Things to do in Mexico City

Catch your breath with hiking yoga

For some inner peace at a great pace, try hiking yoga. The concept is not as off-kilter as it sounds; merely a walk to some of Mexico City's most picturesque locations, such as Bosque de Tlalpan and El Tepozteco, followed by a yoga class. Hiking Yoga (www.hikingyoga.com) run 90-minute classes.

Fall in love with lucha libre

Flamboyant, acrobatic and not at all camp, luchalibre (Mexican wrestling) is one of the most popular sports in the country - and you don't need to be a Lycra lover to enjoy it. For the finest fight night atmosphere, join 22,000 other fans in the Arena México (www.arenamexico.com.mx). It can't be beaten.

Join the hoards for at the Auditorio Nacional

Pleasingly postmodern, and with a programme that incorporates everything from contemporary ballet to opera and classical concerts, Auditorio Nacional (tel: +52 55 9138 1350; www.auditorio.com.mx) is the premier performing arts venue in Mexico. With a capacity of 10,000 people, the venue is befitting of Mexico City's own vastness.

Set your spurs for cowboy country

Less than an hour north of Mexico City and you're into cowboy country - or rather vaquero country. Take the reins and ride through the open plains, canyons and mountains that make up Mexico's heartland. With expert guides offering day rides or longer excursions, Rancho Las Cascadas (tel: +52 55 1801 0101; www.rancholascascadas.com) is the place to stay.

Tear up some mountain bike trails of your own

As sprawling as Mexico City may seem, it's less than an hour's drive to the vast wooded hills of Desierto De Los Leones. With no marked trails to speak of this, national park is fantastic for pure impulse mountain biking. Drop in at Poray (tel: +52 55 6394 3259; www.poray.bike) for your rental needs.

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Uncovering Mexico City’s culinary identity

Lucy Purdy has her taste buds seduced in a city whose rich and interwoven culinary heritage is just one way it is rewriting a reputation for danger.

City Highlight: Mexico City

A city of marked extremes, Mexico’s capital is home to more than 20 million inhabitants and has its own unique Latin buzz.

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Featured Hotels

Hotel Escandón

Hotel Escandón offers quite remarkable value for money. It is situated in the Escandón neighbourhood, just 10 minutes away on foot from the hip Roma-Condesa regions of the city. But if you want to get there faster the free bicycle hire is bound to be an attractive feature; as are their spacious rooms, on-site fitness centre and room service. There is a restaurant in the hotel serving authentic Mexican food and plenty of restaurants and cafes on the same block as the hotel.

Camino Real Polanco México

Stylish, modernistic with bold yellow and pink walls, the Camino Real was designed by Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta. Luxurious and original, this Mexico City hotel is renowned for a huge mural in the entrance lobby by artist Rufino Tamayo. Spacious guest rooms offer views over a delightful garden and large pool with terrace. Convention facilities include a business centre and meeting rooms, shops and a gym.

Hotel Majestic

Boasting an enviable location overlooking the fine historic monuments of the Zócalo the 85-room Hotel Majestic has five large suites. A mirrored lobby is adorned with fountains and Mexican tiles. Choose a room overlooking the square for bird's eye views of the daily ceremonial raising of the flag at 0600. Simple décor centres on comfort with a TV mini-bar coffee-making facilities and rustic wood furniture. Popular terrace restaurant Terraza overlooks the Zócalo and serves basic Mexican and international food at reasonable prices.

Gran Hotel Ciudad de México

A shrine to art nouveau styling, this is one of the most elegant and original hotels in Mexico City. The lobby has a cathedral-like quality, with a stunning coloured-glass window canopy overhead, ornate wrought iron balconies and lifts at either end. Located conveniently on the Zócalo in the Centro Histórico and a 15-minute drive from the airport, this Mexico City hotel also has convention facilities, making it popular with the business community and upmarket travellers. The 124 rooms all have art nouveau touches and TVs. There is a restaurant in the lobby and a terrace café over the square.

Hotel Casa Gonzalez

Finding a better choice in terms of a central location, low price and excellent quality all at once is likely to be tough. Yet somehow Casa Gonzalez combines a small, personal guesthouse feel with close proximity to Paseo de la Reforma making it excellent value for money. The property has its own little garden and each room has a private bathroom.

Hotel Gillow

Located in the heart of the Centro Histórico, this elegant mid-range hotel in Mexico City is perfectly placed just a stone's throw from the Zócalo and its fine architecture and museums. An attractive art deco-style facade opens up onto a cheerful, rose-coloured marble lobby hung with leafy plants. Rooms boast a simple pastel colour scheme together with TV and private bathroom with views overlooking the street or a quiet inner courtyard. A reasonably priced restaurant Capilla and bar offers a decent range of international beers and liquors together with Mexican dishes with a global twist.

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