Polanco: The Chic and Cultural Heart of Mexico City

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llame a la policía!
  [yah-meh ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llame a un doctor!
  [yah-meh ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh/dah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/dah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwahn-toh kweh-stah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh o-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs d'yehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/el...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah oon/ehl]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwahn-doh ehs ehl proh-ksy-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Polanco's history began in the late 19th century when it was primarily a rural area populated by small farms. The neighborhood's name is believed to derive from the Spanish term 'polanco', meaning a small pasture. As Mexico City expanded during the Porfirio Díaz era, Polanco transformed into an urban residential area, attracting affluent families and establishing its reputation as an upscale neighborhood.

By the early 1900s, Polanco became a fashionable area for the elite, marked by the construction of grand mansions and European-style architecture. The neighborhood's development was accelerated by the construction of the Avenida Presidente Masaryk, which became a major commercial artery, lined with luxury shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions. This period also saw the establishment of the Chapultepec Forest nearby, enhancing Polanco's appeal as a residential area.

After World War II, Polanco witnessed a cultural flourishing with the arrival of international businesses, artists, and intellectuals. The neighborhood became a hub for cultural exchanges, hosting galleries, theaters, and museums. Notable institutions such as the Museo Soumaya and the Museo Jumex were established, further solidifying Polanco's status as a cultural epicenter in Mexico City.

The late 20th century marked a period of rapid economic growth and urbanization in Polanco, characterized by the construction of high-rise buildings and luxury condominiums. The neighborhood attracted multinational corporations and became a significant center for business and commerce in Mexico City. This economic surge brought about a demographic shift, with an influx of professionals seeking residence in this prime location.

Today, Polanco is recognized as one of Mexico City's most prestigious neighborhoods, blending modernity with its rich historical roots. The area boasts an array of high-end boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and cultural venues, reflecting its status as a cosmopolitan hub. Events such as the annual 'Polanco Fashion Night' showcase the neighborhood's commitment to innovation while honoring its historical significance within the broader context of Mexico City.

Polanco is well-connected to various neighborhoods in Mexico City. The nearest metro stations are Polanco (Line 7) and Tacuba (Line 7), which provide easy access to other parts of the city. From the airport, you can take a taxi or an authorized ride-sharing service directly to Polanco, which typically takes about 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can use the Metrobus service, which connects to several major areas in the city, including Polanco.

Polanco is a walkable neighborhood with many attractions easily accessible on foot. The metro system is efficient, with Line 7 serving the area. Biking is also popular; you can rent bikes through the Ecobici program, which has stations throughout the city. For public transportation, the Metrobus has several routes passing through Polanco. Taxis and ride-sharing services are widely available and provide a convenient option for longer distances.

Polanco is generally considered safe for tourists, though standard precautions are advised. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas, especially around the edges of Polanco. Areas outside of Polanco, such as parts of Iztapalapa and Tepito, are known for higher crime rates and should be approached with caution. Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. There are hospitals and pharmacies in Polanco, and many are equipped to handle tourist-related emergencies. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable yet stylish clothing, as Polanco is known for its upscale atmosphere. Don’t wear overly casual attire when dining in fine restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious spaces. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to those in need, but don’t engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly handshake; a light kiss on the cheek is common among acquaintances. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes at street vendors and restaurants. Don’t refuse food or drink offered, as it may be seen as impolite.

To experience Polanco like a local, visit the Lincoln Park for a leisurely stroll or picnic. Explore the local markets, particularly the Mercado de Polanco, for fresh produce and authentic Mexican snacks. Engage with locals in cafes and restaurants, where you can learn about hidden gems in the area. Don’t miss out on the cultural offerings, like the Museo Tamayo and the Soumaya Museum, which are not only architecturally striking but also offer a glimpse into Mexican art and culture.