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[socsci]

I am travelling, with my wife, to Mexico City for two weeks this summer (late May and early June) to study Spanish and make contacts. I already know a few people at UNAM, but I know absolutely nothing about the city except that it is huge, has a Metro, and Lou Dobbs think the US should put out a travel advisory on Mexico. I know that several Canadian tourists have been killed in Mexico, but I suspect the problem is probably not all that big for tourists. Aside from reassurance on this point, I am looking for advice on what the must-sees are as well as things to avoid.

Thanks in advance.

[notaprof]

Use only official taxis. 

[booking]

A wonderful place. I long to return there. It's dirty (the air, I mean), so be prepared with hand wipes before eating.

The subway/bus system is fine, once you figure it out. Take the bus out to Teotihuacan (sp?), the pyramids south of the city. They are spectacular.
Wear sunscreen.

A little kindness, a smile, and basic Spanish go a LONG way. Do not be afraid to talk to people --- they are generally kind and will be glad to assist you.

Eat the street food, especially the fruit/honey/granola. It's delicious. Warning: You might get turista, the sickness of travelers. Just carry toilet paper around with you.

See the Rivera murals and take a day trip if you can -- Pueblo isn't far to the south, and Taxco isn't far, either, if I remember correctly.

Yes, use official taxis -- and get the price in advance if you are going far.

Haggle.

I am sure you will get lots of excellent advice here.

[redding]

Some of my favorites:

Fine Arts Museum
Xochimilco (really fun and beautiful)
Don't forget to go to the Zocalo/old city
You might want to see the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadeloupe
There's an artist's market the name of which I can't recall, but near the central part of the city.
The campus is really beautiful and big--try to take one of the buses around and see as much as you can.

I definitely second Teotihuacan.