Both CDMX and Amsterdam have world class museums (I disagree with the post above that suggests Amsterdam is better for art--Amsterdam is better for European art, although the Soumaya has buckets of that).

But Mexico City reminds me a lot of Rome or even Naples in parts. It's a high-octane destination. Amsterdam feels more provincial and calmer. The bikes and cyclists have never stressed me out, personally, and I have enjoyed my trips there. If you are seeking something more relaxing, then Amsterdam would be better for this trip. Then perhaps go to CDMX when you want a thrill-ride feast for all your senses.

Also, I thought CDMX had a population closer to 21M?

Of course not! Keukenhof is open until May 10 and isn't just about tulips. There's a lot more flowers to enjoy.

Agreed, we were there April 15-22, 2007 and there were loads of tulips! I can't imagine it would drop off much at all in a week. They stage the bulbs for early, mid and late spring so there's always something blooming until they close.

The population of Mexico City in 2019 was 21,672,000, a 0.42% increase from 2018.

Yup you're right Leely2.

If you are interested in a lower key version of Mexico City, I'd recommend Puebla which is less than two hours on an excellent bus from the airport (sit on the RIght Side of the bus coming from the airport for a chance to see the volcanos). There is Uber in Puebla, which makes getting around simple and cheap, although much of what you'd see is within walking distance of the UNESCO World Heritage Center. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/416/

There has been a bit of a renaissance in the last few years with construction of some high end hotels. Great for culture, food, and also nearby excursions to see Cholula and the two famous churches nearby. I enjoyed the Zocalo (less hectic than Mexico City), walking around and photographing buildings (such as Casa de los Muñecos which also has an interesting museum), murals, different churches and chapels painted vivid colors in the historic center (tangerine! fuschia! robin's egg blue! plum!). Some fun streets (Calle de los Dulces which specializes in sweets and Callejon de los Sapos which has a weekend flea market). The day tour to Cholula including the Talavera church (San Francisco Acatepec) and the over-the-top Baroque interior of Santa Maria Tonantzintla was easy to arrange on short notice (actually you can just show up at the Zocalo and pay on the bus).

Several excellent museums (Amparo is particularly good), and the ex-convent de Santa Rosa which has the original kitchen where the nuns invented mole Poblano and local crafts and culture. There are some that I didn't get to and would like to get back for (such as the new Baroque one).

There are a number of hotels in the center itself as well as east of the center (for example Boutique Casa Reyna, Caretesiano, Azul Talavera). Excellent value for what you get.

I might split the stay with Mexico City after Puebla. Note that Mondays are not the best museum days. I stayed in Roma Norte and used the Metrobus, Uber and walked (especially in the center). I stayed in Roma Norte which was convenient for both Chapultapec Park and the center. Drove by Condesa agree it looked to be pleasant (as did the area just west of my hotel eg along Colima/Orizaba and near Casa Lamm). You can use Google Maps to "walk around".

I notice no one mentioned the world-class Anthropology Museum in Mexico City, which could easily take two days by itself. Don't even think of doing the whole thing in a day. In the Palacio de Bellas Artes, in addition to murals, there is the Ballet Folklorico (twice a week, I think Wednesday and Saturday). A must see is the National Palace with the Diego Rivera Murals. Yes to Casa Azul Frida Kahlo Museum/Studio if you are a fan, as well as the nearby market. Use Uber to get there during the week rather than the Turisbus (which I would do on the weekend only) and buy your ticket online in advance.

I'm adding a few more photos to my post on the Mexico Forum
https://www.fodors.com/community/mex...uebla-1676802/

”Both CDMX and Amsterdam have world class museums (I disagree with the post above that suggests Amsterdam is better for art--Amsterdam is better for Europeanart, although the Soumaya has buckets of that).“
A good point. Although Soumaya is an interesting museum and definitely worth a visit, it seemed a bit like a storage jammed with art from Europe ( and other places) It was probably a good way
to make great art from other countries accessible to Mexican public.
I really enjoyed the museums representing Mexican artists, history and culture.
The two cities couldn’t be more different ...

