Mexico City - Xochimilco

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 Xochimilco Floating Gardens

Xochimilco in the far south of Mexico City is a relaxing get-away from the city. It's the last remains of the floating islands that the Aztecs used to produce fresh food for the city. It's easily reached by metro. Once there, you hire a brightly colored punt to take your party for the ride. Some bargaining is expected. Other boats drift by with Mariachi bands, food, and souvenirs brought right to your boat. It's very popular with locals which just adds to the color 

The Museo Dolores Olmedo [Ave. México 5843 Xochimilco ] is only a few metro stops on the way back to town and should definitely be included. Outside is a bustle and noise of Mexican traffic. Inside, the hardens lead to a a quiet 16th-century hacienda with large gardens. Dolores Olmedo was a patron of Rivera, amassing a large collection of his art. The paintings are interesting since they're from his early period, and contrast nicely with his epic murals of later years. 

From the "why do these people leave their homes?" files - here's a review I found before we went:

"What's up with these great reviews?? We took the dirty, overcrowded, subway (worst part of our trip) all the way there from Mexico City. Walked a few blocks in a very slummy and unsafe neighborhood - took one look a the dirty boats and sewage water and turned around and headed back!! What a waist of time. Other reviews raved about this ..." 

Luckily we took no notice of this rant. The Mexico City subways are a great, fast, safe and cheap way to travel. They're as clean as any other subway system I've used. The Xochimilco neighborhood is also safe & clean, no problems for tourists. The canals are not whitewater rapids, but neither are they sewers.