Mexico City
Jan 2, 2007 | 2:40 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: SEA
Posts: 807
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?
Most people say to skip it. What do you think?
Jan 2, 2007 | 7:52 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Houston
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Southwest A List, United Silver, Jumeirah One Silver, Marriott Silver
Posts: 391
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
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
Jan 3, 2007 | 11:37 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: HIO
Programs: AS MVPG 75K (Pure AS)
Posts: 194
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...
Incidentally, I'm still on the hunt for dining recommendations...
Jan 3, 2007 | 2:05 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: DCA
Posts: 1,413
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.
Jan 7, 2007 | 12:31 am
#5
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Oregon and Mexico City
Programs: United, Alaska
Posts: 3
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
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
Jan 12, 2007 | 8:50 am
#6
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: Air: Air Canada Altitude Super Elite 100K Million Mile, Hotel: Starwood Platinum Lifetime
Posts: 66
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
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
Jan 13, 2007 | 2:45 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: FLL -> Where The Boyars Are
Programs: AA EXP 1.7 M, Hilton Gold, Hertz 5*, AARP Sophomore, 14-time Croix de Candlestick
Posts: 18,669
As recommended in the AAA article, hire a private driver (through the hotel) for a half-day or full day at Teotihuacn (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.
Jan 16, 2007 | 1:50 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: USA
Programs: Hilton Gold, EA
Posts: 137
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.
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.