HISTORIC SITES

THINGS TO DO IN MEXICO CITY

Chapultepec Castle: Situated in the lush and sprawling Bosque de Chapultepec in centralMexico City, is emblematic of Mexico’s capital and has a suitably regal and intriguinghistory to match. Named for the Nahuatl word chapoltepēc, which means ‘at thegrasshopper’s hill’, it sits on what the Aztecs considered a sacred hilltop, meaning theglorious palace offers spectacular views over the city and surrounding forest. (Everyday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm) Opens on May 1st. Mexico City Zocalo (Main Square):  From the Mexico City Zocalo, which was the mainceremonial center of Tenochtitlan (Aztec city over which was founded Mejico, the capital ofthe colonial Nueva España), you can see and visit Mexico City’s Cathedral and the NationalPalace (the President’s offices) with its iconic murals. Templo Mayor: Walking distance from the Main Square, this archaeological site was oncepart of the main Aztec temples of Tenochtitlan. It wasn’t until the late 70’s, when a group ofelectric company workers accidentally discovered a pre-Hispanic monolith, that thegovernment began excavating the site. (Everyday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm) Bellas Artes Palace (Fine Arts Palace): The neoclassical architecture of this gorgeouspalace is worth a visit alone. Inside, find murals by Diego Rivera and different exhibitions.(Everyday from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm) Opens on May 1st. Tehotihuacan: Since the Aztecs, pilgrims have journeyed here to soak up the mysticalenergies believed to converge at the site. Atop the Pyramid of the Sun, you’ll see travelersraising their hands toward the sky to try to capture the energy; explore the ruins, and don’tmiss summiting the Pyramid of the Moon, at the north end, and of course the toweringPyramid of the Sun. You can have lunch at La Gruta Restaurant. (Everyday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm) Opens on May 1st.

MUSEUMS

Dolores Olmedo Museum: It houses the greatest collection of artwork by Diego Rivera andFrida Kahlo along with their scripts and drawings. It’s also home to over 6,000 pre-Hispanicfigurines and sculptures. A very neat aspect is its live animals, which include geese ducks,peacocks, and Xoloitxcuintles (Mexican hairless dogs). (From 10:00 - 18:00) Closed on Mondays and on May 1st. Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo: This blue and red home and studio is amust-see for any traveler to Mexico City. Lined in cactuses, you can see the formerworkspace of Mexico’s most famous art couple Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. (From 10:00 - 17:30) Closed on Mondays and on May 1st. Frida Kahlo house: The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House, is dedicated tothe life and works of this famed Mexican artist. The museum is actually situated in whatwas once the artist’s home. Aside from exploring the home where Frida Kahlo was born,grew up, and died in, you can explore a large collection of her work and also the work of herhusband Diego Rivera. Located in the Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City, it is one ofthe most popular and most visited museums in the city. (From 10:00 - 17:30) Closed on Mondays and on May 1st. Museo Jumex: This museum exhibits contemporary art, with temporary exhibitions: LinaBo Bardi, Clara Porset and Gego. (From 10:00 - 19:00) Closed on Mondays, opens on May 1st.

RESTAURANTSDulce Patria: Chef Martha Ortiz Chapa endlessly creates modern dishes but is heavilyinfluenced by regional cooking techniques and artisan craft. From 13:30 - 23:30 l 55 3300 3999 Pujol: Pujol is one of the most renowned restaurants in Mexico and came 20th in The World’s50 Best Restaurants in 2014 and 6th in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants in the same year.From 13:30 - 22:45 (closed on Sundays) l 55 5545 4111 Quintonil: Quintonil has a sophisticated but relaxed atmosphere, where customers can enjoyculinary skill alongside excellent service, it's one of the 50 best restaurants of the world. From13:00–16:00, 18:30–22:00 (closed on Sundays) l 55 5280 1660 El Bajío: El Bajio Restaurant is dedicated to preserving traditional Mexican cooking, with noaims of reinventing the food or making it haute cuisine. The dishes are from the center of thecountry, principally from the states of Veracruz, Puebla, Michoacán and Oaxaca. From 8:00 - 23:00 l 55 5281 8245 Au Pied De Couchon: Haute French cuisine served in an elegant lounge and terrace insidethe Hotel Presidente InterContinental. Everyday 24 hours l 55 5327 7756 Azul Histórico:  Is a traditional Mexican restaurant owned by Chef Ricardo Muñoz Zurita. Aclassic space with a large terrace in a historic building. Everyday from 9:00 - 12:00, 13:00 - 23:00 l 55 5510 1316 San Angel Inn: A traditional Mexican food restaurant that once was a beautiful Hacienda. Ithas hosted events such as the declaration of autonomy of the National University of Mexico(UNAM for its acronym in Spanish) in 1910. From 7:00 - 1:00 l 55 5616 1402

Museo de Antropología e Historia: It exhibits and protects the archaeological heritage ofvarious ethnic groups of the country. Essential before visiting any archaeological zone. Oneof the most important museums of its kind in Latin America, designed by architect PedroRamírez Vázquez. (From 9:00 - 19:00) Closed on Mondays, opens on May 1st. Museo Soumaya: The Plaza Carso building is a striking avant-garde construction 46 metershigh, covered by hexagonal aluminum plates. Its permanent exhibitions are: The Door toHell, Gold and silver: decorative arts, Asia in Ivory, Former European and New SpanishMasters, From Impressionism to the Vanguard and The Age of Rodin. (Everyday from 10:30- 18:30) Opens on May 1st. Museo de Arte Moderno: Cultural site dedicated mainly to preserve, study and disseminatethe Mexican art produced from the 1930s. (From 10:15 - 17:30) Closed on Mondays, openson May 1st. POLANCO

CITY TOUR BUS: It will take your around the downtown area in Mexico City, including theZocalo (City Center Tour).  You can hop on and hop off at your convenience.  One of themain stops is located at the National Auditorium, which is located on Reforma Avenue, justacross street from the hotel. (Everyday tours at: mexico.city-tour.com)

Polanco has some of the most exclusive dining and drinking options in the capital. You canwalk through Lincoln Park, find all kinds of food in very chic restaurants and desserts fromice cream to churros. Polanco is also famed for its luxury shopping on Avenida PresidenteMasaryk, one of the most expensive streets in the Americas. Polanco is the neighborhoodwith the most  Michelin star  restaurants,  upscale hotels, and  diplomatic missions andembassies in the city.