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Figured I'd see this comparison (hopefully enough people have been to both that they can comment. It seemed like a good comparison of two world cities that have emerged/developed significantly in my lifetime, are gradually erasing their negative perceptions, have, but are working on pollution problems, and exert significant influence on surrounding regions and are of a similar size. I actually just got back from Mexico City, and I enjoyed it a ton. In fact, London had previously been the city that I thought was the most happening and fun for visitors (I have been to all 7 Continents but admittedly there's many sections of all I haven't yet been to), in terms of endless diversity of man made and natural attractions, but Mexico City, while it is behind many major cities in a number of ways, also simply had so much pizzazz and incredible diversity and atmosphere that it may now be on top for me. That being said, I am visiting Tokyo, Hong Kong and Beijing in June, and so my opinion could be different by the end of that trip. So, which one would you prefer visiting? First time? Repeated visit? Has the most quality and diversity of attractions to offer visitors? I think all things being equal, Beijing has more stuff that has to be seen at least once unlike anywhere else in the world, but that Mexico City might have more stuff that would grab a person for a repeat visit. So, with research about one, and a visit to the other, my reflection of advantages would be:
Mexico City:
Climate
Scenery
Walkability/Historic Neighborhoods/Architecture in Total
Food/Nightlife
Beijing:
Safety
Infrastructure
Attractions (Most Impressive Ones, At Least)
Hub of Power (Events/Influence/Etc.)
Thoughts?
I'm abstaining, at least until mid June.
Mexico City is like a European city with non-western residents. Their language, culture, architecture, fashion... all follow European styles.
Beijing is totally another world. You either like it or hate it.
My dad said it was the most impressive major city (as a combination of old and new) that he has ever visited. Most fascinating, at least. We have similar tastes mostly. That being said, Mexico City the description is accurate, but the non western residents part is important to be mentioned, because to me the fact it has so many different charms and personalities is what makes it so great.
I personally would take Mexico City over Beijing. It has nicer scenery and climate and overall seems to have more attractions in the surrounding area than Beijing. Beijing does have some amazing attractions but Mexico City just seems overall better to me.
I would prefer to visit and live in Mexico City. I’ve been to both cities and Beijing is my least favorite major Chinese city. The only way Beijing beats Mexico City imo, is in safety, but Mexico City is safer then most people realize. Mexico City is likely one of the most underrated cities in the world because of old stigmas being full of poverty and crime.
Beijing has lots of positives, and I’d choose it over a handful of similar cities. But the weather and pollution is a deal breaker for me.
My grandmother grew up in Mexico City and she has some awful stories about living there. I’m not entirely sure when she was there. I’d guess between 1950-1970.
Mexico City does seem to be dominating the poll and feedback. It makes sense, I think it's great too, but I am visiting Beijing in June so hopefully I will enjoy that as well. Have most people spent significant time around Beijing thus far? It really, like Mexico City and London, seems to be like an endless city in some senses, with the major historical attractions and ultramodern architecture/infrastructure in places, beautifully manicured park spaces and gardens within the city and significant mountain scenery close at hand. Again, I haven't been yet, but here is a video that would seem to capture some of Beijing's charms (though admittedly, perhaps there are some negative aspects this video doesn't present):
Mexico City does seem to be dominating the poll and feedback. It makes sense, I think it's great too, but I am visiting Beijing in June so hopefully I will enjoy that as well. Have most people spent significant time around Beijing thus far? It really, like Mexico City and London, seems to be like an endless city in some senses, with the major historical attractions and ultramodern architecture/infrastructure in places, beautifully manicured park spaces and gardens within the city and significant mountain scenery close at hand. Again, I haven't been yet, but here is a video that would seem to capture some of Beijing's charms (though admittedly, perhaps there are some negative aspects this video doesn't present):
Mexico City does seem to be dominating the poll and feedback. It makes sense, I think it's great too, but I am visiting Beijing in June so hopefully I will enjoy that as well. Have most people spent significant time around Beijing thus far? It really, like Mexico City and London, seems to be like an endless city in some senses, with the major historical attractions and ultramodern architecture/infrastructure in places, beautifully manicured park spaces and gardens within the city and significant mountain scenery close at hand. Again, I haven't been yet, but here is a video that would seem to capture some of Beijing's charms (though admittedly, perhaps there are some negative aspects this video doesn't present):
I voted for Mexico City, but Beijing still offers a lot to do. The food is amazing in Beijing. I didn’t compare food, while I do like Mexican food a lot, Northern Chinese food is my favorite cuisine. Beijing is a very modern city with a lot of historical places. June should offer nice weather and the pollution should be minimal.
I’ve hearrd Beijing has cracked down on street food vendors in the last year or so, not sure if that is true or not, but Beijing street food is awesome. To be honest, there is a decent chance you will end up with diarrhea or perhaps even a bad case of food poisoning. But, I wouldn’t let that risk stop me from eating out, visiting Beijing and not enjoying the food would be a big opportunity missed. Just remember, if you can’t use chopsticks, pack a fork in your pocket. Even the big city restaurants don’t always have western untensils.
Mexico City, you have a huge city with very modern 21st century looking areas, also colonial European looking areas, other sectors of the city look traditionally Mexican, very cool pre-Columbus archeological sites right in the city, a western style way of life, with endless entertainment.
For its size the city is relatively safe.
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