mexico city travel recommendations

North America Chevron

Mexico Chevron

Mexico City Chevron

The 27 Best Things to Do in Mexico City

By Scarlett Lindeman

Mexico City is changing rapidly from the influx of foreigners who have recently discovered the city’s infinite charms. There are dozens of new restaurants, parties, and projects that keep the vibrancy of this capital city (with a population of over 22 million) surging while the storied museums, ancient bars, and cultural sites maintain their standing. An intoxicating mix of ancient and new, you could spend a lifetime here and barely scratch the surface. While there's no way you’ll manage to cover all of the must see and dos in one trip, sticking to one neighborhood a day keeps things manageable. No matter how you end up spending your time in Mexico's capital, one thing is for sure—you’ll be scheduling your second trip before your first is even finished.

Read our complete Mexico City travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Colonia Juárez Arrow

The Juarez neighborhood has evolved in recent years. Once gritty, the area is now teeming with great boutiques, bars, parks, and restaurants like Masala y Maiz, which blends Mexican and Indian cuisines, and Niddo, a sunny corner spot that serves a divine brunch. There are loads of hotspots around the leafy central Plaza Washington: La Rifa for artisanal chocolates, Loose Blues for vinyls and vintage denim, and Elly's for natural wines and handmade pastas.

Luis Barragán House and Studio Arrow

The former home and studio of Pritzker-Prize-winning architect Luis Barragán has been transformed into a museum in Mexico City's Hidalgo District. Architecture and design lovers frequent the estate to study the artist's ingenious use of color, light, shadow, form, and texture. From the street, you'd never guess the personality that lies inside: The stark-gray façade humbly blends in with neighboring homes, but walk to the interior of the estate and you'll find striking walls in a kaleidoscope of bright colors, fountains, and pools.

Gran Hotel Ciudad de México Arrow

Even if you're not staying at this hotel on the Zócalo, it's worth stopping just to see the jaw-dropping interior. The building originally opened as a department store in 1899. Since then, its art nouveau bones have been carefully maintained: The curving staircase is a replica of the one at Paris's Le Bon Marché , and the antique elevator, made of iron and concrete, was the first of its kind in Mexico City. But the pièce de résistance is the incredible Tiffany stained-glass ceiling, imported from France in 1908.

El Moro Churerría Arrow

Early evening is churro time in Mexico City—families, couples, and friends all go out for a taste of sweet fried dough and chocolate. You'll often find lines snaking around the block outside this beloved churrería (churro shop). There are shops in Roma, Centro Historico, Condesa, Polanco, and Cuauhtémoc.   Most have spiffy interiors with blue and white tile, bright lighting, and long communal tables. Watch the cooks dip, fry, and sugar-coat your long, spindly churro, which is paired with hot chocolate in a flavor of your choosing.

Emily Saladino

Mark Ellwood

Floating Gardens of Xochimilco Arrow

Drive 40 minutes south of the city and you'll witness the closest approximation to the Valley of Mexico (in which Mexico City lies) before the arrival of the Spanish. The World Heritage Site of Xochimilco, the extensive lake and canal system that once connected most of the settlements in the valley, is an incredible vestige of the area's pre-Hispanic past. Start at the Embarcadero Belem dock to board a colorful gondola -like boat, called a trajinera , and explore the waterways and artificial islands or chinampas .

Palacio Nacional Arrow

Diego Rivera's famous mural The History of Mexico, showcases the Aztec era to the conquest to the Revolution to the development of industry. It's grandiose and captivating, a unique opportunity to learn about Mexico's past. Not to mention it's free: The mural is housed in a distinguished building east of the Zócalo that operates as a government office. Among the office workers milling about, you'll see a mix of local, national, and international tourists who come to be awe-stricken by Rivera’s masterpiece.

Templo Mayor Arrow

Templo Mayor (translation: main temple) was the centerpiece of Tenochtitlán, the ancient Aztec capital, constructed in 1325 in the marshes of Lake Texcoco. The temple was mowed over and replaced by a cathedral during the Spanish conquest in 1521. Today, the hulking stone ruins lie at the heart of Centro Histórico, embedded in the blueprint of downtown. Surrounded by streets and buildings, it is hard to imagine the temples in their original Aztecan glory, but the nicely organized museum helps paint the full picture.

Museo Frida Kahlo Arrow

The museum, also known as "Casa Azul" for its shocking cobalt blue exterior, is where Frida Kahlo was born, raised, lived, and died. Visitors can take in a few paintings by Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera, in addition to other contemporary artists of their era. But perhaps more interesting is the voyeuristic window into their creative world. The home is carefully preserved and maintained; it's easy to image the spaces as they were during Kahlo's time. In addition to their personal effects and domestic materials, the collection of clothes and corsets Frida needed to support her body after her traumatic accident give an intimate look at the artist's daily struggles.

Sculpture Garden at the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo Arrow

Located on the outskirts of Mexico City proper, at the National Autonomous University of Mexico campus, the Sculpture Park is totally off the tourist track. Featuring a range of grand outdoor sculptures, the park is best explored by foot. The sculpture space, which looks like a giant crater, is one the top things to spot. It's built around lava (which can be seen in the center) and has wonderful views from the ledge.

Mercado Jamaica Arrow

The city’s principal flower market offers visitors a fragrant, colorful walk through much of the region’s native flora and fauna, available to be bundled into a bouquet and taken back to your home. Available for your admiration are roses, lilies, daisies, ferns, and violets galore, among other rare and special species. Visit during Dia de Muertos to see trucks carting in pink and orange cempasuchil , or Mexican marigolds, for family members to buy to decorate their ofrendas at home or their loved ones’ graves. Build a bundle to decorate your hotel room with—or better yet, to dry and frame as a memory for when you return home.

Monumento a la Revolución Arrow

This landmark, located in the heart of Mexico City, commemorates the Mexican Revolution and is the largest triumphal arch in the world. The main structure evolved over twenty-five years of stops and starts and a major redesign. It was finished in 1938, to comprise an eclectic blend of art-deco and Mexican socialist realism styles. A visit to the top observation deck only costs 110 pesos ($5) and there's a museum underground. You don't need much time to witness the glory of the monument. Saunter around, gawk at the creative architectural stylings of the structure, and walk under the arches. History nerds may be more interested in the small museum below, but more than anything it's an architecturally significant piece, and the observation deck has great views. If you keep your eyes peeled while exploring around town, you'll most likely catch a glimpse of the monument down a main street—but a quick glimpse isn't enough, and it's worth the quick 15-minute trip to walk underneath it.

Omusubi House Arrow

In a small storefront in Roma Norte, the husband and wife team, Ichiro Kitazawa and Varia Gonzáles Manuel work side-by-side in the miniscule kitchen, cupping steamed rice into palm-sized balls. They will sink sauteed sweet potato into the omusubi which are speckled like confetti with purple and wild rice, a marriage of Mexican ingredients and Japanese technique. They met while working at a Japanese restaurant years back when Mexico City was still called DF, the federal district. He had arrived ten years earlier by way of Osaka, as a hippy backpacker intent on photographing Latin America but fell into cooking; and she, from Puebla. “Omusubi translates to tying up or to bring together” Kitazawa explains, “which is how we wrap the rice”—and a sound metaphor for the forging of connections between their two countries.

Cárcamo de Dolores Arrow

Second or third-time visitors to Mexico City who think they've seen everything will find something new here. This historic but infrequently-visited site was constructed in 1951 as a hydraulic water system connected to the city's main water lines. And while it no longer acts as a municipal water work but rather a museum and cultural landmark, it underscores the city's complicated relationship with water. In the lesser-traveled section of Chapultepec, it is currently under renovation and closed to the public, though the massive Rivera sculpture of the Azteca water god Tlaloc out front can still be admired.

Eat Like a Local Arrow

Eat Like a Local, a Mexico City–based company, runs culinary tours that immerse visitors in the city's vast food scene. Rocio, the guide, has long been a food blogger , and her knowledge about the Mexico City's food scene is totally on point. She's also passionate about connecting tourists with locals, and impacting Mexico City in a positive, sustainable way. There's a set itinerary, but she's flexible—so go on, order another mezcal or pork carnitas, if you like.

Museo Jumex Arrow

Museo Jumex houses one of Latin America's largest private contemporary art collections, which includes works by Andy Warhol, Martin Kippenberger, Cy Twombly, and Damien Hirst. Mediums range from paintings and drawings to light and video installations. The building is as distinctive as the art: British architect David Chipperfield designed the 15,000 square-foot white-concrete cube with a sawtooth top. (Plus the Soumaya Museum is just across the square, so you can feed two birds with one scone.) 

Self-Guided Centro Historico Cantina Crawl Arrow

It's easy to pop around in Centro, hitting up a few cantinas to have a drink or two and to soak up the style of these classic, dive-y spots. The more friends you bring and make, the better. Locals and regulars alike hit the cantinas, which maintain a storied baseline for the drinking culture of Mexico City. Musicians pass through, sorrows are drowned, and gains celebrated. Many cantinas serve food, some better than others, and will often gift snacks and small plates if you consume around three drinks, though each spot has its own rules. Beer and tequila prevail. Simple cocktails, built-in-the-glass rum and cokes, margaritas, sangria, rum, brandy, and mezcal. Some cantinas are known for certain drinks, but craft cocktails this is not.

Lucha Libre at the Arena Coliseo Arrow

A giant venue that hosts sporting and entertainment events, the Arena seats as many as 23,300 spectators. It's best known for hosting Lucha Libre wrestling matches. The stadium is sprawling, and some seats are certainly better than others, depending on how much money you're willing to fork out. If you're here because you're a true Lucha Libre fan, make sure to sit in the front row; if you're here to have a fun night out with friends, the cheap seats will do just fine.

Teotihuacán Arrow

The ancient Mesoamerican pyramids of Teotihuacán, in the Valley of Mexico, once served as the largest city in the pre-Columbian Americas. It is thought that during the first millennium A.D. the city had around 125,000 people, including multi-ethnic groups such as the Otomi, Zapotec, Mixtec, Maya, and Nahua. If you have a few days in Mexico City, it's worth the day trip . (Teotihuacán is about an hour outside the city by car.) Leave early in the morning so you can be back in the city by mid-day—and bring sunscreen!

The Centro Zocalo Historico Bodealores   Arrow

The boleadores are dotted around the perimeter of downtown's main square (and almost every other park and plaza in the city) but you'll have a great view of the cathedrals, flagpole, and Palacio Nacional if you get your shoes shined here. Climb up on the elevated perch of the boleador's chair and they will make your boots shine anew. At 50 to 100 pesos ($3 to $6), it's one of the cheapest shoe-shine experiences around. Boleadores are an important part of Mexican street culture and a fixture of pedestrian avenues, a living-breathing mid-century heritage that is not in danger of dying out. But with the proliferation of cheap plastic shoes and mass-market tennis sneakers, "limpiabotes" are a hand-crafted service for giving leather shoes a new life.

Museo Anahuacalli Arrow

Awesome, grand, and out-of-the-way, Anahuacalli is part studio, part museum, and part shrine for Mexican art that Diego Rivera built as an architectural piece uniting past, present, and future to the natural environment. Rivera's personal and expansive collection of pre-Hispanic figurines, carvings, and totems accumulated over a lifetime. The museum itself was constructed around a swath of rocky terrain Rivera and Khalo had purchased for a farm. The main collection features nearly two thousand figurines representing Olmecs, Toltecs, Nahuas, Zapotecs, the people of Teotihuacan, and those of northeastern Mexico as well as Rivera's sketches for murals. There are also temporary exhibits of more modern Mexican artists, with a recent rotation of 30 textural works by Robert Janitz—paintings, large-format sculptures, and an NFT.

Patrick Miller Arrow

From the outside, this dance club looks like dumpy warehouse hidden behind a black gate in Roma Norte. But come on a Friday (the only day it's open), and you'll find a raging party that offers a glimpse of the city's extant disco subculture. An eclectic mix of party-goers show off their moves in dance circles to all kinds of music, from '80s and '90s classics to sub-genres of disco, such as Hi-NRG, Italo, and electro.

Museo Nacional de Antropología Arrow

This massive building in Chapultepec Park is among the city's most famed museums, second only to perhaps the Museo Frida Kahlo . Though the late Mexican architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez designed it in 1964, the mammoth building still looks as avant-garde today as it did then. (How exactly does that giant concrete slab float above a pond?) The museum holds the world's largest collection of ancient Mexican artifacts. Some of the most iconic Mesoamerican artifacts discovered to date can be found across 23 rooms. If you want to understand Mexico's history, then a visit here is a must.

Plaza Garibaldi Arrow

Mexico's roving mariachi bands have been found in this plaza, a few blocks north of the Palacio de Bellas Artes , since the mid-1900s. Though the plaza has deteriorated over the years, it's seen a resurgence thanks to a city-driven effort to clean up the neighborhood by installing new sidewalks and street lamps. It's a cultural meeting point of sorts, where travelers can come day or night (though the best time to go is after 11 p.m.), to watch bands solicit bar patrons, cars, and passersby to buy a song .

Torre Latinoamericana Arrow

This 44-story skyscraper, built in 1965, is the tallest building in Centro Histórico . The tower miraculously withstood both the 8.1-magnitude earthquake of 1985 and the 7.1-magnitude quake of September 2017, making it a rare feat of engineering. The Torre defines Mexico City's skyline (much like the Empire State building in New York) and is a useful tool for orienting oneself in downtown. Head to the top-floor observation deck for jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the city, or to the newly renovated bar/restaurant (one floor below), which has equally impressive views and is almost always empty.

Salón San Luis Arrow

The dance floor at this old-school salon, cloaked in red light, comes alive as locals, tourists, and old timers twirl and shuffle to a live band . Try your hand at salsa, merengue, cumbia, and norteña numbers as waiters in crisp whites with black bow ties circle the room serving liquid courage. There's no shame in bad dancing, so try and learn the steps. (The pros might even show you a thing or two.)

Iglesia San Ignacio de Loyola Arrow

A surprisingly tranquil stop in a high-energy city, this infrequently-visited modernist church is tucked away in plain sight in residential Polanco. Designed by famed architect Juan Sordo, it was completed in 1961 and features a sharp triangular structure covered in handmade yellow ceramic tiles. Show up during visiting hours and you can tour the grounds inside and out. Indoors, the Jesuit temple is encased by multi-colored stained glass windows that catch vibrant fractals on sunny days, with an effect almost like being trapped in a kaleidoscope. It's a place of worship and quiet contemplation, yes, but also a haven for architecture nerds.

La Rifa Chocolateria Arrow

Indigenous to Mexico, cacao has been consumed in the country and played an important role in Mesoamerican societies since 19th BCE; La Rifa continues the tradition with a small roaster on-site. There are a handful of tables sprinkled in the tree-shaded plaza out front, optimal perches for spending an hour or two. Ask to see their production in the back and they will most likely give a tour. The main event is sipping chocolates—water-based and closest to how cacao was consumed, pre-Columbian, before the introduction of the Spanish (and thus cows and milk). The front-of-house folks are happy to explain the finer nuances of their roasting process, flavor-profiles, and history of Mexican chocolate.

Ahuehuete Arrow

This six-seat collection room is a distillate library, a stunning space housed in a centuries-old building in one of Mexico City’s oldest neighborhood. The Porfirio Díaz-era bar and backbar were found in a Puebla antique store and are over 100 years old (once you book here , you'll be notified of the exact location) It'll cost you $75 per-person for a six-spirit sampling, light snacks, and water. Inside, there are only six seats and a knowledgable barkeep/tour guide crafting a rich journey for you and your fellow spirit geeks. While tequila and mezcal are some of Mexico's greatest exports, there are dozens of other plant-based spirits like bacanora, sotol, raicilla, and charanda, distilled in micro-batch quantities in rural communities that never make it into commerical circulation—nor are they intended to. The team behind Ahuehuete has been collecting bottles throughout the years, traveling to rural villages to find interesting batches for their private collection.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations
• Mexico City

How to Plan a Trip to Mexico City — Including the Best Restaurants, Hotels, and Things to Do

Discover the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do in Mexico City with this travel editor–curated guide.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best things to do, best shopping, best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get there, cities and neighborhoods to visit, how to get around.

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Tenochtitlan, el Distrito Federal, la Ciudad de México — Mexico City has been known by many names in its centuries-long history. Home to more than 21 million residents, this sprawling metropolitan area is the capital of Mexico and one of the  best cities in the world , as determined by Travel + Leisure's reader-voted 2022  World's Best Awards .

"You can’t understand Mexico without first understanding Mexico City," Zachary Rabinor , a T+L A-List advisor and the CEO of Journey Mexico , said. "The vibrant capital encapsulates the country’s diversity culturally, historically, politically, artistically, musically, creatively, and more. If you want to know what is going on in Mexico, start with Mexico City."

Museums, cultural experiences, top-rated hotels , and incredible food can be found around every corner in CDMX. Even if you're in town for a single day, try to balance your itinerary with old and new. Head downtown to admire classic Mexican murals inside the Palacio de Bellas Artes and to grab an elote from a street vendor along the Zócalo, Mexico City's main square. Museum hop through town, stopping at Museo Frida Kahlo, Castillo de Chapultepec, and Museo Soumaya. And once you've worked up an appetite, get tacos al pastor from a local taquería — it won't be hard to find. And if you can't see everything in one trip, Mexico City will happily welcome you back. Here are our top recommendations for travelers in this incredible capital city.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Casa Azul was once the home of famed artist Frida Kahlo and now functions as a museum filled with her work.
• Stop in at Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela for handmade goods from all over Mexico.
• Café de Tacuba in Mexico City's center is more than 100 years old and has been frequented by many famous guests.
• Museo Soumaya houses one of the most impressive art collections in the city, and it has a stunning exterior made of more than 16,000 reflective hexagons.
• Galería Mexicana de Diseño sells incredible home goods, perfect for those looking to take a little of Mexico City back home.

The St. Regis Mexico City

The St. Regis Mexico City sits on Reforma Avenue, one of the capital's busiest streets and a hub for business headquarters and embassies. It also puts you close to several key landmarks, including the iconic Ángel de la Independencia statue and Chapultepec Park. Check out on-site restaurant Diana — named after the fountain of the Greek goddess just outside — for classic Mexican dishes like tuna tostadas, or modern creations like avocado pizza and cauliflower ceviche. This hotel is consistently voted one of the best hotels in Mexico City in 2022 by T+L readers.

In January 2024, the hotel rolled out eight new Garden Suites. "The Garden Suites have been meticulously crafted to offer an unparalleled retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life," Rodrigo Rizzi, the general manager of The St. Regis Mexico City, told Travel + Leisure . "Step into an oasis of tranquility where the stresses of urban living melt away, allowing you to immerse yourself in a sanctuary of peace and relaxation."

Courtesy of The St. Regis

Casa Decu Condesa

On the tree-lined streets of Condesa, you will find Casa Decu , an art deco dream filled with funky tile floors, private patios, and a rooftop restaurant and garden space. The 27-room boutique hotel is pet-friendly and offers continental breakfast each morning. Its location is great, too; it's just a short walk from Parque México, a former horse-racing track turned into a park, plus lots of cozy cafés and the famous Esquina de Chilaquil, a street stand serving up only-in-Mexico City tortas de chilaquiles that locals line up for.

