Despite the fact that Smart Traveller advises that Australians “exercise a high degree of caution” while in Mexico, the country’s capital has come a long way since is crime reached its peak in 1997. In fact, the metropolis is today considered to be among the safest cities in Latin America, says Juana Casto from reviewbox.com.mx. According to the Safe Cities Index, Mexico City stands ahead of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Lima and Quito when it comes to urban safety. Mexico City is now also relatively easy for Australians to get to—the city is a three-and-a-half-hour flight from Los Angeles. In addition, Mexico City’s plethora of fascinating attractions should make business travellers to the city pretty happy. Here are just a few ideas to help you make the most of your free time in Mexico’s capital.
Housed in the Chapultepec Castle on a hill in Chapultepec Park, the National History Museum is not just a treat for history buffs. Many visit the museum to admire its panoramic views over the city. The neoclassical castle, which dates back to 1785, used to serve as the summer home of the Spanish viceroy, before being converted to a military college, an astronomical observatory and finally the official presidential residence. Today, the museum’s highlights include carriages used by Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota, who also once resided here, and murals by renowned Mexican artists.
Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)
Said by many to be Mexico City’s most popular tourist attraction, Zócalo is set in the heart of the city’s historical centre. Around 500 years ago, the square was the ceremonial centre of the Aztec capital. Today, it is home to some of the city’s most important sites. Visitors can admire the Metropolitan Cathedral, which dates back to 1573, tour the archaeological gem that is Temple Mayor or make a beeline for the National Palace, which features murals that depict various scenes from Mexico’s history. Flanked by historical buildings, the square is turned into an artificial ice skating rink each winter.
Best visited on a Sunday before 2 pm when it is closed to traffic, the broad boulevard of Paseo de la Reforma features a number of picturesque monuments. One of the most significant sites here is the Angel of Independence, locally known as El Ángel. Located in the middle of a roundabout, the victory column was constructed in 1910 to commemorate Mexico’s War of Independence. The monument, which serves as a mausoleum for war heroes, and is one of the city’s most memorable landmarks.
Although it’s located approximately an hour’s drive from Mexico City, the archaeological complex of Teotihuacan, which translates to the City of Gods in Aztec language, is definitely worth the journey. Constructed between the first and seventh centuries, the once flourishing city is now famous for its Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the moon, as well as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. Visitors eager to learn more about the area can visit the Museum of Teotihuacan Culture, which houses artefacts from the area including pottery and bones.
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