What is it that first interested you in visiting Mexico City? That's the starting point, I think. Why not tell us your tentative itinerary, and ask for suggestions, etc?

TA provides an excellent and extensive set of resources about Mexico City which you can access, for free, by using the tabs located in the left-side column of this page. I encourage you to have a look at this good information.

Additionally, the guidebooks will prove very valuable as far as background, suggested itineraries, descriptions of attractions and other things, transportation options, restaurants, etc., etc. Don't overlook the value of these good resources.

It's a big city with more "favorite things" than can be fit in a response here. Have a look at the resource I've suggested and let us know what iterests you the most and I know you'll receive many good suggestions.

Keeping in mind that I am responding for a visitor, my visitors have always loved:

- visit to the Dolores Olmedo Museum, which can generally be combined with a visit to Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo house) and Coyoacán and/or a trajinera (gondola) ride in Xochimilco

- visit to the historic center to see the Zocalo, Palacio Nacional, National Cathedral and sometimes we see the exhibition at San Il d'fonso while downtown.

- the pyramids with obligatory stop at the Basilica to pay respects to the Virgin are popular

Do not overplan - traffic can be murder. Enjoy and relax and take a leisurely lunch.

For an out of town visit, I find Valle de Bravo most relaxing.

Happyontheroad-

Can you get to the Museo Dolores Olmeda using mass transit? My old Moon guide said there is a light rail train? The Moon was really wrong about a lot of transportation issues, so just checking. The last time I was in DF, the very nice owner of the Hotel Cortes highly recommended the museum, but said to hire a driver for the day, which I would love to avoid doing, if possible.

Muirwood, I would also make time for a market. La Merced if you want to see an authentic food market where the local people shop; or one of the more touristy craft markets like Cuidadela. The Sonora market is also cool with all the pinata stuffing products, herbal/spells, etc.

There is no train directly to the door of the Dolores Olmedo Museum. You can take the Metro to Tasqueña, which is far in the south. There is the so called light rail there to go to Xochimilco. The museum is in Xochimilco but not in the pueblo itself. I am sure some bus gets there. Maybe do this half way. Take the subway to Tasqueña and then jump in a taxi. It would not cost you more than 50 pesos from Tasqueña to Museo Dolores Olmedo and would save lots of headaches dealing with buses and trains. Sorry, I am a typical Mexico City resident and drive everywhere.

The Dolores Olmedo Museum is just a short walk (2 mins) from La Noria station on the tren lijero. Jump back on the tren lijero and continue to the last stop, Embarcadero, for Xochimilco. Go at the weekend if you really want to have fun on a trajinera!

Thank you!

I'm a true New Yorker - you dont want me driving on your roads if anyone you know could possibly be on them at the same time...

Thank you Happy, Evening, and Londidnense for your info - It will help me focus while readig and palnning, whcih can seem overwhelming!