Ignacia Guest House

At Ignacia Guest House , guests choose from black, yellow, pink, blue, or green rooms, each one decked out from floor to ceiling in its named hue. This historic estate house is in La Roma, one of Mexico City's trendiest neighborhoods, and just blocks from Metro and Metrobús stations and across the street from the cool community space and outdoor garden, Huerto Roma Verde .

Las Alcobas, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mexico City

Las Alcobas , a 35-room boutique hotel, is in the posh Polanco neighborhood, right near Chapultepec Park. It was voted the  No. 2 city hotel in Mexico  in T+L's 2022 World’s Best Awards, and travel writer Sophie Dodd reported for T+L that her favorite part of the hotel is its bath service. "I ordered a 'Jet Lag' bath, which meant a staff member came to run the bath for me (a spectacular luxury) and infused it with a sachet of herbs designed to help me relax and reset after the nearly six-hour flight."

El Patio 77

Each accommodation in the eight-room El Patio 77 is named and styled after states surrounding Mexico City. It's an intimate space, occupying an 1890s mansion in the San Rafael neighborhood, and the hotel prides itself on its eco-friendliness, with a rainwater collection system and gray water recycling program. Even some of the furniture is upcycled, giving the hotel an eclectic (yet still luxurious) feel.

El Centro Histórico

Mexico City's Centro Histórico, or Historic Center, is where centuries-old constructions clash with American-inspired skyscrapers, street markets, and more museums than you can count. "From ancient Aztec times to modern-day Mexico, the square has been an important gathering place through the centuries," Rabinor said. "Within the Zócalo, you'll see symbolic buildings from pre-Colombian, colonial, and contemporary Mexico."

Highlights here include the Palacio de Bellas Artes , filled with Diego Rivera murals and fine arts exhibitions; the Zócalo and its Metropolitan Cathedral ; and Mercado Ciudadela, home to aisles and aisles of craft stalls selling artisan goods. Rabinor also recommends visiting Avenida Francisco Madero, a pedestrian-only street where "you can best soak in all the energy of the busy capital."

La Casa Azul/Museo Frida Kahlo

Get your tickets well advance to tour Casa Azul , which is where Frida Kahlo lived most of her life. Expect to see many pieces of her artwork here, plus rooms left so untouched that it feels like the artist could return at a moment's notice. A ticket to this museum also gives you entry to Diego Rivera's Museo Anahuacalli , a 15-minute drive away.

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Bosque de Chapultepec

Not even New York's Central Park can beat this green space, a massive urban forest spanning nearly three square miles. The Bosque de Chapultepec is packed with gems, including the Castillo de Chapultepec (the only castle in the Americas ever occupied by European royalty), Museo Nacional de Antropología , and Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo .

Museo Soumaya

Arguably the most dazzling museum in Mexico City, with an exterior that twists to the sky and is made of more than 16,000 reflective hexagons, Museo Soumaya houses one of the most impressive art collections in town. Not-to-miss works include Auguste Rodin's "La Porte de l'Enfer" and "The Thinker."

Parque México

Parque México is sometimes called "the lungs of the city" — the tree-lined green space can either be a place to pick up the pace for a good walk, or a place to catch your breath and slow way down. Head to the park's main plaza to watch break dancers, musicians, and quinceñeras collide. When you're ready for a snack, go to Churrería El Moro for delicious ready-made churros and a Mexican hot chocolate

Read More: 26 Best Things to Do in Mexico City, From Fine Art to Fine Dining and Shopping

Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela

If you're looking for handmade goods, Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela is the place to go. This market in Colonia Centro has ceramics, silver jewelry, wool blankets, and art made from all over Mexico. Be sure to bring some cash, as not all vendors accept credit cards.

Barrio Alameda

The Barrio Alameda , constructed in the late 1920s, bills itself as an "urban meeting point," where food, drink, fashion, and art mingle. Shop for vintage clothes, old-school vinyls, and handmade patches from various storefronts, all under one roof.

Jorge Castro/Travel + Leisure

Galería Mexicana de Diseño

If you're looking to take a piece of Mexico back home, hit up this gallery for its variety of modern Mexican wares. Whether you opt for an Acapulco chair, hand-felted print rugs, or a monstera-leaf gold lamp, every item can be shipped home for you.

Routinely picked as one of the best restaurants in Mexico City, Contramar serves the freshest seafood in town. Make a reservation beforehand, and be sure to order the tuna tostadas, and pescado a la talla — Contramar's signature snapper, split in half and topped with red chili sauce on one side and parsley sauce on the other.

Panadería Rosetta

This spot may have gotten viral social media fame but it's far from gimmicky. Lines build up quickly here — thanks to tourists and locals, alike — but it's worth the wait. The guava roll is its most popular, but a server told us you shouldn't sleep on the ricotta pastry.

Café de Tacuba

Mexico City's historic center has a number of well-known restaurants, but perhaps none as famous as Café de Tacuba . More than one hundred years old, this restaurant has been popular among presidents and artists alike, and is even where Diego Rivera had his (first) wedding reception. If you're looking for a true, traditional Mexican meal, you'll find it here.

Taquería Orinoco

Get a taste of northern Mexico at Taquería Orinoco , a chain from Monterrey with seven locations. Try tacos de chicharrón , bistec , or al pastor , all served up on flaky flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are an option, too, as is a  costra , or a crust of cheese layered across the top. Since these taco shops are sometimes open until 4 or 5 a.m., they're very popular with the city's late-night partygoers.

Los Danzantes

Snag a patio spot at Los Danzantes in Coyoacán, one of the best places in the neighborhood's central square to grab a bite and watch as street performers, vendors, and locals pass you by. Here you can try dishes like chapulines (fried grasshoppers) served with queso fresco and guacamole, duck tacos, and squash blossom–stuffed chicken breast.

Mexico City is always bustling, no matter what time of the year you decide to go. According to Rabinor, the sunniest and driest months are the end of October through March.

In late October, you'll see Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations and decor. Orange and pink marigolds pop up all over town, adorning altars to the city's departed. If you check-in before Sept. 15, that's the day that Mexico's president yells out in celebration at 11 p.m. from the National Palace, marking the country's independence from Spain and ushering in further cries (and parties) from locals. If you're looking for a more low-key time to visit, wait until spring, when the purple jacarandas bloom all over town.

Rabinor also noted that locals go to the beach during major holidays and in the summer, so while this "diminishes the local color," it also means visitors can enjoy a "quieter time, with less people and traffic in our famously congested city."

Mexico City is best reached by flying into its international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (MEX). While there are direct flights from U.S. hubs like Los Angeles (LAX), New York City (JFK), and Phoenix (PHX), travelers can get better fares with layovers closer to the border, like the Dallas/Forth Worth area (DFW) and Miami (MIA).

Mexico City is a little bit like New York in that it's made up of  alcaldías , which are similar to boroughs. There are 16 total, but during your stay, you'll most likely only stop through three or four. Each  alcaldía  is made up of  colonias , or neighborhoods. Below are five that are popular with guests.

El Centro Histórico : Mexico City's downtown is always bustling, and it's where many of the city's residents go on weekends. You might see protesters in the main square, vendors hawking their wares through the streets, and visitors brunching among the surrounding terraces. According to Rabinor, "[Centro Histórico is] the beating heart of not just the city, but the entire country."

La Roma : Filled with fin de siècle mansions, art deco dwellings, and art nouveau–style storefronts, any architecture lover needs to stroll through this colonia . Originally a middle-class residential neighborhood, it was left destroyed after a massive earthquake rocked Mexico City in 1985. Today, La Roma has found new life as a hot spot for artists, 20-somethings, and tourists from all over.

La Condesa : La Roma's fancier cousin next door, La Condesa is a tree-lined paradise built for walking. Parque México and Parque España are popular places for residents to relax, and cafés, bookstores, and restaurants abound in this neighborhood. (Note: Rabinor's expert advice to travelers is to remember that "Mexico City is much more than Roma, Condesa, and Polanco.") Coyoacán : This is the neighborhood that Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera called home, and Coyoacán has built a reputation for itself as a bohemian haven. Don't miss the performers around the main square's kiosco and the Parroquia San Juan Bautista Coyoacán next door – which has a cafe in the back if you're ready to take a break – along with the Mercado de Artesanias and the Mercado de Coyoacán, each selling snacks, artisan goods, and more.

Polanco : A trip to Mexico City isn't complete for any shopping lover without a visit to Polanco's Avenida Presidente Masaryk. If that's not your style, a number of Michelin-worthy restaurants like Pujol and Quintonil are just down the road, and the neighborhood's brick-lined streets are just a few blocks from the Bosque de Chapultepec. Rabinor recommends this neighborhood for first-time visitors, noting that it's ideal for "those who prefer their travel scenery and vibe very manicured and posh."

Cars and bikes : You most likely won't need a car to get around in Mexico City, though it can be more convenient if you're making a day trip to a neighboring town. (Rabinor swears by Waze to manage the congestion and traffic.) You can also rent bikes from the city's Ecobici program, or apps like Dezba .

Trains: Mexico City's Metro system is one of the most expansive and affordable in the world. Buy a reloadable card to get around (for 15 pesos, or about 75 cents). This card will work across the city's transit system, and you can load it up in Metro ticket booths or the machines outside Metrobús stations. Each ride costs five pesos, which is roughly 20 cents. Note that both the Metro and Metrobús have women-only cars, and that they usually have separate boarding zones.

Buses: In Mexico City's central neighborhoods and wherever the Metro doesn't go, the Metrobús does. They have their own lane of traffic, so they can be faster than taking a car or taxi, and a ride is just six pesos. The city's trolebús functions similarly, while the RTP buses (for Red de Transporte de Pasajeros , or Passenger Transport Network) cost between two and seven pesos. At the same bus stops, you may see non-city buses or vans taking passengers. If you're curious where these go, they'll have their stops scrawled on the windshield.

Taxis: It won't be hard to flag down a pink and white taxi in most parts of town. You can also order one by downloading the city's official "App CDMX," available on iPhone and Android. You can use the app to pay with a debit or credit card, but most drivers still prefer cash.

Ride service: Uber, Beat, and Cabify are just a few of the rideshare apps in town. (Pro-tip: Rabinor said the quickest and easiest way to get a taxi in Mexico City is Uber.) If Uber's surge rate seems pricey during rush hour, check Beat or Cabify to see if you can find a deal.

Related Articles

Mexico City   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Torresigner | Getty Images

16 Best Things To Do in Mexico City

Mexico City, officially known as Ciudad de México (CDMX), is a growing and vibrant metropolis nestled in the heart of Mexico. The capital city of Mexico offers a blend of history, culture and gastronomy that attracts millions of annual visitors. From

• All Things To Do

Museo Nacional de Antropología Museo Nacional de Antropología

Located within the sprawling Chapultepec Forest , the Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Museum of Anthropology) showcases artifacts from Mexico's pre-Columbian era, dating from about 100 B.C. to A.D. 1521. Housed within the facility’s 22 rooms are artifacts, including the famous Aztec Calendar Stone, known as Piedra del Sol, as well as the ancient statue of Xochipilli, the Aztec god of art, games, beauty, dance and maize (among others). The museum offers a look at how tradition, culture and life were formed in all regions of Mexico, and it also educates visitors on how Mexico’s indigenous descendants live today. 

Past visitors said this is a must-see if you’re interested in the ancient cultures of Mexico/Mesoamerica. Reviewers appreciated that the explanatory text features English translations. The museum is so extensive that many travelers said you can spend a whole day exploring the many collections and exhibits and recommend giving yourself plenty of time to visit. As one of the largest and most visited museums in Mexico, the grounds are also home to a gift shop, a cafeteria and the National Library of Anthropology and History. 

Bosque de Chapultepec Bosque de Chapultepec free

The main park in Mexico City, Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Forest) was once the temporary home of the Aztec empire after its citizens migrated to modern-day Mexico City in the 13th century. Today, the 1,600-acre Chapultepec is Mexico City's largest park and is popular among families seeking respite from the busy and crowded city.

Divided into three sections, the park is home to many cultural interests, such as the presidential residence, the former presidential palace, a zoo and several museums (including the highly recommended Museo Nacional de Antropología ). The park also hosts numerous military monuments and effigies of Aztec kings, as well as restaurants and playgrounds, plus lots of green space for stretching. What's more, the park features a large lake, where visitors and locals alike can rent pedal boats to cruise around the water (a particular highlight for kids). On the weekends, local vendors fill the park and sell everything from souvenirs to art to snacks.

Palacio de Bellas Artes Palacio de Bellas Artes free

Considered the cultural center of Mexico City, the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) is a must-visit. The exterior of this 20th-century palace showcases art nouveau and art deco-style architecture, while the inside features marble floors and vaulted glass windows. 

In addition to its architectural grandeur, the building hosts cultural events in the national theater, including music, dance, theater, opera and literary performances. The museum at the palace also houses several famous murals, including the work of the famous Mexican muralist Rufino Tamayo. On the top floor, you'll find the National Museum of Architecture, which showcases the work and lives of famous Mexican architects, and multiple art museums and galleries. 

Popular Tours

Ticket for the Frida Kahlo Museum

(39 reviews)

from $ 34.99

Hot Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan, from Mexico City

(1748 reviews)

from $ 163.92

Balloon flight with pick up in CDMX + Breakfast in a natural cave

(781 reviews)

from $ 176.06

Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Zócalo attracts throngs of visitors and locals, so visit in the early morning or afternoon during a weekday to avoid the heaviest crowds. – Kayla Hui

Officially known as Plaza de la Constitución, El Zócalo is the main public square and one of the most recognizable places in Mexico City. It’s also one of the world’s largest city squares. It contains a giant Mexican flag at its center and has been the centerpiece of public gatherings since the days of the Aztec empire (it was considered the ceremonial center of Tenochtitlán). The site also hosts annual, widely attended religious events during Holy Week and for Corpus Christi, as well as fairs, concerts, and parades. Several historic buildings also border the square, including the city's national cathedral , the National Palace  and federal buildings.

Museo Frida Kahlo Museo Frida Kahlo

One of the best-known museums in Mexico City exhibits the life and work of its most famous artist: Frida Kahlo. The museum, located in the Coyoacan suburb, is also known as La Casa Azul (The Blue House), and was Kahlo's former residence. It hosts some impressive examples of her works, but travelers say that the best part of visiting the house is seeing where the artist lived and painted with her husband, artist Diego Rivera. Along with paintings by both artists, folk art, photos, documents, books and furnishings, the house also displays personal objects.

Recent visitors to the property said it's a must-see for fans of the artist, saying it shows her life and work in a very personal light. Reviewers were particularly impressed with the display of her clothing and dresses. If you want to take photos, there is an additional modest “permit” fee. 

Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe free

U.S. News Insider Tip: During the summer months, pack a hat and water bottle (there is little shade within the complex). If you plan to use the bathroom on site, bring a couple of pesos with you to use the bathroom and buy toilet paper. – Kayla Hui 

The Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) is an important religious site in Mexico City. Construction for the first shrine built to honor the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe started in 1695 on Tepeyac Hill. However, nearly 300 years' worth of construction and environmental damage threatened the integrity of the basilica, so a new basilica was built on the same plaza in the 1970s.

Templo Mayor Templo Mayor

Before Spanish colonization, Templo Mayor served as the religious center for the Aztec people. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the early 16th century, the temple was among many structures that were destroyed and a new cathedral was built on top of the ruins. It wasn't until 1978 that the temple dedicated to the Aztec gods Huitzilopochtli and Tláloc (gods of war and water) was unearthed in the heart of Mexico City. Today, the area remains an active archeological site and the adjoining museum houses thousands of  artifacts, including 2,500 wooden objects from the site. 

Recent visitors said it's fascinating to see the ancient ruins that are tucked away in the center of the city. Many said it's worth spending time in the museum as well, but the site and scale can't match up to the massive Museo Nacional de Antropología . Still, the whole complex has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Mexico City's most popular attractions. If you’re visiting during the summer months, travelers suggest you time your visit for the morning to avoid the sweltering midday heat. Reviewers also warn that most of the information is listed in Spanish only.

Museo de Arte Popular Museo de Arte Popular

U.S. News Insider Tip: Ditch the large bags and water bottles prior to your visit as you may be denied entry. – Kayla Hui

This folk art museum features handicrafts from all across Mexico and details the country's history and its many cultures. If you want to find out more about the country’s indigenous communities, this is the place to go, according to travelers. Exhibits include glasswork from Tecali, pottery from Michoacán, masks from Chiapas and alebrijes , the colorful painted animal figures from Oaxaca, among other treasures. Make sure to take time to admire the building itself – the 1920s art deco building was the former headquarters of the fire department.

Xochimilco, Coyoacán & Frida Kahlo Museum

(5666 reviews)

from $ 43.00

Full-Day Tour Exploring the Waters of Tolantongo

(563 reviews)

from $ 149.00

Balloon flight in Teotihuacán + Pick up CDMX + Breakfast in cave.

(524 reviews)

from $ 169.93

Chalpultepec Castle Chalpultepec Castle

U.S. News Insider Tip: Sundays are free for all residents of Mexico and expats living in Mexico, so try to avoid visiting that day if you can. It can get crowded, so it’s recommended to go in the morning when the castle first opens. – Kayla Hui

Constructed beginning in 1725, Chalpultepec Castle has served many purposes in its centuries of use; it was a military academy, an observatory, and the only castle in North America to house rulers, including Emperor Maximilian I and his wife Empress Carlota. It would later be established as the National Museum of History by Lázaro Cárdenas in 1939, which would open the castle to visitors. Located at the entrance of Chalpultepec Park , it’s a historical site that can’t be missed on your next visit to Mexico City. 

Catedral Metropolitana Catedral Metropolitana free

Mexico's national cathedral – the vaulting, austere, ornate church on the Zócalo' s north end – was once the site of an ancient Aztec precinct, so it has housed the city's spiritual core for centuries. The cathedral was built between 1573 and 1813 after the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlan and is considered one of Mexico City's many must-see attractions. What’s more, the cathedral is one of the largest churches in Latin America. It’s believed that the materials used to construct the church were taken from the destroyed pyramids and structures belonging to the Aztecs. Highlights of the massive cathedral include five naves, 14 chapels, two of the largest 18th-century organs in the Americas, 150 windows and a painting by famed Spanish artist Bartolome Esteban Murillo.

Depending on your interest in Mexican history and architecture, you could spend anywhere from an hour to a half a day at the cathedral (it’s free to enter). Past visitors recommended paying to take a tour of the interior with a member of the cathedral’s staff, who reviewers say offer a wealth of information about the cathedral’s far-reaching history. According to recent visitors, tours cost approximately 100 Mexican pesos (about $6). Recent visitors said the massive structure is stunning to behold, and even if you don't want to take the time to explore the inside, it's worth the photo-op of the exterior. The cathedral is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and admission is free. Many of the best Mexico City walking tours make stops here, which can be another way to hear an in-depth retelling of the cathedral’s history and significance.  For more information, including Mass times, visit the cathedral's website (in Spanish).

Museo Soumaya Museo Soumaya free

From exceptional architecture to more than 66,000 featured works, Museo Soumaya is one of Mexico City’s most iconic museums. Established in 1994, Museo Soumaya’s main goal is to preserve and exhibit Mexico and Europe’s artistry. Currently, it houses the largest collection of works by Auguste Rodin outside of France, in addition to artwork by Diego Rivera, Titian, Picasso, Monet and more. 

