Mexico City – largest city in the world

A hot, spicy mix of vivid art, Aztec treasures, piquant food and colonial architecture, Mexico City life swirls around the central Zócalo. A Mexican holiday in the world’s largest city is sure to bring you into contact with fresh views, ancient cultures and exciting new tastes. The Centro Historico is at the heart of the city, brimming with fascinating museums and architectural delights like the ruins of Templo Mayor, which the Aztecs believed was the centre of the universe. Follow the Paseo de Reforma boulevard to the city’s beautiful parkland of Chapultepec with its palace and National Museum of Anthropology. Travel a bit further and you’ll find upmarket Polanco, gallery-soaked Condesa and La Roma, a bohemian neighbourhood peppered with stylish boutiques and open-air cafés. Head south to the former home of famous Mexican artists, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, before stopping off at a fashionable bistro for red hot shrimp tacos.

Why Go?
Go for the vibrant culture, Aztec heritage and mouth-watering Mexican food. A holiday in Mexico City is sure to leave you changed, whether that’s caused by the bold art scene, a new take on an ancient civilisation or by your first taste of mole poblano, a spiced chilli chocolate sauce.

When to Go?
Mexico City enjoys a temperate climate due to its altitude, so temperatures rarely get too hot. In fact, even in the warmest months of April and May you may need to pack a sweater. From late May to early September the days are generally warm but evenings can be cool and wet. Mexico City is at its chilliest and most polluted between November and February. The cheapest airfares are available on weekdays.

How to get there?
Mexico City’s International Airport (MEX) is just 6km from the city centre, which can easily be reached by bus, taxi and airport shuttle. Direct flights are available from UK airports London Gatwick and Heathrow plus most major international cities. Domestic flights to other cities in Mexico fly from Toluca which is 64km from the city centre. The easiest way to get around Mexico City itself is via the cheap, fast subway system.

Must see
Rise at dawn to trove for bargains at the popular La Lagunilla antiques market, then tuck into pumpkin quesadillas for breakfast. Feast on a succulent seafood banquet at Contramar or marvel at the dancing drummers in the Zócalo. Don’t leave Mexico City without venturing to the outskirts of town, where you can experience the remnants of a great civilisation as you climb the pyramids of the ruined city of Teotihuacán.