I went to the Soumaya and there's no comparison at all with the Rijksmuseum. Sure it has European art, but not nearly of the caliber of the Rijksmuseum. I maintain that unless you're looking for Mexican art, Amsterdam is a more art-worthy destination.

I agree that the two couldn't be more different. For what the OP seems to be looking for, manageable, walkable in April, I think Amsterdam more fits the bill. It's especially easy on solo travelers, which I don't feel CDMX is (as a seasoned solo traveler I don't think I'd have been comfortable alone there).

First trip to Mexico City as a solo traveler, and I felt absolutely comfortable, including taking the public transportation and in the markets and at food stalls. Everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful. A fair amount of English is spoken and/or understood, as might be expected. Uber, however, makes it unnecessary to converse with taxi drivers beyond a simple greeting and thank you at the end. Your fare and route are confirmed on the ap.

I do wish people who have never been to Mexico City wouldn't assume things.

BTW I needed very little cash, for some (but not all) museums and food stalls. I think the most expensive museum is Casa Azul, if you aren't a senior (one of the few that doesn't require you to have a resident card). I think it's about $13-$15 normally, although I paid around $4 including the photo pass. You get a timed entry ticket but once inside you are free to stay as long as you like. The Anthro Museum is about $4, the National Palace is free.

I paid 300 MXN for Ballet Folklorico, about $16. (Back row center).
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...02b87d2553.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5e1194c3a9.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f6149904a2.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...00a57de485.jpg


https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/en/the-blue-house/your-visit/#back-top

If this was directed at me, I've been there, I speak Spanish fluently and was still glad I had someone with me to watch my back. I never felt that way in Amsterdam.

I wonder if anyone who has lived or been a tourist in Amsterdam in the last 10 years can comment on overcrowding of popular tourist sights such as is prevalent in much of Europe now a days for a variety of reasons?

As much as I liked Lisbon last fall, the crowds aka tourist hordes really got to me.

See below

Sounds a little paranoid to me. Was this your one and only trip? How long ago?

Having been there as a single solo female, about two weeks ago, I have a different opinion.

PS I don't think that "culture" is limited to art museums and in particular European paintings, but that's just my opinion. As much as the Catholic church tried to erase evidence of "culture" and "civilization" in the New World, I don't think they succeeded.

I visited MC last years and the year before.
Stayed in Condesa the first time,
the second visit ,on Reforma.
I speak Spanish which I found very helpful. I was advised agains using the Metro so I didn’t.
I was alone ( female) and must admit feeling a bit uneasy walking around after 10:00 at night .
Perhaps just a perception?

My last visit to Amsterdam I bought a ticket for RM on line.
it was several years ago in the summer. Yes, it was very crowded
What got on my nerves were speeding cyclists everywhere. But, I like the city and would gladly visit again.
It is hard to find a world famous city in Europe that is not crowded
during the tourist season..

I have been to Amsterdam twice over the last decade and once before that (winter 2008?). It is crowded but I didn't find it oppressively so, not even in late June. However, I should note that I haven't been to the Anne Frank house in 10 years and likely wouldn't revisit. Too crowded. On the other hand, Casa Azul in CDMX felt too crowded too. A few blocks away Trotsky's house was nearly empty.

Anyway, as I said above, I liked Amsterdam and would happily return but for me it's not an exciting destination.

Agree that Puebla is a nice counterbalance to CDMX. Very pretty, too.

We're not speeding. Just keep off the bike paths (please)

Don't come to Amsterdam then. 800000 inhabitants, 18000000 tourist visits. You do the maths.

So?

Not for Keukenhof.

I visited Amsterdam 6-7 times over the years..I know where to walk
in the city.
This was my first visit in the summers.., it was really unpleasant.