Angel of Independence is a 45-metre (150-foot) column, surmounted by a winged Victory, constructed between 1901 and 1910 to commemorate the first century of Mexico's independence from Spain.

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The oldest natural park in North America, Chapultepec Park is the largest and most varied city park in the world. Covering 840 hectares (2,100 acres) of the city, the park includes areas of greenery, a zoo, gardens, lakes, museums, playgrounds, bridle paths and monuments.

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National Cathedral is a richly ornamented edifice which contains marble altars, statuary, silver railings and priceless tapestries.

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The Plaza de Santo Domingo is one of the best preserved colonial squares in the city. Dating from about 1550, the plaza is surrounded by historic buildings.

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The southern part of the city includes San Angel, Coyoacán and Xochimilco, which are well preserved examples of colonial-style towns. San Angel is the site of the Bazar del Sábado (Saturday Bazaar), one of the most typical craft-markets. Xochimilco is best known for its floating gardens, living examples of the pre-Hispanic agricultural system. Coyoacán is a 45 minute drive from the Hotel and Xochimilco is a one hour drive.

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The San Ildefonso Museum is in an 18th-century building and displays the early murals of such artists as Orozco, Rivera, Siqueiros, Charlot, Leal, Revueltas and Alva de Canal.

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Museo del Palacio de Bellas Artes houses murals painted by Rivera, Orozco and Siqueiros. It hosts national and international exhibitions.

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The Great Temple of the Aztecs (Templo Mayor) was discovered in 1978 during the construction of the subway. The 60-metre-high (200-foot) temple served as the religious and political centre of the Aztec empire. The Museo del Templo Mayor houses 7,000 items that were recovered from the temple, including a large-scale model of the sacred centre of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan.

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Dolores Olmedo Museum has the most representative collection of works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo displayed in a beautiful, rambling estate-turned-museum.

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The Franz Mayer Museum is housed in a 16th-century building which formerly has been the site of various foundations. It features the collection of decorative arts donated to the National Heritage by Franz Mayer.

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The National Museum of Art is housed in a magnificent building from the early 20th century and showcases Mexican art from the early 15th century to the 1950s.

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The National Museum of History is housed in a building in the Castillo de Chapultepec dating from the 18th century. The former residence of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota, it contains furniture, weapons and paintings dating from the conquest to the Revolution.

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The National Museum of Anthropology and History is one of the world's finest museums. Radiating from the main patio are 12 exhibition halls devoted to Mexico's early civilizations. Filled with priceless relics, such as a 30-ton Aztec stone calendar and life-size replicas of Monte Alban, the museum features the cultures of the Maya, Toltec, Zapotec and Aztec Indians and cultures from the Gulf of Mexico.

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Plaza Mexico is the largest bullring in the world. Professional matadors perform from December to March, while novices perform from March to December. Families can attend the event and stay to enjoy a traditional Mexican meal, complete with Mexican dancing and music.

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A spectacular presentation of traditional music, dance and costumes from all corners of the country at the Palace of Fine Arts. Performances vary, depending on the season.

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