Tips on What To Do in Mexico City

Writers say that your first stop in Mexico City should be the famous Zócalo -- or central plaza -- in the heart of the city's downtown, which juxtaposes Mexico's pre-colonial, colonial and modern personalities. The city has one of the most vibrant museum and art scenes in the entire world. Recent travelers also recommend the National Museum of Anthropology, which exhibits the famous Teotihuacan Aztec Pyramids. Writers and travelers alike marvel at the architectural wonder of the Metropolitan Cathedral. Other popular museums include the Museo de Frida Kahlo, which exhibits paintings and artifacts from the life of one of Mexico's famed artists. To take it easy on a Sunday afternoon, reviewers recommend heading to the expansive park, the Chapultepec Forest.

• You may still prefer to take in the city a couple of days at a time, taking off in between to the smaller neighbouring colonial cities to recharge. You'll also find the city easier still if you acclimatize to the country first -- if at all possible try not to spend too long here when you first arrive." -- Yahoo! Travel
• For more kitschy good times, head to Malverde (Amsterdam at Teotihuacán, Condesa; 52-5584-0486), named after Jesús Malverde, venerated as the Robin Hood of Mexico. … the small club draws a happy-go-lucky crowd with an eccentric soundtrack of salsa, Mexican pop and música norteña." -- New York Times

Nightlife

For the best nightlife, travelers say try the Condesa and Roma neighborhoods, which offer both great late-night dining and lively bars and clubs. Writers say that Mexican nightlife in the nation's capital is all about the late night: A typical night in Mexico City begins between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. and can go well into the night, so be prepared. Several tour companies offer nightlife tours around the Federal District, and drinks and food are very affordable.

• Night is the key word. People generally take in dinner and a show at 9 or 10 PM, head to bars or nightclubs at midnight, then find a spot for a nightcap or tacos somewhere around 3 AM. (Cantinas are the exception; people start hitting them in the late afternoon and most close by 11 PM.)." -- Fodor's
• Remember that this is a major Latin city; dress is more professional and formal here than in other parts of the country." -- Frommer's

The Zócalo

The Zócalo is one of the largest city squares in the world and holds some of Mexico City's most historic sites.

• As you take in the sights, vendors will offer you everything from flowers to napkin holders. If you are not interested in buying, sometimes saying 'no, gracias' ('no, thank you') is not sufficient. If you want to get your point across, try 'ya compré' ('I already bought one')." -- Fodor's

Puebla

Puebla, a city just about 80 miles southeast of Mexico City, is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular getaway for Mexico City travelers.  

• ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. Banks on the zócalo and Av Reforma have exchange and travelers check facilities." -- Lonely Planet
• The Zona Rosa is an area near the center of the city that is bustling with activity and entertainment. Known for its array of restaurants, bars, cafés and shops, it is an ideal place to relax with a drink or a bite to eat while people-watching. Stop in at the Museo de Cera (Wax Museum) in the vicinity. Also in the area is the Central de Abastos, one of the largest markets in the city." -- AOL Travel

Ruins

Be sure to explore one of Mexico's most impressive Aztec temples: Templo Mayor, one of the main temples of the old Aztec city, Tenochtitlan. If you're leaving Mexico City, try the ruins of Teotihuacán, an ancient Mesoamerican city whose inhabitants mysteriously vanished around 700 AD.

• [At Templo Mayor], call six weeks ahead to schedule free English-language tours by museum staff in the mornings." -- Fodor's

Chapultepec Forest 

Mexico City's huge green space (more than 1,500 acres) allows urban locals and curious travelers a peek at the quieter, fresher side of the city. Be sure to check out the several museums around the park, including the National Museum of Anthropology.

• This 1,600-acre green space, literally the Woods of Chapultepec, draws hordes of families on weekend outings, cyclists, joggers, and horseback riders into its three sections. Its museums rank among the finest in Mexico, if not the world." -- Fodor's