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Options: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Queretaro, Leon or Guanajuato...???

2006-11-03 14:51:20 · 18 answers · asked by ** SeVimLi KaDın ** 2 in Travel Mexico Other - Mexico

18 answers

If we stick ONLY to your list, we still would like to know just why you are visiting Mexico. If it is purely for tourism, what kind of tourism do you like? Each of the cities is quite different, unique in its own way. As I live here and know the cities, I'll give you my opinion:

1) Guanajuato - founded in 1559 as a wealthy colonial mining town and during the 16th and 17th centuries produced over ONE THIRD of all the world's silver, by far the most "touristic" city on your list. It is built on a hill side and this means that the streets are very narrow and winding, cars are banned in much of the central part of the city and access is by tunnel-roadways under the town. It is really one of the greatest "colonial jewels" of Mexico. The hotels and restaurants are just great (and not that expensive) and there is lots to see and do. This is the birthplace of Mexico's famous painter Diego Rivera and his museum, the museum of the mummies is also a wonderful place to visit, also the colonial Alhondiga and the University of Guanajuato where students will take you on guided tours complete with singing and wine skins! During the month of October is the world famous Cervatinio Festival, which attracts tourists from around the world. It is about a half hour drive from places such as Leon, Dolores Hidalgo and San Miguel Allende.

2) Guadalajara - Mexico's second city and capital of the state of Jalisco, famous as the home of mariachi music, birthplace of tequila and land of the "charro" (Mexican cowboy). There is lots to see and do, great hotels and restaurants, great night life, Guadalajara has magnificent architecture, lots of colonial history and is close to some really wonderful places. Tlaquepaque just on the edge of the city is one of the most complete places to buy Mexican "artisanias," some of the finest hand-crafted works of art in the country. It also has a splendid town square where you can eat at wonderful little outdoor restaurants and hear the Mariachis play. It is a couple hour ride by special train to the famous town of Tequila where you quessed it, the majority of Mexico's tequila distillers are found!

3) Leon - is the capital of the state of Guanajuato, it is quite large, prosperous and specializes in leather goods, especially shoes. It has a lovely square, it is very colonial and there is a fair amount to see and do here. It is nowhere near as pretty or "rustic" of course as Guanajuato just down the highway, but is nevertheless a beautiful, friendly and interesting place to visit.

4) Monterrey - Mexico's third largest city is easily the wealthiest and most educated city in the country. Based on the "Maquiladoras," the facories which produce the majority of Mexico's goods for export to the US, Europe and Asia, Monterrey is a powerhouse of business and industry, this city is one of the most important production and trade centers in the country. It is the most "modern" and affluent of Mexico's cities, but there is still lots of wonderful things to do and see. It is famous for its "northern" style restaurants and if you are from the US this is the "Mexican" food you will find most familiar. In fact the average American will most likely feel more comfortable in Monterrey if he looking for "all the comforts of home."

5) Mexico City - One of the world's largest metropolises filled with traffic, pollution and crime, it is nevertheless still very much worth a visit. It has some of the best museums and historic locations in all of Mexico. As it has attracted immigrants from all over the country, it has the greatest selection of regional Mexican food in truly great restaurants imaginable. It has huge modern shopping centres, freeways as well as quaint wealthy neighbourhoods which will remind one of the great cities of Europe, unbelievable markets, non-stop night life and a wealth of things to do and see. Just a half hour from the city lies the pyramids of Teotehuacan, a huge complex of stone buildings, road systems and giant pyramids that 1500 years ago was one of the greatest cities on the face of the Earth. The famous floating gardens of Xochimilco with their lovely gondolas are one of the greatest (and most relaxing) tourist experiences on Earth. Mexico City is not for everyone, but for those who are fascinated by culture, history and heritage, it is THIS city which is truly the "Heart of the Americas," in every meaning.

6) Queretaro - this is a lovely, clean and prosperous city, capital of the state of Queretaro about 2 hours north west of mexico City. It also has some lovely areas to visit, nice colonial archetecture and some really nice places nearby (such as San Juan del Rio, San Miguel de Allende and Tequiquiapan). If I had to do business in Mexico, this city would be right at the top of my list. For tourism I would chose the others first. Although if do you visit here, you won't be disappointed.