Beyond the art, the architecture alone is worth seeing. The exterior of the six-story building is wrapped in mirrored hexagons, and the building is the brainchild of Mexican architect Fernando Romero. Recent travelers say Museo Soumaya is reminiscent of New York City’s Guggenheim (both museums are architecturally stunning and feature a circular interior with each floor organized by art type). Some reviewers recommend starting your visit at the top and winding your way down. 

Palacio Nacional Palacio Nacional free

The National Palace holds the federal executive branch of the Mexican government and sits along Mexico City's main public square, El Zócalo . The palace itself is a massive, ornate building that contains several gardens, murals and fountains in the Spanish Renaissance architectural style. Its highlights are several Diego Rivera murals painted in panoramic style across the palace's walls, which past visitors say are a must-see. These murals depict the stages of Mexican history, from pre-Columbian days to the current age.

Because the Mexican president lives and works within the palace, visitors can only access the site on a guided tour. Tours are free, but can’t be booked in advance online. According to recent visitors, you must go to the ticket office at the Museum of Art of the Ministry of Finance & Public Credit, where you can inquire about tour availability and make reservations in person (this is also where tours depart from). Some reviewers reported success booking tickets in advance by emailing [email protected] with information about the preferred tour date and number of people attending. Along the approximately hourlong tours, you’ll see the Rivera mural collections and the courtyards. You may also get the chance to glimpse the exterior of the legislative chambers. 

Museo Casa Luis Barragán Museo Casa Luis Barragán

Luis Barragán was a prominent Mexican architect renowned for his modernist style, and his former home – which was first constructed in 1947 and now functions as a museum – is one of the finest examples of his work. The museum is an off-the-beaten-path attraction that travelers say will please all, even those not schooled in architectural history. The house is known for its vivid colors, brilliant use of natural light and its impressive garden with a maze of corridors and trees. In 2004, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Recent visitors said the history of the house, in addition to its interesting architecture, is captivating. However, a handful of recent reviewers were disappointed with the ticket reservation process. To visit, you must book a self-guided or guided tour (available in Spanish and English). Self-guided visits are only available on Thursdays at select times. Tickets for self-guided tours cost 450 Mexican pesos (about $26) per person (note that children 12 and younger are not permitted in the house). Guided tours are available at select times Monday through Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Tickets for guided tours cost more. Tickets are released every Tuesday at noon (Mexico City time).  

Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine, Tlatelolco & Tequila Tasting Tour

(8259 reviews)

from $ 39.90

Teotihuacan Private Tour from Mexico City

(1105 reviews)

from $ 126.25

Balloon Flight with Breakfast in Natural Cave and Transportation

(278 reviews)

Torre Latinoamericana Torre Latinoamericana

Open since 1956, Torre Latinoamericana, the 44-story skyscraper in Centro Histórico, is the place to go if you want the best views of the city. Similar to the Empire State Building in New York City , this tower offers visitors jaw-dropping views from its observation deck and restaurant, making it the perfect opportunity to pull out your camera for that Instagram-worthy picture. 

Recent visitors recommended heading up to the top of the tower during sunset to admire the shifting light as it illuminates buildings like the neighboring Palace of Fine Arts. Travelers also warned that if smog levels are high, you won’t be able to see much from the tower’s peak. Some reviewers recommend spending time in the on-site museum, which details the history of Mexico City and the construction of the tower. 

Teotihuacán Teotihuacán

U.S. News Insider Tip: There is no shade inside the archeological site, so you’ll want to wear a hat. It’s also helpful to have a small backpack to hold a water bottle, sunscreen and toilet paper to use in the washrooms at the site. – Kayla Hui

One of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Mexico City region, Teotihuacán ( teh -o-tee-wa- can ) contains some of the largest pre-Hispanic pyramids in all of Mexico. The site contains many popular constructions, including the Palace of the Plumed Butterfly, which showcases various columns of winged creatures, and the awesome Pyramid of the Sun, which sits at the heart of the small city. The nearby museum, Museo de la Sitio, also holds many artifacts from the period.

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) free

The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (Central University City Campus of the National University of Mexico) includes 32 academic programs, the Mexican Olympic stadium, a Mexican cultural center, a nature preserve and the city's Central Library. The main campus is now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city's famous muralists have made their mark on the campus, and travelers recommend you check out the work of famous painter David Alfaro Siqueiros at the Rectorate Tower or the work of Juan O'Gorman at the Central Library. The campus also holds the University Museum of Contemporary Art, an excellent spot for viewing Mexico's more recent cultural offerings. The sculpture garden at the art museum is a particular highlight for past visitors, as is the botanic garden.

Things to Do in Mexico City FAQs

Explore more of mexico city.

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

• Work With Us

The Ultimate Mexico City Travel Guide (51 Best Things to Do and See)

Written by Becca

Updated on April 28th, 2024

Dreaming of how to explore Mexico City during your trip or long weekend? The best way to see Mexico City is through the famous sights and off the beaten path alternative experiences.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Posted in Mexico

Things to Do in Mexico City

• Sinagoga Justo Sierra
• Mercado San Juan
• Mercado De Artesanías La Ciudadela
• Barrio Chino
• Cantina El Tio Pepe
• Alameda Central
• Palacio Bellas Artes
• SEARS (Finca Don Porfirio Cafe, to be specific)
• Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)

Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana)

• Museo del Estanquillo
• Casa de los Azulejos
• Museo de Arte Popular
• Terraza Catedral
• Templo Mayor
• Calle Regina
• Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)
• Mercado de Coyoacán
• Cafe Avellaneda
• Mercado de Comida, Coyoacán
• Parroquia San Juan Bautista
• Parque Centenario & Jardín Centenario
• Cineteca Nacional
• Create Your Own Coffee shop Tour
• Mercado Roma
• Parque México
• Parque España
• Avenida Alvaro Obregón
• Avenida Ámsterdam
• Nevería Roxy
• Cafe Péndulo
• Bosque de Chapultepec
• Museo de Arte Moderno
• Museo Nacional de Antropologia
• Castillo de Chapultepec
• Jardín Botánico del Bosque de Chapultepec
• Museo Soumaya
• Avenida Horacio
• Antara Fashion Hall & Cinepolis VIP

Biblioteca Vasconcelos

• Mercado de Lagunilla
• Our favorite Mexico City Food Tour
• Lucha Libre
• Xochimilco Canal Boating
• Teotihuacán Ancient Pyramids
• Selina Hostel & Selina CoWork
• The Red Tree House
• Four Seasons Mexico City
• Hotel Condesa DF
• The Mexico City Metro

Introduction to what to do in Mexico City

Mexico City is undoubtedly overwhelming. You can choose to explore Mexico City with a food tour , by its bar scene and through its food and amazing tacos .

Luckily for travelers, the sights can be broken down into several main areas that can be explored on foot. Exploring Mexico City should include cultural and historic sites, present-day trendy (and safe) neighborhoods , museums and of course, FOOD!

Scattered throughout the neighborhoods are some very nice parks and plazas as well. We’ve noted which ones should not be missed and which have sights of their own inside of their boundaries.

For a long weekend or three-day trip, we recommend spending a full day walking in Condesa and Roma, followed by an afternoon in Coyoacán.

A second full day should be spent in Mexico City’s historic downtown area, getting your fill of the hustle and bustle, the history, cultural places of interest and seeing markets.

If you have a third full day, we recommend taking a day trip to Teotihuacán and/or doing a hot air balloon experience to see the pyramids from above.

So, how do I get up in a hot air balloon at Teotihuacan?

If you're not afraid of heights, grab a spot in a hot air balloon tour for an unforgettable sunrise.

If you have additional days or a week, you can take short trips to the surrounding pueblos like Tepoztlán, Puebla or Cholula. If you don’t want to leave the city, that’s no problem!

We’ve listed heaps of attractions in the main neighborhoods , and you can always opt for a food tour, walking tour or relaxing day to enjoy the cafe scene . Don’t forget to throw in a rooftop bar from our list when the weather is nice!

Get your walking shoes on and brush up on your Spanish , as Mexico City is a great city for any type of traveler!

Looking for new proven ways to save money on flights and airfare to Mexico? The easy solution is to sign up for Going , the leading way to find flight deals and mistake fares, directly to your inbox. Use HALFHALF20 to get 20% off!

Things to do in Mexico City’s Historic Center & Downtown

Sinagoga justo sierra.

Possibly one of the more surprise sights that we saw in our final days in Mexico City, the Sinagoga Justo Sierra is a beautifully-restored historic synagogue that was originally built in 1941. This was the original center of community for Mexico City’s Ashkenaz (Eastern European) Jewish immigrant population, and it was here that they celebrated Bar Mitzvot, weddings and other joyous occasions.

The synagogue was restored to its current splendor between 2008 and 2009. What’s interesting is that from the outside of the street, you’d never know there was a white building reminiscent of Israel behind the large wooden doors from the street. This was a great place to visit for an afternoon. Visiting hours close daily at 5 pm. Admission is free and donations are accepted.

Mercado San Juan

There are lots of “Mercados San Juan” in Mexico City, but the biggest one of all is in the heart of downtown Centro near Chinatown. Go here for everything produce-related and also for its gastronomic section, where you can order a ceviche from seafood vendors and have some sit-down service, or try some wines and cheeses in the Italian-themed vendors.

Mercado De Artesanías La Ciudadela

This market is where you go to pick up your huaraches, Day of the Dead-themed trinkets, beaded jewelry, woven clothing items, dolls, candles and anything that qualifies as a craft. Bargaining is welcome.

Barrio Chino

Mexico City’s Barrio Chino (Chinatown) has been minimized down to really only two or three city blocks. Don’t worry, though - you can get fortune ‘galletas’ (cookies), Chinese food at some of the eateries like Hong King and get ‘pan chino’ (bao) on the street for a few Pesos.

Cantina El Tio Pepe

Cantina El Tío Pepe is one of the bars we feature in our CDMX bar guide , but it’s more than a bar. It ironically nearly became like our neighborhood bar, even though we didn’t live in the ‘neighborhood’ (the neighborhood being Centro) until having been in CDMX for an entire month.

This historic cantina is no-frills and the waitstaff are friendly. They’ll tell you a bit of history about the place if you ask (in Spanish). Drinks are no-nonsense, and the menu comes in a dual-column spreadsheet type of format. Where else can you throw back a shot or a beer at a place that’s been in business since the 1870s?

Alameda Central

Alameda Central is a big city park with lots of criss-crossing walkways. There are street vendors everywhere, so if you want potato chips or a ‘sangria’ (sweet soda in a plastic cup with chili around the rim, garnished with a Mexican lemon slice), this is your place.

Go on weekends for some serious people-watching. It’s also rather safe in the early evenings past dark, but use caution.

Palacio Bellas Artes

We’ve seen the outside of Palacio Bellas Artes for sure (see below, “SEARS”), but we have a confession: we have not been inside Palacio Bellas Artes . We’ve heard great things, nonetheless. This is Mexico City’s gem of an art institution, and hosts cultural events like dance and opera. It is best known for its murals by Diego Rivera inside. Worth a visit!

SEARS (Finca Don Porfirio Cafe, to be specific)

If you want to get straight to the ninth-story view of Palacio Bellas Artes (it has a beautiful multi-colored roof) and you’re also craving a coffee, you’re in luck because you can enter SEARS and go to the cafe on the top floor. We featured this cafe in our cafes guide because we liked the view so much. Note: you can only enter if you get seated by a hostess, and then you do have to order something, even if it’s only a can of seltzer.

Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)

The Zócalo is one of the largest public squares on Earth. It’s surrounded on all sides by government buildings, the National Palace and the giant cathedral. You can reach the Zócalo by metro, to Zócalo station! Surrounding this area are lots of pedestrian-only streets lined with shopping and food vendors.

This cathedral is massive, and sits on the Zocalo square. Get this: the full name of it is “Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María a los cielos.” It’s pretty big, and pretty old, too. You can admire the architecture of the outside and the inside as well. Apparently you can climb to the roof, but we haven’t done this. If you get to do it, let us know!

Museo del Estanquillo

Museo del Estanquillo was a late addition to our CMDX repertoire, but guess what - the entrance is free and they have a rooftop with a bookshop and small cafe. Take the elevator up as high as you can and then turn right to walk up a flight of steps.

The result is a cool rooftop with the tops of old stone buildings in view. The museum itself deals a lot with the film history of Mexico, so that’s cool as well!

Casa de los Azulejos

This beautiful and historic building looks more like it would be in Lisbon than in Mexico City! Decorated in blue and white tiles, it’s one of our favorite places to take photos in CDMX . You can find it at Av Francisco I. Madero 4, in Centro.

Museo de Arte Popular

This art museum has a collection of exceedingly interesting Mexican heritage in the form of art from different regions. You can see Day of the Dead figurines and sculptures, unique alebrijes (Mexican folk sculptures) in a variety of sizes and media, cultural masks from different regions and eras and the excellent gift shop, which is an attraction of its own.

The building itself is an art deco relic from the earlier half of the twentieth century and was originally a firehouse. Inside, there is tons of natural light and an open center where you can look up at all the floors. We highly recommend that art enthusiasts not miss this one.

Terraza Catedral

Terraza Catedral is more a portion of our Mexico City Bar Guide than not, but we’re including it on sights to see. That’s because the view from this rooftop bar (which we brand as “non-pretentious,” by the way, as it’s on top of a hostel) is quite a sight to see, especially at sunset!

Templo Mayor

The Templo Mayor historical site is another place we didn’t actually go to, but we’ve walked by it, having been frequent visitors to the Zocalo area. The Templo Mayor archaeological site is a place you can visit to see what lies below Mexico City in terms of ancient ruins and structures. Sounds fascinating!

Calle Regina

Also a late addition to our go-to list, Calle Regina starts near Bolivar and ends a few blocks later to the east. It’s a pedestrian street, where first you’ll hit the Regina church and its cafe, and then you’ll see Cafe Regina on your left.

Sit down here for an americano - they’re GOOD! Continue on Calle Regina as long as you like, and you’ll see street art (some of it political, but some of it sappy and colorful) and sit-down restaurants and bars with sidewalk seating.

Sights to see in Coyoacán

Coyoacan is a cool neighborhood to Mexico City’s southwest. While you may choose to get there by Uber or by metro, consider that it’s not exactly a stone’s throw from Centro or Condesa. You’ll need a dab bit of time to get there.

Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)

The Frida Kahlo Museum , also known as Casa Azul (Blue House), is where Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera lived and worked. In this museum, you can learn all about Frida’s life, as the main focus is on her. You can see her early works, learn about her family history, see her clothes and her medical apparatuses.

The house itself is nice to visit because the exhibits revolve around a leafy courtyard. This museum can be a bit controversial for Mexicans, who note that the hefty entrance fee (more than $12 USD) makes it so that most Mexicans cannot afford to visit. The museum is privately-run, and you’ll notice some corporate sponsors like Bank of America, Samsung and Vogue on some signage. We strongly suggest getting tickets in advance (you have to pick a time and date to visit).

Mercado de Coyoacán

The Mercado de Coyoacán is pretty big, but not big enough to get lost in. The main food here is the tostada, a dry toasted corn tortilla that you eat flat with toppings on top.

You can choose from any of the types of toppings that you see in big pots - chicken, mushrooms, beef, seafood and more. They don’t break the bank, either, but watch out - they are filling!

Cafe Avellaneda

Cafe Avellaneda was one of Mexico City’s first third-wave cafes, and it’s always busy. There aren’t all too many seats inside, but if you wait, you can get a seat at the coffee bar and watch the masters do their craft.

The menu is fun, too - you can get coffee cocktails (non-alcoholic) like the one Becca tried, which had espresso, tonic water, juniper and tamarind!

Mercado de Comida, Coyoacán

The choices at this food market (think: food in terms of lunch, not grocery shopping) are overwhelming, but thankfully, the place isn’t too big overall. We had quesadillas (did you know that in Mexico City, a quesadilla does not necessarily need to have cheese? Mind blown!) and tamales.

You can also order fresh juices. Prices are set, so you won’t get ripped off if you don’t speak Spanish! You can also have pozole at the stands in the center of the market. Cash only!

Parroquia San Juan Bautista

You can’t really figure out how big this Catholic church is until you walk inside (it’s free to enter). Located in the heart of the Coyoacán neighborhood, the church and its ex-convent are worth a peek.

Parque Centenario & Jardín Centenario

This park and garden in Coyoacán’s commercial center are great for people-watching and passing through. You’ll see that the fountain has coyotes in the center, and that’s because Coyoacán means “place of the coyotes.”

Cineteca Nacional

A local friend took us to Cineteca Nacional , not to see a movie, but instead to marvel at this architecturally-worthy cinema. What we also liked about the complex was that in addition to a movie theater, it has a bookstore, a cafe and a lawn where people hang out in the sun.

What to see and do in Condesa & Roma

Condesa and Roma are great neighborhoods in the heart of Mexico City where most travelers tend to stay.

Create Your Own Coffee shop Tour

You’re in Condesa and Roma, so you obviously have to see all the cafe culture in these two neighborhoods of Mexico City! Start with our coffee shop guide to CDMX and star these cafes in your maps so that when you pass by, you can say that Becca and Dan from Half Half Travel sent you!

Mercado Roma

Mercado Roma is something to see as well as something to do (the doing is the eating), and at Mercado Roma, which is also featured in our Mexico City Nightlife Guide , you can try cuisine from many parts of Mexico, and pizza as well. Mercado Roma is a place to be during the day, and also at night on weekends when the kiosks are open late.

Parque México

Parque México is the larger of the two main Condesa parks, and it’s several blocks long. We love it for its variety - there’s a children’s playground, some quiet paths, a lot of great greenery and lots of people with cute dogs. You can see more photos in our Condesa neighborhood photo gallery .

Parque España

Parque España is the smaller of the two Condesa parks, and here, you’ll find nice trees and paths, some man-made ponds and lots of kids and dog-walkers. We usually cross through Parque España when walking toward other parts of the neighborhood.

Avenida Alvaro Obregón

Avenida Alvaro Obregón is a commercial strip that we didn’t truly discover until it was nearly time to leave our stint in Roma Norte. What a shame! It took a distant cousin of Becca’s who was visiting to get us out on Alvaro Obregón. This is where you’ll find bars, restaurants and cafes all lined up next to each other, and the side streets are nice as well. One of our favorite spots in this area is Quentin Cafe .

Avenida Ámsterdam

It’s easy to obsess over Avenida Ámsterdam. Home to classic art deco architecture, old buildings next to new ones, some historic mansions, and a leafy middle path (great for running and dog-walking!), Avenida Ámsterdam runs in a circle around Parque Mexico and believe it or not, used to be a horse-racing track back in the day.

Nevería Roxy

More of a place to experience Mexican old-school culture and less of a sight, Nevería Roxy is an absolute classic for ice cream treats. This feels like a time warp! They have a great selection of sorbets that come in the flavors of Mexican fruits. The place is cash-only.

Cafe Péndulo

We listed Cafe Péndulo in our list of Mexico City cafes , but it’s a thing to do in its own right. Cafe Péndulo is a beautiful bookstore (and has more locations than this Condesa one). You can browse literature in Spanish, and some in English, and look at their cool section of funny knick-knacks to buy as gifts (much like the “stuff” section in Urban Outfitters).

