Hotels in Mexico City

Everybody knows Mexico City is one of the biggest cities in the world and therefore one has to be prepared for big crowds in many places, starting at arriving points like airports or bus stations. One has to be patient and understand how the system works while getting a taxi at the airport (always use official taxis) or somewhere else. Transportation in the city is an issue. There are several options with public transportation but by far the easiest is the subway (Metro). Back draw are the really big crowds during peak hours. Taxis are more expensive when book at hotels, but reliable. Once you solved the transportation issue, you are to explore a great deal of cultural, artistic and architectonic wonders all over the city. Have a look at the many reviews in the net. If you have time, do not miss visiting the Zocalo square, the shopping area around the zocalo, the many museums around the city (especially Anthropology and modern art museums) and the many many restaurants from no stars to 5 stars. The NEW fusion Mexican cuisine is FANTASTIC! You need at least 3 free days to have a fair flavor of the city… or more if you are on vacation. Like in any big city in the world, if you want to enjoy your trip, follow the rules, be safe, inform yourself of the can do’s and don’ts and ENJOY!

If you visit Mexico City you´ll find it´s a great cosmopolitan city: full of great restaurants, night life, soccer games and some wonderful museums. Just walking and looking as people go by you can have fun. If you want to visit downtown do it during the busy day hours, it´s more fun! I don´t recommend staying right at the Down town District because everything closes at 6:00 but more in the Reforma area where you can walk to a lot of restaurants and shops at night. My favorite area is the colonial district of San Angel Don´t miss walking in Polanco District or just riding a city bike in Condesa District. The most beautiful avenue is defenetly Reforma from Downtown all the way to Santa Fe District and about the security, just don´t believe everything you hear... Just go everywhere you want, don´t look like a turist and enjoy Mexico´s greatest value, the warmth and kindness of it´s people.

Mexico City is a superb travel destination (and I've travelled all over the world). Art, architecture, history, culture, food, fashion -- Mexico City has it all and more. It would take a lifetime to explore all the points of interest! Though upper-crust Mexicans would never be caught dead on the metro, we found our metro experience to be safe, clean, fast and easy to use, all for about 30 cents US a trip! We enjoyed staying in Condesa, as we could walk around at night feeling safe and secure. Coyoacan is an adorable neighborhood, though we didn't get to visit Casa Azul; there was a long wait to get in on a Saturday afternoon. Next time! Centro is fascinating. The cathedrals (Mexican, Guadeloupe, Coyoacan) were some of the most stunning anywhere. Teotihuacan is fascinating. Just go! You'll love it. (Incidentally, the NY Times named Mexico City as the #1 travel destination in 2016. They are absolutely correct!)

Many areas of Mexico City are rich in culture, art, cuisine, not to mention history. Like any huge world class city, there are so many things to do and see...so you need to be selective. There is something for every interest. The people for the most part are very friendly, observant and helpful....and will often approach politely and ask if you need help. We spent time in the neighbourhoods of Coyoacan, San Angel, Roma and Condessa as well as the historic centre. At no time did we feel unsafe...though we were not out late at night. Mexico City is one that you could return to many times and see something different on each visit. Yes, it is crowded and congested and noisy but the transit system is effective, getting you from a to b quickly and is an experience in itself. You need to spend at least 4 to 5 days to get the feel of the place.

Shop around for transportation deals. Taxi's are high priced when going long distances or out of the local area. The North Terminal Bus station has great deals for Pyramid sightseeing. No luxury travel but you save money! Check out as many Museums as possible and stop into all of the Churches you walk by. Take notes of the address of favorite spots. I couldn't locate the shop I wanted from prior trip- I should have written it down! Visit good spots at Night as well as the daytime- the photos will be completely different and make great memories. If you get lost- locate the police and ask questions. They are always close by for help. Don't get stressed out and argue with companions -it will ruin the night.

We did a 4 hour exploratory tour with a Bike Company to orient ourselves and then registered for Ecobici bicycles and cruised around the city for the next week. Our Hotel was a couple of hundred metres from the Angel of Independence, surrounded by wonderful restaurants and street food options. We visited the National Museum of Anthropology, Chapultepec forest, Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Plaza Major, and did day trips to Teotichuacan and the Canals of Coyocan. We were budget travellers, but not Back Packers. We hired a driver and Guide for both day trips. He spoke excellent English and was training to be a Tour Guide, so we really had a valuable companion. Some of the attractions are easy to visit yourself, without speaking very much Spanish, but we got so much more out of being shown around by a local. Despite reading how dangerous Mexico is to travel in, we never felt unsafe or uncomfortable. People were so friendly and helpful and tolerated =my pathetic Spanish attempts with good humour. We also travelled to see the Monarch Butterfly migration. but that's another story.