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Mexico CIty: An Opinionated Guide for the Curious Traveler Paperback – April 10, 2015

Purchase options and add-ons.

• Print length 200 pages
• Language English
• Publication date April 10, 2015
• Dimensions 5 x 0.46 x 8 inches
• ISBN-10 1511448334
• ISBN-13 978-1511448338
• See all details

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About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (April 10, 2015)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 200 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1511448334
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1511448338
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.2 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.46 x 8 inches
• #15 in Mexico City Travel Guides
• #93 in General Mexico Travel Guides
• #261 in General Travel Reference

About the author

Jim johnston.

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Read Your Way Through Mexico City

Juan Villoro, who spent over two decades perfecting one book about Mexico City, recommends reading on the city he loves. “Mexico is too complex,” a visitor said. “It needs to be read.”

By Juan Villoro

Read Your Way Around the World is a series exploring the globe through books.

Álvaro Pombo, a Spanish author, came to Mexico City in 2004. He’d written a novel that took place during the religious revolts of early 20th century Mexico, and wanted to know what the country he’d studied in books was like, he said.

So he installed himself in a hotel in the city center and went for a walk. He saw the murals of the Palacio Nacional, the Aztec dancers outside the cathedral, the ruins of the Templo Mayor and the skulls alluding to human sacrifice. Later, he toured a street market filled with a baroque assortment of fruit, animals and Chinese goods. He bought a nail clipper that immediately fell apart in his hands, breathed air charged with chiles and spice, saw people who looked like they’d walked out of a Frida Kahlo painting, heard a trumpet blare and finally decided to return to his hotel.

Overwhelmed, he picked up the phone and called me.

“Mexico is too complex to understand with the naked eye,” he said. “It needs to be read.”

What classics help explain Mexico City?

Let’s start with the 16th century. Already an old man, the former soldier Bernal Díaz del Castillo wrote “The True History of the Conquest of New Spain” in an attempt to reap with his pen the rewards that had eluded him with the sword. As a narrator, he lacks the necessary vocabulary to describe this unknown civilization, opting for a perspective of bewilderment. He shows that it’s possible to describe with passion even what we don’t fully understand.

In the 17th century, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz was the pre-eminent author of the Spanish language. Her “Selected Works” reveal a poet with interests in astronomy, theology, gastronomy, dreams, urban life and gender inequality: “Foolish men who accuse women without reason,” she writes in one poem. Sor Juana entered the convent of the Hieronymite nuns because it was the only way she could exercise her intellectual vocation. Even so, she was censored and forced into silence in her later years. Describing a flood in the capital, she wrote that the water covering Mexico City’s streets was, in reality, a baptism. Her poetry is a comparable deluge.

In the 20th century, our culture took up an extreme sport: defining what it means to be Mexican. A standout example is “The Labyrinth of Solitude,” by Octavio Paz. Published in 1950, Paz’s essay endures for its imaginative associations and musical prose, though it is contentious : Some anthropologists and historians consider his definition of Mexicanness to be Manichaean and contrived. The same can be said of “Where the Air Is Clear,” Carlos Fuentes’s 1958 novel that features Mexico City as its protagonist. When the book was written, the capital had around five million inhabitants and could still sit for a portrait as a whole. Today, you would need a conference of authors to fully capture the metropolitan area’s 20 to 23 million residents — our margin of error alone is the size of a European city. Although Fuentes’s chorus of colloquial voices has aged, the book remains a foundational work on the Mexican capital.

What did authors who came to visit have to say?

Jack Kerouac once wrote a letter to his friend William S. Burroughs asking if it was dangerous to travel to Mexico. Burroughs, who was living in the country at the time, answered roundly, “Don’t worry: Mexicans only kill their friends.”

Many foreigners have benefited from Mexico City’s peculiar hospitality, where hell is mixed with heaven. Close to the capital, in Cuernavaca, Malcolm Lowry encountered the delusions that allowed him to write his powerful saga of the mind, “ Under the Volcano . ” D.H. Lawrence bore witness to the moment that Aztec idols were disinterred like emissaries from a different time. Lawrence’s Mexican novel, “The Plumed Serpent,” can’t match his short stories or “Lady Chatterley’s Lover,” but it nonetheless offers an impressive record of the ways in which an ancient past still influences the present.

In “ The Savage Detectives ,” the Chilean novelist Roberto Bolaño , who had deep roots in Mexico City, suggests that there is no more poetic act than that of life itself, but finding enlightenment requires you to live in a new way. Bolaño’s poets are secret investigators of experience: savage detectives, indeed.

Describing Mexico to the rhythm of a highway has always been a literary temptation. When former President Donald J. Trump declared that Mexicans were a threat to the United States, the American writer Paul Theroux — the dean of travel writing — decided to meet his alleged enemy. Having spent a lifetime boarding trains around the globe, Theroux crisscrossed Mexico by car until he reached the Zapatistas in Chiapas. The result, “ On the Plain of Snakes ,” is a brilliant travelogue.

What books capture current Mexico?

Fernanda Melchor ’s “ Hurricane Season ” deals with the violence that has devastated Mexico, leaving us with a death toll akin to that of a civil war. According to Reporters Without Borders, Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world in which to be a journalist. Melchor shows that the most terrible news can only be delivered in a novel.

Valeria Luiselli reconstructs the microcosm of a working-class neighborhood in “ The Story of My Teeth .” Originally written to accompany an exhibit in an urban art gallery, the novel traces the map of a deteriorated suburb and reinvents it through its imaginary inhabitants.

In the second half of the 20th century, Carlos Monsiváis operated as a nonstop chronicler, a one-man press agency covering all the layers of reality. “Mexican Postcards” is a collection of his best work. One of his obsessions was trying to understand the irresistible magnetism of Mexico City; its pollution and danger do little to prevent people from being drawn to a place so full of energy. A Monsiváis aphorism sums up the passion of belonging to this urban labyrinth: “The worst nightmare is the one that excludes us.”

It was in that spirit that I wrote “ Horizontal Vertigo: A City Called Mexico .” The product of 25 years of writing, the book attempts to recreate a city that, despite its apparent dehumanization, remains a cherished place in which to live. On the last page I write, “You belong to the place where you pick up the trash.” It’s easy to be proud of a city’s palaces and glories: The true test of belonging is being willing to deal with its waste.

It is no accident that the truest face of a chilango — an inhabitant of Mexico City — appears in the wake of disaster. After the earthquakes of 1985 and 2017 , Mexico City residents became a rescue team, proving that the rubble and ruins were ours. In “Nothing, Nobody,” Elena Poniatowska collects the testimonies of those who lived through the 1985 quake. She brings the same rigor to “Massacre in Mexico,” which features voices of survivors of the Oct. 2, 1968, tragedy , when police officers and the military opened fire on unarmed students in Tlatelolco Plaza. In both books, Poniatowska reaffirms that heroism in Mexico is a fact of daily life.

This city can feel like an extension of the body for those who live here. Are there books that reflect that?

In 1977, Fernando del Paso wrote an encyclopedic novel that takes place in the center of the capital, called “Palinuro of Mexico,” which follows a medical student during the student movement of 1968. As he learns anatomy, he also discovers connections with the other body that surrounds him: Mexico City itself.

This organic appropriation of the urban landscape was more recently explored in “ The Body Where I Was Born ,” by Guadalupe Nettel. Her protagonist lives in the Olympic Village, a housing complex built for athletes to use during the 1968 Olympics that was later transformed into a compound for exiled Chileans and Argentines. The narrator feels alienated from her own body, and identifies an unsettling correlation between her unstable identity and the neighborhood of misfits.

In “ The Mutations, ” Jorge Comensal adds humor to this literary trend. His main character is a lawyer who loses the power to speak because of tongue cancer. A parrot becomes his confidante, leaving the man who once litigated in court silenced by his body and reliant on another species to express himself.

What bookstores should I visit?

