first European city in the Americas (Santa Maria de Victoria). Due to frequent pirate raids, the coastal city was moved increasingly inward along the Grijalva River to its present, more defensible location. Villahermosa city remained stagnant for centuries until, after the discovery of large oil deposits offshore in the 1970s, awoke from years of economic lethargy and underwent a major transformation.
The city stretches along the western shore of the Grijalva River, and has an irregular network of roads that runs adjacent to lakes, swamps and wetlands. In addition to the modern conveniences of the city (shopping malls, hotels, quality restaurants, etc.) and prosperity financed by oil, two features distinguish Villahermosa other cities in southern Mexico: its beautiful parks and Tabasco, enjoy those found in large social gatherings. The western side of Villahermosa has beautiful lakes bordered by stone walkways parks, royal palms, manicured gardens, conference centers and open-air theaters. Flowery tropical trees (especially in March and April), howler monkeys, and dense foliage a touch of vibrant color and a very different quality to this distinctive exotic "Emerald of the Southeast" a common stereotype Mexico's semidesert. Like the intense green of Chiapas, Tabasco tropical foliage often taken by surprise those who visit for the first time.
Light pedestrian area is very popular with tourists and locals for its shops, cafes and the pleasure of watching people; the proximity of the area with the river gives an additional charm. Despite its provincial air is beginning to reduce the marketing, the area is nice and lively during the day and tends to subside by nightfall. Several restaurants are air-conditioned; also you find some art galleries and musicians playing traditional music of marimba state. Also, this site has an attractive, newly remodeled esplanade, where you can embark on a leisurely trip through the Grijalva River. Other attractions in the historic center include the House of Tiles, a hotel of the century with an eclectic mix of architectural styles. This enclosure now houses the lovely Tabasco History Museum and has exhibits of the history of the region from prehistoric times to the modern era. Tiling the inside is impressive, as are the views of the city from the second floor balcony.
