User:Cleduc/2

Getting around

 * the Metro (map). Safe, clean, cheap, fast; can be apocalyptically crowded on line 1 during rush hour (experience that *once*).


 * Peseros (private buses) are cheap, and are easy to take on the principal routes. Signs on the front. Can be confusing, always ask if it's going where you want to go.


 * Metrobús is bus rapid transit on Avenida Insurgentes. (map)


 * Taxis are convenient and inexpensive, but can be dangerous, especially for foreigners, so use with prudence (whatever that means -- In my experience it just means "worrying about it").

Places to stay

 * Hotel Consul, Avenida Insurgentes Norte 133, (Metrobús); Economical, clean, safe and well maintained. Some rooms have bidets.  No english spoken, no extras.

Restaurantes
Breakfast - Tacos on the street, NE corner of Av. Insurgentes y Paseo de la Reforma (Metrobus, peseros en Reforma) This is the best place I know of for tacos in the morning. A wonderful breakfast. Particularly delicious: Mole con pollo.

Dinner - Fonda El Refugio, Liverpool 166, Mexico D.F. 55-52072732 This one is in the Zona Rosa, just down the street from where we used to live. We went once, and it was insanely delicious -- high-end gastronomical mexican experience. Metro Insurgentes

Dinner - Cafe Tacuba, Tacuba 28, Centro Histórico (Metro Allende). I haven't eaten there, but it's supposed to be exceptional. See Cafe Tacuba for a blurb.

Things to see

 * Museo del Templo Mayor (Metro Zócalo). Must-see -- the old city buried under the Centro Historico.


 * Plaza de las Tres Culturas (Metro Tlatelolco). Site of the '68 massacres.  Not crowded, very understated, very sad. Not a good neighborhood.


 * Museo Nacional de Antropologia - I've heard it's great, never been myself. (Take a pesero on Reforma or walk from Metro Chapultepec)


 * La Lagunilla y Tepito - these markets haven't changed in a thousand years. Still pirating strong.  Stay with the crowds and you'll be safe enough.  (Metro Lagunilla)


 * La Villa de la Virgen de Guadalupe -- super Catholic explosion of unbelievable over-the-top theatricality. Do not miss this. Tacky does not begin to describe. Check out the clock, the new Basilica. Go up the mountain, the view goes on as far as the smog lets it (usually not far, lamentably).  Don't miss the gardens on the way down.  Note the faux Pilgrims making their way on their knees (they only really do this leading up to Dec 12).


 * Xochimilco - get poled around in a boat in "Mexico's Venice" (poor Venice). Grubby, but has a charm of sorts.


 * Frida Kahlo's house - haven't been there. Good for her fans I guess. (Metrobús)


 * The cathedral - whatever. much like any 300+ year old monstrosity. They should have left the pyramids instead of building this tacky pile.  (Metro Zócalo)


 * Instead of the cathedral, visit Templo Mayor -- right next door.


 * Castillo de Chapultepec - a mini wanna-Versailles, Euros slumming in the new world. Has a museum. Strictly third-tier. The surrounding park is extensive but can be a bit of a downer (grubby).  Long walk. (Metro Chapultepec or pesero on Paseo de la Reforma)