Mexico CityOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Aztec Capital to Colonial City

Mexico City's origins date to 1325 CE, when the Mexica people founded Tenochtitlan on an island in Lake Texcoco. This city became the capital of the Aztec Empire, a large urban center with canals and causeways. By 1519, Tenochtitlan had an estimated population between 200,000 and 400,000 inhabitants.

The Spanish conquest, led by Hernán Cortés, destroyed Tenochtitlan in 1521. The Spanish built their new capital, Mexico City, on the ruins of the Aztec city, using materials from the razed temples and pyramids. In 1522, Cortés began constructing his second private residence on the site of Moctezuma II's palace, which later became the National Palace. The city was formally established as México Tenochtitlán in 1524 and by 1585, it was officially known as Ciudad de México.

The Shaping of a Modern Metropolis

During the colonial period, Mexico City functioned as a political, administrative, and financial center. The Alameda Central, considered the oldest public park in the Americas, was established in 1592 by Viceroy Luis de Velasco II as a public green space. Over the centuries, the city evolved with architectural additions like the Casa de los Azulejos, an 18th-century Baroque palace covered in blue and white Talavera tiles from Puebla.

The 20th century brought further transformation. The Palacio de Bellas Artes, a cultural center, began construction in 1904, though it was completed in 1934 due to the Mexican Revolution and issues with the soft subsoil. Its exterior blends Neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles, while the interior showcases Art Deco. The city's continuous growth means many historic buildings, built on the soft lakebed, have gradually sunk over time.

Mexico City offers a blend of ancient history and colonial architecture. Here are some sites to see:

• —Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) — See its Art Nouveau and Neoclassical exterior and Art Deco interior. This cultural center houses murals by Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco, and hosts performances.
• —Café de Tacuba — This restaurant on Tacuba Street serves traditional Mexican cuisine in a colonial setting.
• —Casa de los Azulejos — Observe the facade of this 18th-century Baroque palace, covered in blue and white Talavera tiles. It houses a Sanborns restaurant.
• —Hotel Majestic — The hotel stands on the Zócalo. Its 7th-floor terrace offers views.
• —Francisco I. Madero Street — Walk along this pedestrianized street, a thoroughfare since the 16th century, lined with historic buildings.
• —National Palace — See Diego Rivera's murals depicting Mexican history on the main staircase, visible from the courtyard. This building has been a seat of government since the Aztec era and was rebuilt by Hernán Cortés in 1522 on the site of Moctezuma II's palace.
• —Santo Domingo Square — This plaza features the portal of the Santo Domingo Church.
• —Alameda Central — Walk through this public park, established in 1592, with its fountains, statues, and tree-lined paths.
• —Tlatelolco Main Temple (Templo Mayor de Tlatelolco) — Explore the archaeological ruins of this Aztec pyramid, once part of a rival city-state to Tenochtitlan and a market center.
• —Santiago Tlatelolco Temple — Observe this colonial church, built on Aztec foundations.
• —Santa Cruz College (Colegio de la Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco) — Visit the site of the first institution of higher learning in the Americas for indigenous people, established in 1536 by Franciscans.
• —October 2nd Memorial (Plaza de las Tres Culturas) — This memorial in Tlatelolco commemorates the 1968 student massacre.

The best times to visit Mexico City are during the dry seasons: March through May, and October through November. In spring (March-May), temperatures are consistently between 21-24°C, with jacaranda trees in bloom in April. Fall (October-November) also offers clear skies and warm temperatures, and coincides with the Day of the Dead celebrations in late October and early November.

Avoid the peak of the rainy season, from May to October, with July and September being the cloudiest and wettest months. Rain usually comes in short, heavy afternoon or evening showers, which can cause drainage issues and traffic delays. Winter months (December-February) are cool and dry, with nights and early mornings sometimes approaching freezing temperatures.

Mexico City is served by Mexico City International Airport (MEX). From the airport, reach the city center via metro, Metrobús, or taxi/ride-sharing services. Public transportation is affordable, with metro rides costing around 5 Mexican pesos.

Walking is suitable for exploring the historic center, as many attractions are concentrated there. For longer distances, the Metro and Metrobús systems are efficient. Consider purchasing a rechargeable travel card. While street parking can be difficult, many areas have paid parking garages.

Mexico City does not observe a widespread 'siesta.' Most museums close on Mondays. Street food is a common and affordable meal option, and local markets offer fresh produce and traditional goods.