In the south of the city, the immense Librería Gandhi, which just celebrated a half-century since its opening, has served as a substitute university for multiple generations. In the city center, Donceles Street is full of old bookstores where luck and curiosity can lead to miraculous discoveries.

Translated by Benjamin Russell.

Juan Villoro’s Mexico City Reading List

“The True History of the Conquest of New Spain,” Bernal Díaz del Castillo

“Selected Works,” Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz

“The Labyrinth of Solitude,” Octavio Paz

“Where the Air Is Clear,” Carlos Fuentes

“Under the Volcano,” Malcolm Lowry

“The Plumed Serpent,” D.H. Lawrence

“The Savage Detectives,” Roberto Bolaño

“On the Plain of Snakes,” Paul Theroux

“Hurricane Season,” Fernanda Melchor

“The Story of My Teeth,” Valeria Luiselli

“Mexican Postcards,” Carlos Monsiváis

“Horizontal Vertigo: A City Called Mexico,” Juan Villoro

“Nothing, Nobody” and “Massacre in Mexico,” Elena Poniatowska

“Palinuro of Mexico,” Fernando del Paso

“The Body Where I Was Born,” Guadalupe Nettel

“The Mutations,” Jorge Comensal

Juan Villoro ’s award-winning writing crosses genres and includes “ The Reef ,” a dystopian novel about tourism that is being adapted for television, and “ The Wild Book ,” about a book that refuses to be read, which has been translated into more than 10 languages and is being adapted into a movie by the actor and director Gael García Bernal.

Let Books Take You to Your Next Destination

We asked renowned writers from around the world to compile literary guides to the places close to their hearts..

San Francisco: The Oakland novelist Leila Mottley shares books that paint a picture of a city that has had many lives, and still lives and breathes today .

Madrid: Elena Medel, a poet, forged her identity in the Spanish capital. She recommends books about the city  that “refuses to be reduced to an ideal.”

Seoul: Han Kang, who grew up in the capital of South Korea, recommends reading that draws from the various eras  that have defined her hometown.

Utah: The U.S. state is a place of paradoxes. The writer Terry Tempest Williams recommends books to help you explore its many facets .

Salvador: The writer Itamar Vieira Junior says that to feel the intensity of life on the streets of the Brazilian city, a reader must start with Jorge Amado .

Kerala : The author Abraham Verghese offers a guide to the literature  of this strip of coastal territory at India’s southern tip.

Top 7 Mexico Guidebooks

An essential item in your trip planning toolkit is a good guidebook. Being able to do a lot of research online before traveling is great, but nothing beats being able to carry a book you can consult anywhere on the road. Here is a list of recommended Mexico guidebooks to help you choose the best one for you.

Lonely Planet Mexico

Among the most comprehensive guidebooks on the market, Lonely Planet's Mexico Guidebook is popular with backpackers and ideal for independent budget travelers covering a lot of ground, particularly those who don't plan much in advance and need a wealth of information at the ready. If you're planning to stay in one area of Mexico, don't lug this tome around with you; get one of the regional guidebooks or purchase the individual chapters of interest to you that are available for download.

The Rough Guide to Mexico

The Rough Guide to Mexico is a publication geared toward budget travelers but is comprehensive enough to appeal to all. This guidebook contains detailed maps, essays on Mexican history and culture, a wide range of lodging options and recommendations for off-the-beaten-path places to visit. Some readers are put off by lack of some specific information such as bus schedules, however, schedules are subject to change, so instead of relying on this type of information from a guidebook, you're better off making your own inquiries about these specifics.

Fodor's Mexico

Fodor's Mexico guidebook has plenty of good information about the most popular tourist destinations but if you're planning to stray from the beaten path even a little bit you won't find any information to help you. Fodor's Mexico guidebook even completely leaves out Monterrey , Mexico's second largest city. This guidebook is visually pleasing, however, with good maps and photos, and the symbols in the margin help to easily find which places are recommended, sights that are good for children, and price ranges.

Eyewitness Travel Guide Mexico

Eyewitness Travel Guides are known for their comprehensive and detailed pictures, drawings, floor plans, maps and illustrations, and the Mexico edition is no exception. This guide is great as a planning tool, though since it's not updated yearly as some of the other guides, its information may not be as up-to-date. Use this mainly for before-trip planning.

Footprint Mexico

Footprint's Mexico guidebook manages to pack in an extraordinary amount of information, but with coverage of all seven Central American countries plus Mexico, it may be more than you need.

Let's Go Mexico

The Let's Go books are aimed primarily at budget travelers and backpackers. Even if you're not on a tight budget, you may find the information about traveling by public transportation to be helpful in your trip planning.

National Geographic Traveler: Mexico

Abundantly illustrated with glossy full color maps and photographs, National Geographic's Mexico guidebook tries to please both armchair travelers and adventure travelers alike. The essays on Mexican history, culture and food are well worth reading, but practical information is not as detailed as some of the other guides. This guide will help you sift out the best Mexico has to offer and is a good complement to other guidebooks.

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Mexico City Travel Guide

Your ultimate guide to mexico city, mexico, mexico city travel guide contents.

Location | Getting There | Where to Stay  |  Things to Do  |  Mexico City Tours  |  Travel Safety  | Mexico City Blogs |  FAQ

mexico city travel guide

Mexico city travel: at a glance.

Mexico City (aka CDMX or DF) is the fifth largest city on Earth, and North America’s biggest (and coolest ) city!

From hip neighborhoods  and Aztec history, to Xochimilco ‘s colorful boats, the amazing Teotihuacan UNESCO World Heritage Site, and of course, delicious tacos , there’s nowhere on Earth quite like Mexico City DF.

🤔 What is CDMX and DF?

You’ll often see Mexico City abbreviated as CDMX. This stands for Ciudad de Mexico en español, which means “Mexico City.”

You may also hear it called “DF,” which is short for  distrito federal , or federal district. 🗣 Note: DF is pronounced day-effay , not dee-eff.

Mexico City DF is about the equivalent of the “DC” in Washington DC. However, Mexico City is both a state and a district in Mexico, unlike Washington DC, which is only a U.S. district.

Mexico City Travel: Know before you go

• ✈️ Airport: Benito Juarez International Airport AKA Mexico City International (code: MEX)

⏰ Time Zone: Central Daylight Time (GMT-5)

• 💰 Currency: Mexican Peso
• 🗣 Language: Spanish, though English is common, and you may even hear some indigenous languages
• 🎫 Mexico Visa: The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, Japanese and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
• 🔌 Electricity Socket : You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the United States. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this  universal travel adaptor .
• 📲 Mexico SIM Card : Wondering, Do I need a SIM card for Mexico? The answer is yes, every traveler will want a one for the reasons explained in this article all about the best Mexico SIM cards .
• 🚙 Car Rentals : The Mexico rental car process can be a bit daunting, and many people are apprehensive to drive in a foreign country. I get it! Check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico for info on the process.

What’s the best time to visit Mexico City?

With its temperate weather, Mexico City is a year-round destination. However, October to April are the ideal months for Mexico City travel because this is the dry season.

It can be cold during the winter nights (think 45°F or 7°C at night from December to February), so some prefer the rainy season of May to September because it’s much warmer.

Where is Mexico City located?

Mexico City is located in Central Mexico — in ( about ) the dead center of the country! It borders seven other states, and makes for a great home base to explore Central Mexico on all these great Mexico City day trips .

Mexico City Map

What state is Mexico City in?

Mexico City is actually its own state — one of the 32 states in Mexico . However, this was a somewhat recent change, and before it became its own state, it was a part of Estado de Mexico (Mexico State).

What’s the best way to get to Mexico City?

The Mexico City Airport is the largest airport in Mexico, and you can find direct flights to Mexico City from many places all over the world.

The easiest, safest and best way to get from Mexico City Airport to your hotel is via private shuttle service , but you can also catch a taxi or Uber, or take the Metro, bus or other public transportation.

