MEXICO CITY - Suggestions for a first-time visitor ???

I will be flying into the main airport in Mexico City in the next few months and will have only one day there to go sightseeing. What would you recommend that is interesting and safe for a female and her 18-year-old son? What is the easiest/best/safest way to get around the city?

Are there any ancient ruins that are close enough to see within the one-day timeframe and, if so, are they easy to get to?

Thanks in advance for all your suggestions!

One day is a very short time, but see links below for some options.Getting around Mexico City can be a challenge. A good option for tourists with limited time is the Turibus, a double-decker bus service that makes a circuit from the historic center, down the Paseo de la Reforma to Chapultepec Park and into trendy neighborhoods like Condesa, Roma and Polanco. It's an easy way to get to important tourist attractions throughout the city.Riding the Turibus will help you to get oriented if you're new to the city, plus it's safe and stress-free.


Turibus info:

Cost is 100 pesos during the week and 115 pesos on weekends, kids 4 to 12 pay half price.
You can get on and off at any of the stops, as many times as you like for the day. You have the option of listening to a recorded commentary over a headset that gives information about the buildings, monuments and neighborhoods you pass through.
The Turibus passes by the stops about every half hour.

Advantages over other modes of transportation:
It's much safer than taxis or the metro.
There's no crowding.
You can see where you're going, especially if you sit on the upper deck (just don't forget a hat and sunscreen).
**Feel free to email me if you have any other questions or concerns.


http://www.tourbymexico.com/df/df.htm

http://gomexico.about.com/od/mexicocity/...

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-28...

There are so many things to do in Mexico City. But it can very dangerous. So try to do things in the day. If you are staying at a hotel ask for their taxi service. Don't get a taxi from the street. It may cost a bit more but it is safer. You can go see the Cathedral, a church which has so many alters covered in gold. Next to that is the Templo Mayor. A huge temple in the middle of Down Town in the Zocalo. You can also see the Anthorpology Mueseum. It is very nice and have lots of artifacts and displays. If you have energy and can get up early I am sure the hotel will have tours to the Sun and Moon Pyramid. They are about 45 minutes to an hour away from the Airport. Remember not to stand out too much. Keep your jewelery hidden and your wallets in your front pockets. I am sure nothing will happen but better safe than sorry. The people are friendly and warm but like everywhere there always someone trying to get something for nothing. There is also all kinds of shopping. Be safe and enjoy Mexico. Oh and buy bottled water and you may want to stay away from the fruits and fish. You may get sick if you eat them. I never have but I was warned. I got sick from eating at Kentucky Fried Chicken!Finally try not to be out alone at night.

Go to Oxaca very authenic mexican food, Taxco is a west of mexico city, it largest of Silver Importer, go check them out, Zocalo in Mexico Central City, and many things to do around in mexico since it all so fun there...
go to Teotihuacan, it a Ruin of Mayan, so check them out it a all day if u catch the bus from any of hotel to that sightseeing include meals..

One day only? Go to Mexico City main square or zocalo. There are lots of attractions from a walking distnce: you may visit the metropolitan cathedral, the aztec ruis of the major temple (there is a world-class museum specialized in aztecs), the 'colegio de san idelfonso' museum, the 'national palace' with impressive mural paintigns of Rivera. If you want to try stylish good authentic mexican food, there are two restaurants very close to Zocalo: Los Girasoles and El Cardenal. The cousine of Los Girasoles is sort of trendy, while El Cardenal is more conservative. Both are great... and a little expensive.

Mexico City is as dangerous as any large city in a developing country: use your common sense; don't flash money in the street or use expensive watches. Use hotel cabs. they are fasr more expensive that other regular cabs, but comfortable and the drivers speak a little English.