DLers, Tell Me About Mexico City

In Mexico City all seems to breathe freedom and peace and to make one forget the world and its sad turmoils.

En la Ciudad de México, todo parece respirar libertad y paz y hacer que uno olvide el mundo y sus tristes disturbios.

I'd love to go too. Looks a great city to explore.

Any issue with the elevation of the city?

The Four Seasons is amazing. Open courtyard where soft live music played (guitar) played in early evening. The flower arrangements in lobby are off the charts. Food amazing.

Frida Kahlo House. Trotsky House. Anthropology Museum.

Restaurants: don’t bother with Pujol...Quintonil is much better.

Make sure you take a day trip to the pyramids.

Eat street food but do your research on where. I loved this place that was a motorcycle repair shop during the day and a taco joint at night.

Also, Roma Norte market on the weekend. Fab.

Thank you R5

Thoughts on doing an Airbnb in Polanco? There are some beautiful places in doorman buildings for around $150/night and my Spanish is decent enough.

From my research it seems like Ubers are everywhere and relatively cheap-- true?

Stay in Roma or Condesa, OP.

Basilica of our lady of Guadalupe

It was astonishing and I am not even Catholic.

It's an amazing city. Very nice--has some of the best museums in the world. The National Anthropological Museum is unbelievable.

I loved Tacos Gus. I was sad to see that, according to Yelp, it was closed.

Cafe Tacuba is fun for breakfast.

Agree with [R5] about the pyramids

I was considering those areas too R7--why would you recommend them over Polanco?

It is a wonderful city and perhaps even my favorite in the world. I have spent months there over the years and never had a problem with crime. The issue it the past was the taxis but I heard they have been cleaned up now. Also, there is Uber. Any central neighborhood is fine if it is on the amazing and cheap metro.

Thank you R13--that was my next question, which you seem to have answered-- how reliable and safe are the subways?

Mexico City is truly a world class city. The people are very nice and hard working. I never felt uncomfortable walking around the city at night but understand that I stayed around the Roma and Contessa neighborhoods. The restaurant scene is astonishing and an amazing value. The smog is very bad and the traffic, as you might expect is terrible. I Ubered everywhere and travel was very inexpensive.

Polanco is a great place to stay. There are tons of restaurants within walking distance and all of the major tourist sites in the city are a bus or Metro ride away. The area is relatively safe, as is the Metro, but it can be VERY crowded.

Polanco is the ritzy area. I dug Condesa. Stayed in a beautiful apt in an Art Deco building with a terrace overlooking the boulevard.

Ubers are cheap. Stick with them. Do NOT hail a cab...you will see a ton of pink cabs. Avoid at all costs

And here is my gift to you: go to the restaurant at Zefiro cooking school for lunch. It’s fucking amazing. And super-cheap. A friend who lives there took me. It caters mostly to local executives and rich housewives. Not many tourists. You can eat fabulously and have several glasses of beautiful wine for about $20.

Try to avoid the subway during rush hour when it is very, very crowded. Have a beer or to over at the Oasis bar not far from the Alemeda. Perhaps visit the Friends house on Friday nights where they do an English language class for the locals and are always looking for native English speakers for the night. It was a great way to meet locals. Just roaming the city all day is an event in itself. The smog can be bad but other days the air is clear. Be sure and visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. A church that is so important to Mexico's indigenous community.

Great city. As another person mentioned air pollution is a real problem. I had a sore throat all them time I was there. On the positive side city traffic was banned on Sunday and you could actually see blue sky. Everyone out walking . We stayed in the Zona Rosa at Hotel Emporio. Nice rooms, really convenient to local attractions and an excellent breakfast. Lots of guys showing affection in the Zona Rosa that I didn’t notice in other parts of the city. If you get the chance take a trip to Taxco. It’s a pretty little town on the side of a mountain know for silver crafts. You’re really going to enjoy your trip.

LOVED Mexico City. Was there for a week last month and have decided to go back in August.

Polanco is the safest area of Mexico City. Feels like the area around the Beverly Center in Weho/Beverly Hills so your NYC street smarts will be more than enough. That being said, I found it not to be very pedestrian-heavy. The well-to-do Mexicans drive everywhere and attractions in Polanco seemed to be focused in malls rather than on thoroughfares (except for that one shopping street named after that Czech president which I had no interest in visiting). Other neighborhoods have more of a pedestrian culture in that sense (Zona Rosa/Roma Norte/Condesa) - all of which are next to each other and safe (although less polished than Polanco, but still cosmopolitan).

