The best day to sightsee is Sunday, when many attractions and things to do are free. Another good reason to plan your sightseeing for Sunday is that Paseo de Reforma's traffic lanes are closed to motor vehicles for 6 hours (from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.). The pedestrian-only stretch extends from Chapultepec Park to the Zócalo , a distance of about 3 miles.
People navigate the boulevard in every type of non-motorized wheeled conveyance you can imagine. Vendors sell “jicamasicles”; the native Mexican vine's edible, tuberous root is cut into thick slices that are squirted with fresh lime juice and sprinkled with cayenne pepper for a snack that is simultaneously cool, spicy and refreshing. Numerous kiosks provide free bike rentals (with your driver's license left as a deposit). This is an ideal opportunity to view Reforma's gleaming skyscrapers and landmarks like the Revolution Monument without the distraction of ceaseless traffic congestion and honking horns.
If the prospect of hitting the streets and facing travel on your own still seems too stressful, consider taking a guided tour. Check with the concierge at your hotel, which may either have its own travel agency or be able to recommend a reliable one. An alternative is to visit one of the city's tourist information modules (Módulo de Información y Orientación Turística) operated by SECTUR. You'll find them in the Historic Center and the Zona Rosa, along Paseo de la Reforma and in the vicinity of Alameda and Chapultepec parks.
Turibus is a convenient way to see the city sights on vacation while someone else does the driving. Each red, double-decker bus holds up to 70 passengers, and tours include a simultaneous translation in several languages.
There are two routes. One takes in the Historic Center, Paseo de la Reforma, Chapultepec Park and the Condesa and Roma neighborhoods—an area filled with museums, monuments, art galleries, parks and restaurants. One ticket allows you to use the service all day, disembarking and reboarding at 19 stops. The Southside Tour includes 18 stops and covers points of interest on the National University of Mexico campus, several shopping malls, Coyoacán's historic main plaza and the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Turibuses run daily 9-9 and pass each stop approximately every half hour. For either tour, tickets Mon.-Fri. cost 140 pesos; ages 4-11, 70 pesos. Tickets Sat.-Sun. cost 165 pesos; ages 4-11, 85 pesos. For more information check with your hotel or at a tourist information module.
Another easy way to sightsee is to have your hotel arrange for a private car and a guide, either by the hour or by the day. Although you'll pay for the convenience, this option allows greater flexibility and more personal service. The larger hotels should be able to arrange such an excursion; check with the concierge.