Mexico City?

[susan]

Ok so now that I am back I am onto planning my next trip. It isn't until next spring and part of the trip will be on the beach in Tulum. But I am thinking of spending a couple of days in Mexico City. I will be with my two teenage sons. So first question is is it crazy to go there with them? Second can anyone recommend a good website for planning a trip to Mexico City, safe place to stay, etc.

[PhyllisB]

I don't know much about Mexico City aside from the fact that it is ginormous... so I'm not help there. But just out of curiosity, have you ever explored Merida? I'm trying to think back to your previous trips but I have a lousy memory!

[susan]

No I haven't been to Merida and was considering that but Mexico City is really easy to add on to our flights and just extend the layover. I have heard many good and bad things abot Mexico City and just don't know enough about getting around there and making sure you stay safe and how hard that is.

[pepper]

I haven't been, but I would start with watching one of the Rick Bayless shows where he concentrates on Mexico City and the markets.

[beachreader]

I agree with Pepper on watching the TV shows, I love getting ideas that way (love Tony Bourdain!).

I have some friends who did the DF before coming to the Roo a few years ago, maybe they have some tips; I'll ask them.

[PhyllisB]

You might try the Fodor's forums. That's where I got a lot of my Costa Rica info.

[susan]

thanks all I can check out the TV shows but I like the fodor's idea- being able to converse with someone who has been there- it is such an enormous place i don't even know where to start even with picking a hotel.

[pepper]

(love Tony Bourdain!).

You and me both!!!!
On Monday nights, they often repeat old "No Reservations" along with the new episode...hopefully there's a Mexico City show.

[PhyllisB]

I find the Fodors forums a little harder to navigate, but you get the hang of it eventually. I think Lonely Planet has forums too, but more backpacker types there.

[beachreader]

TA's forums are pretty easy to deal with, but no photo-posting ability.

[minniemex]

I am not sure I would take my kids to Mexico City ~ from what I have read and realistically, none of it recent, you can really end up in the wrong neighborhood. I guess maybe in this case I would use a reptable travel agent for booking a hotel.

Merida sounds so much better to me and then you could check out the beaches on that side, which are different from my understanding of the Mayan side.

[elvo73]

I'm a mexican leaving in California and I agree with minnimex. I have family who lives there and they're living just fine.BUT if you are at the wrong place at the wrong time you may end up in trouble. Now, yes Mexico city have a lot of cool things to do, they have amazing museums and great food and shopping. Make sure you research a lot about the places you want to visit, never get a taxi on the street only at your hotel or at any other hotel. Is like any other big city (New York, Chicago, London etc...)
Visit just be careful, I'm sure you will have fun :twocents: