Mexico City (Ciudad de México), known also as DF is the capital of Mexico and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. It is the largest and most important political, cultural and educational city of the country and one of the most important financial centers in North America. It is located in the Valley of Mexico, the high plateaus at an altitude of 2,240 m.

Mexico city has a very confortable weather. In August the average temperature during the day is around 22 C, at night fresh temperatures around 14 C can be expected. Afternoon rains are typical in summer.

The city was originally built on an island of Lake Texcoco by the Aztecs in 1325, it was known as Tenochtitlan. The Aztecs built an intricate network of canals to navigate the city. The city was almost completely destroyed in the 1521 siege of Tenochtitlan, and subsequently redesigned and rebuilt in accordance with the Spanish urban standards. In 1524, the municipality of Mexico City was established, known as México Tenochtitlán. In 1585 it was officially named Ciudad de México (Mexico City).

The most visited tourist attractions in Mexico City are concentrated in the historic center (Centro Histórico), including the Plaza de la Constitucion or Zocalo, the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor, Palace of Fine Arts and Alameda Park.The Zocalo is the largest square in Latin America and the third largest in the world after Moscow’s Red Square and Beijing's Tiananmen Square. A few blocks north of the Palace of Fine Arts, Plaza Garibaldi is one of the best places in Mexico City to hear live mariachi music.

Located west of the historic center, is the Plaza de la Republica, home to the newly refurbished Revolution Monument and National Museum. Chapultepec Park is the home to several of capital’s top tourist attractions, including Chapultepec Castle, the Modern Art Museum and the National Museum of Anthropology. Keep in mind that, with a few exceptions, most museums and archaeological sites in Mexico City are closed on Mondays. It is always interesting to explore the neighborhoods of Zona Rosa, Roma, Condesa, Coyoacan and San Angel. Home to lovely parks, plazas, shops, markets, cafes and some of the top tourist attractions in Mexico City. These artsy neighborhoods are especially popular among visitors to the city and foreign residents. Nearby, in the trendy posh neighborhood of Polanco you will find some of Mexico City’s top nightspots, gourmet restaurants and luxury shops.

History buffs will find the best remaining examples of ancient Aztec city planning in the southern Xochimilco borough of Mexico City and north of the city at the Teotihuacán archaeological site. In Xochimilco you can hire a colorful trajinera (wooden boat) to tour the canals and gardens. Consider a day trip to the ancient Aztec pyramids at Teotihuacán, located 50km (31 miles) northeast of the city.

more information: Visit Mexico      Wikipedia      Wikitravel