Bosque de Chapultepec

Bosque de Chapultepec is a giant park in the center of Mexico City. It separates Roma and Condesa from Polanco, which is located on its north side.

Bosque de Chapultepec is a city park that is massive, and has it all - the city’s museums, botanical gardens, amusement parks, lakes with boats for rent, quiet groves where couples set out picnics, statues with poetry, running paths and even a “quiet section” where people go for some peace and there’s no talking allowed. You can find history, wildlife and some fresh air (it seems), and you can spend hours in the whole place, especially in some of our favorite parts, the pedestrian avenues lined with vendors selling stuffed animals, face-painting, snacks, fried food and other Mexican goodies.

Museo de Arte Moderno

We went to the Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art) on a Sunday, when it was free. The museum has four major wings, all themed a bit differently. This is where you can see the original (we asked) of Frida Kahlo’s ‘Las Dos Fridas,’ one of her most famous works.

It’s also where we saw the most about Diego Rivera we had seen so far in all of Mexico City (note: you can go many other places to learn about Diego Rivera, but we didn’t get to them).

Museo Nacional de Antropologia

This is a museum we never actually got to go to, but we’ve heard it is pretty interesting. It’s not free, but the entrance fee isn’t too hefty, either. Located inside Bosque de Chapultepec, this is somewhere good to stop if you have a rainy day, or if you’re passing by. You can learn all about the history of the Mexican people through anthropology.

Castillo de Chapultepec

Would you believe that we never made it to Castillo de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Castle)?

Mexicans call this their version of a castle, with the disclaimer that, “It’s not like castles in Germany, but it’s our version of a castle.” If you go, let us know! It’s located in Bosque de Chapultepec with a lot of signage leading to it.

Jardín Botánico del Bosque de Chapultepec

This is probably our favorite aspect of the entire Bosque (“forest,” in Spanish). The Jardín Botánico is free to enter, and serene once you’re in there. We entered from the more populated parts of the park, and our first stop was the succulents garden.

We also liked the vegetable garden, the cactus garden, the banana tree grove and the “Garden of the Future,” which was created by local artists entirely of recycled plastic items.

What to do in Polanco, Mexico City

Despite the reputation of Polanco being residential and upscale, there are things to do and see if you’re visiting.

Museo Soumaya

Museo Soumaya was our major destination the day we went (in truth, we walked three miles from Roma Norte) to the upscale Polanco neighborhood.

Museo Soumaya is unique because on the outside, its exterior is composed of thousands of hexagonal aluminum pieces, and it’s quite a sight to see. Inside, it’s likely not what you’d expect (we were surprised), as you’ll find ancient Chinese and Japanese ivory sculpture, turn-of-the-century French art and an entire floor of sculptures from centuries past in an open floor plan with natural light.

On the first floor are some noteworthy Diego Rivera murals and mosaics. There’s also a Botero sculpture housed in the Museo Soumaya - can you find it?

Avenida Horacio

Avenida Horacio is one of the main thoroughfares of Polanco, and what’s so nice about it is that it’s like a boulevard with a leafy walkway in the middle. You can walk through Polanco nearly uninterrupted by traffic and admire all the plant life and sporadic vendors throughout your walk.

For a full feeling of what it’s like, see our photos of the Polanco neighborhood .

Antara Fashion Hall & Cinepolis VIP

Want to transport yourself into the modern and new-wave shopping malls of Mexico City? Antara Fashion Hall is an upscale mall, where you’ll find Western brands, a large grocery store, several bars and restaurants that cater to the Western style and probably our favorite aspect of this mall, Cinepolis VIP, where we saw Spiderman on Christmas Day.

If you’re in Mexico City and you want to see a movie, this was a very comfortable experience!

Sights North of Zócalo and Centro Histórico

There’s more to see outside Centro! Getting out of the tourist zone is a little more adventurous, and worth it.

This biblioteca , or library, is one of the most beautiful in Mexico City. Entrance is free, and it’s usually open til 7:30 pm on most days. Go for its photographic qualities - its six floors of boxy metal cubic design will have you looking up and up. Take the steps (or elevator) to the top floor, and then get the dizzying view down!

This library is one of our top ideas for the best places to take photos in Mexico City , among some other great spots in the region.

Mercado de Lagunilla

We’re not sure where we heard about Mercado de Lagunilla , but we are sure glad we went.

We walked toward Lagunilla, a very local neighborhood where we saw no other foreigners nor tourists, and made it all the way to the Mercado de Tela, where we entered right before closing hours to see rows of quinceañera dresses, custom suit shops, decorations for parties and wedding dresses. Outside the fabric market, in the market itself, we found street food, toys, dolls, shoes, clothes and you name it.

Given that this is not a typical tourist attraction of any sort, we recommend taking a responsible level of safety precaution in order to keep your bag and pockets safe. Check out our Mexico City safety guide to see exactly what we mean.

Entertainment and tours in Mexico City

Our favorite mexico city food tour.

If you’re a foodie, we suggest taking a Mexico City food tour with Eat Like a Local. After our month and a half in Mexico City, we still learned some new things by going to the markets with our awesome local guide, Rocio. We visited markets we had never stepped foot in, and ate foods we had never tasted. Above all, our guide made us feel safe and informed. We also had so much fun!

Lucha Libre

Lucha Libre is a dramatic and exciting version of wrestling-meets-entertainment and it is a true Mexican tradition. Lucha Libre (meaning ‘free fight’ in Spanish) takes place in an arena with the fighters in a ring, in a series of rounds, starting with female fighters, then some one-on-one fighting and finally lots of teams-taking-on-each-other fighting.

The performance is theatrical and the aim is to rev up the audience, but the fighting is also very physical and in fact, very dangerous. You have to give these guys credit for doing what they do! Lucha Libre takes place most nights of the week and tickets are not expensive and are in the range of 200 pesos each ($10 USD). You can buy tickets on Ticketmaster.

Attractions outside Mexico City and beyond

Xochimilco canal boating.

If you want to have a day with a group floating on a multi-colored boat down the canals of Xochimilco , take an Uber out to this region of Mexico City and hop on a boat for a morning or afternoon.

You will float through the canals and you can buy your own food and drink to bring, or buy things from vendors who pass in boats. You can buy micheladas, pulque, tamales and more, and you can pay mariachi bands to play a song for your group! Many people consider this one of the best day trips from Mexico City , even though it’s technically in the Federal District.

How's everyone getting to Xochimilco?

Xochimilco is like a day trip within CDMX, so going with a group is great! Plus, see Frida Kahlo's house in Coyoacan.

Teotihuacán Ancient Pyramids

These ancient Mexican pyramids were built by civilizations way before the Aztecs had control of the region, and you can visit them for a day trip. Beware that LOTS of tourists come here, and weekdays will be less crowded than Saturday and Sundays. Want to see them from above? We went with Sky Balloons Mexico for a very early morning hot air ballooning experience and it was awesome.

What's the best way to see Teotihuacan?

As Teotihuacan is a bit far, going with a guide in the early morning is a great choice!

Our Mexico City Yoga Recommendations

OV Yoga is a boutique yoga studio located on Avenida Amsterdam in Condesa. Classes run several times a day and with several different teachers.

You can drop in, or reserve in advance. Note: prices differ for payments on cash and credit, and classes with the studio’s founder cost slightly more than with other teachers.

Greenyoga operates in several different locations in Mexico City and the teachers are great.

Becca tried the Roma-Juarez location! Note: the studio itself is up two flights of dizzying spiral staircase steps, so if you have a fear of open staircases, choose a different studio. Downstairs near reception, there is a tiny cafe with healthy and gluten-free snacks. You can rent mats.

Walk-ins are fine, but be sure to check the schedule because the classes are specified by level, so it’s best to choose which suits your skill level.

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Selina hostel & selina cowork.

Selina Mexico City Downtown is a new hostel-hotel in a vintage and iconic Mexico City hotel, formerly Hotel Virreyes. This massive property was converted into the backpacker and digital nomad accommodation in early 2018. There’s WiFi throughout the property, two different communal kitchens (one is specifically for apartment guests), and rooms come in a variety of dorm bed options, privates and studio apartments.

In addition, Selina Mexico City has a coworking space. You can book a hot desk for a day, week or month, and there’s even a private outdoor patio for CoWork members to use!

The Red Tree House

The Red Tree House is a beautiful boutique hotel full of character in Condesa, right off Avenida Amsterdam. Rooms are all built off of a central courtyard that makes you feel like you left the city. You’ll be surrounded by greenery, tables with umbrellas and angular staircases painted yellow, red and orange.

The lobby and common areas for guests are like being home in a mansion, with a fireplace (great for winter chilly nights), dining area for the morning breakfast hours and lots of books to read.

Casa Decu is a boutique hotel located several steps away from The Red Tree House, but with a very different vibe. Casa Decu is an art deco building transformed into an Instagrammable art-deco-meets-modern haven for the trendy traveler.

If you’re into roof decks, you’ll love hanging out on the sunny rooftop, which has places to sit and have a coffee.

Four Seasons Mexico City

The Four Seasons Mexico City is top-notch, with an interesting location right near Bosque Chapultepec and Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, a major road. It is sandwiched between Cuauhtémoc and Roma, making everything pretty accessible.

The Four Seasons is unique because it has a leafy courtyard where the restaurant is located, and at night it feels a bit like an urban jungle. If you look up, you can see lit-up neon skyscrapers nearby. Even if you don’t stay at the Four Seasons, we recommend having a drink at Fifty Mils , the hotel bar.

Hotel Condesa DF

We love the location of Hotel Condesa DF , and based on their fabulous rooftop bar, we can only expect that the rest of the hotel is just as wonderful.

Hotel Condesa DF is located across from Parque España in the neighborhood of Condesa, with loads of cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. Hotel Condesa is chic yet defined, and classy yet not pretentious. It seems like a good bet for a trendy traveler who wants good access to lots in the neighborhood.

How to get around Mexico City

There are so many ways to get around a massive metropolis like CDMX. Let’s look at a few of the easiest ways to get around with transport.

We heard from some Mexicans that Uber changed Mexico City. With the start of Uber in CDMX, locals started going out at night more, because getting a cab home would be safe and affordable.

We took Uber during our first month in Mexico City (that is, when we didn’t feel like walking!) and Uber Pool as well (gotta stay green!). All the drivers were really nice and most were very friendly, too.

The Mexico City Metro

If a metro system can’t scare you, then try out the Mexico City metro .

There are lots of fun facts about it. For example, did you know that each station has a pictograph symbol? You’ll see a guitar and scarf to symbolize mariachi bands for the Garibaldi stop, a cricket for Chapultepec (the Spanish word “chapulín” came from the Nahuatl word chapultepec, meaning cricket) and two doctors for the neighborhood stop in Doctores.

Each ride costs 5 Pesos, which is approximately $0.25. For each ticket, you can go an unlimited amount of stops as long as you stay within the system by transferring and not leaving the paid area. To get a ticket, you can enter at any entrance of any stop and head to the Taquilla (ticket booth), where you slide your bill or change through a window and receive your change and a paper ticket. Paper tickets get fed right-side up into the turnstiles, and then you’ll be in!

Read signs carefully to ensure that you’re going in the correct direction for your destinations, and watch your pockets!

While we did not experience any crime in the Mexico City metro, it’s true that at rush hour, it’s more difficult to see who has access to your pockets and your bag when you’re crammed in a crowded train car.

The metro runs until midnight most days of the week, but we don’t suggest taking it much after 10 pm for safety reasons. During daytime, there’s no problem.

The Mexican Peso: What to know and expect

The currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso. In any given year, the exchange rate might be between 17 and 22 Pesos to a US Dollar. For something that costs 20 Pesos, it’ll be about $1.15 USD.

You’ll find that most street tacos cost between 10 and 15 Pesos, while tacos in restaurants (depending how nice the place is and which type of meat you are ordering) will be priced at 20-70 Pesos.

A bottle of water usually costs 10 Pesos. A beer at a dive bar will be around 35 to 55 Pesos, and at a fancier bar, upwards of 80-90 Pesos.

Can you bargain in Mexico City? You can bargain sometimes on items that do not have a set price. We’ve tried bargaining for some things, and haven’t won. Other times, buying a second of something and asking for 10 Pesos off as a discount works (mostly with artisan vendors who have their goods laid down on a tarp on the street).

Denominations of bills come starting at 500 Pesos, and this is what you’ll get when you withdraw from an ATM. From there, there are 200-Peso bills, 100-Peso bills, 50-Peso bills and 20-Peso bills.

For amounts less than 20 (approximately 1 USD), there are 10-Peso coins, 5-Peso coins, 2-Peso coins, 1-Peso coins and 50-cent-Peso coins. We didn’t see any that were smaller than a 50-cent coin, and we mostly only received them as change in markets.

Safety in Mexico City

In the 45 days we spent in Mexico City, we did not experience any crime. Given, we carry backpacks and purses with zippers, we don’t travel with too many flashy electronics unless we’re taking photos with our cameras and we don’t hang out in dangerous areas!

Still, we’ve developed some helpful habits from spending more than four months in Latin America, for both our second times. We detail all of that in our guide that answers the question, “ Is Mexico City Safe for Travel ?”

Here are a few basic tips

• Never leave your phone on the table when sitting at an outside cafe.
• Never let your bag out of your sight at a restaurant.
• Avoid drinking tap water in Mexico City (order bottled water when dining out).
• Don’t forget about altitude sickness, and take altitude medication from home if you’ve experienced altitude sickness when traveling in the past.

You may also like

16 Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Antigua, Guatemala

With so much coffee in Antigua, Guatemala, here’s an Antigua cafe guide to find the most picturesque coffee shops, cafes for working remotely, and the best rooftop views.

5 of The Best Cafes in Buenos Aires

Here are five of the best cafes you can visit when traveling to Buenos Aires. Make sure not to miss these!

The 21 Best Bars in Mexico City

The best bars in Mexico City include hipster bars, fancy bars, craft beer bars, rooftop bars and old school cantinas. Find out what’s on our Mexico City best bars to visit list.

Casacol Apartment Hotel Review: A Modern Medellin Stay (Loma Verde)

In my review of the Loma Verde luxury apartment hotel in Medellin, see why Casacol apartment-hotels are the best places to stay for short vacations or long-term rentals.

Trekking in Sapa, Vietnam - What to Expect

Hiking in Sapa and seeing the rice terraces, scenery and Hmong villages is one of the best things to do in Vietnam. Our winter trip with Sapa Tribal Trekking was so unique!

Mexico City’s 23 Best Unique Photo Spots (With Locations)

Where can you take the best photos in Mexico City? We’ve listed the most beautiful and interesting places for architecture, culture and street photography in CDMX.

Habari ! We’re Becca & Dan.

We created this blog to share some of the knowledge and experience that we have around travel , remote work , photography and beyond!

We're currently watering our plants.

Join the club

You’ll get emails with our latest articles, tips, advice and so much more! You won't find this content anywhere else!

This website may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Among other programs, Half Half Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Home > Mexico > Mexico City Travel Tips

Mexico City Travel Tips: 20 Dos and Don'ts No One Tells You

Make Mexico City Your Even Favorite-er City

These travel tips are part of our local, loco, (not) low-cal Mexico City blog , which includes our city guide , favorite local food , why bike , and report on pulque .

Mexico City is our favorite city to visit over and over again. And even though we think we know the city pretty well by now, every time we go we learn a few things that make it our even favorite-er city. These things we've learned are the Mexico City travel tips we're sharing below.

If you haven’t been before, these tips will probably make Mexico City your favorite city too. And if this ain’t your first rodeo a) You obviously have great taste in travel destinations, and b) Prepare to make your tastes even tastier.

Either way, these Mexico City travel tips will upgrade your perception of the DF CDMX.

Tips for your Trip

These Mexico City travel tips are split into four sections. Jump to directly to any one by clicking these shortcut links:

• Upon Arrival
• While in Mexico City
• Things Not to Do
• Before Leaving

As Soon As You Arrive in Mexico City

✓  get a cell phone sim.

You're going to need data in Mexico City to use Uber and the EcoBici shared bikes ( see below ), so get a SIM card immediately upon arriving. Dealing with a cell phone company is far from the most pleasant way to start your trip, but it'll make your trip more pleasant.

You can get a local SIM in the airport at the Telcel office in Terminal 1 or at an Oxxo or 7-11. They'll help you set it up. Here's what you need to get started:

• A SIM card. This shouldn't cost more than 150 pesos. It should come with  and it should come with some "welcome credit."
• A basic Amigo Sin Limite plan. Get the 50 peso one, which entitles you to 7 days of unlimited calling and messages to Mexico, USA, and Canada and 300 MB of data. This likely will be included with the cost of your SIM card.
• An Internet Amigos plan for extra data. It costs 150 pesos for 1 GB.

Tip:   By default, Telcel sets up your account so that if you add credit ( una recarga in Spanish) it will automatically be used to buy the most expensive Amigos Sin Limite plan possible. To have more control over what you buy when you do a recarga, ask that they change your account accordingly.

More Tips: Read this more detailed guide to SIM cards in Mexico  if you're still in doubt.

T-Mobile User?: Eric comments below that your phone will work just the same as in the US (and France, Germany, Japan, and other countries), for no extra charge.

✓  Withdraw as many pesos as possible

In the interest of reducing the number of ATM trips you need to make and foreign withdrawal fees, take out as much cash as you can all at once. You're going to need it. Cash is still king in Mexico City and it will remain that way until business owners can no longer dodge taxes by taking it as payment.

Don't worry about withdrawing more than you need. As you'll soon discover in our final Mexico City travel tip below, you can actually make money off any pesos you haven't spent by the end of your trip!

Bank of America client?: Eric comments that you can make withdrawals from Scotiabank ATMs free of charge and with the prime rate so long as you refuse the insurance and say No to the proposed exchange rate at the last step of your withdrawal.

✓  Buy a plug-in mosquito repelling device

One of the few things that suck about Mexico City is the mosquitos. There aren't swarms like in the Amazon or Northern Canada, but they still have a remarkable ability to ruin your sleep.

Nothing 60 pesos ($3 USD) can't fix, though.

At the nearest convenience store or supermarket, pick up a little white plug-in device that uses blue tabs, put in a socket near your bed every night, and enjoy a blissful sleep.

We swear by the things. Our last two times in Mexico City, we "donated blood" for a couple nights, got fed up, got a mosquito repelling thing, and slept blissfully from then on.

Note: The things don't seem to exist on Amazon. We looked. Just get one when you arrive.

✓  Sign up for EcoBici

Despite the popular belief that Mexican traffic is as loco as swallowing a habanero whole, Mexico City is actually a surprisingly bike-friendly city. Side roads are mostly empty, the roads are flat, and drivers are more likely to honk one of those custom Mexican sexy whistle horns at you than an angry one.

If you're comfortable biking, sign up for EcoBici, Mexico City's bike share program, as soon as possible.

To give you an idea of how handy it is, in our most recent week in town we did over 40 rides covering 150 km.

For everything you need to know to spice up your Mexico City trip with EcoBici, including its pros and cons, how to use it, where to use it, and whether it's safe for you or not, don't miss our guide .

Warning: As Marcia learned the hard way and warns in the comments, don't sign up for EcoBici until you are ready to use it, because your account automatically initiates upon payment.

Related: How to Experience More of CDMX, Faster, by Using EcoBici

Travel Tips for a Better Time in Mexico City

✓  ask for samples at restaurants.

