Embassy strongly urges that you ride only in a taxi summoned by phone from a designated sitio SEE-tee-oh stand. They are considered safer than taxis that circulate because the driver can be easily traced back to the stand. Many of the stands list telephone numbers where the taxi can be called.
Arrangements also can be made to have these cabs pick you up at a predetermined time and place. The number on the license plate should match the number painted on the side of the cab. It's much easier to negotiate for a sitio taxi if you speak fluent Spanish. For safety reasons, you should never hail a cab on the street.
While residents must use these taxis to get around the overcrowded city, their drivers drivers often are involved in robberies against passengers. The drivers themselves also are frequent victims of assault, making this a dangerous profession.
Rental Cars There are many rental car agencies in Mexico City. The larger companies also have branches in major cities where you can leave your car at the end of your trip. Be sure you fully understand the terms of any rental contract, especially in regard to insurance coverage. It's much less expensive to reserve a rental car before you leave home; make reservations at least 1 week in advance.
Ask your local AAA club or phone Hertz, Double check that your exact rental can be driven on the days you want to use it; a rental agency may inadvertently provide you with a vehicle that can't be driven on those days.
Although having a rental car at your disposal can be convenient for sightseeing trips outside the metropolitan area, keep in mind that your rental car may unfortunately make you a target for police who will try to extract a bribe. Buses Mexico City public buses go just about everywhere and are inexpensive, but the system is not very user-friendly. Routes and bus numbers change frequently, and route maps are practically nonexistent. Some signs at downtown stops include route descriptions.
Buses run daily 5 a. Two major bus routes put you within walking distance of many of the city's attractions. Never carry valuables onto a city bus, and know exactly where you're going before you board.
But unless you simply want to have the experience of riding the bus, it's safer and much more convenient to get around in a taxi associated with your hotel. Peseros eseros or micros MEE-crows are cheaper than taxis and charge flat rates as low as 5 pesos based on distance.
Route destinations, often a Metro station, are marked on the windshield or shown on a sign. Flag down a pesero as you would a bus, and tell the driver your destination when you board. Try to have the exact change in pesos and never pull out a wallet, which will attract the attention of pickpockets. Millions of working-class city residents ride peseros every day, but like city buses they're a form of public transportation best experienced for the thrill; drivers slouch in their seats, blasting music and aggressively maneuvering through chaotic traffic while passengers hang on for dear life.
If you're not used to traveling like that, a hotel-designated taxi is still the safest—and sanest—way to travel. Metro Mexico City's Metro—one of the world's busiest subway systems—moves millions of riders daily on tracks running both above and below ground. Metro lines cover most of the city. In addition, a tren ligero light rail line provides service to the popular tourist attraction of Xochimilco. The two lines you'll find most convenient for sightseeing are Lines 1 and 2, as they cover major points of interest.
Note: To switch from line 3 to line 5—or vice versa—at the La Raza station requires a to minute walk through a long tunnel. Line 7 runs north to south along the city's western edge from the El Rosario station to the Barranca del Muerto station. Two additional lines provide light rail service. The flat fare, which includes transfers, is 5 pesos. Ticket vending machines dispense prepaid electronic farecards in various denominations.
Swipe the cards at long rows of turnstiles to access the boarding ramps. If you plan on using the subway, purchase several tickets at a time to minimize your time spent waiting in lines. You also can purchase an abono ticket, which lets you use the entire system for a multi-day period. With this type of ticket, enter Metro stations only through the blue turnstiles; otherwise the ticket will not be returned.
Metro is accessible for people with disabilities, and those over age 65 ride free by going through the turnstiles that have police officers.
Present a legal ID and an officer will swipe the machine for you. Once inside the turnstile, riders can access any of the system's lines. Metro lines are designated by the following colors, which appear at the stations, on signs and in guidebooks and brochures: lines 1 and A, bright pink; line 2, blue; line 3, olive green; line 4, light blue; line 5, yellow; line 6, red; line 7, orange; line 8, dark green; and line 9, brown. Consult a color-coded subway guide at Metro information booths, or try obtaining a map of the system from the ticket booths at the larger stations.
The most striking aspect of the subway is the sea of people. There are restrictions on carrying personal items like luggage and backpacks, but the rules aren't enforced; many people tote large bundles and plastic bags filled with goods.
The modern rail cars show some wear and tear as well as graffiti, but the ride is smooth and quiet. Keep in mind, however, that Metro is used daily by millions for commuter travel, so sardine-can conditions usually prevail. During weekday rush hours both morning and evening the trains are crammed and guards are employed to control the crowds; avoid using the system during these times and also after dark. There are plenty of restrooms and the ubiquitous stands selling food and snacks.
Most areas are well illuminated and ventilated. Cellphones generally do not work underground, and taking photographs is not permitted. Pairs of police officers are at station entrances, and there are more police at turnstiles and patrolling the ramps, but they do not in general ride on the rail cars.
Single women, unfortunately, may have to fend off unwelcome advances or inappropriate male conduct. Foreign visitors are prime targets for pickpockets and purse-snatchers, especially at stations near major tourist sights. There are separate cars for women and children during rush hours, but regulations are not strictly enforced. If you do need to take Metro for any reason, double check which direction the train is heading.
