My wife and I lived in San Miguel de Allende for 2 six month periods about 6 years ago. One of our many trips was to Mexico City after Christmas on the Mexican holiday known as ‘3 Kings Day’ - look it up. We stayed in a really cool, old motel on the Zocalo. Since this is a huge holiday there, the square was set up with booths, a massive ice skating rink, and everything was very well decorated. We also went through the Chapultepec Castle & Museum. These take a full day but are must see venues.

Mexico City is huge so you need someone to drive you around or take public transportation. We were comfortable driving all around Mexico, but not Mexico City. Too crazy.

Mexico is a more dangerous place now as migrants continue to pass through.

I've been going for business a few times/year for the last 5 years or so. I'd recommend a trusted local guide if you want to explore, especially at night.

I didn't drive there either and would not recommend it to anyone visiting. Hire a car and driver.

I was there in 2017 & 2019. It was worse in 2019 with heavily armed Federali's in technicals all over the place. We stayed at a very nice hotel in the foreign business district and had a hotel supplied driver. The 2nd time the guy I was traveling with (Mexican by birth) and I were walking back to the hotel after dinner and had a homeless guy try to assault him. We were on guard and confronted him and he ran, a Policia saw it and just motioned us to keep going.

I have no need to go back.... ever.

quote:

You do realize that was almost 50 years ago

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The border towns have changed. If you like drug dealing and cartel violence that is the place to go. We used to go to Nuevo Laredo on a freqent basis. THe locals avoid the area now.

It is different than the US. There were Federalis in the airport with sub machine guns. That sort of thing made me feel safer. If you are from a rural area that would seem strange, and might frighten you.

I was just there for a week over Dia De Muertos. I stayed in an AirBnB that was a few blocks north of La Reforma Blvd. I walked up and down La Reforma Blvd and south into La Condesa and Roma Sur neighborhoods. That area is very walkable. Polanco is supposed to be nice too, but I never ventured over that way. In these areas I never felt in danger; even after dark.

I took Ubers or DiDi to meet up with tours I took of the historical center or market tour. I also took a tour of the pyramid. I booked all these through AirBnB experiences.

Similar to where we stayed except we stayed in a Mexican hotel due to costs. Took the same tours to the Pyramids,and a side trip to Taxco. Did a lot of walking.

My wife is Mexican and has a niece and nephew in Mexico city. I went for the first time in summer 2023 for a week.

Mexico city is one of the largest cities in the world by population and all of the traffic issues that that implies.

World class dining for a reasonable price. We took 10 people to a high end steak house for around $250 with tip. A lot of neat historical stuff to see. Driving is hairy with that many people so I recommend Uber which is very reasonably priced.

There is a lot of money in Mexico city so there are some very nice areas but there are also areas to avoid. Most historical sights are going to be in relatively safe areas.

We rented an Air Bnb in the same building that one of my wife's neice's owns an apartment. She is an accountant. There is a luxury indoor mall one block away and a Ferrari dealership across form the mall.

Some beautiful colonial architecture in the city center.

Since Mexico City is at elevation the weather is mild.

I did not fee unsafe at any time while we were there. I am of Irish descent and did not look like a local at all.

David if you have any specific questions feel free to email the address in my profile.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: daikyu,

I was born in Chula Vista.
Been down south to Tijuana.

Never been to Mexico City.
Still want some smoked Iguanna!

Dave, I personally won’t travel across our southern border. My son and his wife scheduled their big wedding in Cancun. We chose to attend the small ceremony in Boston, but we just aren’t willing to travel to Mexico. Narco States that have kidnappings for profit aren’t a risk I would be willing to take. Also keep in mind that the drug cartels wield as much, if not more power than the government. He who has the money and guns, makes the rules.

It’s all about calculated risk. The reward of seeing Mexico isn’t worth the risk to me.

You/your family is Asian. Im fairly certain you all dress well and have proper manners. These are things that would make you targets for criminal activity. Maybe some would consider me paranoid, but it goes back to calculating risks and being aware of your surroundings. I’m sure many people travel south and have a great time. I had the opportunity for a beautiful vacation free of charge, and I passed. In a literal sense, I can honestly say “you couldn’t pay me to go to Mexico”.

That’s my opinion on the matter. It’s worth what you paid for it.