I spent a wonderful week there with my mom. We stayed in a hotel near the zocalo, in the heart of the city, and took advantage of the free entertainment there in the evenings. It ranged from professional bands to kids’ dance groups from schools.

A lot of the buildings are painted in vibrant colors. There’s a sense of history all around.

We took several inexpensive half day or day bus trips outside the city. While they take you to places where arts and crafts are sold in hopes that you will buy some, it’s okay because it’s a good opportunity to see the countryside. We had great guides each time.

A visit to the ruiins of Monte Alban is well worth it. We had a guide who told us a lot and also let us roam for a couple of hours on our own. It was good to get a sense of the real size of the place.