A large park here has a forest and a hilltop castle overlooking the centre of a district filled with museums and art venues.

Miguel Hidalgo is an entertainment hub packed with museums and historic relics. It also has an upscale residential section, characterised by leafy suburban streets lined with art deco villas and California-style houses. Visit Miguel Hidalgo to piece together the history of Mexico through the impressive museums and galleries.

Among the highlights in the area is the Auditorio Nacional, whose modern building was constructed in the 1950s. See a dramatic performance, music or dance recital in this centre for the arts. Next door, visit the Museo Nacional de Antropología, one of the country’s largest and most popular museums. Learn about the nation’s indigenous heritage in this spacious museum. Other intriguing sights include the Museo de Arte Moderno and the Museo Soumaya, whose shining, curved appearance is an icon of the Miguel Hidalgo neighbourhood.

Wander through Chapultepec Park and bring your family to the Parque Zoológico de Chapultepec. The kids will love the penguins, pandas and birds.

Climb the rising hill in the park to reach the Chapultepec Castle, which overlooks the district. Visit the baroque palace and admire the views stretching across central Mexico City. Enter the castle to study the various art exhibits in this ornate 18th-century palace.

Head northwest to Polanco for some of the city’s best upscale shopping opportunities. The open-air Antara Fashion Mall features a range of exclusive brands, while the Pabellón Polanco has more than 150 shops. In this district, you’ll find the French Embassy and the Embassy of Canada. Look east to see the Pemex Executive Tower rising high in the Mexico City skyline.

Find the Miguel Hidalgo district on the western side of the heart of Mexico City. Travel by metro to the Auditorio metro station and walk west for 20 minutes to reach Miguel Hidalgo. You can also take a bus into the centre of the zone. Visit adjacent neighbourhoods such as Lomas de Chapultepec and La Condesa.

Miguel Hidalgo has upscale shopping to complement its wealth of museums and park attractions.