If you're unsure of which sauce, mole, or pulque flavor to order at a restaurant, ask for samples. Just about every restaurant and bar will be happy to oblige. That way you'll make the right choice every time and experience more flavors. Plus it's free.

✓  Get on the rooftops

The Google search results for "Best rooftop bar in Mexico City" suck. The places that show up in the results are higher-end than they are high up, often covered, and have no views.

We know because we went up to each of them and generally came back down quickly and unimpressed.

But we found a few worth climbing the stairs up to (…or pushing the button in the elevator).

Mexico City Rooftop Bars:

• Terraza Catedral , has 35 peso draft beers and views of the Zocalo. It's better than El Mayor's rooftop bar and restaurant three blocks down the way. On weekdays it's "open at 1 p.m." (not really; see tip below) to the public. On weekends it opens at 6 p.m. and there's a cover fee.
• El Balcon del Zocalo's name is self-explanatory. It's ideal for a fancier welcome or goodbye dinner.
• Pulqueria Insurgentes doesn't have a view, but its got a refreshingly airy and unpretentious rooftop. On Sundays, their pulque is buy-one-get-one-free, and on Mondays all alcoholic drinks are half-priced.

Save these bars' locations and those of 19 more of our favorite restaurants, cafés, and street food right to your phone's Google Maps by getting our free Mexico City treasures map, below .

✓  Burn off those buns (and tortillas)

Without a doubt, the best part about Mexico City is the food. The more food you eat, the better your trip will be. So how do you eat as much as humanly possible?

Working up an appetite with exercise.

Here are some fun (and mostly free) places to get your non-habanero-induced sweat on:

• Hapi Fitness (first class 100 pesos): You'll be thinking "help-me" not "hapi" while doing a Hapi Fitness class, but we guarantee you'll be happy afterward. What's more, you'll emerge from the studio and find yourself right inside Dosis Cafe, where you can immediately reward yourself with a tasty pastry.
• Park 54   (1st class free): Quick, dirty, and sweaty, Park 54's group circuit workouts will get you pumped and pump you up for a big day.
• Gandhi Circuit in Chapultapec Park  (Public, see Google Maps ): This 1-km loop through the trees with a small workout area in the middle is a good spot for a breath huff-and-puff of fresh air.
• Outdoor calisthenic parks  (Public): You can find chin-up bars and other apparatus for doing bodyweight workouts right beside Insurgentes metro station, in Parque Espana, in front of Qi Fitness in Condesa, and in the Centro.

Related: 9 Fun & Fast Tricks We Use to Stay Fit While Traveling

✓  Venture into a pulqueria

Pulque is kombucha with attitude. It's a gut-friendly fermented drink with 3-to-8-percent alcohol that you can only find within a day's drive Mexico's high plains.

It's not necessarily taste-bud friendly, though. Raw pulque is an acquired taste whose appeal is hurt by the fact that people too often compare its texture to that of semen. But if you give it a chance, get a curado that's blended with fruits, and compare it to yogurt-mixed-with-beer instead of sperm, there's a good chance you'll enjoy it.

Even if you can't swallow the stuff, pulquerias are worth venturing into for their dive-y, old school atmosphere and for the chance to meet the curious characters who you'll be drinking beside.

As for which pulqueria to go to, as a general rule of thumb the farther the pulqueria is from tourist attractions, the better.

If you're interested in trying this "kombucha on steroids," make sure to check our guide to its up-and-down-and-up-again history, amazing nutritional benefits, and where to get it in Mexico City.

✓  At least stay in the Condesa / Roma Norte area

As we explain in the neighborhood overview of our Mexico City first-timers' guide , it's the ideal area to base your stay. It's central, safe, cosmopolitan, and has tons of places for eating, shopping, exercising, and eating some more.

Condesa / Roma Norte has plenty of boutique hotels and hostels. If we were rich or it were our honeymoon, we'd stay at the Nima Local House or La Valise .

Related: Quick and Dirty Mexico City First-Timers' Guide

✓  Read these other blogs' Mexico City travel tips

Here are a couple other posts with not-obvious, original, and actually helpful Mexico City travel tips:

• What not to Do in Mexico City: Advice from a Local , by Northern Lauren
• 17 Things to Know Before You Go to Mexico City , by Explore Parts Unknown

✓  Try these tips and tricks to change the way you travel

You're sure to find at least one idea that will change the way you travel in our list of our best travel tips and tricks . It has everything from advanced, experimental travel tips and tricks to practical but oft-overlooked ones to dumb advice we hear others give too often (and what to do instead).

What NOT to Do in Mexico City

✗  Don't be a wuss

Worried that your ice cubes might be made from tap water?

Suck it up and suck down your drink anyways.

Wondering where that food's been and how long it's been sitting out?

Tell your selfish yuppy gut bacteria they need to make some Mexican friends. It's good for all of you.

Concerned that you'll stick out like a sore thumb in a poorer neighborhood?

Hate to break it to you, but the people in those neighborhoods are too preoccupied with more important things to care about your presence.

Get over yourself and don't be a wuss.

✗  Don't look like a tourist

Even if you're a big, light-haired, fair-skinned guy like Chris you  should at least try to look like a local resident instead of a tourist.

That means no flip-flops under any circumstances, and no shorts unless it's blisteringly hot outside.

Otherwise, it's so obvious you're a tourist that you may as well wear your national flag as a cape, paint your face in the same colors, and fan yourself with 500 peso bills.

✗  Don't pay for water

You know how full-serve gas station attendants try to upsell you on premium gas and you have to say, "No, just regular, please"? Well that's how it is with water at restaurants in Mexico City.

When you ask for water your waiter will default to bringing you an expensive bottle. But if you ask the right way, they'll begrudgingly give you a glass of filtered water for free.

Ask for " agua del filtro ." Most likely, the server will pretend not to understand at first, so insist. Say, " Un vaso de agua del garrafon " (a glass from the jug). Repeat if necessary.

The waiter will eventually relent and bring you your water, saving you some pesos and saving the environment from another empty bottle.

✗  Don't wait in super long in lines

Here's a hot travel take: Anything you need to wait around in line with other tourists for is not worth doing.

For example, unless you're such a Frida fan that you've grown a unibrow in her honor, it's not worth it (unless you buy in advance, as per the tip below). Also, instead of waiting to blow your pesos with other hip gringos at Hotel Condesa's bar, get some pulque at Pulqueria Insurgentes. And rather than wait forever for a pastry from Rosetta go up the street to the much more spacious Cafe NIN, which has the exact same treats minus the line.

But when it comes to less-touristy attractions, don't be scared off by rumors of lineups. Three of our favorite food spots —Fonda Margarita, Esquina Chilaquil, and Tacos Don Juan—were said to have hour-plus long lines, but in all three cases we waited no more than twenty minutes. We suspect the locals exaggerate to keep annoying tourists away.

Tip: Save yourself a couple of hours waiting to get into the Frida museum by buying tickets in advance on this site or doing a tour, like this this highly-rated Airbnb experience , that includes VIP skip-the-line entry. (Thanks to Nina for this tip. She also recommends paying extra for a guide or audio tour, which she regrets not doing.)

✗  Don't go anywhere when it's close to its opening or closing hours

Based on our experience, opening and closing hours are suggestions in Mexico City, not reality.

Inevitably, the person running the shop, restaurant, or bar will have an excuse to open later than advertised and close earlier.

Being naive to this reality (perhaps due to Chris' always-on-time Swiss ancestry) and slow learners, we went but had to come back another time to four different places during our trip: Helado Obscuro, Terraza Catedral, Minichelista, and Pulqueria La Nuclear.

✗  Don't trust strangers who approach you in perfect English

We were minding our own business eating some Dorilokos near the Anthropology Museum when a frazzled-looking white guy approached. In perfect English, he rambled on about how he was robbed in a taxi and was desperate to catch his flight. He asked for twenty to thirty dollars for a taxi, saying he would repay us later via PayPal.

We asked him to screw off. There was a fluent-English speaking tourist booth beside us whose job it is to help out people like him, so he was clearly a scammer.

A similar situation happened near Bellas Artes with a guy at one of those three-cups-one-ball sleight-of-hand games who asked us to "help him out for a sec."

Long story short, if you have the face of a sucker like we apparently do, there's a decent chance you'll be approached by indecent people trying to scam you. If they have suspiciously good English, be suspicious.

If you feel bad, do something nice for a stranger when you get home to make up for it.

✗  Don't take taxis

We don't know about you, but we prefer not to pay more money to expose ourselves to a higher risk of getting ripped off and getting lost. That's why we use Uber in Mexico City.

As an example, an official taxi from the airport to Roma Norte costs 220 pesos. Uber costs 130. Use those 90 pesos you save towards getting yourself a Mexican SIM card ( see above ) so you can use Uber.

Don't overlook other forms of transit, too. Biking, the bus, and the metro can be faster and are certainly cheaper. See our Mexico City Guide for more on getting around.

Before You Leave Mexico City

✓  buy your souvenir mezcal or tequila in the city, not at the airport duty-free.

The selection of booze in Mexico City's airport duty-free is expensive and only has brands you can buy in liquor stores back home.

Get a cheaper, better, more unique bottle in town. Bundle it up before packing it in your check-in luggage, pray it doesn't get smashed en route, then share it with your friends while exaggerating about how sought-after the particular brand it is.

✓  Make some money on the exchange rate

Mexico City airport currency exchange booths will pay you to take US dollars off their hands.

For example, Chris exchanged 720 pesos to dollars at the end of our trip. According to the official exchange rate that day, those pesos should have been worth $36 USD. But they gave him $37. He made $1 profit, which is more than this blog earns him most days.

If you happen to have have $10K cash in your bank account, you can exploit this loophole to make hundreds of dollars.

Did you like this post? Pin it!

Read This Next:

These Mexico City travel tips are part of our Local, Loco, and (Not) Low-Cal Mexico City blog.

Discover a whole lot more tasty tips by completing the series:

Mexico City Guide: 12 F.A.Qs for 1st Timers

How to Eat Like a Local in Mexico City: 15 Surefire Favorites

How to Explore Mexico City by Bike

Pulque: A Guide to Mexico's Kombucha on Steroids

50+ Travel Tips and Tricks That Will Change the Way You Travel

Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

26 thoughts on “Mexico City Travel Tips: 20 Dos and Don'ts No One Tells You”

Great tips for visiting Mexico city. I like how you promote visiting local places. You have a to be a bit extra cautious when visiting Mexico.

Thanks for the perspective Henry. I agree you have to be cautious when visiting Mexico, but honestly you have to be cautious in any foreign country. Even in Vancouver, where we are now, you can find yourself in trouble if you're naive and careless. As for CDMX specifically, based on our experience and that of our friends who've been there and lived there, I'd definitely say it's way, WAY safer than most people think. As safe as many American cities. But just like in those cities, you're right that you gotta be careful.

Thanks for the tips! I'm planning a trip to Mexico City for the first time in February and I'm curious to hear why you think the Frida Khalo museum isn't worth it. I was planning to get tickets in advance to try to avoid the lines, but I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Hey Olivia. That's a really fair question. The reason I'd say it's overrated is because of the huge line that wastes so much precious CDMX time and because people go because other people go, even if they don't give a crap about art or Kahlo. They may as well go to one of the many other, but less popular, museum. But if you can avoid the line by getting a ticket and if you go in already with a true appreciation of Kahlo and desire to learn more, then by all means it's a good idea. Most people don't fit those criteria, though.

"The Blue House" is a marvelous 'don't miss' home that reflects so much of who Frieda Kahlo was. Colorful, decorated in this artist's very particular taste. One of the few city spots to which I often return..I am an artist. Much of my work – water color and photography, is of Mejico…

"Fair skinned, blonde haired" I see you poking fun at yourself. Really appreciate the post, been trying to collect as much information as possible. We're headed to CDMX mid February. I didn't see any mention of Xochilmilco canals or the ruins of Teotithuacan. Any recommendations? Priced a potential tour but more expensive than expecting. We are thinking maybe uber and tour ourselves. Vale la pena?

Also, lucha libre, yes or no?

Thanks – Mary

Hi Mary, Thanks for the questions!

We share our brief takes on Xochimilco, Teotihuacan, and lucha libre in our "Quick and Dirty Mexico City Guide" . Of the three, we'd recommend lucha libre the highest… even though we haven't done it. All our friends who have, even those who we wouldn't suspect would like it, gave us rave reviews.

On the other two, in addition to what we write in the Quick and Dirty guide I'd say the biggest determinant of whether to go or not is how much time you have. We consider neither to be absolute "must dos" for trip of less than a week, especially since the time you lose going there and back is precious. And if you want to get out of town, it's possibly even worth considering a pueblo like Tepotzlan instead.

Whatever you decide, have a fantastic trip. And if you discover tips of your own, or ones of ours you disagree with (politely of course), please come back to share it!

"For example, unless you’re such a Frida fan that you’ve grown a unibrow in her honor, it’s not worth it."

Are you seriously suggesting that Casa Azul isn't worth the wait? Instead of skipping the museum, I'd suggest planning your day better. There's tours that help you skip the line.

Fair enough, Julia. Sorry maybe for making you frown so much you almost have a unibrow yourself.

I would bet that a good percentage of people waiting in line are waiting simple because everyone else said to go. They could either plan better like you say, or prioritize based on their own interests.

Yeah, don't take a taxi! Much better to support this Uber exploiter company. by the way: a bus or metro would be even cheaper. But that is too local perhaps.

From taxi scammers to uber exploiters. What's next in the evolution? You're right, Momo, that we should mention buses and metro here. I'll update the post. Thanks!

OMG This post had me absolutely cracking up! "Tell your yuppie gut to make some Mexican friends." LOL what an incredible line! I am heading to Mexico (but CDMX for only 2 days) and am so thankful I found this post! Great tips. We are going to the Frida Khalo house, but got skip the line tickets in advance, and though I'm not a huge fan of art and museums, do love her for all that she accomplished as a female Mexican artist. As a traveler watching the budget I definitely appreciate all the local and more affordable tips!

Hey Nina, Thanks. It's nice to hear at least some people appreciate my attempts at humor.

Now that you mention it, I should mention the skip-the-line option for Frida. Thanks!

If you come up with any other tips to add from your experience, let me know. If I like it, I'll add it and link to your site as a shout-out.

Buen viaje!

Any comments on airlines between cities in Mexico. I don't want to waste time taking 6 hour bus trips, but the airlines have lots of negative reviews. Thanks!

Sorry, Jaimee, but I've mostly bussed around Mexico so I don't have enough experience on the airlines to help out. Any other reader with tips, please chime in!

Hi Jaimee, I highly recommend flying with a Mexican airline. Just be aware of the extra costs for luggage (that's why I always travel only with hand luggage), especially with the cheaper airlines. I have tried many airlines like Volaris, Air Mexico, Aeromar, VivaAerobús and even small airplanes with only 12 passengers and they were all very reliable. Let me know if you have more questions. And enjoy Mexico!

Great tips, guys (and gals). Thank!!

Two more we can add from recent experience.

1) Bank of America partners with ScotiaBank for ATM service in MX (and much of Latin America?) There are no fees for using a BoA ATM card at a Scotiabank AND you get prime exchange rate BUT a) you have to refuse the insurance and b) you have to say NO to their proposed excange rate (which is the last question the ATM asks you). Also there is seldom a Scotiabank location where you need it.

Regarding Cell Phones, T-mobile is a German company, and therefore they are aware that there are other countries in the world besides the US. They have partners in MX, Japan, France and – not surprisingly – Germany (these we have used ourselves) plus MANY more countries. When you arrive in a country with a T-mobile partner, you receive a text from them welcoming you, and then magically, your phone works, calls, texts, data, the whole enchilada. It's almost like living in the 21st Century !!

Thanks, Eric! I've updated the post with these tips of yours. Hope you enjoyed/are enjoying CDMX!

It’s a little concerning that you’re downplaying water safety precautions. “Don’t be a wuss. Suck it up and suck up the water?” I work in travel medicine and traveler’s diarrhea is the #1 sickness people get while visiting other countries. Not to mention other food and water borne illnesses like typhoid fever and Hepatitis A that can be difficult to treat in other countries. Most travelers who are new to the area should indeed be taking these precautions seriously. Contracting one of these illnesses can completely ruin one’s trip. Also, your verbiage and choice of words like “suck” and poking fun at unibrows is distasteful.

Thanks for sharing your tastes, Rae. Truly. It helps other readers to have varying opinions.

I love your blogpost and loved Mexico City so much! It was actually nicer than I expected. I thought it would be hectic, dirty and loud, but it was such an amazing city. We stayed in Roma Norte, but this would not be my first choice for my next time, because it has a lively (gay) party scene. I would go to Condesa or Reforma next time. I also recommend getting a creditcard with pesos on it, because they do accept a card in many places. And my final advice: just go!

Amazing blog! Thank you for making me want to visit Mexico right now. I just wanna share I use this website https://www.holidayhare.com/city/mexico-city/4075 to check country/city info like weather, visa requirements etc. before I travel. 🙂

We are planning a trip to Mexico next year, I wanted to check out your airbnb links but they don't seem to be working. Can you provide that info again??

Hi Amanda. Sorry but it seems they're not available anymore, so I've removed them from this post. Thanks for the heads up. Enjoy your stay!

Love this but frustrating that i signed up for a 3 day ecobicci prior to my trip It starts today and expires before i even arrive! I thought it would start on my initiation Maybe you should warm people not to sign up till you are ready to use it

How annoying! Thanks for the warning, Marcia. I've added the heads up to the post.

What do you think? (Leave a Comment.) Cancel reply

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The 20 Best Things to Do in Mexico City

Mexico City is the fifth largest city in the world, a sprawling metropolis where history and culture converge in a dynamic tapestry of bright colors, diverse cuisines, and lively districts.

I love it here. I’ve been a handful of times and never get tired of exploring and eating my way around the city. I always have an amazing time. In fact, I love the city so much I even ran tours here (and every single person I showed around was blown away). No one hates this place.

Unsurprisingly, in a city so large and with such a long history, there’s a ton to see and do here, from visiting world-class museums to feasting at tiny taco stands to exploring offbeat neighborhoods. You could easily spend a week here and not even scratch the surface.

Here are what I think are best things to do in Mexico City so that you can have fun and really get to know the city and culture on your trip to this vibrant capital!

Table of Contents

1. Take a Walking Tour

2. visit the museo nacional de antropología, 3. tour frida kahlo’s house, 4. attend a lucha libre, 5. day trip to teotihuacán, 6. peruse the mercados, 7. take a food tour, 8. sample mezcal, 9. float along the xochimilco canals, 10. admire the view from torre latinoamericana, 11. wander the zócalo, 12. relax in chapultepec park, 13. visit castillo de chapultepec, 14. check out the art and history museums, 15. tour a megalibrary, 16. marvel at the soumaya museum, 17. escape to the unam botanical garden, 18. stroll around roma and condesa, 19. visit a pueblo mágico, 20. offbeat things to do in mexico city.

Walking tours are an excellent way to learn a destination’s history and avoid missing any must-see stops. I always start my trips off with at least one walking tour as it’s the best way to get the lay of the land and connect with a local guide that can answer all your questions.

Estación Mexico Free Tours and the Monkey Experience both have a free historic downtown tour that can show you what the city has to offer. The former also offers four other free tours of different neighborhoods too. Even though the tours are technically free, always remember to tip your guide at the end!

