What to do in La Paz

Paseo de la Reforma is likely to be one of your daily reference points as you travel around Mexico City. See many historic buildings and monuments along the lengthy stretch of this wide and beautiful tree-lined avenue. Notice the important modern buildings that have been constructed over time as Mexico and Mexico City have grown internationally as important financial markets.

The Zocalo is the epicenter of Mexico’s capital city. The massive square can hold more than 100,000 people, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world. Officially named Plaza de la Constitucion, the Zocalo was once the heart of Tenochtitlan, an ancient Aztec city. You can see the square’s history in the wide variety of architecture, which ranges from pre-Hispanic ruins to palatial structures and modern buildings. Make sure to step into the Zocalo Metro Station, where you can see models of how the square has changed over time.

More than 12 million people visit the Basilica de Santa Maria each year. They come to see the site at which the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a poor Indian, and to see the cloak with her image that is displayed there.

Mexico City’s Angel of Independence Monument stands as a tribute to the heroes of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain. From 1521when Hernán Cortés defeated the Aztec nation, until the early 1800s, the vast country of Mexico was a colony of Spain, separated by the wide Atlantic Ocean. Learn about the decade-long battle that started in 1810 and finally led to Mexico’s status as an independent monarchy and then a republic.

The Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) is Mexico City’s premier arts institution and one of its architectural landmarks. This palace was built in 1934 in the art nouveau style, with large domes and marble columns. Inside, the main hall is a cavernous space, filled with natural light from the glass dome above. Find three upper levels devoted to art, including works by famous Mexican muralists. At night, see a show at the palace’s theater, which hosts world-class opera, folk and classical music.

Built in 1966, Estadio Azteca just south of Mexico City is a popular center for world soccer and other sports and entertainment events. Attend an event with more than 100,000 other fans in this huge stadium, called by some the “cathedral of Mexican soccer.”