952, this iconic café is a nostalgic gem, steeped in history as a meeting place for revolutionaries like Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, who reportedly planned the Cuban Revolution here, and literary giants like Gabriel García…

Edgar Allan Poe 90· Expensive

According to the editors of the Michelin Guide, the Pug Seal is Mexico City's top luxury hotel (it is the only hotel in the city with a Michelin Key designation).

Calz. Gral. Mariano Escobedo 700, Anzures

This 5-star hotel combines modern architectural profiles with obvious pre-Hispanic pyramid reminiscences. Architecture students visit the hotel to study the cutting edge work of architect Ricardo Legorretta, but everyone else visits…

6 block walk to Metro Chilpancingo station· Expensive

Architecture buffs will love the carefully restoration on this classic art deco landmark. The hotel is furnished with art deco style furnishings as well. Service is top notch and guests appreciated the rooftop terrace.

Calle Andrés Bello 29· Expensive

One of the premier Mexico City hotels, the JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City rises 26 stories high in the exclusive Polanco District. Located in the heart of the business and entertainment sector, this flagship Mexico City hotel is within…

Edgar Allan Poe 8· Expensive

A local favorite that often gets overlooked amidst the grand hotels in Polanco, but still offers many of the amenities of larger hotels, but at a much better price. Pleasant furninshing and attentive staff round out a good deal.

Colonia Cuauhtémoc· Expensive

This 5-star hotel is one of Mexico City's finest. Built in the Art Deco style, it has an exclusive feel through its high standards of fittings and furnishings. Ice sculptures are frequently used as decorations in this area.