Report and photos by Florian Guillemin.
If you have an hour...
Given the size of the city and the traffic, it's difficult to get away from Mexico City's hyper-centre for any length of time. But that doesn't matter: the city's must-see attractions are concentrated within a few hundred metres of each other, including the cathedral and the ZocaloMexico City's main square, or the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the frescoes of Diego Rivera. Continuing along the Paseo de la Reforma, the museum of anthropology is one of the most beautiful in the world. But given the richness of the permanent exhibition, it would be in poor taste to devote just an hour to it!
In front of the Museum of Anthropology, cultural events bear witness to Mexico's rich heritage
... or an afternoon
In half a day, most travellers head off to visit the Casa Azulthe Frida Kalho's houseto better understand the life and work of this Mexican artistic icon, but also for the charm of the district of CoyoacanIt's an authentic and pleasant place, despite the influx of visitors. In a different style, a visit to Teotihuacan can be limited to a few hours, the time it takes to run up the 265 steps of the Pyramid of the Sun, then walk along the Avenue of the Dead to climb the Pyramid of the Moon. Le panorama and the absolute silence that offer themselves to the traveller deserves a little exercise.
Shopping
La shopping window of Mexico City has a name: the trendy, upmarket district of Polanco. The Avenida Presidente Masaryk is where the luxury brands and art galleries are concentrated. For more typical, affordable shopping and a real immersion in the local culture, the district of Coyoacan is home to a very popular covered market. In a slightly kitsch spirit, the park is more easily accessible from Reforma. Chapultepec Busque is packed with small, more or less ephemeral stalls.
