alovesa

Considering taking a brief trip to Mexico from San Francisco with our two small children, and there are good direct flight options to both GDL and MEX.

My impression is that both are full of rich cultural sights—though perhaps GDL is more of what one thinks of as "traditional" whereas Mexico City draws more on its mix of European traditions and has a faster pace, a more "modern" vibe. The former maybe more manageable, but also perhaps less exciting? It's hard to describe without being too reductive, isn't it? Apologies if it comes off that way!

Our children are very young (3-1/2 and 1-1/2) but we travel with them a lot.

Opinions, recommendations? Food, aesthetics, ease of travel, appeal? Do we have long enough to do justice to a visit?

Thank you so much! Really back-and-forth on this one!

baldone

No question, Mexico City. For me, GDL, while having sights worth seeing, would rate far down the list of must visit colonial cities in Mexico. If you decide on Mexico City maybe look for lodging in Condesa. Very family friendly, lots of dog walkers & joggers pretty much all day. I would also say for tourists, DF is only as fast-paced as you want to make it.
BTW, you didn't mention how much time you have.

baldone

I do see you said 5 nights; you can see plenty.

alovesa

Thank you for the fast reply! I confess I now realize I was hoping for this suggestion. We'd be arriving very early Saturday morning and leaving early Wednesday, so I was wrong—it's just 4 nights. But hopefully enough for a first visit. (I always like to think we'll have many chances to return to all the places we visit. Sometimes it's true.)

We'll look at the Condesa neighborhood. Any other specific suggestions for lodging etc.?

Thanks again!

kanadajin

I second this suggestion - Mexico City wins hands down!!!

In addition to Condesa, you may want to have a look at Polanco (where I usually stay) or also Roma (trendy). I prefer these locations to the Centro Historico, but that is only my subjective opinion.

As for lodging, it all depends on your preferences (hotel/small Inn/apartment rental) and available budget. I am sure you would get suggestions if you could be a little more specific in this regard.

Stewbear

Having been to may of the major Colonial cities in Mexico.
While I love Guadalajara having spent many nights there including 7 nights on our Honeymoon. I would choose Mexico City hands down.
5 days there will barely scratch the surface.

baldone

We pretty much always stay at Hotel Roosevelt, which for us is fine, but more budget oriented with smallish rooms that probably wouldn't be good for a family. So, I'm not much help there.

Stewbear

I personally like The Majestic for location (overlooking the Zocalo) with a excellent roof top restaurant/lounge. More than adequate rooms well furnished But be sure to get a outside one.

suze

Do kids enjoy trips to major cities? both DF and Guadalajara are *HUGE*. wouldn't they have more fun at a beach?

WillTravel

The classic Hotel Cathedral is well-located and could be good for families, but it's a bit more expensive than it used to be. Hotel Majestic would also be good. Both are in Centro Historico, which I really like, although all of the other-mentioned areas would be good too. I personally would tend to rule out Polanco as being too quiet at night.

alovesa

Coming back to thank you all for these great suggestions! We chose Mexico City and absolutely loved it--the kids, too!

I've started posting some trip reports:
Where we stayed / the Condesa neighborhood
http://www.hitherandthither.net/mexi...a-condesa.html
And a tour of the (enormous) Mercado la Merced
http://www.hitherandthither.net/mexi...rket-tour.html

Still planning on writing a full travelogue as well.
Thank you again!

SusanInToronto

This looks amazing!

alovesa

Thank you, Susan! I'll update when I finish the full post!

alovesa

Updated the site to add a full travelogue from our trip to DF.
http://www.hitherandthither.net/trav...xico-city.html

Thanks again, everyone!

emd3

Fantastic report and excellent photos! Good little traveling kids too! I read every word of your report. You went with the stuff the kids were fascinated with, kept a good pace, and had a great time yourselves. Kudos to you all!

alovesa

Thank you, @emd3!

Stewbear

Suze while the beach is wonderful for kids The fabulous ruins such as on the Zocalo & of course Teotihuacan a true Wonder of the Western World, a first class zoo, a museum of Smithsonian quality & many other things of interest can make for a better trip than another beach IMO.