For more walking tour recommendations (including paid options), check out this post .

Found within Chapultepec Park, this world-class anthropology museum is the largest museum in Mexico (it’s also the most visited, receiving over two million guests per year). Since 1964, it has housed the largest global collection of sculptures, jewels, and artifacts from ancient Mexican civilizations. The different time periods are grouped into comprehensive (and massive) exhibition halls with bilingual information signs, so be sure to give yourself ample time to explore it all. There’s a beautiful courtyard in the center where you can sit and people-watch for a bit.

Av. P.º de la Reforma s/n, +52 (55) 5553-6266, mna.inah.gob.mx. Open Tues-Sun 9am-6pm. Tickets are 95 MXN. Guided tours of the highlights start at 375 MXN (includes admission).

Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera are two of the biggest names in Mexican art. Frida was particularly famous for her portraits and self-portraits. A tour of their old home (“Casa Azul”) is a worthwhile experience to see where and how she lived, as well as some of her original artwork. It’s a really interesting house with a beautiful garden and lots of information about her life. The residence also hosts a variety of artistic workshops monthly, so check out the schedule if you’re interested.

This guided tour of Coyoacán (the surrounding neighborhood) includes a ticket to the museum, which you’ll visit at your own pace after learning about the area in which the two artists lived and worked.

Londres 247, Del Carmen, +52 55 5554 5999, museofridakahlo.org.mx. Open Tues-Sun 10am-6pm (Wednesdays at 11am-6pm). Tickets are 250 MXN (270 MXN on the weekends). You must buy your tickets well in advance (at least a month out), because they are in incredibly high demand.

Mexican “free wrestling” is a favorite national pastime. Extremely entertaining and affordable, lucha libre takes the sport to a whole new level. Grab a beer or a shot of tequila, and whatever you do, do not look away during a match as anything can — and will — happen. (Do not bring your camera though, as you will be forced to check it at the door.)

Arena México and Arena Coliseo are the main places to see a match. General seating tickets can be as little as 56 MXN (do not buy from scalpers, because the police are always around and you’ll get in trouble). Look for a taquilla (ticket booth) sign to be sure that you are paying the right price.

Guided experiences, like this lucha libre experience , are also available. During the match, you’ll enjoy a mezcal tasting and munch on chips and guacamole, and at the end, you’ll leave with your very own lucha libre mask.

Arena México: Dr. Lavista 189, +52 55 5588 0266, cmll.com/arenas/arena-mexico. Shows on Fridays at 8:30pm, Sundays at 5pm, and Tuesdays at 7:30pm

Arena Coliseo: República de Perú 77, +52 55 5588 0266, cmll.com/arenas/arena-coliseo. Shows on Saturday nights at 7:30pm.

I’ve been a few times and can’t recommend it enough (especially if you’re a history buff). We took our tour groups here and everyone always had an amazing time.

You can either do the day trip yourself (there are plenty of buses) or go on a guided tour that also stops at the Guadalupe Basilica , an important pilgrimage site. Either way, don’t forget to bring sunscreen, as the sun is punishing, and there’s little to no shade.

Admission to the pyramids is 80 MXN, while a full-day tour including transportation and a local guide is 540 MXN.

Mexico City boasts a kaleidoscope of bustling markets, each with its own unique charm. Among the most famous is Mercado de la Merced, a sprawling market hailed as the largest in town. Located east of the Zócalo, it’s mainly focused on food, with vibrant displays of fruits, vegetables, meats, and spices.

Another iconic market is Mercado Roma, a contemporary gastronomic hub that showcases the city’s culinary diversity through gourmet treats and artisanal products. For something a little different, Mercado Jamaica is a beautiful flower market, full of vibrant colors and fragrances. And for unique souvenirs, head to La Ciudadela, an artisan market which boasts an extensive collection of traditional textiles and handicrafts.

Finally, Mercado de Sonora stands out for its mystical ambiance, renowned for catering to spiritual and esoteric needs, offering everything from traditional herbs and potions to ritualistic artifacts. There’s truly a market for everything in Mexico City!

If you don’t want to explore on your own, you can join a guided tour that visits both Mercado de la Merced and Mercado de Sonora, including many stops to sample lots of authentic local treats Tickets are around 1,100 MXN.

My friend Anais runs Devoured Tours , offering in-depth tours into the food scene of CMDX, with five different four-hour options to choose from. On each tour, you’ll meet a local “tastemaker,” an expert in their craft who shares the process behind Mexican gastronomic traditions like making mouthwatering tacos or crafting exquisite mezcal cocktails. Tours start at 1,625 MXN.

If you just want to eat all the tacos (who doesn’t), join Sabores Mexico Food Tours on its Tacos & Mezcal Night Food Tour . You’ll enjoy tacos at a mix of traditional and contemporary taquerias and end your night sampling in the first mezcal bar in Mexico City.

I love mezcal. It’s is a traditional Mexican distilled spirit, crafted from agave, that’s renowned for its smoky flavor and complexity. I’ve learned a ton about it over the course of my visits to Mexico, but I’m always looking to try new flavors and dive deeper into the distilling process.

If you want to try mezcal and learn more about it, some unique places to sample it include La Mezcaloteca (a bar/library where you can do a tasting of five mezcals) and La Clandestina in Condesa (with 25 mezcals from all over the country)

At the Museum of Tequila and Mezcal near Plaza Garibaldi, knowledgeable guides will lead you through the intricate process of production, from harvest to distillation. You’ll also get to sample types of mezcal alongside different tequilas, so you can appreciate the differences between Mexico’s main two spirits. A ticket that includes tastings costs 340 MXN.

If you’re an early riser, you can even opt for a sunrise tour, during which you’ll get the waterways virtually to yourself. Tours start at 890 MXN.

Torre Latinoamericana is an iconic skyscraper in the heart of Mexico City. Completed in 1956, it was once the tallest building in Latin America. Designed by architect Augusto H. Álvarez, the tower rises 183 meters (600 feet) and consists of 44 floors. (It has resisted numerous earthquakes, thanks to its innovative design featuring a stabilizing core.)

The tower offers panoramic views from its observation deck, giving a good perspective on just how massive the city is. It costs 200 MXN to visit the observation floor ( get advance tickets here ), but if you go to the bar on the floor just below, you’ll get the same view for the price of a drink.

Francisco I. Madero Avenue 1, +52 55 5518 7423, miradorlatino.com. Open daily 9am-10pm. Tickets are 200 MXN.

Originally the main ceremonial center in the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlán (located where Mexico City now stands), the Templo Mayor was destroyed to make room for the cathedral in 1521. In fact, the very stones that made up the temple were used to create the cathedral. You can now view ancient artifacts uncovered from the site, rediscovered in the 1970s, at the Museo del Templo Mayor (95 MXN to enter the museum and archaeological site).

When you’re done, head over to admire the stunning Spanish colonial architecture of the La Catedral Metropolitana. This 16th-century building dominates the northern half of the Zócalo and is free to enter. Inside, it’s incredibly ornate, with a floor that’s noticeably tilted thanks to the perpetual sinking of the city (due to its construction on a lake and swamp).

Chapultepec means “Hill of the Grasshopper” in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. Spanning 686 hectares (1,700 acres), this park in the heart of Mexico City is the second largest urban park in Latin America (the biggest is in Santiago, Chile ). It’s one of the world’s most visited too, not only by visitors but locals, who love to set up shop grilling and picnicking on Sundays. You can also rent a rowboat or paddleboat and go out on Chapultepec Lake. Whenever I want to just relax and soak up the sun, this is where I go.

In addition to the countless paths to stroll, Chapultepec is home to a zoo and several important museums, including the Museum of Anthropology (mentioned earlier) and Chapultepec Castle (see below).

The park is divided into three sections. Section 1 houses most of the museums and is open Tuesday-Sunday 5am-6pm. Sections 2 and 3 are open 24/7, though like many city parks, it’s likely not the best idea to walk through it alone after dark.

The only castle in North America to house monarchs, Chapultepec Castle was built in 1725 as a large manor house for the viceroy (the Spanish colonial administrator). Abandoned during the Mexican War of Independence in 1810, it later became the residence of Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota in 1864, during the Second Mexican Empire (1864–67).

Today, you can visit the castle and meander through the magnificently decorated period rooms, manicured gardens, and terraces offering impressive panoramas. The castle is also home to the Museo Nacional de Historia (see below), which tells the story of Mexico from the time of Tenochtitlán to the Mexican Revolution.

Bosque de Chapultepec, Section I, +52 55 5256 5464, mnh.inah.gob.mx. Open Tues-Sun 9am-5pm. Admission 95 MXN.

• Palacio de Bellas Artes (Fine Art Museum) : This impressive Art Nouveau building with an Art Deco interior is a massive cultural center that hosts performing arts events. Its various galleries include murals by Diego Rivera and rotating temporary exhibitions. It is also home to the Museum of Architecture.
• Museo Nacional de Historia (National History Museum) : This museum, located in Chapultepec Castle, tells the history of Mexico over 12 permanent exhibition halls.
• Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art) : Located within Chapultepec Park, this museum focuses on modern Mexican art. Its most famous piece is Frida Kahlo’s The Two Fridas .
• MUAC (University Museum of Contemporary Art of UNAM) : This art museum on the university’s grounds also focuses on contemporary Mexican art, with video and sound installations, paintings, drawings, and more.
• Museo Nacional de Arte (National Art Museum) : Mexican art from the mid-16th century to the mid-20th century is divided into three main time periods (colonial, post-independence, and post-revolution).
• Museo de Arte Popular (Folk Art Museum) : This museum’s collection of Mexican folk art and handicrafts features traditional textiles, pottery, glass, piñatas, and alebrijes (brightly colored sculptures of fantastical creatures).
• Memory and Tolerance Museum : This newer museum tells the history of genocides and crimes against humanity, with a section promoting tolerance and inclusion of all groups of people.
• Tamayo Museum : Born out of the private collection of artist Rufino Tamayo, this museum concentrates on 20th-century international art (especially of the avant-garde variety).

Ticket prices vary, but generally range from free to 100 MXN.

The Biblioteca Vasconcelos, located in the Buenavista neighborhood, is a temple to books, often referred to as a “megalibrary.” The largest library in the entire country, it opened in 2006, covers an incredible 38,000 square meters (409,000 square feet), and houses over 600,000 books.

But the real draw for the visitor is not in the collection (which, though large, isn’t particularly noteworthy) but the building itself. The architecture is stunning, featuring transparent walls, six intentionally mismatched floors, and sculptures by prominent artists. It also has a focus on sustainability, with rainwater collection barrels on the roof, windows designed to light almost the entire interior naturally (yet without harming the books), and a green roof covered in plants that keep the building cool.

Don’t miss popping around the back to stroll through the quiet and spacious garden filled with trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Admission is free.

Housing 66,000 pieces of Central American and European art, the Soumaya Museum displays works not only by Mexican artists such as Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo but also by famous masters such as Botticelli, Dalí, and Rodin. The museum was donated and constructed by one of the world’s richest men, Carlos Slim Helú (a Mexican business magnate). The Soumaya is a stunning piece of art on its own, as it is covered in 16,000 hexagonal aluminum tiles that sparkle in the sunlight. It’s considered the most beautiful modern building in Mexico City. Admission is free.

Blvd. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. +52 55 1103 9800, www.museosoumaya.org/. Open daily, 10:30am-6:30pm. Free entry.

If you’re seeking a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of Mexico City, look no further than the Botanical Garden at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Rooted in Aztec traditions that valued gardens for both medicinal and ornamental purposes, this sanctuary also emphasizes conservation and environmental education. It’s situated around lava formations from the Xitle volcano eruption, and the paths meander through naturally formed grottoes and past waterfalls and ponds teeming with koi and turtles.

The plants you can admire here include the world’s most diverse cactus collection, with 800 different varieties; there’s also an orchidarium and a medicinal garden. This is also a habitat for wildlife: keep an eye out for woodpeckers, owls, hummingbirds, rattlesnakes, lizards, and the Pedregal tarantula, a species exclusive to this small area of Mexico City.

University City, Coyoacán. +52 56 22 90 63. www.ib.unam.mx/ib/jb/. Open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, Saturdays from 9am-3pm. Admission is free.

Roma is renowned for its bohemian atmosphere, European-inspired architecture, and colorful street art. Condesa is a bit more laid-back, high-class, and refined, featuring Art Deco buildings and lots of sidewalk cafés. Parque México and Parque España are iconic green spaces that divide the two neighborhoods and are perfect places to sit and people-watch for a bit.

The pueblos mágicos (magical towns) are towns and villages that the Mexican government has recognized for their cultural, historical, and natural significance. To be so designated, a place must meet specific criteria, including having historical and cultural richness and unique architecture, traditions, and folklore. These towns often feature well-preserved colonial architecture, lively cultural traditions, and a welcoming atmosphere.

While they are scattered all across the country, there’s one located just over an hour from Mexico City: Tepotzotlán.

Known for its beautiful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, vibrant murals, and hikes to sacred sites in the surrounding mountains, it makes for a fun day trip, or if you have the time, even an overnight. There are buses that go to Tepotzotlán from Taxqueña (Mexico City’s southern bus station) every 30 minutes. A ticket is 184 MXN.

There are lots of unconventional things to see and do that a lot of visitors don’t experience. Here are a few suggestions of some of my favorites:

• Palacio de Correos de México : This beautiful post office is a fascinating mix of architectural styles, including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Gothic Revival, and others. There’s a free museum on the ground floor featuring various elements of the post office’s history, including a huge mural made entirely of stamps!
• Ballet Folklórico de México : This renowned folk-dance ensemble showcases traditional Mexican dance and music. Their permanent home is the Palacio de Bellas Artes, where tickets start at 1,200 MXN .
• Museo del Objeto del Objeto (Museum of the Object of the Object) : This quirky museum is dedicated to everyday objects, showcasing the evolution of design and consumer culture in Mexico. Free admission.
• Museo del Chocolate : Learn about the importance and cultivation of cacao throughout Mexico’s history. There’s also an attached café, where you can sample chocolates in plenty of different forms. Museum admission is 80 MXN.

Mexico City is one of the world’s greatest metropolises. From iconic landmarks like the historic Zócalo and the majestic Teotihuacán pyramids to the vibrant markets, diverse neighborhoods, and thriving culinary scene, it is utterly captivating. No matter how long you have here, these things to do will keep you busy and ensure that you have an amazing visit.

Book Your Trip to Mexico City: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, here are my favorite hostels in Mexico City .

This post can help you pick the best neighborhoods to stay in .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Mexico City? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to Mexico City for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

Get my best stuff sent straight to you!

Pin it on pinterest.

25 Mexico City Travel Tips for a First-Time Visitor: Local’s Guide

If you are planning to visit Mexico City for the first time, the Mexico City travel tips contained in this post will help you stay safe and make the most of your vacation.  

You are in good hands here because I have been living in Mexico for the last two years, have travelled the country extensively, and have spent a significant amount of time exploring all the different districts of Mexico City (CDMX).

I understand that Mexico is a place that a lot of people are nervous about travelling to for the first time (I definitely was when I first arrived here). So I have compiled a comprehensive list of Mexico City travel tips that I wish I had had when I first visited. 

Table of Contents

25 Mexico City Travel Tips for a First-Time Visitor 

Spend time exploring the city’s different neighbourhoods .

Mexico City’s various neighbourhoods (“barrios”) are one of the major draws of travelling here. Each one is like a different village in itself, and each one has its own distinctive personality and charm. 

Roma Norte, Roma Sur and Condesa are popular choices among the Digital Nomad and expat crowds and are known for their eclectic boutique stores, quirky coffee shops, craft breweries and colourful street art. Nearby Polanco is an upscale district that could be likened to being Mexico City’s answer to Beverly Hills or New York’s 5th avenue. 

Yet while being home to many luxurious malls and designer stores, Polanco manages to be elegant without being pretentious. There are also lots of great coffee and lunch spots here, with leafy views of Chapultepec Park. 

Coyoacan, while a little out of the way, is another great district that is too frequently overlooked. Coyoacan is to Mexico City what Greenwich Village is to New York. 

Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul is by far the most famous attraction in this area. However, once you arrive and start meandering around Coyoacan’s leafy streets, you will quickly find that the artist’s former home is the tip of the iceberg of what Coyoacan, with its European-style outdoor cafes and independent art galleries, has to offer. 

Know which areas to avoid

One key distinctive difference in exploring Mexico City and other Mexican/Latin American cities is that you have to be mindful of where you are walking and which districts you are venturing into. You cannot mindlessly follow Google Maps as you might on say, a sleepy Greek island. 

The Mexico City districts outlined above are generally very safe. The city centre and the area around Palacio de Bellas Artes are mostly safe, but as you may expect in a very crowded area that is popular with tourists, it is definitely somewhere where you need to watch your bags, as pickpockets do operate in this area.

Mexico City is a place where you can be in one area which is completely safe, and then walk a couple of blocks further down the road and find yourself in a sketchy district where you don’t want to be. 

The Plaza Garibaldi district in the centre is known for its live mariachi performances but it is certainly a little rough around the edges. Absent-mindedly walk a couple of blocks further and you can end up in Tepito, a dangerous market area that is known as a place where criminal groups go to purchase basically anything they need, and fake/stolen goods are sold. 

Iztapalapa, Ciudad Neza, Doctores and La Merced Market are other areas that are best avoided. However, these regions are a little further out of town so it is not the case that you could accidentally wander into them. 

Think carefully about where you want to stay 

Choosing where to stay in Mexico City is an important decision as the location where you base yourself can really impact your trip. You might think that staying as central as possible is the best choice, but the area around the Zocalo and the Palacio de Bellas Artes can be sketchy at night and you likely won’t feel comfortable walking back after going out for dinner. 

Roma Norte and Sur, Condesa, Anzures and Polanco are great areas for first-time travellers. Coyoacan is great if you want something a little quieter and you want to hang out in a creative district loved by artists and writers. 

However, Coyoacan is a bit of a trek from the centre of town and Mexico City traffic is often horrendous, especially at peak times, so you might find it annoying to be spending so much of your trip in transit and stuck in lines of traffic. 

Check which airport you are flying into 

There are now two airports in Mexico City after the Mexican capital’s second airport “Felipe Ángeles International” (NLU) opened in March 2022 to handle the significant overcrowding experienced by the principal airport. Most international and domestic flights generally still fly to the main Mexico City airport (MEX). 

However, it is important to check the airport code when you book your flights so that you can see exactly where you will be arriving. NLU is almost 40km north of Mexico City, while MEX is 16km east. 

If you have a couple of flight options available, scour through them and try and fly into MEX where possible. It will significantly cut down your travel time and overland expenses getting into the city centre. 

Dress appropriately for a Mexican city 

Do check the weather before planning your trip to Mexico City so that you can plan your Mexican packing list accordingly. A lot of people assume that Mexico = constant heat, humidity and sunshine but that is not true of all of Mexico. 

There are so many different climates and geographies encompassed in this vast country and Mexico City is at a much higher altitude than coastal destinations like Cancun, Tulum and Puerto Vallarta so it is generally much cooler. 

During the spring and summer months, it seldom gets hotter than around 77°F-82.4°F (25°C-28°C) here. Temperatures drop in the Fall and in the winter, you are looking at daily averages of around 15°C/59°F so you absolutely need to layer up like an onion and wear a coat at this time. 