🚕💨 Note: If you’re planning to take Uber, make sure you have a Mexico SIM Card so you can call one. Trust me on this, the free Mexico City Airport WiFi is always spotty, so you’ll need data to call your Uber.

Best neighborhoods in Mexico City

Wondering where to stay in Mexico City? The majority of visitors stick to the Roma and Condesa area, or Polanco and Reforma area. These are safe and central neighborhoods, close to many things to do in Mexico City !

The four areas highlighted below are where I recommend all travelers stay, but Coyoacan and Centro Historico (Downtown) are also good options.

Roma & Condesa

From beautiful architecture, pretty parks, walkability, cute cafes, street art, street tacos, and a chill vibe, Roma and Condesa are two of the best Mexico City neighborhoods. These sister neighborhoods are located next to one another. 

Colonia Roma (Rome Colony) consists of Roma Norte  (North Rome) and Roma Sur (South Rome); many prefer Roma Norte, though both are nice. You’ll sometimes see Condesa referred to by its official name,  La Condesa (The Countess).

Polanco & Reforma

While Roma and Condesa have a hip feel, Polanco and Reforma are all about luxury. In fact, Polanco is known as the most posh area in Mexico City, and its main street, Avenida Presidente Masaryk, is called the Rodeo Drive of Mexico City .

Reforma is the name of one of Mexico’s main streets, Avenida Reforma , but also the neighborhood’s name. In Reforma, you’re right next to Chapultepec Park , and surrounded by skyscrapers, upscale hotels, cool street art and more.

Best things to do in Mexico City

Besides all the mouth-watering  Mexico City tacos 🌮 you’re going to want to devour, there are also a good amount of Mexico City day trips just outside of the city to see the beautiful nature, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, colorful colonial cities, pueblos magicos (magic towns), and much more.

Discover some of the Mexico City highlights below ⤵

Xochimilco Boat Cruise

Teotihuacan Pyramids

Chapultepec Park & Castle

Mexico City Museums

Mexico City Day Trips

Lucha Libre Mexican Wrestling

Stroll Centro Historico

Eat ( way too many ) Tacos

Grutas de Tolantongo

Best mexico city tours.

Tours in Mexico City are a great way to see the sites and all the surrounding areas — and unless you’re planning to rent a car in Mexico City (I don’t recommend this!) , tours are the best way to get around because transportation costs can add up quickly.

Is Mexico City safe for tourists?

According to experts, you are statistically quite safe while visiting Mexico, including Mexico City. That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Cancun Mexico City; they do.

As with all big cities, it has good and bad areas. If you stick to these  best neighborhoods in Mexico City , and avoid ones like Tepito and Doctores, you’ll likely be be safe in Mexico City.

Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is  yes . —Carlos Barron, FBI Veteran (source:  Forbes )

As with traveling anywhere, you’ll also need to follow general travel safety measures, like not walking home alone at night and staying aware of yourself and surroundings. For an added safety measure, pack these  travel safety items , dress in a way so your Mexico City outfits blend in with the locals, and buy a Mexico SIM card .

Is Mexico City safe for solo travelers?

On a personal note, I lived in Mexico City by myself for one year, and felt quite safe. Now, this wasn’t magic; I made it a priority to stay safe by not walking home alone at night, never drinking too much, etc. Check out my Mexico City Solo Travel Guide for more info on Mexico travel safety for solo female travelers.

What’s the best travel insurance for Mexico?

This is a question I get a lot as a Mexico travel writer and Mexico expat. To determine which Mexico travel insurance is best for you , consider factors like the policy’s total cost, your deductible, the coverage you need, your medical benefits, etc.

🏆 In general, I only ever recommend three companies to purchase Mexico travel insurance from:

• World Nomads — For general travelers and adventure travelers.
• SafetyWing — For general travelers and digital nomads in Mexico.
• Travel Insurance Master — Mexico travel insurance search tool, for those who want to compare policies.
• 👉 Click on any of the links above to get a FREE quote on your policy!

Mexico City Blogs: Learn more about Mexico City travel 🇲🇽

Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade 2024: Ultimate Guide

Mexico City Day of the Dead 2024: Best Things to Do & More

Mexico City to Teotihuacan: 5 Best Ways to Get There in 2024

Mexico city travel: frequently asked questions, can you drink the water in mexico city.

No — Unfiltered Mexico tap water is not safe for human consumption. However, you will need to keep drinking water and to stay extra hydrated, as Mexico is quite close to the Equator. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico. So what can you do?

• If you’re renting a Mexico City Airbnb or VRBO with a kitchen, you can boil the water before drinking it.
• You can keep buying bottled water — Though this gets expensive, and is horrible for the planet!
• Use the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle . This refillable bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and is good for the planet ♻️ Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15!

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals and more. I personally own one, as you can drink Mexico water from any source (even the tap), and be completely safe.

Will I get altitude sickness in Mexico City?

Maybe — Altitude sickness is very random, and can happen to anyone who’s at a high elevation. In case you didn’t know, Mexico City is about 1.5 miles above sea level, a half-mile higher than Denver, Colorado, “The Mile High City.”

For this reason,  everyone  who’s traveling to Mexico City should come prepared. Check out this guide — Mexico City Altitude Sickness: How to Prevent & Treat It .

🧳 Mexico Packing list

Wondering what else you need on your packing list for Mexico? Check out this guide — Ultimate Packing List for Mexico + FREE Checklist Download !

What’s the Mexico City weather like?

Weather-wise, Mexico City has what is known as the Eternal Spring climate, meaning it’s never super hot or super cold — so you really can visit year-round. However, during the Mexico City rainy season from about April to September, it can rain quite a bit.

The best time for Mexico City travel is during the dry season, from about October to April . The summers are nice as well, just with a much higher chance of rain.

• The prettiest time of year in CDMX is from (approx.) February to early-April, when the bright purple jacaranda trees are in bloom!
• This also coincides with the Mexico butterfly migration at the Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary , located in the nearby town of Valle de Bravo . From about November to March, millions (maybe even billions ) of monarchs travel to Mexico from Canada.
• The city hosts the annual Parade of Alebrijes , the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) parade, and other festivities during the last week in October.

Is Mexico City worth visiting?

Yes — Mexico City CDMX is a unique Mexico destination that so many types of travelers will want to check out.

If you love big cities, you must visit Mexico City — the 5th largest city on Earth! For travelers who love culture, there are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico City, and abut 150 Mexico City museums .

Foodies will also fall in love with Mexico City, famed for both its street food tacos and Michelin Star Mexico City restaurants alike.

How many days do I need in Mexico City?

Mexico City is one of the biggest cities in the world — and the largest city in both Mexico, and all of North America. Realistically, you could spend a whole year there, and never run out of incredible things to do in Mexico City ! For a first time trip, four full days seems to be a sweet spot.

As with all big cities, you’ll want to have a great itinerary in place to make the most of your trip. This 4 Day Mexico City Itinerary takes you neighborhood by neighborhood, so you don’t miss any of the best things to see in Mexico City.

🗣 Mexico Language

Mexico Fun Fact : There’s actually no official language of Mexico!

Spanish is the most widely-spoken, so some mistakenly say Spanish is the official language of Mexico. However, the government actually recognizes 68 national languages, including the Nahuatl Aztec language, and the Maya language.

💰 Mexico Currency

Mexican Peso — Exchange rates vary, but have hovered around $18-21 pesos to $1 USD for about the last decade. You will find some places that take U.S. dollars, but usually at an unfavorable rate, so stick to using pesos in Mexico .

☀️ Mexico Weather

Mexico is a big country — the 7th largest on Earth, in fact! It’s hard to generalize the weather in Mexico, because it will vary greatly by where you’re traveling.

In general, temperatures are mostly mild everywhere all year long, though summers on the coast are hot and humid, and winters in Central and Northern Mexico are on the colder side. Throughout the whole country, the rainy season runs from (about) April through September.

