Originally Posted by
Russell745
I think if I had only that amount of time and I felt really compelled to get a taste of Mexico City I would take a taxi (tourist or sitio taxi) to Zocalo Square as mentioned (200 pesos). From there you can walk straight down one street about one mile to the Sheraton Centro Historico hotel where you can get a tourist taxi back to the airport (260 pesos).
The walk is safe, usually crowded and filled with lots to see.
That's about the only realistic option since the city is otherwise so spread out. Even though the airport is relatively close in, traffic tie-ups will generally make it a half-hour drive even to this location less than 8-miles from MEX. If you can check your carry-on, do so since you'll stand out with any significant piece of luggage, and it will slow your walking in the heat.
If spending 460 pesos is a bit steep, and you have nothing your carrying, you might consider hopping the subway -- see thread on this subject -- for about 3 pesos. Take the Yellow Line 5 towards its Pantitlan terminus (two stops south of the airport) then transfer to the Red Line 1. Eight stops will get you to Pino Suarez station where you'd transfer and head north on the Blue Line 2 for one stop to Zocalo.
Here you can take a walk through the
parliament Palacio Nacional de México building where the Diego Rivera murals are the main attraction (you'll be asked for photo ID to get in, but your passport will be fine)...then head across to the Catedral for a glimse inside...and if you want to opt for an good hour or two, head up to the Temple site and Museum (45 pesos). Depending upon your remaining time, follow the walk suggested above across the square and along 5 de Mayo street to Alemeda Park (about an hour if you don't drop into the Bella Artes building in the Park). At the other end of the Park there is another Diego Rivera mural (15 pesos) and then its a short block walk north to the Hidalgo metro station on the Blue Line 2. You'd head back south to Pino Suerez and tansfer again to the Red Line 1 to Pantitlan and then to the Yellow Line 5 and the Airport Terminal station. With transfers, and waiting for trains, I'd say it's a 45-minute subway ride in each direction.
Daytime in these areas you should be quite safe, but I would recommend removing anything valuable from your pockets (and gaudy jewelry) and use a body money/document belt under your shirt. You'll also need a few pesos but there are lots of ATMs landside. If you are not taking official cabs, you won't need much more than 100 pesos, even less if you don't intend to go into any of the museums that charge. None take credit cards...and I believe only one of the two authorized taxis will take credit card payment.
Enjoy, I had a very pleasant and educational long weekend there last week.