By Isabel Prontes
If you are planning to visit
Mexico City, the capital of the North American country of Mexico and one of the most populous cities on the planet, there is no shortage of exciting and interesting things to see and do. If you are traveling on a budget, it's a smart idea to be aware of how much activities and attractions cost in Mexico City before you arrive.
Museo del Zapato
In existence since 1988, the Museo del Zapato (Spanish for "shoe") is a Mexico City museum that has a rather unusual concept, in that it displays a vast collection of over 7,500 pairs of shoes. There are also miniature shoe exhibits and shoes made out of bronze, porcelain and silk. Located just above a massive shoe store on Calle Bolivar No. 27, this is an interesting museum for shoe fanatics everywhere. Admission to this wacky museum is free, so it is perfect for budget travelers.
Museo del Zapato
Bolivar No. 27-20 Piso
Mexico City, Federal District (Distrito Federal)
Tel: 011 (+52) 5 5121311
Chapultepec Park
Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec - meaning "hill of the grasshoppers") is the main park in Mexico City. It has historical relevance because it was once a major roaming ground for the Toltecs. It is also believed that Huemec, the ruler of the Toltecs, hanged himself in the park back in 1177 (after he fled from Tula). This is a fascinating historical attraction that has deep roots in Mexican history. It is the single biggest park located within a city on the planet. Admission is free.
Location: between Paseo de la Reforma, Avenida Constituyentes and Circuito Interior in Mexico City.
Museum of Mexico City
The Museum of Mexico City (Museo de la Ciudad de Mexico) is a museum that houses a fascinating collection of artifacts, photographs, documentation, decorations and furniture, all detailing the rich history and heritage of Mexico City. The museum depicts the city from the prehistoric era up to the modern day. Some of the most significant items located in the museum include a replica of the Teocalli, which is the ancient Tenochtitlan center. Admission to this museum is free.
Avenida José Pino Suárez 30,
Centro Histórico, Mexico City
Tel: 011 (+52) 5 5229936
Parque Zoologico de Chapultepec
Parque Zoologico de Chapultepec (the Chapultepec Zoo) is one of the very few zoos located outside of China that has produced giant pandas (three reside at the zoo) with success. Be sure to check out the exquisite and lush Jardin Botanico (botanical garden). Between five to eight million visitors come to this zoo every year. Admission to the zoo is free.
Parque Zoologico (Zoo)
Mexico City, Federal District (Distrito Federal)
Tel:
La Feria
La Feria is a Mexico City amusement park located slightly to the east of Lago del Nuevo Bosque. This children's amusement park has over fifty rides and attractions (such as the Big Dipper), and has a terrifying Haunted House and thrilling roller coaster called Montana Rusa (Russian Mountain). Admission costs to La Feria always very, depending on which attractions are covered and whether meals are included as part of the price. Admission prices are generally between $5 and $25 in U.S. currency.
Chapultepec Park
Mexico City, Federal District (Distrito Federal)
Tel: 011 (+55) 5230-2121
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
