Mexico City is the densely populated, high-altitude capital of Mexico. It’s known for its Templo Mayor (a 13th-century Aztec temple), the baroque Catedral Metropolitana de México of the Spanish conquistadors and the Palacio Nacional, which houses historic murals by Diego Rivera. All of these are situated in and around the Plaza de la Constitución, the massive main square also known as the Zócalo.

Sprawling Chapultepec Park is home to the city zoo, Museum of Modern Art and National Museum of Anthropology, which highlights the traditions of the Mayans and the Aztecs.

An opulent art nouveau/art deco theater, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, offers performances by esteemed companies, including the Ballet Folklórico de México.

In the bohemian Coyoacán neighborhood, artist Frida Kahlo’s former home and studio has been preserved as the Frida Kahlo Museum.

The upscale Polanco district features designer boutiques and chic restaurants serving everything from traditional dishes such as chicken mole to inventive takes on ceviches and tacos.