I often see online travel guides state that women should wear jeans, not wear skirts, or dress a certain way in Mexican cities and honestly, you should dress however you please and feel comfortable. (Within reason). 

Mexico City is a wonderfully diverse city made up of residents from every race and background from all over the globe. You should feel free to embrace your individual style and sense of expression here. 

That said, I would say that people don’t generally wear flip-flops or beach-style sandals here, even when it is super hot. (Partly due to hygiene concerns in the city, etc). So if you do so, you might find you draw attention to yourself as a tourist. 

Make the most of Mexico City’s museums 

There are tons of great museums in Mexico City and in fact, Mexico City is actually believed to be the city with the most museums in the world. (It is a close competition between Mexico City and London, UK and nobody is 100% certain which snags the title). 

It is believed that there are around 170 museums and over 40 galleries in Mexico. That’s enough to keep you occupied for almost a year! 

It can be overwhelming to know which ones to prioritise and choose but there are a few places that stand out. Even if you don’t consider yourself a “museum person”, you should stop by the National Museum of Anthropology.

This is the most visited museum in Mexico (for good reason) and contains extensive exhibition halls that showcase artefacts belonging to various ancient civilisations that have been excavated from across Mexico. If you enjoy art (or you just want to learn more about Mexican artists and culture), check out the MUAC (University Museum of Contemporary Art) , Museo Tamayo and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. 

Check which days Mexico City’s museums are free

Many Mexico City museums are constantly free to enter (such as the Soumaya Museum and Museo Jumex). 

Others are free on certain days of the week. It is worth checking when and where you can get free admission so that you can plan your itinerary accordingly – especially if you are hoping to stick to a budget. 

This article shares several Mexico City museums which are permanently free. Check the websites of the specific museums that interest you to see which days of the week they are free. 

Many museums offer free entry for children under a certain age and are often free for Mexican nationals on Sundays. 

You cannot drink the tap water

You cannot drink the tap water in Mexico City or anywhere else in Mexico for that matter. Although it is purified at the source, it gets contaminated with bacteria, dirt and other bugs en route to your tap so it isn’t safe to drink.

(Even Mexicans don’t drink it). Drinks and ice in bars and restaurants are always perfectly safe to consume because they are prepared with mineral water and businesses get ice delivered. 

Most hotels will give you 2 complimentary bottles of water for each day of your stay. You can also purchase mineral water from any convenience store or kiosk. 

Book your visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum in advance 

Some Mexico City tourist attractions are so popular that you absolutely need to reserve your place to visit in advance and Frida Kahlo’s house is one of them. Tickets to Casa Azul, the home of the late Mexican icon, often sell out a day in advance and there is always a snaked queue down the street to get inside. 

Book your ticket and timeslot online in advance and then show up 15-20 minutes before your time. If you just rock up at the museum without a ticket reservation, you will be turned away. 

It is honestly a good idea to reserve most tours, museums and attractions in advance here, especially if you are travelling in spring and summer. 

Read up on the earthquake risk 

A scary reality of travelling to Mexico City is acknowledging that the city is in an area with a lot of seismic activity. CDMX was built on an ancient lake bed so the ground here is not the most stable. 

Not to mention, Mexico as a whole is located in a subduction zone where the Cocos oceanic plate and the North American continental plate meet. Don’t terrify yourself worrying about earthquakes but it pays to read up on what to do in the event of one. 

An earthquake could essentially rock Mexico City at any time. On April 3rd 2023, a mild 5.3 magnitude quake rocked the city , and a major earthquake caused many fatalities and injuries in 2017. 

Make time to take day trips out from Mexico City 

Mexico City is such a wonderful, culturally rich city with so much to do and see that you could easily spend weeks here and still feel like you haven’t gotten enough time. And with so much to offer, it can be hard to tear yourself away and see other parts of Mexico if you only have a limited amount of time in the country. 

However, since there are literally dozens of wonderful day trips that you can take from Mexico City to archaeological sites, pueblo magicos , hiking trails and cute towns and villages that you can reach in an hour or two, it would be a shame to confine yourself to just one place. 

Some great suggestions are as per the below. 

• Teotihuacan – An impressive Aztec city known for its grand pyramids
• Xochimilco canals – Take a gondola ride through the canal network while drinking beers and listening to music
• Puebla de Zaragoza – Cultured capital of the state of Puebla
• Cholula – Puebla state pueblo magico home to the world’s largest pyramid
• La Isla de la Muñecas – Creepy island within the Xochimilco canals where a local man decorated the trees with hundreds of dolls to supposedly appease a child ghost
• Tepotzotlán – Pueblo magico known for its handicraft markets and baroque churches 

Carefully plan out your itinerary 

There is so much to see and do in Mexico’s capital that even if you plan a 4-5 day Mexico City itinerary , you won’t be able to fit it all in. Nobody likes to over-plan to the extent that they have a rigid schedule that doesn’t allow them any flexibility or time to relax.

However, it is a good idea to roughly draft out what you want to see and do each day so that you make the most of your time and don’t spend too much time stuck in traffic, going back and forth across town, etc.

Suggested first-time Mexico City itinerary

A suggested (super condensed) four-day itinerary for CMDX is as follows:

• Day one: Have breakfast in Polanco, explore Chapultepec, visit the Anthropology Museum, dinner in an acclaimed CDMX restaurant  
• Day two: Spend the morning visiting Teotihuacan, explore central CDMX, visit Palacio de Belles Artes, stop by Museo Mural Diego Riviera, walk down Av. 5 de Mayo and see the Casa de Los Azulejos. Experience Mexico City by night
• Day three: Spend a day in Coyoacan and visit Frida Kahlo’s house
• Day four: Take a gondola ride at the Xochomlico canals and spend your afternoon admiring the street art and the quirky cafes of Roma and Condesa

Don’t hesitate to use the metro 

A lot of people seem to be afraid of using the metro in Mexico City and assume that it is dangerous. While you definitely need to watch your belongings and be aware of pickpockets, the same could be said of riding the metro in London, Paris, or anywhere else in the world. 

Taking the metro can save you a fair amount of money too. (Ubers are affordable here but if you are taking Ubers multiple times a day, it quickly adds up). 

Pick up a Mexico City Metro card 

Pick up a metro card from a kiosk at any station and top it up with 50-100 pesos or so initially. With a CDMX metro card, you will be able to ride across town for just 5 pesos a journey. 

Avoid the metro at rush hour

The Mexico City metro is the second largest metro network in the Americas (second only to New York) and is used by millions of people every day. While you may not always be able to get a seat, it is usually not overly crowded except at rush hour.

Rush hour is anywhere from around 8 am until 9.30 am, and from around 4 pm until 7 pm. When people are on their daily commute (like in any city), people are often crammed in carriages like sardines at this time. 

Use Uber to get around safely 

Uber and other domestic Mexican ridesharing apps like Didi and Indrive are the most popular ways for Mexicans to get around. In Mexico City, Uber is considered safer than using street cabs which might come as a surprise. 

However, with the app, you can see a driver’s past references, rating and driver and vehicle information which you simply cannot see if you hail random taxis. Since scams and even “express kidnappings” (where a tourist is held at knifepoint and forced to hold over valuables) are problems in Mexico, you should always use Uber here and never jump into a random taxi. 

Spend an afternoon in Chapultepec Park 

Chapultepec Park is a gorgeous leafy green space in the heart of Mexico City that offers a welcome respite from the concrete jungle. Chapultepec is actually twice the size of New York Central Park and it is so full of attractions and activities, that you really could dedicate an entire day to exploring it. 

The Museum of Anthropology should be your first stop. Sometimes, you will catch “Danza de los Voladores” performers in the little plaza just outside it. 

Browse through the street stalls selling all manner of snacks, artisanal goods and bric-a-brac, walk along the length of Chapultepec Lake, and stop by the 18th-century Chapultepec castle. This is the only castle in North America to have housed royalty.

Mexican Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota lived here from 1864 until Maximilian’s death three years later. You should buy tickets to the palace online in advance to save waiting if you can. 

Try to spend at least five days in town if you can 

4 or 5 days is a good amount of time for a first visit to Mexico City. You will still have an ultra-jam-packed schedule, but it is enough time to experience the different neighbourhoods, the key museums, and a couple of the highly-rated restaurants that the city has to offer. 

If you dedicate only 2-3 days to Mexico City, you will be rushing around too much and you will find that you have to chop things out of your schedule. If you can spend a week in Mexico City, you can also do a couple of day trips to the villages and archaeological sites nearby. 

Use your common sense safety-wise 

When I visited Mexico City for the first time, even my Mexican friends in the Yucatan were a little concerned about it because historically, the city hasn’t been considered the safest place in the world. Mexico City can be safe , even for solo female travellers, provided you use your common sense. 

Choose to stay in one of the areas recommended above, never walk alone at night (take an Uber instead), be mindful of which areas you are walking into, purchase a theft-proof backpack/money belt, and be aware of your surroundings. 

A lot of this is common sense wherever you go. When you arrive in Mexico City, you might be surprised by just how comfortable you feel here. 

Be mindful of your budget 

Mexico is not necessarily as cheap as people seem to assume. This is particularly true of Mexico City and in tourist destinations like Cancun, Tulum and Playa Del Carmen. 

You should expect to pay between 100 and 250 pesos for a meal out in neighbourhoods like Coyoacan, Roma and Condesa.

In chic cocktail bars and rooftop bars, a cocktail can cost well over 100 pesos too. For a mid-range budget, you can easily find an Airbnb in Condesa or Coyoacan for less than $50 USD a night, while more upscale hotel rooms and suites close to Chapultepec and Polanco tend to start from around $100 USD. 

You can definitely find dorm beds in centrally-located hostels for as little as $10-$15 a night, and you can save a lot of money if you choose to cook for yourself, eat street food, or seek out cocina economicas. Just don’t assume Mexico is Southeast Asia-level dirt cheap because you will be in for a surprise. 

The admission prices for most museums tend to be between $5 and $15 but of course, many are also free. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment with street food 

People often associate street food with getting sick and being a victim of Montezuma’s revenge but that isnt always the case. (I have been living in Mexico for 2 years and have only been sick twice, and I already have IBS and stomach problems). 

Frankly, if you don’t experiment with the street food in Mexico, you are missing out on a huge part of the experience. Just use your common sense when choosing a tiangui or market to eat from. 

Choose places where there are lots of locals dining or waiting to be served and never eat anywhere where the food looks like it has been left out a while. Some of the best places to sample street food eats in Mexico City are: 

• Mercado La Merced – Mexico City’s largest market, which dates back to 1936 
• Mercado de San Juan – Great for exotic types of meat, burgers and steaks
• Medellin Market – Flavors from Colombia and wider Latin America
• Sullivan market – great for tacos, pambazo bread and antojitos

Consider taking an organised tour to get your bearings 

Taking an organised tour is a great way to get your bearings in any new city and the same rings true of Mexico City – especially if you are nervous about exploring Mexico. Better still, exploring with a local means that you have a Mexico City “expert” on hand to help you find places you never would have discovered independently. 

A number of local companies offer free (tip-based) walking tours. This free tour runs every day of the week and leads tourists to non-touristy parts of the city. 

You can also find a lot of great tour options via Viator and Get Your Guide. 

Enjoy Mexico City’s social scene 

If you are travelling to Mexico City solo like I did (or even if you aren’t and you just want to meet new people), you will be pleased to hear that it is very easy to meet fellow travellers, expats and locals. 

There are a lot of Facebook groups which are very active and where you can simply create a post introducing yourself, and see who wants to hang out/grab coffee, etc. 

Many often organise events and a lot of these groups also have their own Whatsapp chats where you can make plans with other people with similar interests. 

Some good ones to add to your radar are summarised below:

• Foreigners in Mexico City
• Foreigners & Expats in Mexico City (CDMX)
• Foodies in Mexico City (CMDX)
• Women in CDMX (Mexico City)
• Hiking in Mexico City 

Managing your money in Mexico 

It is always a good idea to exchange a small amount of money for Mexican pesos before your trip. 

However, rather than carrying wads of cash, just take a couple of hundred dollars worth or so and then withdraw more at an ATM when you arrive. 

It is a good idea to open a borderless bank account with Revolut, Charles Schwab or Wise. That way, you will not be charged foreign conversion fees.

You may need to pick up a Mexican SIM card 

If you have a US or Canadian phone plan, it may include calls and data coverage for Mexico so do check before you travel. However, if you are travelling to Mexico from further afield (UK, Europe, etc), it pays to pick up a Mexican sim card so that you can stay connected. 

Not all bars, restaurants, etc have free wifi here. While it is nice to disconnect when you travel, don’t underestimate how useful it is to be able to check directions on a map, search recommendations, etc. 

There are a couple of different network providers in Mexico but I would recommend Telcel. You can pick up a sim card from any Oxxo convenience store and you are looking at around 200 pesos for a 30-day “paquetes amigos” plan with unlimited social media use, texts and calls, and a generous amount of data

Final thoughts on these Mexico City travel tips

I hope that you find these Mexico City travel tips useful! I have been living in Merida in the Yucatan for the last couple of years and after travelling to 13 Mexican states and dozens of cities, Mexico City is one of my favourite places in the country by a mile. 

After your trip, I am sure that it will be one of yours too. Stay safe and have a wonderful time in Mexico!

If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out to me! Buen Viaje! Melissa xo 

Melissa Douglas

Similar posts.

Taking Uber in Mexico City: Is it Safe? 2024 Insider’s Guide

Taking Uber in Mexico City is not only safe, but it is also one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get around the…

Best Time to Visit Mexico City in 2024: A Local’s Guide

When is the best time to visit Mexico City? In this article written by a local resident, we will look at the best time for…

Guadalajara Vs Mexico City: Where Should You Choose in 2024?

Guadalajara Vs Mexico City. Which one should you choose?  The two west-central Mexican cities are the largest in the country. Mexico City (aka CDMX) is…

22 Best Day Trips From Mexico City to Take in 2024: Local’s Guide

Mexico City is one of the world’s most exciting and beautiful cities. From sprawling parks, ancient ruins, stunning cathedrals, rich culture, and a globally praised…

Is Mexico City Safe to Visit in 2024? A Local’s Guide

Is Mexico City safe to travel to? You might be worried about safety if you are planning a trip to the Mexican capital this year…

Polanco Mexico City: Your Complete 2024 District Guide

The neighborhood of Polanco in central Mexico City grew quickly and soon became one of the most popular neighborhoods in Mexico City for tourists and…

36 Hours in Mexico City

By Elisabeth Malkin Updated Nov. 17, 2022

• Share full article

Few places conjure Mexico City’s mix of vibrant style, outstanding gastronomy, rich history and bustling street life. Post-pandemic, that blend has gone into overdrive, with new museums featuring the sweep of Mexican art, a panoply of restaurants and bars, and an expanding fashion scene that embraces traditional craft. You can shop for leather bags and ponchos, sample local craft beers and join jazz fans for a concert in a cozy club. Amid the buzz, it’s also worth seeking out the secrets of the Historic Center, where travelers can discover hidden murals, explore an ancient market’s warrens and immerse themselves in the city’s layers and incongruities.

Recommendations

• La Merced market is the city’s oldest and an introduction to traditional foods, including toasted insects.
• Mama Rumba is a salsa club for experts and novices alike to dance late into the night.
• Museo Foro Valparaíso is in a magnificent 18th-century palace with a sweeping collection of Mexican art.
• Tetetlán , a cultural center that includes a restaurant, exhibition space, art library and shop, is a place where you could spend hours.
• Almacén Monstruo de Agua is a taproom for a Mexico City craft brewery that makes creative use of local ingredients.
• Meroma is a small restaurant in Roma that offers fresh Mexican ingredients with a twist.
• Vigneron offers a curated wine selection from vineyards in France, Spain, Mexico and Italy.
• Pulquería Las Duelistas is a tiny, raucous bar for sampling pulque, if you dare.
• Tío Pepe is a 150-year-old cantina where the pace slows to a crawl.
• Bósforo is a tiny bar for a crowd that savors mezcal and music.
• Amaya serves Baja-Med cuisine and natural wines.
• Parker & Lenox is a relaxed jazz club and cocktail lounge.
• Jazzatlán Capital is for devoted jazz fans who want to hear music in an intimate setting.
• Francisco Cancino designs women’s clothing in bold shapes and deep colors.
• Cynthia Buttenklepper includes leather ponchos in her full line of women’s clothing.
• Mr Fox sells leather bags and accessories made in Mexico by local craftspeople.
• JPEG ’ s unisex tops offer an irreverent take on Mexican imagery.
• Vera works with artisans to adapt local textile designs.
• Casa Guillermo Tovar de Teresa is a restored early 20th-century mansion filled with Mexican art and antiques.
• The Abelardo L. Rodríguez market is home to some of the city’s best murals, but few people know about them.
• The Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso is a Baroque landmark with murals by José Clemente Orozco and other masters.
• Museo Kaluz offers a private collection of mostly 19th- and 20th-century Mexican paintings.
• Casa Pedregal is one of the private homes designed by the great architect Luis Barragán.
• University Museum of Contemporary Art (MUAC) is a path-breaking contemporary art museum in a stunning modern building.
• Casa Goliana is an eight-room boutique bed and breakfast in an elegantly restored mansion in Roma Norte. Each room is furnished with local designs. Weekend rates for a double room start at 6,495 pesos, or $333.50.
• Casa de la Luz Hotel Boutique is in a restored colonial palace on a square in the heart of the Historic Center. The 18 rooms feature tiled floors and remnants of the structure’s ancient walls. Doubles from 2,590 pesos.
• Hotel Casa González , in a former grand house opposite the British Embassy in Colonia Cuauhtémoc, has rooms centered around leafy patios. Doubles from about 1,300 pesos.
• Search for a short-term rental in Colonia Roma. Although it’s the city’s trendiest neighborhood, its back streets still evoke the 1970s world captured by the Oscar-winning movie “ Roma ,” particularly in Roma Sur.

More From 36 Hours

Have a weekend to explore a destination we’ve got the perfect travel itinerary..

Maui: The beauty and hospitality of this Hawaiian island, still recovering from last year’s wildfires, remain as vibrant as ever .

Toronto: Savor the diversity of this lakefront city through its hidden bars, small-but-fascinating museums and vibrant restaurants .

Cape Town: Take a food and storytelling tour, cruise one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives and see contemporary African art  in this city with stunning views in every direction.

Sarasota:   Kayak through mangroves, take a Black history trolley tour and spot dolphins  from a white-sand beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Mérida:   Rich in culture and history , this young and artsy Mexican city is an antidote to the wall-to-wall all-inclusive resorts of the Yucatán coast. ​​

Advertisement

• Mexico City Travel Guide
• Mexico City Things To Do
• Mexico City Hotels
• Mexico City Restaurants
• Mexico City Neighborhoods
• Mexico City Travel Tips
• Mexico City News
• Mexico City Gallery
• Mexico City Sights
• Mexico City Nightlife
• Mexico City Shopping
• Mexico City Performing Arts

Log in with user name:

Log in with social media:

Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.

