Mexico City

Past and present sit side-by-side in sprawling Mexico City where a handsome historic colonial-era heart sits amongst ever-changing modernity.

Settled by the Aztecs in the 14th century before being overthrown by the Spanish, Mexico City was founded by the conquistadors on Lake Texcoco in 1525. Today, the capital is known affectionately as 'el DF' (day-effay) by proud locals and is home to a hip, emerging art and gastronomic scene that is drawing a new wave of trendy elite to its fashionable tree-lined neighbourhoods.

Mexico's chaotic capital city is one of the most vibrant urban spaces in the world. Huge expanses of metropolitan parkland represent the largest on the planet while gorgeous upscale pedestrian-friendly districts are dubbed the Beverly Hills of Mexico.

Brightly-painted, open-topped barges (trajineras) trawl Mexico City's mysterious ancient canal system past "floating islands" (chinampas) piled high with flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Although Mexico City has its foibles, annoyances and frustrations, it remains one of the world's most exhilarating and exciting metropolitan hubs.