I have to go to Mexico City for a business meeting in June, and will have one free day before my flight home (to England). I've never been to Mexico before, and I don't know if I'll ever have the chance to go again. I would really like some suggestions for the best things to see and do in this one day, in or fairly close to Mexico City.

In which part of Mexico City will you be staying? If near/in the Zona Rosa--hands down-Museo Arceological.

Go out to Teotihuacan.

As much as I enjoyed the museum and Teotihuacan, I don't think that's how I'd spend my one free day. What day of the week will you be there?

I would probably check out a market, have a drink at a hotel overlooking the zocalo, that kind of thing. Have breakfast at Casa Azulejos (House of Tiles) - it's a Sanborns department store, but the building is incredible and breakfast is pretty good. If you're interested in Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, go to her house in Coyoacan. There are a number of his murals in various buildings in Mexico City so that's also fun to check out. You could finish up the day at one of the upscale restaurants in Polanco, like Izote. (On Chowhound website, there are lots of ideas on Mexico City restaurants.) I've been to Mexico City a number of times and it's a great city to explore.

Author: Dude
Date: 05/17/2007, 10:16 am
Go out to Teotihuacan.

I agree! Number one destination in the Western hemisphere IMO.

Boy, one day is tough, and everything suggested so far is worth considering.

If you don't think you can get to the Anthropological Museum, you might visit the Templo Mayor, just off the Zocalo, and its museum. Spend some time on the Zocalo itself for the street life. Visit the Rivera murals in the National Palace.

You could probably do all these things as well as visit Teotihuacan. The cars usually leave early in the morning, around eight, and return in the early afternoon. You could have lunch at the Majestic Hotel terrace restaurant and then visit Templo Mayor etc. When you visit Teotihuacan, make certain your guide brings you to the "citadel" and the astonishing Temple of Quetzalcoatl.

Actually, the best idea would be to ask your boss to let you stay another extra day!

I was in Mexico City in March for the first time. I added days because there was so much to see. But I will say that my guided tour day trip was a better choice than when I tried to explore different zones on my own. Here are 3 suggestions:
I spent a day at the Anthropoligical Mueseum- what's nice is that from the first floor you can wander into outdoor exhibits, so you don't feel like you've spent the day inside. Also, nearby, you can go see the flying performers, and find street food, & other museums in walking distance.

Conversely, you could choose an all-day guided tour. On my first day, I went to the Temple of the Moon & the Temple of the Sun, which also included a few local stops, and a late lunch stop. We had a group of 10 and I didn't have to figure out where to go. THe local guides were great, and the time in transit passed quickly because my fellow travelers were very social. That was a day better spent than when I tried to see the different zones of the city.
Or you could pick 1-2 zones & local restaurants. I was in Catedral area and had a great dinner at Cafe Tacuba. Good luck!