2006-11-04 03:47:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

As a native from Mexico City I have to pick my own city for obvious reasons, we have the best to offer in terms of cultural and entertainment features, I think you have to consider if this is a leisure trip, because as all big cities we have our share of problems, but on the bright side we have the best museums, world class restaurants, exciting shopping places and also lots of touristic attractions, Queretaro, Leon and Guanajuato are small cities with certain charm but you will probably be done with all the attractions within few days. Guadalajara and Monterrey are the next biggest cities in the country so you will find kind of the same amenities as Mexico City in a "safer" environment.
To sum up, if you want to feel the vibe of the city come to Mexico City and let yourself experience the very best we have to offer, if you want a more relaxed experience go for Guadalajara and Monterrey and if you are looking for small cities with charm, pick the others, I hope this advise works for you.

2006-11-03 15:06:40 · answer #2 · answered by clerk 1 · 0 0

Monterrey, Guadalajara Y Cancun

2006-11-03 14:52:41 · answer #3 · answered by TrixR4KidZ 5 · 1 0

Don J did a good job of describing Guanajuato and Quéretaro, which of the cities you listed, I'd put at the top. The two make a good grouping with San Miguel de Allende. Nowhere else are there three excellent towns so close together.

Excellent towns not listed: Zacateacas, Puebla, Cuetzalan, Taxco, Morelia and Pátzcuaro (an excellent pair only 1 hour apart), San Cristobal de las Casas and, during calmer times, Oaxaca.

2006-11-04 05:32:07 · answer #4 · answered by larpmanx 5 · 1 0

Guadalajara

2006-11-04 06:16:36 · answer #5 · answered by short stuff 4 · 0 0

Mexico City because it's the heart of Mexico. Lots of things to see and yes its very dangerous so travel within the safe area like near Zona Rosa, Castillo de Chapultepac and you can also go to Teotihuacan. Musuem of Anthropology is excellent. Good restaurants. Tour Bus which will take you around the city (safe side only).

If you like beaches, well Mexico is blessed with some of the best beaches. Try Cancon, Puerto Penasco (near AZ) or Mazatlan.

2006-11-04 05:19:35 · answer #6 · answered by grendeth 5 · 0 0

a normal person would choose mexico city for it culture but its also a very dangerous city full of pickpockets and stuff like that. by being a resident of monterrey i shall say you visit it, its a big city, the 3d biggest like don j said, with a lot of culture (hosting the universal forum of cultures next year), great food, the whole city is surrounded by mountains from where it got its nickname¨¨city of the mountains¨¨ you also find regional music, and like i said great food you sould try Cabrito or Carne asada but if you get tired of that kind of food you can always go to a mcdonalds or burger king ......try a starbucks or the italian coffe whatever you do Monterrey is the best city tto visit

2006-11-04 06:15:29 · answer #7 · answered by Prince of Denmark 4 · 0 0

GUADALAJARA IS AWSOME!!!!!!!!! THE CITY IS GREAT AND VERY COOL WEATHER EVEN IN THE SUMMER TIME. GUANAJUATO IS GOOD AS WELL. QUERETARO, IF YOUR A MUSUEM PERSON, THE BEST. IF NOT, GUADALAJARA. MEXICO CITY, OVER CROWDED
CAN I ALSO RECOMEND SAN CARLOS SONORA WHICH IS A GREAT PLACE TO RELAX AND SLEEP AND JUST HAVE FUN.

2006-11-04 06:06:46 · answer #8 · answered by ALEX ROCKS 4 · 0 0

From those options I would say Monterrey, but of all the cities I would definitely choose Manzanillo. It's the most beautiful place in Mexico.

2006-11-04 05:53:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Mexico city, biggest city in the world and tons to do.
Plus, it is pretty much in central mexico and you can take the bus to most of the other tourist sites like the Aztec cities or the beach.

2006-11-03 14:59:47 · answer #10 · answered by ohaqqi 2 · 0 0

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