Getting Oriented

Mexico City is one sprawling metropolis; it's packed to the gills with both buildings and people (over 22 million inhabitants). It occupies a high (7,347 feet) dry lakebed in the center of the country—its location and size make it the main hub for bus and air travel. Though the city has more neighborhoods than most cities have streets, the main tourist areas, including the core historic center, are fairly contained and close to one another.