Most tourists will probably visit the Chapultepec and Frida Kahlo museums. You should absolutely check out the Soumaya and Jumex (right next to each other in Polanco). I also liked the Contemporary Art museum at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (30 minute drive).

Metro is fine but I felt like the cars were not air conditioned (at least the cars I was on). I generally like taking metros when I travel, but I found myself not inclined to take them in CDMX because the stations felt huge and stations were often several blocks away from my destinations. A lot of walking when Uber basically allowed door to door service. I was spoiled on Uber there. Never a shortage of drivers - professional, friendly, and know their way around, no taxi funny business. Most of my rides were at the flat rate of $40 Mexican dollars ($2 US). The longest trips were never more than $200 MXN ($10 US).

Definitely check out Centro Historico (during the day). A surprise find was the Supreme Court. I'm a lawyer so I was surprised to learn the public can visit by leaving a form of ID at the front (I left an expired version of my driver's license). Beautiful classic building with amazing murals, miles of marble floors and walls, beautiful wood, and during the workweek - tons of handsome Mexicans in suits all just going about their way,

Agreed, you can have amazing dining experience for $20-30 at some higher end places or $2-3 (if that) for street food.

Last month (early March) was beautiful weather-wise. Highs in the 80s (hot according to the locals) but after 2 or 3, the sun starts to set and breezes pick up so it is quite comfortable. Nights are in the 50s (sometimes breezy) so again very much like Southern California. Only one surprise thunderstorm (nowhere on the weather radar). The city is covered in jacarandas that start blooming this time of year and they were just delightful. May-October is the rainy season and from what I've heard, the heaviest rains are in the late afternoon and can clog up the city on several levels. Mind you, I'm still returning in the middle of it - August - so I am not too worried. I planned my outings to have some down time or be in the vicinity of my hotel around rush hour (5-9) and you could probably do the same.

Also, be ready to be smitten by some of the locals. Especially if you are in Polanco. Stylish and charming caballeros (oh make sure to check out Sodome (the sauna) at least once...)

Finally, Mexicans in general are friendly, hospitable, and sincerely nice. It's the only place where I've asked for directions and even if the person I was asking didn't know of where I was mentioning, they took me by the hand to find someone who did and/or walked me until I was there or on the right path.

I always think of my trips to Mexico City as like trips to New York but only on a budget. It really is so much more vibrant than New York these days. And gay too. It seems to be the gayest of cities.

R21 I hear you on that. Thoughts on Madrid? To me it’s like NYC and London all into one, but better.

NYC is till NYC but I have grown bored of traveling to different cities in the US. I do it for work and while each city has a unique personality (coming from SF where personality is not needed to stare at your phone or laptop for 22 hours) or walk around homeless zombies and their excrement and needles, they all end up feeling the same.

Same chain establishments, same attempts at hipster urban culture, same President. Boring. And crazily overpriced.

Yeah, I thought I was going to retire in Palm Springs but now I am seriously considering foreign opinions (until I’m in my late 70s-80s). Can rent out my overpriced shoebox here in SF that I was lucky to get for nothing during the recession and live like a king abroad.

Thank you all- R20 and everyone else. These are really great tips and I'm booking my trip now.

Keep them coming though. Much appreciated

Last time I was there, I stayed at the Red Tree House in Condesa. Hooked up with the hottie clerk, too. Fun times.

I would absolutely love to visit there during Dia Del Muerto aka Halloween in our part of the world.

How are the doctors there, specifically cosmetic surgeons?

Last time I was there, we stayed in Polanco, which, along with Condesa should be relatively safe as far as Mexico City goes. That said, it's like Rio - even in those areas you should exercise some caution. We took taxis from Polanco to everywhere except Condesa and friend who lives there hired us a driver for the day when we wanted to go to Teotihuacan, see lucha libre, etc.

A few recommendations: my favorite restaurant in Mexico City is "Contramar" which has *amazing* seafood. The Anthropological Museum, along with Museo Nacional are a definite must, and, if you're into modern art, you have to go to Colección Jumex (yes, like in Jumex juice) It's one of the best private collections of modern art in the world, owned by the family who owns the Jumex juice factory. Zona Rosa is also nice a nice neighborhood with a lot of cool shops, cafes, restaurants, and art spaces.

R26 (fom one anecdotal experience (mine)

Came down with food poisoning second to last day there and was a little nervous about flying in that state. I had travel insurance and figured it was a perfect way to test it out.

Hotel had a house call doctor on speed dial and he was at my hotel in an hour - just enough time to file the travel insurance claim, rebook my flight, and give my health insurance a heads up.

