Been hearing a lot about Mexico City...need info from our well traveled Sig Forumites.

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Originally posted by davetruong:
Been hearing a lot about Mexico City...need info from our well traveled Sig Forumites.

Different how, I mean it is a dangerous city that I personally would not go to especially if I had a family and was known to have $ and from the US.

I admit Man on fire is one of my favorite movies.

Here's the current State Dept Travel Advisory on Mexico City itself:

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Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Was last there in the 70s. The elevation of 8 thousand feet with no pollution cntrols made breathing difficult. Stayed in a Mexican hotel, visited to the Zoo. Felt as safe as any large US city. Use common sense. Wear tennis shoes so you will not be bothered for a shoe shine. Much safer than the border cities.

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Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
Was last there in the 70s.

You do realize that was almost 50 years ago

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There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Same as it was in the 1970s.It is not any different than urban America. Border towns are a different story. Have you been to Mexico City?

No, but I am 100% sure it is not the same as it was 50 years ago for crissakes. Anyone who thinks it is clueless.

I went in 1980 so 44 years ago, it was eye opening that's for sure. I liked the markets and the pyramids. I am sure it has changed since then. I remember my tour guide making the remark that us Americans have never seen a cathedral like this, I made the remark I guess Cologne and Strassburg don't count and he gave me an eat s___ look.

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:

Same as it was in the 1970s.

Do you think it might have changed just a wee bit in fifty years?

I believe zsmichael was referring to the government employees restriction being the same.

I was not in tourist mode and only saw a small part of the city for a short time . I found it very sobering and depressing. When I arrived back in LAX, I would have kissed the ground, but it was just dirty carpet !!...
No interest in returning...ymmv

I haven’t been, but both of my sons have vacationed there (independently) in the past year, and both had good experiences. I’d be happy to pass along any questions you might have.

The attraction was world class restaurants and bars, at very good prices compared to the U.S. One went with his best friend from college, and the other went with his girlfriend. Neither had any problems or safety issues.

Let me know if you’d like any specifics.

Many years ago. One of my guitar teachers lives there now though, so if you need any specific info, I can connect you to him. He actually did some of the track work on the most recent Simpsons Halloween House of Horrors episode!

I was last there about seven years ago. I stayed at the Sheraton, right by the US Embassy. That area is nice, no riff raff at all. Unfortunately, I didn't get to venture too far from there, or at least wherever we went for dinner didn't seem like too long a drive or too different an area. I'd go back, but I might not wear a real nice watch.

I was in/out for 2-days about 5-years ago, stayed at the W, which is about West of center. It's the oldest and largest city in the Western hemisphere, the entire population of Southern California is squeezed into this basin valley of an old lake bed, think Phoenix but crazy dense. Just about every ethnic-group all around Mexico has a significant population in the capitol, the crush of humanity reminds me of Hong Kong.

Certain areas resemble the US, nice homes, shopping malls, store fronts, and other areas (lots) are unbelievably crowded, impoverished and squalid. The parks offer some relief for overcrowded conditions but, their visitation results in the parks being loved to death and overwhelmed. Like any country's capitol, there's wide boulevards and major thoroughfares, many museums along with all the centers of government. The air pollution is no joke, especially considering the average elevation is over 7,000ft so respiratory complications aren't uncommon for out-of-towners, traffic jams are highly problematic. Food is spectacular, if you think Mexican food is simply what you find at a taqueria...you're sadly mistaken. If you're visiting, I'd say check a few museums, maybe a hot air ballon ride and eat well.

Pass it by. I used to go there on business and never went anywhere unaccompanied. My experience is dated but I guarantee you that it has not gotten better. That said, the food can be spectacular; Mexican food is nothing like the TexMex we get in the states.

Was last there in 2017. I stayed with friends, used public transport. Saw the pyramids at Teotihuacan. I was there in 2006, and 2007 as well.

Do your homework and find out where to NOT go and you will be fine.
It was amazing flying over it in the airliner on the way to its airport....and flying...and flying some more. It's fucking huge is what I'm sayin'.
I was there around 2010 if that matters.

What do they use for meat there, Just curious since the food is so good.

The one time I was in Mexico we were hungry. The guy I was with knew Mexico well. We stopped at a place he was talking with the cook in their make shift kitchen asking about the food. Asked the cook what was in the covered pot and asked to see in it. The cook took the cover off and the refried beans were covered and I mean covered with flies.

I actually had donkey when I was there, tough. Ate at a few places, maybe I was unlucky but none of it was memorable.