Mexico City

The **Palacio de Bellas Artes** in Mexico City is an architectural masterpiece and the country's most important cultural center. You'll find a unique blend of Art Nouveau and Neoclassicism on its exterior, while the interior is designed in Art Deco style. Construction began in 1904 under Italian architect Adamo Boari and was only completed in 1934, which explains the building's stylistic evolution. The building is famous for its monumental murals by artists such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco, which you can admire on the upper floors. It houses the National Museum of Architecture and is a primary venue for opera, ballet, and concerts.Look out for the impressive Tiffany glass curtain in the main hall, made of almost a million pieces of glass and depicting a view of Popocatépetl. **Our tip:** For a spectacular exterior view of the palace, especially at sunset, head to the terrace of the Sears department store opposite. Plan your visit for a weekday morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the artworks in peace.

The Templo Mayor was the central sanctuary of the Aztecs (Mexica) in their capital Tenochtitlan, modern-day Mexico City. It was dedicated to the deities Huitzilopochtli, god of war and the sun, and Tlaloc, god of rain and fertility. The ruins you see today are the remnants of a structure that was expanded and built over repeatedly in seven phases. The excavation site offers deep insight into Aztec architecture and religious practices, with uncovered sacrificial stones and impressive sculptures like the Coyolxauhqui monolith. Directly adjacent is the Museo del Templo Mayor, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts found here and brings the site's history to life. It is essential for grasping the cultural significance of the findings. Our tip: Plan your visit for early morning to avoid both the largest crowds and the intense midday heat. This allows for a calmer exploration of the complex and the museum.

The National Museum of Art (MUNAL) in Mexico City is housed in one of the city's most magnificent neoclassical buildings, the former Palacio de la Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Obras Públicas. It houses an impressive collection of Mexican art from the 16th to the mid-20th century, offering you a comprehensive insight into the development of the nation's art history. Here you'll find works from the colonial period, 19th-century academic art, and the beginnings of modernism, reflecting Mexico's cultural and political transformation. Particularly noteworthy are the large-format paintings and sculptures that shaped the country's identity. Take your time to admire the building's architecture itself, especially the magnificent entrance hall and the grand central staircase. A practical tip: Visit the museum on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the artworks in peace. For an impressive perspective of the building and the surrounding Plaza de Manuel Tolsá, we recommend exploring the square in front of the museum.

The Museo de Arte Popular in Mexico City is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich tradition of Mexican folk art. Here you'll find an impressive collection of handicrafts from all regions of the country, reflecting the diversity and creativity of indigenous cultures. The exhibits range from colorful textiles and ceramics, traditional toys and masks, to the famous Alebrijes, fantastic creatures made of papier-mâché or wood. The museum is housed in a former Art Deco fire station, whose architecture is a sight to behold in itself. It offers a deep insight into Mexico's cultural identity, which often manifests itself in these everyday and ritual objects. Our Tip: Plan your visit for a weekday morning to avoid the crowds and admire the exhibits in peace. Pay special attention to the changing special exhibitions, which often highlight specific crafts or regions. The museum shop also offers an excellent selection of authentic and high-quality handicrafts.

The Angel of Independence, known as El Ángel de la Independencia, is a landmark in Mexico City. This monumental structure was inaugurated in 1910 under President Porfirio Díaz to commemorate the centenary of the start of the Mexican War of Independence. The imposing column is crowned by a gilded bronze statue of the winged goddess of victory, Nike, holding a laurel wreath and a broken chain – symbols of triumph and freedom. At the base of the monument are statues of important heroes of the independence struggle; their remains rest in the mausoleum within the plinth, which gives the Ángel profound historical significance. For locals, the Ángel serves not only as a historical monument but also as a gathering point for celebrations and demonstrations. You can best admire the monument from the sidewalks of Paseo de la Reforma. Our tip: Visit the Ángel in the early morning for the best photo light and to avoid heavy traffic, or in the evening when it is atmospherically lit.

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City is the largest and oldest cathedral in Latin America and a central landmark of the city. You'll find it directly on the Zócalo, built starting in 1573 upon the ruins of the Aztec Templo Mayor, which underscores its deep historical and cultural significance as a symbol of the Spanish conquest and Christianization. Its more than 250-year construction period shaped an impressive blend of Baroque, Churrigueresque, and Neoclassical styles, which you can recognize on its facade and within its interior.Inside, you'll find five naves, 16 chapels, and magnificent altars such as the Altar of Forgiveness and the Altar of the Kings, whose detailed design is captivating. Note the building's visible tilt: Due to the soft subsoil, the cathedral has sunk over the centuries, necessitating extensive stabilization work and making it a unique architectural testament.Our tip: It's best to visit the cathedral early in the morning on a weekday to enjoy the tranquility and avoid crowds. For an impressive overall view of the facade, position yourself on the Zócalo. A visit to the nearby Templo Mayor excavation site complements the historical picture.