Got a shot in the ass that did the trick and within an hour I was sightseeing again with an extra day in CDMX (on Virginia Surety’s dime) thanks to his doctor’s note. Oh yeah, asked him for some Valium and he obliged. $200 visit (including antibiotic and Valium), 90% covered by health insurance at home.

Don’t know that I would receive the same to the point treatment under the same circumstances at home. Probably comparable cost, if not cheaper. An hour? Forget it - more like half a day at least. Value to me right there.

A lot of money in CDMX so I’m sure the housewives there have ensured they have a stable supply of reputable cosmetic surgeons. Won’t be dirt cheap, but probably less than the US. It’s not a border town where people are expecting miracles for $500 (like that one gal who died thanks to some freak reaction to the anesthetic in some cross El Paso border town).

Met a Brit in San Jose, Costa Rica who was there for some tourism-cosmetic surgery (think Botox). He was happy with the results and price. Even hooked up with one doc. This was Costa Rica, which to me is podunk compared to cosmopolitan Mexico City, so I think you’ll be in good hands.

Thanks, R28.

Any issues with altitude sickness?

Yes. Both my partner and I started feeling a bit queasy within the first few hours. The usual stuff: shortness of breath, heart palpitations, etc. It went away within 3-4 hours after arrival.

Thanks R31

I notice I can have a beer or two in Mexico City and get shitfaced. I was told it was the result of the altitude.

I far prefer doing medical stuff here in Mexico. Inexpensive, matter-of-fact and they don't give you all sorts of unnecessary invasive tests. I had hernia surgery in Mexico City and the entire thing from the ER visit until the recovery, including a private room in the hospital, cost no more than 4000,00 US dollars. Most pharmacies also feature a consultorio médico where you can be seen for free or a small payment and get your prescription filled very cheaply as well. I mostly like that they don't drive you crazy with unnecessary shit.

Any advice on hotels? What's the average rate at a 4 star?

Forget it, it's too dangerous.

Just go to a Taco Bell instead.

I usually do long term stays in Mexico City when i go so tend to stay in the budget places around the Alemeda. I can get a nice clean room with wifi for under 15 USD.

Truly a fabulous and chic city, with lots to do and explore. Great restaurants, parks, museums, bars and really friendly people. All the trumpanzees living in trailer parks would give their right arm to live in Mexico City. Polanco and Condessa are wonderful.

Two great museums I didn't see mentioned above: Palacio de Bellas Artes and Museo Dolores Olmedo. In NYC terms Polanco is like midtown, Condesa and Roma are like the village.

I'll add another recommendation for Red Tree House in Condesa. Owned and run by an amazing gay couple and the staff couldn't be more accommodating. They serve breakfast (actual breakfast, not continental) every morning for two hours and have a two hour wine social every evening. There is a fantastic restaurant a few blocks away, Merotoro and a great breakfast/juice bar steps from the inn, Ojo De Aqua. Tom's one of the most popular gay bars in the city is a few minute walk away.

In addition to the museums already listed, Secretaría de Educación Pública is filled with Diego Rivera murals (Palacio de Bellas Artes is full of Riveras also). Another great Rivera spot is the Fuente de Tláloc, a fountain in the shape of an Aztec God, and accompanying murals inside an old water pumping station. It is located in the Chapultepec park.

There is a 2 1/2 hour street art tour on Saturday mornings in Roma Norte. They have Spanish and English speaking options. The guide isn't an artist by trade, but very informed and passionate about it. About halfway there is a stop for lemonade at a well known BBQ spot (Porco Rosso) and at the end free Mezcal.

A fun day trip is to Xochimilco, the city built on canals. Total tourist trap, but a fun day on the water, drinking, eating, mariachi bands, etc.

México City is one of my favorite places in the world. I want to retire there someday.

R36 oh how original

Probably the type of Middle American who thinks driving an hour to the Indian casino for a staycation is “traveling”

Or

Las Vegas “where you can see Paris and Venice on the same street” so why do people fly all the way over there

Or

Fort Lauderdale because of its “gay culture”

The Hilton Reforma (built as a Sheraton) is central to most everything in the city on the Avenida Juarez and amazingly cheap for what you get - the last time we were there a two bedroom suite (on a HH upgrade) was about $100 a night with breakfast and they have a terrific concierge. The people who worked at the hotel were amazing: welcoming, helpful, and friendly. After a week we felt like family. El Cardenal has a branch of the lobby - some of the best Mexican food in Mexico there and at their main location in the Centro Historico. It's a bit of a high-priced tourist trap but hey, it's a gorgeous tourist trap with great food - the San Angel Inn was fantastic the one time we've been there, perhaps because our hostess was a well-known Mexican politician who said she entertained there often. Beautiful scene, great food (try the ancient ant eggs - they taste like butter), great service and one of the best margaritas I've ever had.

