Head south of the border to Mexico City

When one considers an excursion to Mexico, most minds tend to stray toward the country's tourist capitals Acapulco and Cancun. Yet travelers seeking to experience multiple aspects of the country's rich cultural heritage may be best served by planning a trip to the country's true capital of Mexico City.

Sometimes referred to as Mexico D.F., Districto Federale (federal district), Mexico City is the eighth largest metropolitan area in the world and boasts a number of attractions for tourists from all walks of life.

For those interested in history, there is the Centro Historico, a classic area of town replete with colonial and European architecture, cobblestone streets and the epic grandeur of the Plaza De La Constitucion. The UNESCO World Heritage site contains buildings dating back to the 16th century and was built on the ruins of the former capital of the Aztec empire, Tenochtitlan.

While visiting the Coyoacan district, art lovers would be remiss not to visit the Casa Azul (blue house), a gallery celebrating the life and work of noted painter Frida Kahlo. The home, in which the artist was born and eventually died, contains art work, memorabilia and photographs of the late painter and her ex-husband, Diego Rivera.

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