✈️ Mexico Busy Season & Slow Season

• Mexico Busy Season: The busy season in Mexico runs October to March, as this is the dry season and you’ll get the best weather. December is the busiest month for tourism in Mexico.

• Mexico Slow Season : If you don’t mind some rain, you’ll often find the best travel deal during the Mexico slow season of April to September. Do keep in mind that June 1-November 1 is Hurricane Season, and Mexico beaches are all susceptible.

• Mexico Shoulder Season : The shoulder season is that magical time when prices are still low and the weather is good. The Mexico shoulder season is from about mid-October to November and January to early-April.

🧳 Download your FREE Mexico Packing Checklist here!

Check out this Ultimate Packing List for Mexico — so you know what to pack and what NOT to pack for Mexico! This article offers advice on packing for Mexico cities, and packing for a Mexico beach vacation.

Beyond what Mexico outfits and clothing you’ll want to bring, here are a few extra things to consider:

• Filterable Water Bottle: Mexico is close to the Equator, so you’ll need to stay extra hydrated. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.

A filterable, refillable water bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.

The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals and chemicals.

• Mexico SIM Card: Want to be able to use your phone in Mexico?! Of course you do! Pick up a TELCEL Mexico SIM card before your trip, and swap it out on the plane while you’re waiting to exit, so you have phone and data service the second you arrive in Mexico.

•  Anti-Hangover Meds: Planning to party hardy?! Make sure you’re not wasting any of your precious travel time with a hangover. Liquid I.V. has about 70,000 reviews on Amazon, and is considered the best defense against a hangover.

•  Sun Hat: No matter if you’re headed to the beach or a city, you’ll want to wear a hat to shield yourself from the strong Mexican sun. This cute sun hat is the perfect stylish and practical accessory for your Mexico vacation.

•   Sunscreen: As you’ll want to reapply a few times throughout the day, a light, Mineral-Based Sunscreen is ideal.

Headed to the beach? Do your part to practice responsible tourism in Mexico by only using an eco-friendly reef safe sunscreen while swimming. You can even ditch the sunscreen altogether and opt for a long sleeve swimsuit (AKA rash guard) instead.

•   Bug Repellent: Mosquitoes are common throughout Mexico — especially on the beaches! REPEL Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent. Don’t want to use a spray? Pick up some Mosquito Repellent Bracelets .

The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.

🤔 What is the mexico FMM ?

When you go through Customs & Immigration to enter the country, you’ll receive your Forma Migratoria Multiple , or FMM Tourist Card (sometimes listed as FMT). If you’re coming by plane or cruise ship, there is no charge; for those driving across the border, the FMM costs about $30USD.

In most circumstances, all visitors get a 180-day (six month) visa — so you can legally stay up to six months!

🚨 Have your FMM on you at all times

Keep in mind that though it’s called an FMM card , it’s actually just a small piece of paper. Keep your FMM on you at all times in your wallet, as this proves your legal status in Mexico. It’s rare, but if an officer stops you, they can ask to see your FMM.

🎫 Don’t lose your FMM!

You need to have your FMM on you at all times, as proof of your legal status in the country.

Be sure to keep track of your FMM, as you’ll have to give it back to an Immigration officer at the airport, cruise port, or land crossing when you’re leaving the country.

If you lose your FMM, there is a $600 peso ($30 USD) cost to replace it, and some paperwork you’ll need to fill out before you can leave the country.

If you’re flying home, plan to arrive at the airport about one hour earlier than you normally would to do the paperwork and pay the fine.

As this question doesn’t have a yes/no answer ( I wish it did! ), I do my best to answer it in depth in this article, Is Mexico Safe for Travelers Right Now ? However, for the most part, Mexico is actually statistically quite safe for all travelers — including solo travelers.

Check my Solo Female Mexico Travel page for more info.

💃 Mexico solo travel guides

Mexico is a big country, and it has plenty of amazing solo female travel destinations — like the ones featured in this article, Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Safe Destinations for Female Travelers .

In it, you’ll get recommendations of places to visit in Mexico, from solo travelers who have actually been to them.

🎧 solo travel podcasts

• Ep. 34 |  Planning your first Mexico solo trip • Ep. 40 | Tips for safe solo travel in Mexico • Ep. 53 | 30 Solo female travel tips, Pt. 1

To answer the question, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? — YES , it’s considered safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.

As the country is quite large, road trips are a great way to see a lot in a little time, and especially popular in the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California Peninsula.

The one caveat to Mexico driving safety is that you’ll be in a foreign country, unfamiliar with their laws and customs. Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know , where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips!

🚙💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company? Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies to get you the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!

As a general rule, you’ll want to know at least a few words of Spanish when visiting anywhere in Mexico. This is both a sign of respect, and will also help you have a better, smoother trip.

If you stick to the more touristic places in Mexico, you should be fine with basic Spanish. For those planning to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in pueblos  (small towns) speak little to no English.

🗣 Here are some options:

• Brush up on your Spanish: Use a language-learning program like Rocket Spanish , so you’re confident, and conversational, before your trip.
• Download the Google Translate App: For this to work at all times, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card with data — as the app won’t work when you’re off-WiFi.
• Travel with a Mexico phrasebook: This Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook is an Amazon best seller, and a great non-digital language assistant!
• Save this infographic an image on your phone. This way, you have access to these common words, phrases and questions, even when you’re off-WiFi.

© Dowraik/Shutterstock

Mexico City

A high-octane megalopolis boasting old-school cantinas, intriguing museums, inspired dining and boating along ancient canals, Mexico City is the sun in the Mexican solar system.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Palacio de Bellas Artes

Alameda Central

Immense murals by world-famous Mexican artists dominate the top floors of this splendid white-marble palace – a concert hall and arts center commissioned…

Palacio Nacional

Centro Histórico

As the seat of the federal branch of the Mexican government, the Palacio Nacional (National Palace) is home to the offices of the president of Mexico and…

Torre Latinoamericana

The Torre Latinoamericana was Latin America’s tallest building when constructed in 1956, and remains the dominant focal point of Centro Histórico. It's an…

Museo Frida Kahlo

Coyoacán & San Ángel

Renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo was born in, and lived and died in, Casa Azul (Blue House), now a museum. Almost every visitor to Mexico City makes a…

Templo Mayor

Before the Spaniards demolished it, the Aztec 'Great Temple' Teocalli of Tenochtitlán covered the site where the cathedral now stands, as well as the…

Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo

If you saw the movie Frida (2002), you’ll recognize this museum, designed by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera's friend, architect and painter Juan O’Gorman…

Museo Casa de León Trotsky

The Trotsky home, now a museum, remains much as it was on the day when one of Stalin's agents, a Catalan named Ramón Mercader, caught up with the…

Museo Mural Diego Rivera

This museum is home to one of Diego Rivera’s most famous works, Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda Central (Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the…

Top picks from our travel experts

10 top things to do in mexico city.

