In the past two years, the notoriety Mexico City has received for its rising street crime has overshadowed its abundant cultural and historical treasures, but a visit to this monumental city remains a fascinating and intriguing experience. You only need to stand in the center of the Plaza of Three Cultures to visually comprehend the undisputed significance of this city. Here, an Aztec pyramid, colonial cathedral, and towering modern office building stand side by side, a testament to the city's prominence in ancient and contemporary history. Still, there's no arguing with the statistics--muggings and robberies are on the rise. I wish it weren't true; Mexico City, for me, is the only place to truly understand this captivating country--veiled in mysticism, infused with an appreciation of the moment, and proud of its colorful heritage.
Located at the heart of the Americas, Mexico City has been a center of life and commerce for over 2,000 years. Teotihuacans, Toltecs, Aztecs, and European conquistadors have all contributed to the city's fascinating evolution, art, and heritage. Although residents refer to their city as simply México (meh-hee-koh), its multitude of ancient ruins, colonial masterpieces, and modern architecture has prompted others to call it "The City of Palaces."
The central downtown area is much like that of a European city, dominated by adorned buildings and broad boulevards, and interspersed with public art, parks, and gardens. Though this sprawling city is thoroughly modern and in places unsightly and chaotic, you'll never stray far from its historical roots. In the center are the partially excavated ruins of an Aztec temple; pyramids rise just beyond the city. The geography of Mexico City is as impressive as its history. Surrounded by towering mountains, the city sits on an enormous dry lakebed in a highland valley, at an elevation of 7,400 feet.
Mexico City is the most populated city in the world, with over 23 million inhabitants. The sheer number of residents trying to exist here, combined with continued economic malaise, high unemployment, and government corruption, have created an environment where petty crime, principally robberies, is increasing. Violent crime in Mexico is largely concentrated among drug traffickers and politicians, but kidnappings and murders of businesspeople, both Mexican and foreign, alarmingly are on the rise. Mexico City has many treasures to enjoy, but safety concerns demand that you dress and behave modestly as you explore the city. Leave all jewelry of value at home or in the safe-deposit box of your hotel. Don't carry more cash or credit cards than are necessary, and use extra caution when in doubt. Mexico City is a remarkable city and well worth exploring--just do so cautiously.
Technically, Mexico City is a "Federal District," called the Distrito Federal, or D.F. for short (similar to the designation of Washington, D.C.). True to the city's status, one finds here a microcosm of all that is happening in the rest of the country--it's not only the seat of government but in every way the dominant center of Mexican life.
Mexico continues to become further immersed in the modern global economy, and the capital is the stage on which this exciting chapter in the country's history is being played out. All important government and private business flows through the capital; the streets, coffeehouses, and executive suites of Mexico City are where the nation's political and economic directions are set. Foreign businesspeople fill the best hotels in the city to capacity during the week.
You've undoubtedly heard about Mexico City's pollution. Major steps to improve the air quality (restricted driving, factory closings, emission-controlled buses and taxis) have worked wonders, but the problem persists. For the visitor, dealing with the pollution is a matter of luck and perseverance. On some days you won't notice it; on other days it will make your nose run, eyes water, and throat rasp. If you have respiratory problems, be very careful; the city's elevation makes matters even worse. Minimize your exposure to the fumes by refraining from walking busy streets during rush hour. Sunday, when many factories are closed and many cars escape the city, should be your prime outdoor day. One positive note: In the evenings the air is usually deliciously cool and relatively clean.
If you enjoy urban energy, culture, dining, and shopping, Mexico is a feast of discoveries. The city has sidewalk cafes and cantinas; bazaars and boutiques; pyramids, monuments, and museums; and a multitude of entertainment options. And when you've had your fill of the city, trips only a couple of hours in all directions take you to memorable towns and historic national landmarks.
