Mexico City advice and recs

I traveled there solo five years ago. I stayed at a hotel that was near Paseo de la Reforma, close to the Angel de Indepencia. I did a lot of walking. I think the best thing I saw was Palacio de Bellas Artes. I don't know much about art but this place blew me away. The National Museum of Anthropology was cool too. Check out a market too. Mercado la Merced was pretty insane. And I saw a Lucho Libre match at Arena Mexico which is one of the cooler things I've ever done. I took cabs several times. You're supposed to take the official metered ones but a couple times I grabbed a ride with a cab that wasn't visibly official and it turned out fine. Be sure to carry small bills and be at least somewhat aware of your route and ask the driver ahead of time the cost. I got kind of ripped off once with a roundabout route and an inflated fare. Or just take Uber, which wasn't available to me five years ago. As far as food goes I mostly ate street food. I had tacos everyday and it was awesome. The other thing is that hardly anyone there speaks English. I don't speak a whole lot of Spanish but about a dozen phrases got me by fine. I know this doesn't answer a lot of your questions but that's about all I've got. I'd like to go again sometime. I'm a big fan of gigantic metropolitan areas like that.

I love Mexico City. I usually go at least twice a year.

Mexico City is huge and is broken down into a bunch of neighborhoods and zones.

The LA Condessa neighborhood is my favorite. It's full of great restaurants, bars, parks, etc. It's a quiter, laid back area. Mix of artists, musicans, and expats, but not hipstery.

The Reforma/Insurgetes neighborhood is great is well. It's more urban. A lot of office buildings and white collar workers, foreign embassies, banks, etc. It's great during the day but kind of dead at night. The Zona Rosa district adjacent to Reforma has a lot of night life, about half gay bars and half night clubs so be aware of which bar you're going to if that's going to be a problem. Do NOT go to any strip club. They are run by mexican mobs. There will be guys on the street with cards to the strip clubs saying they can get you in for free, but then you have to pay a ridiculous amount to leave.

There's also some cool stuff just outside the city. The ancient city of Teotihucan is about an hour out and has massive pyramids you can climb to the top and get some great views. Thereso a restaurant in a cave there, a little touristy but cool nonetheless. You can also go to Xochimilco and hire one of the Venice style boato and see the Aztec canal system.

Mexico City is a very cosmopolitan city and relatively cheap. You really feel like you're so much further from home, it has almost a European feel in some areas. But it can be dangerous and you really need to be aware of your surroundings and stick to safe areas. I would recommend hiring a car for the entire day, less than $80 US. Your hotel can arrange it for you. It's reputable since most concierge/valet get kickbacks from the drivers.

Let me know if you have any questions about hotels, getting around, etc.

Thanks guys. This has all been helpful. Our itinerary is pretty much set but there's always room for another museum or too. My main concern was getting around and avoiding sources of trouble. Any more suggestions and advice are welcome.

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Thoughts on El Mirador? I've read good things and it's right around the corner from our Air bnb.

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I've only eaten there once, it was good. I liked the old school vibe.

When in La Condessa I usually eat at Fonda Garufa, a steak/international place. It has a great atmosphere and location. Try to get a table on the balcony upstairs if you can.

Also, La Morena Oyster bar is a good spot too for seafood. If this is your first time in DF I wouldn't recommend eating there, let your stomach get acclimated.

One thing about the La Condessa neighborhood is it is the hangout for expats. Most of the bars in the area cater to Americans, Canadians, and Brits. But if you want a taste of home Wallace Bar is cool pub. Rich Mexico City residents love British style pubs so they are popular with everyone. Wallace has a great whiskey selection for Mexico, and a pretty good beer list.

Can you post a review + pics ?

I have been to lucha libre. It is a great cultural experience. Tickets and beer are cheap based on US standards. They do more acrobatics than fighting.

Bump...

REG861, did you use Uber at all while in Mexico City? Just wanted to see your thoughts if you did. Heading out in the morning until Sunday.

Thanks for the restaurant tips. I will check those out for sure. We have the museum, Xochimilco, Teotihuacán Pyramids on the agenda so far. Gonna pack alot in. Also convinced the wife to go to Lucha Libra with me on Friday night at the arena.

Thanks. That is good news on Uber. I appreciate the input.