Twenty Million + 2

Mexico City as a travel destination? Aren't there twenty million people there? Well, yes, but that's half the fun! Among the multitude of options in Mexico's capital city are these favorites.

Where to stay: The Sheraton Maria Isabel is smack in the city center (important in a city this big) and overlooks the Glorieta del Angel monument. The buzz of activity at this big hotel is half the fun. Request a concierge-level room, then head downstairs for a refreshing margarita in the lobby bar. The Bar Jorongo is the place for mariachi music and late-night revelry. Reservations at the Sheraton Maria Isabel can be made by calling Sheraton Resorts at (800) 325-3535.

Where to eat: Los Danzantes, a pretty restaurant on the verdant Plaza Coyoacan, turns traditional Mexican cooking on its head. Here, the bounty of the land is given a modern spin and the result is nouvelle Mexican cuisine that rivals that of its northern (as in California) neighbor. Puras Habas is also taking a stab at Nouvelle Mexican and doing quite nicely. Order the "Anacondesa" while you're here, a buttery leek and onion tart which will melt in your mouth. Ligaya mixes traditional and nouvelle concepts from many lands, while Las Flores del Mal, in the ritzy Roma neighborhood, is a temple of creative cuisine. The rooftop restaurant at the Majestic Hotel, overlooking Mexico City's zocalo, or main square, is an ideal spot for breakfast. Sanborns de los Azulejos, also downtown, is another good breakfast spot -- be sure to check out the colorful tilework both indoors and out. There's no doubt that dining is a real pleasure in Mexico City!

What to do: A visit to the zocalo should be first on your list. The Palacio Nacional is the government's home base and filled with Diego Rivera murals. Next door is the Catedral, the oldest cathedral in the Americas. The streets around the zocalo (be sure to check out Cinco de Mayo) are filled with charming shops. Bellas Artes, about a mile away, is one of Mexico City's most ornate buildings and an excellent museum in its own right. Papalote, near the Parque Chapultepec, is a world-class children's museum and perfect for both big kids (think adults) and small. The Plaza Coyoacan is a pretty square lined with cafes where vendors sell their wares, primarily arts and crafts.

A little bit more: Several day trips can be made from Mexico City. Toluca is an hour away and home to one of the best farmer's markets in the area. Puebla, less than two hours away, is the place to load up on colorful Talavera pottery. Taxco, the silver capital of Mexico, is a bit farther but worth the trip if you love silver jewelry. Consider spending the night at the Monte Taxco hotel.

There's a lot more to do in Mexico City but you'll have to read the story to find out!

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