OP's photo of the Palacio de Bellas Artes is taken from the Sears across the street which has a decent (and cheap) cafe with great views from the balcony. The Museo Mural Diego Rivera is down the street, too, along with a lot of Mexico City's cultural attractions - the Moneda, Palacio Postal, and the Zocalo.

If you fly in on American Airlines and can access the Admirals Club, get yourself back to the airport early, both because it's Mexico and everything seems to take a little longer to get through security and because the bar in the club has one of the widest arrays of tequilas I've ever seen, few if any available in the States. The bartenders are happy to offer you their suggestions, pour generously, and it's all free. Other airlines may have something similar, but American's club lounge made me think "If this is how you leave town, I want to leave more often" as I poured myself on the plane.

Take a day to see the pyramids and if you have time, the zoo and Parque Chapultepec. The Zona Rosa is the gayborhood. Bars come and go: we enjoyed Tom's Leather Bar (backroom, too) on Insurgentes, Hibrido, and Kinky (used to be Lipstick) in the Zona Rosa. Be careful - it's not terribly dangerous but there's more street crime than you might expect in the US - and wear sunblock: the sun is strong, perhaps more so because of the altitude? But go - there's plenty to do and see.

I went for two weeks in early-mid December. The air was pretty clean, and the cool nights were wonderful. I stayed in Condesa Hipodromo, chock full of Art Deco residential buildings.

It is a great city, despite its many basic problems (i.e. undrinkable tap water). But only eat in places with fully-enclosed kitchens. Street food is for the natives.

Xochimilco has been a "tourist trap" for a thousand years, r40.

If you are shopping for a new husband be sure and ride the last car of the pink line metro.

I am glad the Palacio de las Artes is safe and sound, Last year I felt the whole place, even the Universe, crumbling around me when a guard DARED suggest to me that I could qualify for older peoples discount to enter one of the exhibitions., I was ONLY 50!!!!

you took the reduced rate, of course...

Depending on when you go, you can get incredible, incredible deals. I stayed on the fifth floor of the Fiesta Inn Insurgentes (in Condesa) for a mere 50$ a night two years ago in March. Massive corner room, and both walls were floor to ceiling glass. At night I opened all the curtains and just took in the city.

Thanks R49

I googled that hotel, there are two Fiesta Inn Insurgentes, but neither seems to be in Condesa.

Do you remember which one you stayed in?

Is it safe??

Don't forget that Polanco has a healthy population of cut Jewish pinga. Tall horny young cut sausages hungry for American DL bottoms.

Did not realize that Polanco was the Jewish area of Mexico City R52. Thanks for the tip.

[quote] I'll add another recommendation for Red Tree House in Condesa. Owned and run by an amazing gay couple and the staff couldn't be more accommodating. They serve breakfast (actual breakfast, not continental) every morning for two hours and have a two hour wine social every evening. There is a fantastic restaurant a few blocks away, Merotoro and a great breakfast/juice bar steps from the inn, Ojo De Aqua. Tom's one of the most popular gay bars in the city is a few minute walk away.

R40, what a small world! Yes, the gay owners are wonderful and friendly. I love their wine social -- a nice way to meet an interesting cross-section of other travelers visiting the city. All of the staff is wonderful. Some cuties manning the front desk for sure.

R52 who goes to Mexico City to experience guilt-ridden Jewboys with all sorts of issues?

Gimme some horny hot-blooded Latin lovin anytime

Besides, ain’t no rich Polanco Jews sticking their superior, albeit average sized, verga in some trashy American bottom. What if people found out?

[quote]who goes to Mexico City to experience guilt-ridden Jewboys with all sorts of issues?

Why would they feel guilt when Mexico City is a gay Mecca?

Hon, those Jewish guys from Polanco are good at taking off their clothes 🥳

It’s kind of hot but sad to be honest, fat American and Canadian fugs always head there to exploit these impressionable Jewish Gaylings... and then they end up breaking their young little hearts when the “gringos” head home without saying adios. 💔

You can meet some trade at the Insurgentes Metro Station.

One of the most fun nights I had in DF was going to a dark, dive bar which served pulque (acquired taste, but I liked it) and had live music. It was years ago though and I can't even begin to remember what the place was called or if it's still around.

bump

Anyone old enough to remember the 14 bar that was housed in the old Ecuadorian embassy. At midnight the female hookers were brought in and the male soldiers were allowed to undress and fuck them on stage. Good times!