Mexico City
 

Is it worth seeing? In Mexico for a couple weeks and the wife and I are debating whether to spend a couple days here. I think it might be a nice change to the beaches, but she says it'll be "just like Sao Paulo, Brazil" Very big, dirty, and dangerous. I should point out she was born and raised in Sao Paulo...

Most people say to skip it. What do you think?

Museums, pyramids, cathedrals. . .
 

EternalX,
FWIW, it was worth it to me to spend a couple days in Mexico City. I found the pyramids at Teotihuacan (about 45 min - 1hour drive from city) to be an awesome sight. I also enjoyed viewing the exhibits in the Anthropology Museum and my wife enjoyed walking across the Zocalo.
So, if any of these things seem appealing to you, I would spend some time there.
Also, as far as the "danger" factor. I can say that it probably depends on where you stay. We stayed at the W in Polanco and felt safe enough.

drnp

I'll let you know...
 

...I'm headed there tomorrow for a week or so, and will provide feedback when I return. We're planning a trip to Teotihuacan, some city touring, and probably some ol' fashioned R&R in the hotel spa, so may have some skewed opinions, but will be happy to share them...

Incidentally, I'm still on the hunt for dining recommendations...:D

Well, it is very big, very dirty, and can be very dangerous, but that's where the similarities with Sao Paulo end. It has a lot of history, cultural activities and sites galore (city center, museums, Aztec ruins), lots of different neighborhoods, good food, etc. So it's not soulless or characterless, as some people describe Sao Paulo. IMO certainly worth some time.

Mexico City will surprise you
 

For years I avoided Mexico City because of its reputation. All it took is one visit to be converted. The main problem you will find is that two days will not be enough to experience the history, architecture, and culture of this beautiful city.

AAA's magazine just did a nice article on how to enjoy Mexico City. It can be viewed on line at http://viamagazine.com/top_stories/a...w_travel07.asp

I worked for a number of months in Mexico City.

Yes, crime is an issue but if your careful you will have no issues. I spent 5 months there with no issues.

My recommendations on things to do:

- Zona Rosa (food, bars, clubs, shopping)
- Polanco (hotels, food, bars)
- Zocalo
- Numerous museums
- Ruins right in the city
- Cathedral
- Shopping in some of the open markets (Centro Historico area) which is safe

As recommended in the AAA article, hire a private driver (through the hotel) for a half-day or full day at Teotihuacán (length of stay depending on how much climbing you want to do). And especially if you are Catholic (and even if you aren't), the visit to the Guadalupe Shrine is well worth the detour.

It is absolutely worth the visit. I visited there 6-7 times during a 4 month period (Aug-Dec 2006.) This was during the time of all of the political unrest and I found my stays to be absolutely delightful. I stayed in several different hotels and recommend Priceline for your hotels. Also note that rates posted are negotiable.

About safety, crime is a problem, but as long as you keep a low profile and dont flash any jewelry or cash you'll be fine. Also, only take sitio taxis or hotel taxis(very expensive by Mexican standards.) I also rode the metro and never felt unsafe. It costs about 18 cents per ride and will take you almost anywhere. I hope you do decide to visit, and if you want more info, PM me.:)