Mexico City offers three distinct cultures — Aztec, Spanish, and Mexican. This magnificent city of wide, shady boulevards lined with modern glass and steel buildings spiced with touches of the past is also the oldest and highest capital in North America, as well as one of the world's most populous cities, with over 26 million people.

World War II brought a surge in industrialization and by 1968, Mexico City had made itself ready to host the Summer Olympics, which spawned some of its ultramodern architecture.

But since that time, the city's population has exploded, doubling in the last twenty-five years. Poorer Mexicans have come to the city seeking work, settling in barrios on its fringes. The city spread out, and what used to be suburbs have now been swallowed up by urban sprawl. Streets are rarely empty. All the traffic has produced one of the worst air pollution problems on Earth. And though it slows down just after midnight, by five, the buses and cars return to the streets, and the daily tempo of life begins all over again.

Best Time to Go

Although it almost never snows and daytime temperatures can reach 70ºF, they can drop to the mid-40s at night. The weather is warmest from March to June, when it can reach 80ºF during the day. During the rainy season from June to September, torrential downpours can last an hour or a day.

Cuisine

With such an influx of people from all different parts of Mexico, it's no wonder that the cuisine of the capital literally represents the country. However, some dishes have become specialities, like caldo tlalpeno (stewed chicken in broth flavored with chipotles, or smoked jalapeños), budin Azteca (chicken, tortillas, cheese, tomatillos, roasted chiles, and herbs baked in a cazuela), and sopa de Azteca (tortillas, chicken, avocado, and cheese).

Cautions and Safety Concerns

Mexico City has had a rash of muggings and kidnappings in recent years, many involving taxis. Do not walk on dark streets at night. Even in well-lighted places, walk with someone. Leave your jewelry at home and only carry enough cash to pay for what you need. Also, don't hail taxis at night. Instead, ask the restaurant or club to call one for you and write down the number of the taxi they're sending and wait for that particular one. In case you're the victim of a crime in Mexico City, you can call the bilingual operator of the Procudaduría del Turista (55-5625-8153).

And remember, the thinner air at the city's 7,346-foot altitude will cause you to tire easily and have mild headaches. For the first couple of days, avoid alcohol, drink plenty of water, eat lightly, and rest often.