San Diego Reader

Would you believe that Mexico City used to be an island in the middle of the vast Lake Texcoco? It was actually the Aztec people’s Venice-like capital city, with a network of canals and bridges.

But much has changed since the Spanish conquest in 1521…beyond the water being drained, that is. With nearly nine million residents, this giant metropolis offers a buffet of the country – literally. Restaurants specializing in the 31 Mexican states’ regional cuisines are all represented here. Try a tasty grasshopper taco at Los Danzantes.

Mexico City is said to host more museums than any other city in the world. With many fantastic options, albeit a bit boggling, Museo Nacional de Antropologia (the National Museum of Anthropology) beckons a visit. This monstrous 80,000-square-meter museum showcases many cultures, but the Aztec and Maya rooms are the highlights. It’s free, but crowded on Sundays and between $5-15 Monday-Saturday.

Other Things to Do. Experience a Lucha Libre event. Walk the city center of Zócalo.

Eats. Check out Salon Luz at 21 Calle Gante in the Centro (city center) – this is where Fidel Castro and Che Guevara ate together.

Areas to Stay. Condesa, Coyoacán, Centro Historico, Zona Rosa.