The longest continuously-inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere, Mexico City sits atop the lake basin where the Mexica Indians founded their empire in 1325 and were defeated by the Spanish under Hernán Cortes two centuries later. It wasn’t until 1821 that Mexico declared its independence, after having fought for it for eleven years. After a turbulent period, in which the Federal Republic was established, the country looses the stated of Texas, New Mexico and California during a war with the United States of America, and a Revolution ensues, Mexico comes into a relatively stable stage when the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI) takes possession of power from 1929 through 2000. En the XXI Century, Mexico has been governed by Vicente Fox and, currently, by Felipe Calderón, both from the Partido Acción Nacional (PAN).

Zócalo:
Formally known as the Square of the Constitution, Zócalo is one of the largest squares in the world, and has been the center of Mexico City since Prehispanic times. This magnificent plaza is surrounded by the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Supreme Court Justice, and the Ayuntamiento Building. It is the location of commemorative ceremonies that take place during national holidays.  A perfect place to begin a tour of Mexico City is the Zocalo, or main plaza, the world's third-largest town square. Located right in the middle of the the city's main historical district and just to a short distance from the Embassy Suites Hotel Mexico City-Reforma, the Zocalo is bordered on its north side by the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is constructed of stones taken from the Mexica's Great Temple (Templo Mayor), the remains of which can be toured at the cathedral's northeast end. The area around the Zocalo is dotted with palaces, mansions and churches in baroque, neoclassical and other styles. Located in the Centro Historico is also the Bellas Artes Theater, home of the famous Ballet Folklorico of Mexico.

Chapultepec:
It is the largest park in Mexico City, with a minimum of 4 million visitors each month. Divided into three sectors, each consisting of 230 hectares, the park has counts with an amenity of attractions. Among them are museums, theaters, cultural centers, a zoo, artificial lakes, a botanical garden, restaurants, cafes, and many other options for people of all ages.

Polanco:
Located in front of Chapultepec Park, Polanco was originally one of the most prestigious residential areas of Mexico City. This residential can still be found, but has gradually converted into a strategic business center as well. In this sector of the City, one may find sophisticated hotels, exclusive restaurants, the best shopping malls, and elegant apartment buildings. The greatest advantage that Polanco has to offer is in its duality of being a residential and a commercial area at the same time.

Mexico City encompasses many museums that display prehispanic artifacts, treasures from colonial times, popular hand-crafted items, and modern art.

With its 44,000 square meters and rooms that focus on the Mayan, Toltec and Mexica cultures, the National Anthropology Museum is the most notable of Mexico City. Also noteworthy is the Museum of Modern Art, which houses pieces from Mexican artists like David Alfaro Siqueiros, José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, Olga Costa, and Oliverio Martinez, among others. For a different experience, visit the Papalote Children’s Museum, which is housed in a three-building complex, each conforming a different geometric figure: the circle, the triangle, and the square. The slogan “Touch, play and learn”, ensures that each visitor obtains a unique experience, no mater his or her age.

Other important museums are: The Natural History Museum, Rufino Tamayo Museum (contemporary art), Mexico City Museum, The History of Chapultepec Castle Museum, The Museum of National Art, and the Frida Kahlo Museum.

The Turibus takes you on a tour through the entire city.  You can begin right across the street from the Embassy Suites, and stop wherever you like.  Also, one pass, 100 pesos (weekends and holidays - 115 pesos), is good for an entire day, so if you choose to pause your tour and walk through the Zócalo, you can get back on the bus whenever you please.  Headsets are also provided with your pass, so you can listen to the detailed historical descriptions of each landmark in your choice of language (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese).

The bus visits each unique district and stops at various notable monuments, so you can take note of what to plan for the rest of your trip.  Everything you need to know about Mexico City is revealed by the end of the tour.

Combined with the beautiful weather in the open-air bus, high energy, and incredible history of this magnificent city, there is no better introduction to your stay, regardless of its extent.  Your appreciation of the culture, and city itself, will amplify when its simple yet remarkable beauty is revealed.