Where not to go in Mexico City?
 

Hello,<BR><BR>I know there is lots to do in Mexico city, but where shouldn't I go and when shouldn't I go?<BR><BR>All help is appreciated!<BR><BR>I will be traveling shortly

Hi Mike- There are quite a few places to avoid in Mexico, especially at night, so why don't you tell us what you enjoy and we can narrow it down to good places! That said, don't flag down taxis unless you have to (have your hotel or restaraunt summon one), and learn to spot the licensed ones. Garibaldi Square is genereally thought to be a hot bed of pickpockets, and the area to the North of the Zocalo is also a bit scary. i really found Frommers guide to be very helpful in mentioning the relative security of areas.

If you can read spanish here is a link with lots of info<BR>http://www.tiempolibre.com.mx/

oops! I gave you what to do in Mexico city ha ha ha.<BR><BR>Do not go to Tepito, Lagunilla, colonia buenos Aires. Use taxis from your hotel or reataurant you go to. Or take it at a "Sitio" or Radio Taxi stop. If you can speak spanish get the telephone number for two of this services and get your taxi from them. Be very aware of your surrondings in downtown area, buses, "Metro", basilica de Guadalupe.

Hola,<BR>When landing at the airport go to the taxi stand within the airport and purchase a ticket to your hotel. NEVER use the green and white taxis. I enjoyed Garibadi square (loaded with mariachi bands) it is really a sight. I went with 5 nguys, one a local so we were safe. The Zona rosa (pink zone) is a good safe area with many restaurants. Stay in the best hotel you can (safer) here is a link to the hotel I am currently inhttp://www.caminoreal.com/mexico/default_i.htm where not to go? Your best bet is to ask the concierge

We were in Mexico City in March. It wasn't our first trip there, but we stayed at the Hotel Catedral just behind the zocalo this time (last time we stayed in the Zona Rosa). <BR><BR>I have to laugh when I read all the cautionary tales about taxis. I know that bad things can happen, but I think we were more in danger of being in a car accident than anything else. <BR><BR>I think it was in the AAA guide to Mexico that we read that we shouldn't take taxis with L in the license plate - that these aren't affiliated with a taxi stand. Usually when we got a cab, we got our hotel to call for one or whatever. Well, after we took the bus back from the pyramids, we lined up at the taxi stand at the bus terminal. The first driver said he didn't know where the zocalo was - I think he just didn't want to go to that part of town because traffic is so bad. We got out, the people who ran the taxi stand came over, we explained the situation and got into the next cab. As I got in, I noticed the L in his license plate! My husband, being the gentleman that he, told me it was every man for himself if the situation got rough (I think he was kidding!). We never relaxed for a minute all the way back to our hotel. The guy drove like a maniac, taking what must have been shortcuts (meanwhile we're thinking he's maybe kidnapping us), driving in the wrong lane, that kind of thing. In retrospect, it was actually pretty funny. (And probably no worse than some of the taxis I've taken here in Toronto.)<BR><BR>The opposite extreme was another taxi driver we got when we left the Anthropological Museum. He was an excellent driver, gave us a lot of information about Mexico City and it was totally enjoyable ride. (Mind you, he didn't have an L in his license plate!)

L plus 5 numbers means it is a "free" taxi- unaffiliated with a hotel or restaraunt. S + numbers means it is a sitio or "site" taxi- working with a specific hotel or site. As one green & white driver told us...all 80,000 taxi drivers can't be dishonest. Make sure the license plate is real (3D metal) and that the numbers on top and sides of car match. We never ever saw a meter in a taxi, and many drivers put their license in the glove compartment, so those weren't much help. Try to use taxis at a taxi stand if you aren't having one called. Sometimes though, you gotta take what you find, so trust your gut. We got in one taxi at the Santa Fe mall and something felt wrong, so I said, I left my bag in the mall, and all 4 of us exited the taxi! the next guy was wonderful and we ended up hiring him for a day tour.

I visited Mexico City about 3 years ago. The biggest problem with safety was traffic: People drive like maniacs. Being in a taxi or pesero (small bus) was terrifying. I could handle it only by keeping my eyes closed. The only time I felt safe as a passenger was on the large buses.<BR><BR>Being a pedestrian is not much better. The traffic jams are unbelievable.<BR><BR>Aside from the crazy drivers, I loved Mexico City and would gladly return. It is an incredible place for art, culture, and terrific food.

Just a question. I really enjoyed Mexico City on a trip three years ago. Aside from using a Sitio once to go to the bus sation when I was leaving, I always used the metro. At that time I thought it was great. Is this still a safe way to get around? If so, it seems like a way to avoid the scary driving and suspicious Taxis. I'm going back any info.?

I have used the Metro several times in the past few months and never felt at all threatened. Of course, I take normal precautions as I would in any large city. You can't beat the price--2 pesos!