Mexico City - Parque Alameda Central

Bounded on the south by Avenida Juárez and on the north by Avenida Hidalgo, the Parque Alameda Central, a shady and beautifully kept park with fine old trees, benches, numerous fountains and pieces of sculpture, was originally laid out in 1592 and in pre-Columbian times had been a market place (tianguis). Always crowded with visitors and hawkers, the park is at its busiest and gayest at Christmas, when it is illuminated and decorated and becomes a popular amusement park.