Celebrating its 675th anniversary this year, the ancient hub of the ancient Aztec Empire, this sophisticated Mexican capital is on the cutting edge of the 21st century. New and exciting things are popping up throughout the city, ranging from upscale boutiques to trendy restaurants and nightspots. Here's what's new on the scene along with some old favorites.

Restaurants to See and be Seen

• Rexo and Ligaya—Nestled in the hip Colonia Condesa neighborhood, the innovative Rexo has become a hip singles hangout, while Ligaya specializes in the increasingly popular nouvelle Mexican cuisine.
  • Rexo is located at Saltillo 1 Colonia Condesa. Tel 011-525-553-5337
  • Ligaya is located at Nuevo Leon 68 Colonia Condesa. Tel 011-525-286-6268
• Café Tacuba—Always a favorite with locals as well as visitors to the city, this landmark continues to serves traditional Mexican fare for which it has been famous since first opening in 1913. Playing host to myriad figures from Mexican History, it is noted for its high ceilings and hand-painted tiles detailing Mexico's illustrious past, and is one of the city's most picturesque—and popular restaurants, especially for a typical Mexican "desayuno," or breakfast. Located at Tacuba 28 Colonia Centro. Tel 011-525-518-4950
• Club de los Industriales—Try to wrangle an invitation to this private club, that caters to the Who's Who on the Mexican power scene. Designed by famed architect Sordo Magdaleno, and populated with paintings by Tamayo Toledo and other renowned artists, its food is as notable as its décor. Recently it played host to the chef from Paris' Hôtel Le Bristol. Located in the classy J.W. Marriot Hotel in Polanco, 29 Chapultepec Polanco. Tel 011-525-282-9500
• Au Pied De Cochón—Newest kid on the block of Mexico City eateries, this branch of the internationally acclaimed French bistro is located in the Presidente Inter-Continental in the posh Polanco district. The menu dishes up authentic French fare, thanks to chefs straight from the "Continent." Located in the Presidente Inter-Continental Hotel at: Campos Eliseos 218 Colonia Chapultepec. Tel 011-525-327-7700

Shop "Ops" For the Rich and Famous

• Polanco—This once quiet residential neighborhood has blossomed into the "Rodeo Drive" of Mexico City with stylish shops, designer boutiques, chic restaurants, intimate cafes and luxury hotels. You'll find Gucci, Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and more.
• Altavista Avenue—A busy thoroughfare in the San Ángel southern suburb, this newly popular area is brimming with first-class boutiques, premier art galleries and specialty shops.
• Casa Lamm—Cultural center located on Avenida Obregón, this darling of Mexican society features art galleries, a charming bookshop and a delightful restaurant. Located at 99 Alvaro Obrejon Colonia Roma. Tel 011-525-514-4899
• Emilia Castillo—Tucked into the Camino Real Hotel in Col. Anzures, delicate creations crafted with porcelain and inlaid with sterling silver are the draw here. Located in the Camino Real Hotel at: Mariano Escobe 700, 11590 Mexico DF. Tel 011-525-263-8888
• Bazaar Sábado—Located in a former colonial residence in the southern suburb of San Angel, this unique Saturday-only market boasts one-of-a-kind crafts from all over Mexico. Outside, artists display oil paintings, watercolors, and whimsical creations. Nearby boutiques feature yet more treasures including antiques, jewelry, paper flowers and more. Popular restaurants dot the area.

Getting Some Culture

• Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museums—With the new film on Frida Kahlo on the horizon, these museums promise to be "hotter" than ever. Mexico's most revered artists, husband and wife Diego and Frida, lived, loved and worked here. Two museums are dedicated to them in the southern enclaves of San Angel and Coyoacan. Another, the Dolores Olmedo Museum, home of Diego's friend and admirer, Dolores Olmedo Patiño, houses the largest private collection of their works in her 17th century hacienda and estate, La Noria, complete with white peacocks.
  • Frida Kahlo Museum is located at Londres 247 Coyoacan. Tel 011-525-554-5999
  • Dolores Olmedo Museum is located at Avenida Mexico 5843 Coyoacan. Tel 011-525-555-1016
• Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) - A running exhibition of 500 pieces of Mexican sculpture, spanning 150 years is on display. The exhibit "From the Rupture to the Inquisition," highlighting the 1960s - 1990s, will open November 22 - January 2001. Plan to stop for coffee or lunch in the Palace's stylish café.Located at Juarez Avenida corner of Eje Central lazaro Cardenas. Tel 011-525-593-0583
• Visitors to Mexico City will have a chance to view 52 works by famous artists such as: Van Eyck, Caravaggio, Rubens, Gauguin, Monet and others, on loan from the private gallery of the Baroness Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza. The display will be available through Oct. 29, 2000 at the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts).

You Could Have Danced All Night

• Acanto—The city's most exclusive disco overlooks a lake in Chapultepec Park with tables on a marina-style deck adding to the illusion. Open Thursday-Saturday starting at 10:00 p.m. Located at Lago Mayor Segunda Seccion. Tel 011-525-515-9585
• VIP—Socialites ranging the ages from 25 to 40 gather in this super-exclusive, upscale nightclub in Polanco one of Mexico City's most prestigious neighborhoods. Located at Presidente Masarik 393 Polanco. Tel 011-525-281-1235
• Buddha Bar—The Centro Histórico (Historic Center), where Mexico City started, has come alive again with this newest and hottest disco. Celebrating its 675th anniversary this year, the Centro Histórico is the scene for hip, trendy restaurants, bars, restaurants and boutiques, thanks to a "back to downtown" renaissance. Located at Cinco de Mayo Colonia Centro. Tel 011-525-518-0660
• El Alebrije—San Ángel district is both an architectural jewel and home of the hippest nightclubs and restaurants. Blocks away from Bazaar Sábado, in the exclusive Loreto entertainment complex, El Alebrije has already written history as the most successful nightclub in Southern Mexico City. Its members are trendy entrepreneurs and socialites who enjoy the fresh and youthful music selection. Located at 46 Colonia Tizapan San Angel. Tel 011-525-616-5304
• Lime Lite—Also in Polanco, the newcomer everyone is talking about is said to guarantee a special night, surrounded by the "beautiful people" and the "dazzling stars" of the City "dancing the night away." Located at Moliere entre Ejercito Nacional y Calle Homero in Polanco. Tel 011-525-282-0947

Edited by Kerry Cohen