Xochimilco Canals

Hundreds of colorful trajineras (gondolas) await passengers at the village’s 10 embarcaderos to paddle you through the waterways dotted with birdlife and…

Biblioteca de México

Mexico City's mega-library holds over 500,000 volumes and an extensive maps collection. Design and architecture fans should visit just to witness the…

11 of the best free things to do in Mexico City

Museo Soumaya

Polanco & Bosque de Chapultepec

Someone ought to tell Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim that bigger isn't always better. Named after his late wife, this six-story behemoth (plated with 16…

Museo Nacional de las Culturas del Mundo

Constructed in 1567 as the colonial mint, this renovated museum exhibits the art, dress and handicrafts of Mexico's and the world’s cultures. Mixed in for…

Palacio Postal

More than just Mexico City’s central post office, this golden palace built in 1907 is an Italianate confection designed by the Palacio de Bellas Artes’…

Ex Teresa Arte Actual

Mexico City was built atop a sloshy lake bed and it's sinking fast, as evidenced by this teetering former convent. The 17th-century building now serves as…

Plaza Garibaldi

Every night the city’s mariachi bands belt out heartfelt ballads in this festive square. Wearing silver-studded outfits, they toot their trumpets and tune…

Museo Jumex

Museo Jumex was built to house one of Latin America's leading contemporary art collections. Temporary exhibits draw on a collection of around 2600 pieces…

The heart of Mexico City is the Plaza de la Constitución. Residents began calling it the Zócalo, meaning ‘base,’ in the 19th century, when plans for a…

Created in the late 1500s by mandate of then-viceroy Luis de Velasco, the Alameda took its name from the álamos (poplars) planted over its rectangular…

Catedral Metropolitana

One of Mexico City’s most iconic structures, this cathedral is a monumental edifice: 109m long, 59m wide and 65m high. Started in 1573, it remained a work…

Castillo de Chapultepec

A visible reminder of Mexico’s bygone aristocracy, the ‘castle’ that stands atop Chapultepec Hill was begun in 1785 but not completed until after…

Zona Rosa & Reforma

The symbol of Mexico City, known as 'El Ángel' (The Angel), this gilded Winged Victory on a 45m-high pillar was sculpted for the independence centennial…

Tianguis Cultural del Chopo

A gathering place for the city’s various youth subcultures – especially goth, metal, indie and punk – with most of the outdoor vendor stalls selling new…

Basílica de Guadalupe

A cult developed around this site after a Christian convert named Juan Diego claimed in December 1531 that the Virgin Mary appeared before him on the…

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Things to Know

Be a better traveler with this guide to health, safety and etiquette in Mexico City.

Best Neighborhoods

Location is everything in Mexico City, and we've put together a list of the best neighborhoods that are easily walkable and full of charm and character.

While there is plenty to keep you busy in Mexico City, the central region of Mexico is filled with pueblos mágicos that are well worth your time. 

Money and Costs

If you want to visit Mexico City but have a tight budget, these practical travel, accommodation, and going-out tips have got you covered.

Transportation

Whether it's cycling, tackling the sprawling subway, or crossing the city by cable car, here is how to navigate Mexico's mighty capital.

Free Things to Do

Stretch your pesos even further with our round up of the best free things to do in Mexico City.

Traveling with Kids

Heading to Mexico City with your kids? Check out these top family-friendly activities and tips for planning your trip.

Spending Diaries

A detailed diary of how to book accommodation, take in superb museums and eat very well in the Mexican capital for under $500.

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Mexico City and beyond

Our Top 11 Book Recommendations Featuring Mexico City

Northern England Writer

It’s no surprise that an appealing yet conflicting metropolis like Mexico City finds itself the subject of any number of poems, novels and pieces of non-fiction. While in this guide we’ve predominantly focused on fictitious literary efforts (with few exceptions), the possibilities are endless if you want to read about the Mexican capital. Here are the top 11 recommended texts featuring Mexico City, by both native and foreign authors.

Down the rabbit hole by juan pablo villalobos.

Juan Pablo Villalobos’ debut novel is slight but excellent, providing a new perspective – that of a child – on the drug wars that have, are and probably will continue to, ravage Mexico. We’re guided by seven-year-old Tochtli ( Nahuatl for ‘rabbit’), the son of Yolcaut (Nahuatl for ‘rattlesnake’). Yolcaut is a leading figure in the belly of the drug underworld, who exposes his son to all the goings on of his ‘business’ life; as a result, Tochtli is frighteningly informed. Villalobos’ trademark dark humour throughout makes Down The Rabbit Hole a fascinating and enjoyable read.

Nada, nadie. Las voces del temblor by Elena Poniatowska

The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolaño

A classic of Chilean literature , The Savage Detectives is actually set in Mexico City and expertly weaves its tale through the streets of this vast capital. Based in 1975, it follows a 17-year-old poet as he gets immersed in the world of a strange literary movement, all the while navigating the streets of Mexico City. Widely considered to be one of Roberto Bolaño’s greatest achievements, The Savage Detectives is nothing short of essential reading for anyone interested in Latin American literature as a whole.

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Tristessa by Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac is considered by some as the best writer of the Beat generation, while to others he’s merely an overhyped alcoholic. Either way, he’s undeniably a literary icon . Despite being infinitely better known for On The Road, he was also the author of a novella based entirely in Mexico City; Tristessa. Set predominantly in the historic centre and La Roma, Tristessa follows his turbulent relationship with a Mexican prostitute. Despite her real name being Esperanza (hope), he nicknames her Tristessa (an Anglicization of tristeza, or sadness).

Hotel DF by Guillermo Fadanelli

Literally set in a Mexico City hotel – there is actually a Hotel DF in the capital to this day – our narrator Frank ( Fadanelli’s alter-ego) tells us of both the visitors and locals that pass through its doors. Each story gives a fresh perspective on the megalopolis of Mexico City through the eyes of those that have just arrived, making it an interesting read for both those who have been before and those who have yet to stop by.

Las batallas en el desierto by José Emilio Pacheco

One of Mexico’s greatest authors and poets, José Emilio Pacheco , is the brains behind Las batallas en el desierto. This is perhaps the perfect novella to start with if you want a decent introduction to his work and style, given that it is short and that its plot is excellent. It deals with the story of a young boy’s platonic love for an older woman, all the while evoking the streets of Mexico City and the social and political context of 1940s Mexico in general. It was also the inspiration for one of Café Tacuba’s most popular songs, ‘Las batallas’.

Instrucciones para vivir en México by Jorge Ibargüengoitia

Instrucciones para vivir en México brings together a selection of Jorge Ibargüengoitia’s journalistic efforts from the years 1969-1976. The second non-fiction entry, this text penetrates to the heart of daily life in Mexico City, while giving the reader a genuine insight into the lives of the capital’s inhabitants and the incomparable bureaucracy for which this country is infamous. You’ll come away perhaps perturbed, but also better informed and entertained due to Ibargüengoitia’s distinct, darkly humorous approach.

La Perdida by Jessica Abel

La Perdida is a comic book series turned graphic novel by American writer and artist Jessica Abel, who moved to Mexico City in 1998 for two years. Originally published between 2001 and 2005, it was compiled into a single text in 2006. Notable for its heavy focus on dialogue (the speech bubbles often dominate the panels), Abel also incorporated in some Spanish punctuation and vocabulary. The story itself centres on Carla, a Chicana who moves to Mexico City to get better acquainted with her own heritage.

Amor propio by Gonzalo Celorio

The first novel by the writer who was the former director of the Fondo de Cultura Económica , Amor propio is a colloquially written and intelligent novel seemingly about three different characters. In reality, they are all the same person but at various stages of their life – Moncho is the child, Ramón the teen and Aguilar the adult, and all of them are trapped in the same system. Ultimately a text about the 1968 student protests, which were to have a devastating end for some during the Tlatelolco massacre, it’s a true coming-of-age novel .

Faces in the Crowd by Valeria Luiselli

Valeria Luiselli has long been described as a rising star of the contemporary Mexican writing scene , however we think it’s fair to say she’s now happily established as one of the best authors of this generation. Her debut novel Faces in the Crowd (Spanish: Los ingrávidos ) depicts an unhappy narrator who embarks on the novel writing process, before being sucked into the world of the Gilberto Owen (a lesser known Harlem Renaissance author). Don’t expect a satisfying resolution in this masterful text.

El miedo a los animales by Enrique Serna

A detective novel by Enrique Serna , El miedo a los animales brutally depicts the corruption and narco-culture that pervades day to day life in Mexico City, especially after dark. Published over 20 years ago, many of the characters were based on actual public figures and while many wrote off the text as nothing more than bitter when first published, it grew in popularity. While this text is set in Mexico City, its references constantly hark back to Los Angeles .

