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Doing business
Mexico City is big, sometimes startlingly so. But you wouldn’t expect anything else from the world’s third-largest urban area, bubbling away in a natural bowl 2,200m above sea level. Amidst all the noise and clamour there is some serious commerce going on. Oil and gas, tourism and manufacturing are all big news, with the capital playing a growing role as a business gateway both north to the US and south to the Central American isthmus. While time may be a more flexible concept than you are used to, hierarchy and attire should stay on the formal side.

Cool hotel
NH Centro Historico (www.nh-hotels.com; rooms from £42) have spacious suites in the heart of the city a few steps from Plaza de la Constitution or Zocalo as it is known locally. The 1940s corner-building looks good both outside and in.

Hip restaurant
El Cardenal is similarly central, on a street just off the Zocalo. It’s a famously superb breakfast option but also excellent for lunch and dinner. If you haven’t made it here for a bite to eat while doing business, go back to celebrate closing the deal and scoff some marvellous traditional Mexican food.

Happening bar
There’s far too many bars to hone in on one, but try and sample a few on a night out in Condesa, the hip neighbourhood to the west of the historic centre. The Malafama billiard hall is the best place to pick up tips from a young and trendy crowd.

Getting there
Mexico City is both a global and regional air transport hub, as well as being the focal point for domestic air and bus services. Direct flights from London are with British Airways or a recently launched four-times-weekly service with Mexicana Airlines.

Getting downtown
Mexico City International Airport is eight miles east of the city centre and located on the fast and efficient metro. For your first visit you may wish to take a taxi to your hotel, which will cost in the region of £10.

The Details
Mexico City has a year-round spring-like climate thanks to its elevated altitude, and is six hours behind UK time. The unit of currency is the Peso and there are around 20 to the pound. See: www.visitmexico.com”

Must-see sights
The capital’s museums are as good as you’d expect, but the site of Templo Mayor is the best place to head to get a head-start on understanding both pre- and post-colonial Mexico City. For fast, furious fun, there's a few places in town where you can sample Lucha Libre – the wonderful sport that is Mexican Wrestling.

INSIDER'S TIP
“In north Mexico City, you can visit the Basilica de Guadalupe, one of the most visited basilicas in the world. In fact, it is second only to Saint Peter’s Basilica, in the Vatican City, in the number of visitors it receives each year”

THE CARBON COST
A return flight from London to Mexico City will cover 19,416km and emit 2.1 tonnes of CO2. Offset this with The Carbon Neutral Company from £17.85.

Compiled by Tom Hall on behalf of Lonely Planet. www.lonelyplanet.com

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