Check the signs on the loading platforms andenes ; they denote the last station on the line in each direction. Transfer gates, where more than one line shares a subway station, are marked Correspondencia; the exits are marked Salida.
Metro is least crowded on weekends and holidays. In general trains begin running at 5 a. It's best not to carry personal items that hinder movement, and remain aware of your surroundings at all times. Rates are negotiable, but expect to pay a minimum of pesos an hour. You'll likely find it well worth the price to not have to negotiate city traffic or use public transportation. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality.
These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect. Campos Eliseos Col Polanco. Mexico City, DF Paseo de La Reforma No. Ave Revolucion No. Persons needing legal assistance should contact this department at the Ministry of Tourism. Dial and ask to be connected to an English-speaking operator if you need immediate assistance. In general, the police in Mexico City should be contacted only as a last resort. If your car is stolen, however, you must report it to the police, as you will be liable for any subsequent crimes in which the vehicle is involved.
Paseo de la Reforma M: Sevilla or Insurgentes, line 1 ; phone 55 The embassy is open for general business Mon. There is a protection officer on hour duty to advise you in the event of robbery, assault, major loss, accident, illness or death; Mexican law takes precedence in such instances.
Information regarding attorneys and translators also can be obtained. Open Mon. Phone 55 This government-operated agency can help coordinate a search for missing persons or lost, stolen or towed vehicles; the hotline is answered daily 24 hours.
There are lofty views of the Palacio from the cafe terrace of the Sears building across the road. To the casual observer this little-visited government building holds nothing of interest but those in the know flock here to gaze at the murals tucked away on site. Each one is thematically distinct: the one on the east end deals with labor, industry and agriculture, while the interior one depicts traditions and festivals.
A likeness of Frida Kahlo appears in the first panel as an arsenal worker. Uniquely, the murals are open-air and not in a museum, but along the passageways lining the working offices of the education department, which means you are likely to ponder the murals all to yourself and can get up close to see every detailed brushstroke. Tickets and information The murals are free to visit but you will need to show a photo ID to enter.
The paintings are labelled in both Spanish and English, but since this is a working government site and not a museum, there aren't any other explanatory materials. Guided tours are available if you'd like a full breakdown of the murals' composition.
No onsite amenities are available to the public. As the seat of the federal branch of the Mexican government, the Palacio Nacional National Palace is home to the offices of the president of Mexico and the Federal Treasury.
It also contains the Biblioteca Miguel Lerdo de Tejada, one of the most renowned and important libraries in the country — the walls are covered in stunning murals. But the Palacio Nacional is probably most renowned among visitors for the many stunning artworks by Diego Rivera, one of Mexico's most famous artists.
History The first palace on this spot was built by Aztec emperor Moctezuma II in the early 16th century. The conquistador then hired two Spanish architects to rebuild the structure as a fortress with three interior courtyards. The name was changed from Viceroy Palace to its current moniker in honor of the end of Mexico's colonisation.
As you face the palace, high above the center door hangs the Campana de Dolores, the bell rung in the town of Dolores Hidalgo by Padre Miguel Hidalgo in at the start of the War of Independence. The nine murals covering the north and east walls of the 1st level above the patio chronicle indigenous life before the Spanish conquest.
The murals are located in the open air, covering the walls of an internal courtyard. Nothing can really prepare you for the shock and awe of turning a corner and seeing them in all their glory for the first time.
It truly is a must-see attraction in Mexico City. Tickets and tours Entry is free, which is why it's such a popular attraction with both tourists and locals! There are guides available but they're not really necessary unless you're a Rivera superfan.
Be aware that this is a working government building, so it's important to be respectful of that as you explore your surroundings. It will occasionally close at odd times if there are visiting dignitaries or government functions, so check in advance of your visit to avoid disappointment. Unconventional, ever-changing and utterly beguiling, this megalopolis is an endless parade of sights, sounds and smells.
It somehow manages to feel intimate despite its gargantuan size but good guidance is still essential - and this is where the Monocle Travel Guide to Mexico City steps in.
We lead you to our favourite mural-splashed buildings and the best places in which to practise your salsa - ending up in a dimly lit mezcal bar or two for good measure. If you're going to pay a visit to the Mexican capital, this is a good place to start. All that's left to do is dust off your dancing shoes and join the fiesta.
Quesadillas sizzling on street corners outside cosy coffee shops; mariachi in sequined sombreros serenading late-night revellers; tower blocks casting long shadows over baroque churches and. This updated edition of Lonely Planet's classic guide to Mexico provides current, in-depth travel information and a range of choices for travelers of all budgets and interests.
From places to stay to details on festivals and sights to comprehensive information on getting around, this guide covers it all. Color photos. The Rough Guide to Mexico is the ultimate travel guide to this fascinating nation. Find detailed practical advice on.
With its fascinating history, incomparable culinary landscape, and blossoming art scene, Mexico City has become one of the most sought-after destinations for the hip, curious traveler. Discusses lodging, dining, and entertainment in Mexico City, along with information on trip planning, security, and shopping. There is a rich history, lots of art and culture, city life, pedestrians, millions of honking cars that culminate with bloody rush hour traffic.
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