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The Best Mexico City Bookstores for Books in English

I have an addiction. I arrive in a new city and plan to see the sights, but when I stumble across a bookshop en route, I can’t help but pop in “for five minutes”. Several hours later, I leave with my purse much lighter and my backpack significantly heavier. Yet, despite my lack of Spanish, this has not stopped me in Mexico – “Tiene novelas en Ingles?” And through my illness, I have discovered the best Mexico City bookstores (for books in English, that is!)…

El Pendulo, multiple branches in Mexico City

Cafebreria El Pendulo is literally what I imagine heaven to be like: a bookshop/café, with occasional live music, titles available in English, excellent coffee and strong WiFi. My favourite branch is in Condesa, though the one in Polanco is also amazing.

From bestsellers, to biographies, to poetry, to science fiction, basically El Pendulo is one of the most popular Mexico City bookstores and one of the best cafes too for a reason. It’s paradise!

A full list of locations can be found here .

Under the Volcano, Condesa

If you’re like me and you like your bookstores a little less mainstream, then Under the Volcano is your Mecca. Brimming with used and secondhand tombs by alternative as well as bestselling authors, this libreria takes its name from the novel of the same name by English writer Malcolm Lowry, set in a small Mexican town on the Day of the Dead.

Under the Volcano (the bookstore) is small, but quality won out over quantity here, as I wanted to buy just about everything in this little shop.

In fact, I reserved a copy of Jack Kerouac’s On the Road (I ironically lost my copy  on the road in California) and was eyeing up their selection of Joan Didion titles too. I planned to return the next day with cash, as they don’t take card, but unfortunately a pesky earthquake got in the way .

Under the Volcano is back up and running now though, and can be found in the Condesa area, here . They’re also looking for book donations. That is, if you’re the antithesis of me and can bear to let go of a good book.

Libreria Rosario Castellanos, Condesa

I was skeptical about Libreria Rosario Castellanos . Yeah, there are books, but it’s like it’s trying to be too many things: art exhibition space, crèche, bookstore, video store, café… and the feeling inside is definitely more HMV than “curl up with a good book and steaming coffee in a comfy chair”.

However, as much as I resent anywhere that sells a Nicholas Cage DVD boxset in the same place as the sacred pages of an actual  libro worth reading, I was pleasantly surprised by their collection of English reads.

They definitely cater more to the pop-fiction and young adult crowd, but there were a few interesting poetry anthologies, a wide selection of classics and tempting novels by authors such as Kurt Vonnegut, which I was loathe to put back on the shelf.

You can find the address here . It’s a big white building with a fancy curved entrance. You can’t miss it.

American Bookstore, Centro

I hate this place. American Bookstore is everything wrong with the world today, but I can’t deny that this is one of the few Mexico City bookstores that does indeed have English titles on its (poorly stocked) shelves. Lonely Planet once again deceived me when it said that this was one of the best Mexico City bookstores, simply because it stocks Lonely Planet guides .

Shame on you, LP. Shame.

1) The books are wrapped in cling film so you can’t open them. 2) There is literally nothing American about this place. It mostly specialises in English-Spanish dictionaries. The staff don’t even speak English. I don’t get it. 3)  Your choice is limited to pop-drivel like 50 Shades, Twilight and that Fault in our Stars shite that seems to be everywhere at the moment.

If you’re lucky, you might even find a copy of the Da Vinci Code.

If you read that last paragraph and thought, “What is Amy talking about? I love those books!” then this is the Mexico City bookstore for you, the address is here and also, we’re not friends any more.

La Calle de Donceles (Book Street), Centro

However, just as I was sighing and giving up hope of finding English books in Mexico City’s Centro Historico after the disaster that was the American Bookstore, I happened upon La Calle de Donceles , also known (at least by me) as Book Street.

Note: similar to how shopping works in Hong Kong and other places in Asia, all shops that sell the same thing seem to be on the same street. This is kind of pointless for staff in these stores, considering the competition, but also incredibly convenient for those doing the purchasing.

I popped my nose into one particular bookish hole in the wall and tentatively asked, “Tiene novelas en Ingles?” expecting the answer to be “No!” , but it was “Si!” and I ended up walking out with a copy of Brave New World, which has been on my to-read list for years!

Believing this to be an utter fluke (the store was playing and singing along badly to the best hits of The Beatles, so I thought perhaps they were just anglophiles), I tried the next store. Si! And the next. Si! And the next. Si!

Despite appearances, all these backstreet Mexico City bookstores had English titles, with a lot of diversity in choice and super-cheap prices. Plus, most of these bookshops are incredibly satisfying to walk around (see pictures), though I’ve no idea how anyone knows where anything is.

Be aware that these establishments will ask you to leave your backpack at the desk while you browse. Also, either by happy coincidence or perhaps employed as sentinels, all these book stores have cats.

The Best Bookstores in Mexico City Map

The Best Mexico City Bookstores for English Books… or have I missed one out?

Am I the only one who gets sucked in by that crumply paper smell and the promise of a good story? Do you have a good book recommendation (especially one about Mexico or written by a Mexican author)? Have I missed any excellent Mexico City bookstores that you believe should have a place on this list?

Then leave a comment below and also pin this for later because you never know when you might need to know the best Mexico City bookstores for English books…

For further reading (of course, what else?), I highly recommend Northern Lauren’s literary tours of Roma and Condesa , and the Historical Centre , as well as her list of must-read books about Mexico .

Or to learn where you can get free audiobooks and e-books read this post .

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27 thoughts on “ The Best Mexico City Bookstores for Books in English ”

I love books! And libraries! And bookstores! hahaha. I could spend hours just wandering around and browsing through books. LOL. El Pendulo in Condesa looks cozy. Are all these bookstores up and running now? Oh, and I’m in love with ‘crumply paper smell’, too. I would spend a couple of minutes smelling my book collection! 😛

Is it crazy that I now want to go to Mexico City just to visit El Pendulo?! It looks so cozy and heavenly!

This post is so unique to me, I don’t see many posts about bookstores! Can’t believe Lonely Planet! I rely on LP so much! This is quite the deceit!

This bookstore guide sounds ideal for Englis-speaking expats! Well done!

One of my favorite stories about Mexico City is actually a graphic novel called “La Perdida.” I highly recommend it. Thanks for this list – it’s hard to find English books here. My Spanish is pretty excellent now but my reading level doesn’t yet match the books I’d like to be reading.

That’s one thing the US is sorely missing these days: book stores! I went to a handful of grocery stores last month looking for a magazine issue I had written for, and I couldn’t find it anywhere…made me realize how much I miss brick-and-mortar book stores!

I think it’s a great idea to share bookstores where you can get books in English. With the focus on convenience these day, I find myself going fewer times to the bookstores and buying the Kindle versions online. But being in a bookstore has its own charm and the joy of opening books, feeling its pages and deciding which one to buy like no other. One of my favourite bookstores that I have seen in my travels are the Atlantis Books in Oia and Shakespeare & Co in Paris.

I feel you! I think I spend all my money in travels and books… but both are great investments! I’ll make sure to visit El Pendulo if I ever find myself in Mexico City. Thanks for sharing!

This is awesome! I always have trouble finding English bookstores when I travel, so this is super helpful. Now to make my way over to Mexico City again… 🙂

So many cosy places to sip a coffee and wander between books! Great share!

So many cosy places to sip a coffee and wander through books! I could see me get lost there for days and days! 🙂

Wow this is amazing. I am headed to Mexico City in December and I’ll be looking out for this book store. Looks so rustic and cozy as well. Thank you for sharing.

Wow! El Pendulo looks so cute! I wish I could visit Mexico soon.

Haha I love this post! Very honest and helpful. El Pendulo looks really cute, there’s not much better than combining delicious coffee with a cozy book ;). I live in Austria now and whenever I travel to an English-speaking country, I’m always relieved to be able to go to any bookstore and find books in English!! I could really use a post like this about Vienna 😉 haha

I love books and bookstores. When I pass by one, even in the most foreign cities, I can’t help but to have a peak. This list is amazing, perfect for picking up some new books during travels. Thanks for sharing!

