There aren’t many cities in the entire world that are larger than Mexico City, Mexico. Nicknamed, the City of Palaces and with a population of about 20 million, Mexico City is a huge, cosmopolitan city that sprawls over almost 3,700 square miles. It is located in a valley on top of a high plateau at about 7,350 feet above sea level. The place where the city rests was once Lake Texcoco. It seems to be a city of extremes and a dynamic place to visit.
Most vacationers to Mexico City will be fascinated with the history of the city itself and of the circumstances in which it came to be. The Aztecs founded Mexico City in the year 1325 on a small island in the middle of Lake Texcoco. In order for it to continue to grow, the small island had to be enlarged artificially. The city came under siege by the Spaniards 200 years later and was almost completely destroyed. The Spaniards then rebuilt the city according to their designs, which is mostly what you see today in the old section of the town.
There are many tours that can be taken in which the history, architecture, and culture of the city are highlighted. There are Aztec ruins to behold, Chapultapec Castle where the Halls of Montezuma of Marine Corps lore are located, and even an iconic landmark the Angel of Independence, which was modeled after the Champs-Elysees by Emperor Maxmilian of Mexico.
Another popular tourist activity to pursue in Mexico City is to visit several of the over 150 museums. They range in scope from anthropological to modern art and while they vary in price, they are all reasonably affordable. The Museo Nacional de Antropologia has an extensive collection of ancient artifacts and is one of the finest anthropological museums in the world. The Museo Nacional de Arte has exhibits that mostly feature Mexican artists. And the Museo Nacional de Historia recounts the history of Mexico and Mexico City inside the walls of the famed Chapultapec Castle.
There are also many different types of sporting events that can be attended in and around Mexico City. Football or soccer as it is called in the United States is the most popular sport with stadiums that can seat over 125,000 fans. Mexico City is home to 4 major pro teams and countless youth teams. The next most popular sport to attend in Mexico City is baseball. Their team is the Red Devils and you will find a very exuberant group of spectators at all of their games.
Perhaps by virtue of being the largest city in Mexico, Mexico City has the most active nightlife scene in all Mexican cities. There are almost endless choices of music and dance clubs available from Mariachi music and Flamenco to jazz and salsa clubs. Most venues don’t begin the party until 10 PM or so and participants dance away until the wee hours of the morning.
Whether you are interested in the history and culture of Mexico or just want to kick up your heels all night long, Mexico City can provide the kind of dynamic vacation experience that no other city can. Twenty million people can’t be wrong.