Mexico City – A Bustling City With A Colorful History

by erin on August 3, 2011

Mexico City – the capital of Mexico – makes for a great vacation destination because it offers something for everyone. Mexico City is an archaeological hotspot, it has an extraordinarily colorful culture and a long history, the city itself is very exciting, the markets are fun, and there is always something to do. Mexico City is actually built right on top of what once was Tenochtitlan, the capital city of the might Aztecs. People have been living in the area for a very long time. The city is one of the most populated in the world, with around 20 million inhabitants. If you are trying to find a great place to take a vacation, look into Mexico City. Before you go, however, make sure you and your family have passports or passport cards.

Travel Alternatives

A passport card is relatively new option, and they serve as alternatives to the traditional passport with some pluses and some minuses. The passport card is the same size and shape as any other card in your wallet. It will cost about $45 each, but this is much cheaper than the standard passport. However, it can only be used to travel by car or boat, and it can only be used to travel to Bermuda, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. If a passport card sounds like the best option for you, log on to a passport service site and get yours. There are a variety of other passport services available as well, such as those that can replace a passport lost, get you a new passport if yours is damaged, and even change the name on your passport if you are recently married.

Historical Landmarks

You will find that historical landmarks are scattered all throughout the city, and this makes it fun to just explore. One very important spot is Plaza de la Constitución, also known by locals as Zocalo. This huge square is the second largest in the world, right behind the famous Red Square in Moscow. In the square are several must-see landmarks, including the National Palace, the City Hall, and the Cathedral. This Cathedral is the largest in the Americas, and if you go inside, you will see an altar made completely out of gold. The Basílica de Guadalupe, located outside the Plaza, is known as the holiest Catholic place in the Americas.

Templo Mayor

The Templo Mayor is easily the most historically and culturally important landmark in the city. This was once the central hub of the Aztec empire, and many very important ceremonies and religious rites took place on the Templo Mayor. Excavated only recently, archaeologists are constantly digging up new and interesting artifacts that give us a glimpse into the life of the Aztecs. The Templo Mayor is a huge component of Mexican history. Teotihuacan is an ancient city that the Aztecs called “The City of the Gods.” Now it is a very important archaeological site, especially because it is where the Pyramid of the Sun, the largest pyramid by volume in the world, is located.

Chapultepec

Chapultepec Park and Zoo is a great spot to visit, as it is a big place containing a whole variety of attractions. Apart from the park and zoo parts, there is the very distinguished Museum of Anthropology, with a very extensive collection of artifacts. Another great spot to check out is the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a beautiful theatre that holds concerts and other performing arts productions and features gorgeous indoor murals.

Mexico City

Regardless of what sort of vacation experience you or anyone else in your family is looking to have, Mexico City can offer opportunities. Remember to get your family’s passport cards though and that you can get online passport service for any other service you might need, such as a passport lost, an expired passport, or a missing passport.

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