You got me at El Pendulo, definitely visiting when in Mexico City. Thanks for sharing

What a niche and interesting article. Great go-to for when I head to Mexico to get some great reads. I actually enjoy being around all the books too. Thanks for sharing!

I love browsing through bookstores and I love Mexico City so I loved this post! Had no idea there were so many English bookstores so I will have to check some of these whenever I get back over there!!

That’s a very cool addiction! I bet it’s fascinating to see what bookstores are like in other countries. I went to one in Tokyo once where they wrapped every book in beautiful paper – it was lovely!

Ok first of all…that is a REALLY cute library!!! Second, this is so great to know! I wouldn’t have thought there would be bookstores with many English books!

My problem with American Bookstore is the service the staff treats you like trash

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Of course you missed the very best bookstore for books in English. It is called “Libros, libros, libros,” and it is located at Monte Ararat in Lomas de Barrilaco. It is the only bookstore filled with new books only in English.

My girlfriend and I are heading from Valle de Bravo to CDMX in a few days. Our plan is to do a walking used book store tour. I’ll use this as a starting point, thanks.

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Assouline’s new Mexico City book to inspire your trip

‘Mexico City’ by Aleph Molinar and Anfisa Vrube is a journey through the cultural landscape, Aztec history, cuisine, architecture and community

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Built on Aztec history, Mexico City has a rich cultural history worth recounting over and over again. Highlighting this cultural legacy is the latest addition to Assouline’s ever-growing ‘Travel Series’, Mexico City by Aleph Molinari and Anfisa Vrubel.

The beautiful monograph, filled with stunning images and interesting stories, covers the vast cultural landscape of one of the oldest inhabited settlements, and celebrates its contemporary cinematic appeal.

Mexico City book by Aleph Molinari and Anfisa Vrubel

Mexico City is wrapped in folklore and creativity, a constant source of inspiration for artists and creatives alike. The new book guides readers on an in-depth tour through boldly painted architecture in a rainbow of warm colours, shaded side streets hosting make-shift altars, and intricate textiles draped in local markets.

Young women, outfitted in traditional costumes, attend a folk festival in Mexico City, circa 1910

An assemblage of Día de los Muertos decorations

Molinari, who was born in Mexico City and is now based in Paris, and Vrubel, who lives between the Mexican capital and New York, delve into Mexico City’s indigenous, pre-Hispanic beginnings in the 14th century, and explore its distinctive colonial architecture with a Spanish baroque aesthetic, and the use of native materials such as cantera and tezontle (types of volcanic stone).

Brightly coloured still life of a cactus in Mexico City

Also celebrated are landmarks such as Diego Rivera’s Anahuacalli Museum and architect Juan O’Gorman’s Cave House, along with local cuisine, the city’s art scene, and festivals such as Día de los Muertos.

A collaboration between architect Ricardo Legorreta and artist Vicente Rojo, País de Volcanes, is a fountain consisting of over a thousand pyramids in a shallow pool

A participant takes part in the parade, starting from the Zócalo and ending in Paseo de la Reforma, during the Día de los Muertos, 2017

From Oaxacan photographer Enrique Leyva’s series Realismo Mágico II

Inside the Mexico City townhouse belonging to interior designer DirkJan Kinet

Inspired by Carlos Fuentes’ Where the Air Is Clear , Vicente Rojo created Pérgola Ixca Cienfuegos in Polanco

‘Mexico City’ by Aleph Molinar and Anfisa Vrube is available from Assouline .

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Born in Mexico City, Aleph Molinari is an editor, writer, art director and photographer. He is the co–editor in chief of Purple magazine, as well as a contributor to Materia Press, Art Observed and other publications. His work focuses on materializing culture through publications, exhibitions and campaigns. Among his projects, he co-curated the Purple Festival at the Palais Galliera in Paris, created a botanical sculpture for Soundwalk Collective and Patti Smith’s exhibition Evidence at the Centre Pompidou, and worked on the programming for Soundwalk Collective’s project The Third Eye at Karl Lagerfeld’s 7L Library. He lives in Paris.

Anfisa Vrubel is an editor, writer and researcher whose work focuses on the intersection of art, culture and politics. Vrubel is an editor-at-large at Art Observed and Purple magazine, where she contributes original features and interviews with artists and top thinkers in the fields of politics, ecology, art and culture. After studying government at Harvard, she pursued an editorial career, working for publications such as The Brooklyn Rail and its offshoot publication, The River Rail , which is devoted to environmental art and criticism. Vrubel grew up in New York City and lives between there and Mexico City.

The Classics Collection

Mexico City is an inexhaustible laboratory of urbanism.

— octavio paz, number of illustrations, released on.

November 2023

W 10 x L 13 x D 2 in

Cover materials

Linen hardcover

9781649802514

Aleph Molinari, Anfisa Vrubel

in partnership with one tree planted

Since 2019, Assouline has partnered with the non-profit organization One Tree Planted in their joint mission to create a more sustainable world. Through this partnership, Assouline plants one tree for every book sold. Once these trees reach maturity, Assouline aims to create a sustainable cycle by sourcing paper from the trees it has planted.

Standard Gift Wrapping

Assouline signature gift wrapping is available. When this option is selected, books are wrapped in a special white matte gift wrapping paper – sourced specifically by the Assouline family for an authentic approach and sealed with the brand’s signature red wax seal for the final touch of luxury.

THE ART OF LUXURY BOOKMAKING

Since its beginnings in 1994, Assouline has been dedicated to creating books that are as informational as they are beautiful works of art. The respect for the product and the process of creation is evident in every facet – the traditional technique of hand-binding covers, the imagery that transports the reader to another place and time, the luxurious thickness of each page.

Read Your Way Through Mexico City

Leah Rachel von Essen

By day, Leah Rachel von Essen is the editor-in-chief of Chicago Booth Magazine at the University of Chicago. By night, she reviews genre-bending fiction for Booklist , and writes regularly as a senior contributor at Book Riot. Her blog While Reading and Walking has over 10,000 dedicated followers over several social media outlets, including Instagram . She writes passionately about books in translation, chronic illness and bias in healthcare, queer books, twisty SFF, and magical realism and folklore. She was one of a select few bookstagrammers named to NewCity’s Chicago Lit50 in 2022. She is an avid traveler, a passionate fan of women’s basketball and soccer, and a lifelong learner. Twitter: @reading_while

View All posts by Leah Rachel von Essen

Late in January, I visited Mexico City. I escaped the frigid temperatures of the Midwest and dove into the world of sunlight and open-air bookstores, agave plants and early-morning tamales. But as I left, I had an important question: What should I bring to read? What books about Mexico City would best occupy me while I saw and explored the real thing?

I prefer to read books set in the place I’m visiting, and by authors who are from the country I’m in. I think that it both feels more legit that way—you’re connected to the place you’re visiting both when you’re in and out of your book—but also that it helps me find authors I haven’t read before, or pull me to classics that I should have read but haven’t yet, especially by authors of color. There are so many Mexican and Mexican-American authors that I should have read way earlier! And so much about Mexican history that I didn’t and should have known.

After my own digging for recommendations, here are my tips on what read if you’re visiting Mexico City, or if you just want to read more by some great Mexican or Mexican-American authors. As I visited the best bookish places in Mexico City , I dug into some of this fiction, and looked for these books on the shelves.

Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros

This is what I read throughout nearly my entire trip, and it was a sheer joy. Cisneros’s writing is full of humor, joy, vivid descriptions, snappy dialogue, and fun. It’s about Lala Reyes. Her family is visiting Mexico City from Chicago to stay with the Awful Grandmother. As the story unspools both backward and forward—into Lala’s coming of age and also back into the life story of the Awful Grandmother—you get this vivid picture of the Reyes family and its women, and their complex identities. It’s a gorgeous, fun book and was my perfect companion—I carried it up the pyramids, propped it up on the train ride to Coyoacán, and finished it in a quiet place in Chapultepec Park.

