baladeuse

My husband and I will be travelling to a wedding in Queretaro next week. We fly in and out of Mexico City and our activities for the week are pretty well mapped out by the host family, who are originally from Queretaro. But we'll be on our own in Mexico City and wondering what to do.

We arrive late Friday night and will spend the night at the NH hotel at the airport ( it seems to be new, has anyone stayed there yet?) Most of the other wedding participants and guests will arrive on Saturday and we'll all travel together to the hotel in Queretaro, sometime after 2pm, when the last traveller is due to arrive. Do we have time to take the subway into the city and spend our first morning exploring? This will be our first time in Mexico. I speak some Spanish, and we're comfortable navigating strange public transport systems. We thought we'd take the subway as I've heard the traffic is really slow if we take a taxi.

We'll also have the following Saturday in Mexico city before we leave. We'll stay at the same airport hotel as our flight leaves early Sunday morning, but we should be able to spend most of the day before in the city.

So my question is - if you had a few hours or a day to spend in Mexico city, what would you do? We would like to perhaps explore the centro historico, visit a few museums etc. How late is it safe to be wandering around downtown? To get back to the airport at night should we take a taxi rather than metro? Should we take a tour or can we just walk around a particular area? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Stewbear

Zocalo for sure, second choice the Museum of Anthropology, But if were I would attempt at trip to the Pyramids- Magnificent!

MikeT

Definitely the Museum of Anthropology. The Zocalo is also a must see. You could also take the Turibus, which will take you all around tourist Mexico City. You can get on and off.

crisbacala

turibus is a great idea, but if that is not your kind of thing...head to san angel (neighborhood) for the saturday market. there is an artisan market, restaurant with buffet lunch and frosty margaritas and a couple of parks where artists set up their easel art and sculptures. I think the official name is Bazar del Sabado and metro stop is M.A. (Miguel Angel) de Quevado. Metro system in Mexico is CLEAN and wonderful (only downside is that it is a bit hot) and it goes straight to airport. Instead, you can also explore chapultepec park - anthropology museum, chapultepec castle (housing national museum, interesting murals), lake with pedal boats and rowboats, botanic garden are all found in the park.

baladeuse

These are great ideas, thanks. How much time would you schedule for the Zocalo and what is the closest metro stop? I like the idea of the Saturday market also.

Stewbear, I think we will visit the Pyramids during the week, I'm looking forward to that. Mike, do you have any idea how long the turibus circuit takes?

Also, any ideas for nightlife for our last night in Mexico? I'd love a nice meal with some live music. Any recommendations? Thanks again.

Fra_Diavolo

There is a metro stop underneath the Zocalo.

I think you would be able to see it in your free morning. The major sights are the cathedral, the Templo Mayor and its museum, and the Diego Rivera murals in the National Palace.

The Terrace restaurant in the Hotel Majestic overlooks the Zocalo and is a handy place to have lunch.

MikeT

The Turibus is about three hours, if you never get off.

Stewbear

Agree The Terrace is great lunch spot.

baladeuse

Thanks for all your suggestions. I think I have a general plan worked out now. On our first day we'll take the metro to the Zocalo and explore that area, have lunch at the Terrace and be back at the airport by 2pm. On our last day we'll take the turibus to get an overview of the city, hopefully take in the Bazar del Sabado, and visit the Frida Kahlo museum (they seem to be in the same neighbourhood)and any other interesting stops along the way.

Still not sure about whether to take the metro or a taxi back to the airport - I guess it depends on how late we run out of steam. I hope we're able to find somewhere nice for a late dinner rather than the hotel restaurant, which would be a last resort. I'm really excited about this trip - we leave tomorrow!

Fra_Diavolo

For a late dinner try the Fonda el Refugio http://www.fondaelrefugio.com.mx/. Charming, traditional restaurant on the edges of the Zona Rosa.

Another spot, Cafe de Tacuba, in the historic district has pretty good food, and music, which I believed you indicated an interest in hearing. The music in this case is provided by strolling "students" -- it's lively and fun.

Either of these restaurants will call you a taxi to take back to the hotel or airport. Do not hail your own!

If the weather doesn't suit the bazar, consider the Anthropological Museum, one of the world's greatest.

Have a great trip.