The architects that arrived from Europe during the colonial period applied and shared their knowledge of baroque, neoclassic and other styles of art that were combined with the indigenous styles to create an architecture that is quite unique in all the world. Works such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, palaces, mansions and an endless number of sober, sumptuous churches adorn the central area of the city now called the Historic Center; these extraordinary types of buildings can also be seen in some of the picturesque towns and villages such as Coyoacán, San Ángel, Tlalpan and Xochimilco that used to be the outskirts of the city but have now become incorporated into the built up areas; in spite of this, they still maintain their provincial atmosphere. Later, after Mexico became an independent country, new districts of the city were built in a Frenchified style and in the art deco and colonial Californian styles.
Modernism was characterized by magnificent skyscrapers that sprung up in districts such as Polanco, Anzures, Del Valle and Santa Fe. The advantage of a mega-city such as Mexico City is that it offers the visitor all sorts of entertainment possibilities during the day and at night. Avenues like Avenida Insurgentes are true axis of fun and recreation and has spots that cater to all tastes. Mexican culture in all its manifestations can be admired at the large number of quality museums that can be found in many different parts of the city. These have displays and exhibitions of art and culture ranging from the pre Hispanic (the National Museum of Anthropology) to the Vice Regal (the Franz Mayer Museum) to the modern (the Museum of Modern Art), as well as Mexican traditions as can be seen in the Frida Kahlo Museum.
There are also plenty of possibilities for those who want to leave the city and enjoy nature. You can visit the volcanic mountains in the south of the city or the mountain valleys to the west and enjoy the quesadillas (melted cheese in tortillas) that can be bought at the food stalls located in the shade of the forest trees that form part of the National Parks and Ecological Reserves. To the east, the traveler can admire the snow-capped volcanoes of Popocatepetl and Iztaccíhuatl, just as the Indians, Conquistadors and general population of the city did over the centuries.
The most important place for national and international classical concerts and the other performing arts in Mexico City is the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes (The Palace of Fine Arts). Other important venues include the Teatro de la Ciudad (The City Theater), the Auditorio Nacional (the National Auditorium), the Juan Ruiz de Alarcón Theater and the Nezahualcoyotl and Ollin Yoliztli concert halls.

Acapulco has something to suit every taste and budget and offers a range of activities for the whole family. The main attraction of the bay are its more than twenty beaches, each with a dis...

Huatulco offers activities for every taste and age, from family packages at the Club Mediterrannée to the majestic Golf Club and discotheques in Tangolunda Bay. It also provides sea or land...