View this post on Instagram "Once in the land of los nopales, before all the dogs were named after Woodrow Wilson, during that epoch when people still danced el chotís, el cancán, and el vals to a violín, violoncelo, and salterio, at the nose of a hill where a goddess appeared to an Indian, in that city founded when a serpent-devouring eagle perched on a cactus, beyond the twin volcanoes that were once prince and princess, under the sky and on the earth lived the woman Soledad and the man Narciso."—CARAMELO by Sandra Cisneros ✨ #caramelo #sandracisneros #bookquotes #mexicocity #mexicanliterature #booksaboutmexico #goodbooks #bookrecommendation #booksandflowers A post shared by Leah Rachel von Essen (@whilereadingandwalking) on Jan 30, 2019 at 8:42am PST

Malinche by Laura Esquivel, translated by ernesto mestre-reed

I would have read this one in Mexico City if I could have found it on the shelves of my local bookstore in time. The author of Like Water for Chocolate writes about Malinalli, a member of a tribe conquered by Aztec warriors who was the interpreter for and then lover of Hernán Cortés when he first arrived. Esquivel writes the story of one of the most controversial figures in Mexico City—she has been painted as a traitor, a victim, and more. Esquivel tries to give her a voice in this novel.

The Story of My Teeth by Valeria Luiselli, translated by christina Macsweeney

This one is high on my to-read list. The main character is an older world traveler, auctioneer, and collector of famous people’s teeth. Luiselli’s book was named one of the best books of 2015 by a ton of different outlets (including NPR, Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly, and The New York Times ), and it’s all set in the industrial suburbs of Mexico City. Like  Malinche , this was one of the three novels I set up as an option for my main book to take with me to Mexico City, as it’s supposed to be absolutely superb.

Non-Fiction

The labyrinth of solitude by octavio paz.

This one is for the philosophers or non-fiction lovers. It’s for people who aren’t afraid to dig deep even in their vacation reading. 1990 Nobel Prize for Literature winner Octavio Paz digs in this essay collection into Mexico’s quest for identity, seeking in poetic and intellectual prose to examine Mexico’s people and their character and culture, defining a country hidden behind a “mask,” a solitude. I bought this book at a bookstore in the city, and have been slowly working through it since. It’s fascinating and beautiful, and I’m enjoying Paz’s interpretations so far.

View this post on Instagram I purchased El Diario de Frida Kahlo at Centro Cultural Elena Garro in Mexico City. I thought it was a good book to struggle through in Spanish—it felt right to read Kahlo's entries in her original language. And I had just become entranced with her at Casa Azul, the Frida Kahlo museum, so I was ready to learn more. It's now on my to-read stack. ✨ #eldiariodefridakahlo #mexicocity #centroculturalelenagarro #spanishbooks #booksintranslation #fridakahlo #casaazul #literarytravel #coyoacán #thediaryoffridakahlo A post shared by Leah Rachel von Essen (@whilereadingandwalking) on Jan 29, 2019 at 12:15pm PST

The Diary of Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Self-Portrait

One of the best stops on my Mexico City trip was Casa Azul, the house where Frida Kahlo grew up, learned to paint, and later lived with Diego Rivera. It’s a stunning museum, and her diary, which I bought in Spanish, is gorgeous and an intimate look into her life, her wonderings, and her pain, that serves as excellent accompaniment to the museum and its revelations. It’s a heavier hardcover, so maybe this is one to read before or after your trip; that said, having it to dig into just after I’d visited the museum was really wonderful, and the museum even references the diary at one point while showing her color palette.

Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs by Michael D. Coe and Rex Koontz

I recommend catching up on Mexican history in advance as much as possible. A lot of the museums I went to, from the Museum of Anthropology to the ruins themselves at Teotihuacán, understandably did not have substantiative captions or descriptions in English. I did much of my reading online, but I think it would be a good idea to read up on history both about the ancients…

Fire & Blood: A History of Mexico by T.R. Fehrenbach

…and even more importantly about modern Mexican history. I learned from talking to fellow tourists at Chapultepec Castle that so few people know much of anything about Mexican history after Cortés arrived! I don’t have a personal recommendation here because I just read as much as I could online, but I really encourage you to read up in advance, on the revolution, the viceroys, on Díaz, and more. This book covers up to the mid-1990s.

View this post on Instagram My decongestants buried my sinuses in a dry heap of sand today, so I'm distracting myself from the cold outside, and from my headache, by burying myself in my plans for Mexico City instead. Only two weeks now to wait! ✨ #mexicocity #bookishtravel #literarytravel #travelbooks #downanddeliriousinmexicocity #danielhernandez #lonelyplanet #atlasobscura #travellove #wintergetaway A post shared by Leah Rachel von Essen (@whilereadingandwalking) on Jan 5, 2019 at 12:18pm PST

Down & Delirious in Mexico City: The Aztec Metropolis in the 21st Century by Daniel Hernandez

I read this book as I prepared my trip to Mexico City. Hernandez, a Mexican-American, visits the City and finds himself unable to leave. He writes about subcultures and religious or spiritual cults in Mexico City in the early 2000s, using immersive journalism and interviews to report in a very personal way about groups—from the punk culture in the city and how it had to go underground for a long time, to the fashion and party culture and the ways it can go wrong. I loved this book. For me, it was a way to learn more about the sides of Mexico City I was unlikely to see or read about on my trip, and I appreciate the way it filled in some of the blank spaces.

What other recommendations do you have for me about Mexico City? Let me know in the comments!

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Mexico & Caribbean

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Including mexico city, cancun, tijuana, guadalajara, puerto vallarta and acapulco.

Explore the unique history and vibrant culture of Mexico with the AAA Mexico Guide. From the glittering resorts of Cancún to the underground river systems of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico offers a wide range of experiences for every type of traveler. Plan your next trip with the help of AAA’s digital guide, available now on mobile, tablet or desktop.

With the Mexico Guide, you’ll get advice from AAA travel experts about the best things to see and do, where to stay and how to plan the trip of a lifetime. You’ll learn insider travel tips and answers to many top questions asked by travelers. This guidebook includes information about the top things to do in Mexico City, Cancún, Tijuana, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and other cities in Mexico.

Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find in the digital AAA Mexico Guide:

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We know no two travelers are alike, so we’ve included a wide variety of things to do in each digital guide, from archeological ruins and outdoor parks to museums and cultural centers.

We cover the top Mexico tourist attractions including the Chichén Itzá ruins, Xcaret ecological park (home to freshwater sinkholes), the Tulum Ruins and popular Mexico City attractions like the National Palace (Palacio Nacional), the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes), the Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno), the Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana), and the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología).

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United flights to Mexico City

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United's most popular flights to Mexico City (MEX) 

*Prices have been available for round trips within the last 48 hours and may not be currently available. For Economy class, fares listed may be Basic Economy, which is our most restrictive fare option and subject to additional restrictions . Additional baggage charges and fees for other optional service may apply. Other terms and conditions may apply.

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Things to do after your flight to Mexico City (MEX)

Fly to Mexico City with United Airlines from over 200 airports within the United States and an additional 100 airports internationally.

Mexico City’s top attractions

• Visit the Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Museum of Anthropology), Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art) and Museo del Templo Mayor (Templo Mayor Museum).
• See the view of Mexico City from the top of the Castillo de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Castle).
• Take in the local vibe at Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square), known to many as Zócalo, a massive town square surrounded by historic architecture like the Palacio Nacional (National Palace).
• Experience Mexican culture through music at the National Music Library.
• Tour the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, a network of waterways preserved from the Spanish colonial era.

Best time to travel to Mexico City

The best time to visit Mexico City is from March to May, when the weather is clear and not too chilly. Visit from October 31 to November 2 to take part in the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities.

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More flights to Mexico City with United Airlines

• London - Mexico City