Mexico City , Mexico ( CNN ) -- Mexico City , the country 's capital , is one of the world 's important cultural centers -- showcasing Latin America 's rich history and traditions . `` I love its uniqueness , '' CNN 's Armando Talamantes said of the city where he lives and works . `` The weather is never too hot and never too cold . '' What 's just right is the city 's endless supply of music , local food and art museums . With a population of 8.8 million people , Mexico City is one of the most densely populated areas in the country and one of the richest cities in the world . It 's also a huge attraction for soccer fans and bullfighting enthusiasts . From eating out any time of the night to enjoying a day in the `` Mexican Venice , '' or Xochimilco , to visiting the pyramids just outside the city , Talamantes says Mexico City is a constant surprise and delight . Here , he offers some insider tips on traveling to his hometown : . Where can you get the best view of the city ? If you 're downtown , go to the top of Torre Latinoamericana . It was the tallest skyscraper in Mexico City for many years . Now , it 's kind of old but keeps its charm . If you 're on Reforma , Mexico 's most beautiful avenue , try to step into Piso 51 in Torre Mayor , the tallest skyscraper in Latin America . Beware : It is a private club , and you will be asked to join . Which restaurant would you take your loved one to for an anniversary or other special occasion ? Taberna del León in Plaza Loreto offers traditional Mexican cuisine in a cozy environment . It 's managed by Mónica Patiño , the famous Mexican chef . Where is the best place to people watch ? Try barrio La Condesa -- its streets are full of bars and restaurants attracting a very interesting crowd , especially on nights and weekends . Also , you can go to Emilio Castelar , a street in Polanco full of life and good-looking people . What is your favorite neighborhood ? Why ? Colonia Roma is becoming the `` Mexican Soho , '' with lots of galleries , restaurants , bars , boutique hotels , fountains and squares . It is antique , so you can find old buildings , but it 's also transforming into a more modern area . It is close to La Condesa , which is also a very cool place , full of young people . What 's the biggest misconception about your city ? You wo n't believe how many trees are in the city . And the robberies are n't that common , either . Where do you go to relax ? Espacio Escultórico at the UNAM , Mexico 's biggest university campus , offers a collection of sculptures by famous artists . That is a little farther south of the city . If you 're not willing to travel that much , go into Bosque de Chapultepec 's audiorama , where you can sit on a bench and listen to some good music . What essential thing should visitors see or experience if they have only a few hours ? Go inside Museo de Antropología , which showcases the very DNA of Mexico . If you do n't want to step into a museum , go downtown to see El Zocalo ( Mexico City 's main square ) and Templo Mayor , the remains of an ancient Aztec temple . What 's the biggest tourist trap ? Is there a `` tourist trap '' that 's actually worth seeing ? The biggest tourist trap is Plaza Garibaldi , were the mariachis are awful and you can get mugged . A trap that could be worth seeing is the area called Xochimilco , often called `` Mexican Venice '' because of a series of canals . Where was your most memorable meal ? Where 's your favorite place to spend a night out on the town ? Zinco bar , on Cinco de Mayo Street in downtown , has great jazz music and a very cheerful crowd . Are there local specialty dishes or drinks that visitors must try ? Not really . Just stick to the tacos and tequila as if you were any place in Mexico . If you want something fancy , try duck enchiladas in Izote restaurant on Avenue Presidente Masaryk , Mexico 's most expensive street . What is a good local souvenir ? Rag dolls sold by the local natives in the streets .
Espacio , at Mexico 's biggest university campus has a relaxing collection of sculptures . Go to the tacos and tequila as if you were anywhere in Mexico . Zinco Club , on Cinco de Mayo Avenue West , has great live music , cheerful crowd .