We had 3 days booked in Mexico City, and boy did we pack them full. In 3 days we managed to fit in an arm full of museums and galleries, the Lucho Libre, and of course shopping! Our hotel was situated downtown, in the Quinceañera region. In Mexico and other Latin American countries, young girls celebrate their 15th birthday with a special event. Similar to a debutante ball, it traditionally signifies their entrance into society, and to womanhood. The modern celebration means BIG and SPARKLY dresses, shoes and bouquets. I loved strolling through the dress shops, trying to see just how outrageous these frocks could get. Taste and elegance seemed to take the back seat to bling, ruffles and sequins.
The Palacio de Bellas Artes, built in 1905 is a white marble giant, now housing a theatre and galleries on the upper floors. The deco interior is wonderful, and upper levels are home to murals by Rufino Tamayo and Diego Rivera. El hombre en el cruce de caminos by Diego Rivera was originally somisioned for the Rockefeller Center, but was painted over due to its communist themes. Rivera repainted the piece here in the Palacio where it has been at home since 1934.
El Bosque de Chapultepec, or Chapultepec park is Mexico cities answer to Central Park. It’s large and green and situated right in the heart of Mexico City. On weekends, it’s packed with families, dog walkers and lovers making the most of the sunshine. Situated inside the park is Chapultepec Castle, unremarkable from the entranceway, but stunning once you get a chance to wander round and get a sense of the scale of the place. Home to Mexican Emperor Maximilian I, and his consort Empress Carlota, and after used as army barracks, house of government, an observatory, and home to the Archbishop of Tacubaya, the castle has been returned to its neoclassical roots. A great insight into lives of the rich and famous, the castle interior is luxurious, with no expense spared in its fit out.
El Bosque de Chapultepec, or Chapultepec park is Mexico cities answer to Central Park. It’s large and green and situated right in the heart of Mexico City. On weekends, it’s packed with families, dog walkers and lovers making the most of the sunshine. Situated inside the park is Chapultepec Castle, unremarkable from the entranceway, but stunning once you get a chance to wander round and get a sense of the scale of the place. Home to Mexican Emperor Maximilian I, and his consort Empress Carlota, and after used as army barracks, house of government, an observatory, and home to the Archbishop of Tacubaya, the castle has been returned to its neoclassical roots. A great insight into lives of the rich and famous, the castle interior is luxurious, with no expense spared in its fit out.
The Catedral Metropolitana is by far the most impressive cathedral I have ever laid eyes upon. Its scale and décor out class any European Cathedral I saw in my travels. A great reminder of the money and power wielded by the Catholic church through history.
Keeping in step with other buildings in Mexico City, the Palacio de Correos de Mexico, or “Palace of Mail” really seems closer to a royal building than a dreary old post office. Gold, marble and decorative lattice work are king here. It’s well worth a look. Other great stops were the Museo Franz Mayer, which happened to have a fascinating bicycle exhibition, the Museo de Arte Moderno and the Trotsky museum which offered enlightening free tours in English and Spanish.
The Lucho Libre was without a doubt one of the best parts of Mexico City. Bright costumes, lots of lycra, sequins, masks and capes. I would totally get into wrestling of I lived in Mexico City, what a spectacle!
Sadly, we had to spend a morning in the Police Station to report a stolen bag. The process was SLOW but the staff were polite and attentive.
Keeping in step with other buildings in Mexico City, the Palacio de Correos de Mexico, or “Palace of Mail” really seems closer to a royal building than a dreary old post office. Gold, marble and decorative lattice work are king here. It’s well worth a look. Other great stops were the Museo Franz Mayer, which happened to have a fascinating bicycle exhibition, the Museo de Arte Moderno and the Trotsky museum which offered enlightening free tours in English and Spanish.
The Lucho Libre was without a doubt one of the best parts of Mexico City. Bright costumes, lots of lycra, sequins, masks and capes. I would totally get into wrestling of I lived in Mexico City, what a spectacle!
Sadly, we had to spend a morning in the Police Station to report a stolen bag. The process was SLOW but the staff were polite and attentive.