• Mexico City
• Things To Do
• Restaurants

Neighborhoods

• Travel Tips

Mexico City is having a moment. All of a sudden, it seems, the largest city in the Americas has absolutely captivated international tastemakers, and gallons of ink have been spilled in glossy magazines extolling its historic architecture, booming gastronomy, and cutting-edge cultural scene. The capital is Mexico’s undisputed center of gravity, with the country’s best and brightest being drawn to the sprawling megalopolis like the river to the sea. As a result, Mexico City’s name is now uttered in the same breath along with Paris, London, Tokyo, and New York. This electric energy has been here all along, of course, predating even the arrival of Cortés, so it’s about time Mexico City gets its due.

By and large, people have the wrong idea about Mexico City. To many the name alone summons two words: crime and pollution. No doubt there are areas to be avoided, but the Distrito Federal is packed to the gills with decent people who will usually look out for one another, and for you.

Pollution summons visions of unwalkable, megahighway-filled cities jammed with cars, which this is not. The smog is real: the Aztecs built their city of Tenochtitlan in a high (7,347 feet) valley that often waits days for the air to move. But there are more than 6 million cars in the city, fewer than three for every 10 of 22-million-something inhabitants (reports vary). Truth is, those living in the capital do so more sustainably than most people in the industrialized world, at high—yet comfortable—densities (though not in high-rises), and move mostly on foot and by public transit. (If you are tempted to drive in this Gordian knot of merged villages, well, we would recommend that you do not.)

Most of Mexico City is aligned on two major intersecting thoroughfares: Paseo de la Reforma and Avenida Insurgentes—at 29 km (18 miles), the longest avenue in the city. Administratively, Mexico City is divided into 16 delegaciones (districts) and nearly 2,000 colonias (neighborhoods), many with street names fitting a given theme, such as rivers, philosophers, or revolutionary heroes. The same street can change names as it goes through different colonias. So most street addresses include their colonia (abbreviated as Col.) Unless you're going to a landmark, it's important to tell your taxi driver the name of the colonia and, whenever possible, the cross street.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

FODOR'S FINEST

The best hotels in north america.

• Umbral, Curio Collection Mexico City, Mexico

See All Neighborhoods >

See All Hotels >

Quickly find Mexico City Hotels and compare prices.

Things to do, recommended things to do in mexico city see all, explore things to do.

• Sights 63 Listings
• Nightlife 36 Listings
• Shopping 32 Listings
• Sports and Activities 4 Listings
• Performing Arts 3 Listings

Find the perfect tours and activities in Mexico City.

Trip Ideas | Roshida Dowe

A complete guide to visiting mexico city’s xochimilco, 25 ultimate things to do in mexico city, where to eat, recommended restaurants in mexico city see all, restaurants by {{ strrestaurantdropdown }} neighborhood price range see all filters.

• Polanco 18 Listings
• La Roma 10 Listings
• Zona Rosa 10 Listings
• Centro Histórico 7 Listings
• San Angel 7 Listings
• $$$$ 7 Listings
• $$$ 23 Listings
• $$ 37 Listings
• $ 35 Listings

See All Filters

Find the best food tours and activities in mexico city..

Mexico City | Roshida Dowe

The ultimate foodie guide to mexico city, need to know, nearby airports, electrical outlets, local weather.

Mexico City has a fairly mild climate all year round. The coldest and, consequently, most smog-infested months are December and January. Although... Read More

Neighborhood Guides

Discover the best neighborhoods in Mexico City with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

• Getting Oriented
• Planning Your Time
• Tour Options
• Visitor Information

transportation

• Bicycle Travel
• Metro Travel
• Taxi Travel

Articles See All

The ultimate foodie guide to mexico city fifteen restaurants every self-proclaimed foodie should dine at in mexico city., a complete guide to visiting mexico city’s xochimilco hop aboard a colorful gondola and sail down the aztec-built canals of xochimilco, a neighborhood in mexico city..

25 Ultimate Things to Do in Mexico City From our favorite museums to the best restaurants, these are the best things to see and do in Mexico City.

Is Mexico City Safe? Yes! An overly-cautious guide to staying safe in North America’s largest city.

The Birthplace of Lucha Libre Masks The man behind every luchador’s mask.

• Destinations
• Mexico and Central America
• Advertising

• Fodor’s Travel Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use. Copyright © 2024 by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Fodor’s is a registered trademark of MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved.

Thank you for your interest!

• Destinations

Mexico City

• Work with me
• Privacy policy

• Years in review
• United Kingdom
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• North Macedonia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• South Africa
• Africa Overlanding
• Central America
• New Zealand
• Solo Travel
• Budget travel
• Travel tips
• Travel itineraries
• Hidden gems
• Bucket list
• Travel resources
• Digital nomadism
• Blogging tips
• Start a travel blog

23 Mexico City Travel Tips By A Solo Traveller

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

So, you’re planning a trip to Mexico City? Use my Mexico City travel tips to plan your time in this incredible, vibrant metropolis. Although it’s not a difficult place to travel, there are several things to know before going to Mexico City. Don’t worry, though: I’ve got you covered! I recently spent six months travelling solo in Mexico . During this time, Mexico City was my base. There’s so much I love about CDMX from the hipster neighbourhoods like Roma and Condesa to the world-class (super cheap) street food, along with the many day trips you can take from the capital. Mexico City is one of the world’s most underrated capitals in my opinion. People seem to visualise a gritty, urban city of 22 million and, while they’re not technically wrong, there’s so much more to Mexico City. It’s also a city of museums, art, culture, top chefs, global cuisine and leafy parks. There’s even a castle!

Read next: complete guide to solo female travel in Mexico City

MEXICO CITY QUICK LINKS Accommodation: Booking.com / Hostelworld Copy of Lonely Planet Mexico / Mexican Spanish phrasebook Activities: GetYourGuide Food tours: Eatwith Getting there: Skyscanner / Airport transfer

Read next: the ultimate Mexico bucket list!

There are my top travel tips for Mexico City!

1. Pick a great neighbourhood

Mexico City, like many places, has its less desirable areas. Luckily, it’s unlikely you’ll wander into one as they’re not nearby the tourist neighbourhoods. Still, my first Mexico City travel tip is to suss out your base in advance. After all, who wouldn’t want to stay in the coolest part of town? I would suggest…

With its Art Deco buildings and tree-lined walkways, this stylish part of Mexico City may remind you of Europe. This isn’t surprising since Condesa was actually modelled on Paris by long-standing ex-president, Porfirio Diaz. Condesa is very safe with lots of lovely cafes and restaurants serving Mexican and international cuisine.

Interlinked to Condesa, the neighbourhood of Roma is made up of Roma Sur (South) and Roma Norte (North). While both are safe and friendly, Roma Norte is undeniably the coolest and most happening part of Mexico City with tons of street art, museums, markets and bars. I would highly recommend staying here if you like to socialise and be in the heart of the action. The food in both Roma and Condesa is excellent with lots of cafes, restaurants and street food.

Surrounding suburbs

While Roma and Condesa are the coolest areas, my next Mexico City tip is to extend your search radius. You can get better value accommodation in the nearby neighbourhoods. The only place you should avoid nearby is Doctores which doesn’t have the best safety reputation. I stayed for a few weeks in San Miguel Chapultepec (made up of section I and section II ), a quiet residential area between Condesa and Chapultepec, a huge green park with a castle and boating lake. You can also check out Juarez and Escandon (sections I and II).

The other place to stay for travellers is Coyoacan , a charming suburb a 30-minute drive south of Roma and Condesa. Known for its most famous ex-resident Frida Kahlo, it’s a quaint and charming part of the capital plus there’s some amazing food in Coyoacan . The only downside to staying in Coyoacan is you may run up an Uber bill or spend a lot of time on the Metro. But when you consider Coyoacan is halfway between the city and Xochimilco (a popular neighbourhood dubbed the ‘Venice of Mexico City’), the location doesn’t seem so bad.

2. Don’t overlook the Metro

Travellers to Mexico City always proclaim ‘Uber is so cheap!’. While I agree it’s cheaper than other countries, it’s not that cheap if you use it three times a day. To save a ton of taco money, my next Mexico City travel tip is to get acquainted with the Metro and the Metro Bus. The Metro gets a bad rep which I feel is unwarranted. Keep your belongings close and check you’re not going the wrong way (once I didn’t notice for ages and ended up miles away) and you’ll be perfectly fine. If you’re nervous, female travellers can use the women and children’s carriage.

3. Get a Metro card

To benefit from 5 peso rides anywhere in Mexico City, you first need to buy a Metro card and top it up. You can do this at any station counter. To buy a card, ask the cashier ‘Puedo comprar una tarjeta con xx pesos por favor?’. Since journeys are 5 pesos, maybe start with 50 pesos and top up again later. Staff don’t usually speak English so show them this text if you’re struggling with Spanish. You can use your Metro card on the Metro and the Metro Bus. Here are some more Mexico City tips about these modes of transport:

The second-longest metro in the Americas (after New York) carries over 4 million people every day. There are 12 lines and most trains depart every 2-3 minutes. Each line has a different colour and is named after its end destination for example Dirección Pantitlán . Once you have a Metro card with credit, simply tap-in once. You don’t need to tap to transfer lines or tap out when you exit. Since the journeys show on Google Maps, I find it pretty easy to use the Mexico City Metro .

The Metro Bus

The Metro Bus is a red bus that travels along electric tram lines above ground. Like the Metro, each line travels along one route in both directions. The journeys are listed on Google Maps so it’s nice and easy. Have the Google Maps app open to check you’re going in the right direction.

Regular buses

These are pretty confusing since they’re not listed on Google Maps and you can’t use your Metro card. Instead, you chuck pesos in the box by the driver and there’s no change. I’ve only used the regular buses with a local, Spanish-speaking friend. If you’re a newbie, my Mexico City travel tip is to give them a miss!

4. Don’t drink the tap water

An important Mexico City travel tip is to avoid tap water. You can obviously buy bottled water from supermarkets and corner stores (check it’s sealed) but for environmental reasons, I would suggest instead bringing a reusable water bottle and filling it with filtered water (your accommodation should have a large dispenser).

Alternatively, travel with a filtering water bottle that allows you to safely drink tap water.

5. Eat street food as much as possible

Don’t worry about getting sick in Mexico City. Sure, maybe it happens from time to time but from my experience, the street food is sanitary and out of this world delicious! Seriously, it’s the joy of living in Mexico City; undoubtedly one of the foodie capitals of the world. Look out for the following. Tacos al pastor: This kebab-style meat that came to Mexico with Lebanese immigrants has become one of the most popular dishes in the whole country. Pork is carved from a tromp straight onto your corn tacos and topped with onion and cilantro.

Read next: the 36 best Mexican foods and drinks

Tortas: Tortas are Mexican sandwiches, usually enormous and oozing various fillings like breaded pork or chicken, salami, avocado, cheese, pineapple, tomato, onion and lettuce. There are street food stalls all around Mexico City where you’ll pay 50 pesos for a torta so big you’ll be stuffed for hours. Quesadillas: Folded-over tortillas filled with cheese and other ingredients are typical Mexico City street food. Cheese ones are undeniably delicious but I also like blue corn tacos with nopales (cactus) or huitlacoche (an earthy corn fungus that tastes like truffles). Tortas de chilaquiles: My favourite breakfast dish in Mexico is chilaquiles: fried tortilla chips topped with red or green salsa, onion, cheese and a fried egg. Street food stand, La Güera Tortas de Chilaquiles , serves chilaquiles tortas – giant sandwiches filled with chilaquiles and meat. Get there early as they’re sold out by 11am.

Take a Roma tour with local foodies on Viator .

Some safety tips for Mexico City street food include:

• Eat where it’s busy
• Sanitise your hands before eating
• Don’t eat anything that looks like it’s been sat around a while
• Avoid ice in your drinks.

6. Get a SIM card

Having a SIM card is very handy in Mexico. It’s such a big city that you’ll want to use online maps, call Uber as things are so spread out, and Google things to know about Mexico City. Telcel SIMs are really affordable; you get 4gigs of data and unlimited phone calls and social media for 150 pesos. There are different packages depending how much data you want but since they expire after 30 days, this is usually the one I get. I got so confused trying to buy a SIM card with my basic Spanish. I successfully bought one in the 7-Eleven but didn’t realise I had to top it up there and then. To counteract this, ask or show the vendor ‘Tarjeta SIM Telcel con paquete 150 pesos, por favor’. If you get stuck, I would suggest asking your Airbnb host to help you out. They’re usually happy to.

7. Plan your itinerary well

There are some cities where you can wander around on foot and end up seeing the main attractions in a day. Not Mexico City! As a huge city of 22 million people with sprawling areas spread out all over the place, you’ll want to be smart to fit everything in. My next Mexico City travel tip relates to staying organised.

Read next: My tried & tested Mexico City itinerary

Mini itinerary for 5 days: Day 1: Have a relaxed day exploring Roma and Condesa on foot, checking out Mercado Medellin   and Mercado de Roma . Finish the day with dinner and drinks in Roma Norte. Day 2: Spend the day in Centro Historico. Marvel at the Palace of the Arts, Templo Mayor and Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles) and explore crafts and produce markets, La Ciudadela and Mercado de San Juan .

Day 3: Spend a day wandering pretty Coyoacan and admiring Frida Kahlo paintings at the iconic Blue House. Eat tostadas at Tostadas Coyoacan in Coyoacan Market. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, begin your day at San Angel Sabado Market, one of my favourite weekly events in Mexico City. Day 4: Have a fun day cruising the waterways in Xochimilco. You can take a tour aboard a large shared boat called a trajinera. These boats are bright and colourful, carrying tourists and locals as they listen to live mariachi bands and eat tamales and quesadillas sold from passing boats. Since the boats can be expensive unless you have a large group together, browse trajinera tours here on GetYourGuide . Alternatively, do what I did and take an eco-friendly tour around Xochimilco’s chinampas (islands) that local farmers have cultivated for centuries. Book here .

Day 5: For your final day, visit Museo Nacional de Antropología Museum (the National Anthropology Museum) before wandering enormous Chapultepec Park and visiting Chapultepec Castle where Romeo & Juliet was filmed. In the afternoon, head over to millionaire district, Polanco, and visit the shiny Soumaya Gallery and Instagram spot, the Tane Store.

While I would suggest spending an extra day in Mexico City to visit Teotihuacan Pyramids , if time’s limited, swap out one of the days above. Keep reading for my recommended Mexico City day trips.

8. Adjust your budget

Mexico City isn’t as cheap as you’d expect. Whenever I leave the capital for other areas of the country, I’m always thrilled at the prices. When I come back to Mexico City, I’m reminded how pricey it can be especially in Roma and Condesa. If you eat at restaurants and go for cocktails and evenings out, your budget won’t stay low for long. In Roma and Condesa, you can expect to pay between 100 and 250 pesos for a meal in a restaurant and 100-150 pesos for a cocktail. You’ll pay more at a fancy restaurant and obviously, way less for street food. Expect to pay 30-50 pesos for a street food meal.

9. Get pesos from the ATM

No need to bring money with you; just withdraw cash at the ATM. I have one very useful Mexico City travel tip regarding ATMs which I wish I’d known earlier. When you withdraw from a Banorte ATM with a foreign bank card, it shows you a poor exchange rate and asks you on-screen ‘do you accept this exchange rate?’. Click ‘no’ and instead of cancelling the transaction, it gives you the cash for a way better rate. It’s bizarre but it works. Be careful about clicking ‘no’ on any ATM as I once walked away and left my cash behind as I thought I’d cancelled the transaction yet it spat it out anyway.

10. Don’t overlook day trips

While you could spend days if not weeks or months in Mexico City and not see everything, it would be a shame not to explore further afield. My best Mexico City travel tip is to add a few extra days to your itinerary. Use them to visit…

Teotihuacan: These ancient pyramids built in 200 AD are nothing short of magical. To walk around the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, or fly above it during a Teotihuacan hot air balloon ride , take a public bus or day tour. Since it’s the most visited site in Mexico and it’s a 40km ride from CDMX, I would suggest leaving early.

Puebla : This gorgeous city two hours from Mexico City can be visited by day tour if you’re short of time though I personally think it’s better to spend a few days if possible. Things to do in Puebla include eating local candies along Calle de Dulce (Sweet Street), visiting local crafts markets and museums, taking a trip to Cholula Pyramid, and sampling regional dishes like mole poblano and chile en nogada . Book a bus on busbud or take a day tour .

Taxco: I’d recommend visiting Taxco from Mexico City as an overnight trip rather than a day trip unless you’re super speedy. Either way, it’s one of the best return trips from the capital. Known for silver mining, this charming city 2.5 hours from CDMX has plenty of shopping opportunities, fantastic food and a scenic cableway offering views for miles around. Take a bus or an organised tour .

Tepoztlán : This auspicious town a 1.5-hour drive from CDMX is known for being the birthplace of Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec serpent god. Things to do during a day trip include visiting the weekly crafts market, hiking through the forest to Aztec Tepozteco pyramid, and sampling regional Tepoztlan food at Mercado de Comida (Food Market). Note – don’t confuse Tepoztlán with Tepotzotlán which is a different town north of CDMX rather than south. To be honest, if you did make the mistake it wouldn’t be the end of the world as it’s also meant to be nice with a few museums, churches and handicraft markets. San Miguel de Allende – this is another place I’d recommend staying overnight if possible. San Miguel is a charming colonial town just north of Queretaro state in Guanajuato. Check out how guide covering how to get to San Miguel and what to do there .

11. Don’t dress for the beach

Here’s a Mexico City travel tip I should have known in advance! I arrived in Mexico City with shorts, dresses and a light sweater which was a huge mistake in October. I had to take myself straight to H&M for jeans, boots and a jacket. If you’re wondering what to pack for Mexico City , know that temperatures can drop below freezing.

Here’s a quick summary of the seasons:

• November-February (winter): The coldest time of year. Day time temperatures are around 60°F / 15°C but at night time it can drop to freezing.
• March-May (spring): The warmer season with temperates around 85°F / 25°C. You can wear dresses and shorts this time of year.
• June-August (summer): Temperatures drop as rainy season arrives and you can expect showers of up to two hours each day.
• September-November (autumn): Rains tail off and temperatures are mild (75°F / 20°C) so you’ll want at least a jacket.

12. Travel insurance

I find living in Mexico City safe but of course things can happen. Busy areas like city markets and Centro Historic can be known for pickpockets. Make sure you get insurance before travelling. I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) which offers gadget cover. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing .

13. Choose your museums & galleries

There are so many museums in Mexico City that it would take months to work through them all. Do a bit of research first to suss out the ones best suited to you. Some of the best museums and galleries include: The National Anthropology Museum: On the edge of Chapultepec Park is the most visited museum in Mexico covering the Mayas, Aztecs and other ancient civilisations. It’s a fantastic place to learn about pre-Colombian Mexico. Entrance is 80 pesos. Frida Kahlo Museum: While this museum in Coyoacan can be crowded, it’s one you can’t miss. The Blue House is the ex-residence of Frida Kahlo, displaying many of her iconic paintings and telling the story of her life. Buy a ticket in advance otherwise you may wait hours in the queue and be denied entry.

Museo Anahuacalli: Also in Coyoacan is Museo Diego Rivera Anahuacalli, set up by none other than Diego Rivera. The museum contains 2,000 of his paintings and 50,000 pre-Hispanic pieces that he collected. Soumaya Museum: This modern and shiny museum in upmarket Polanco neighbourhood is owned by Carlos Slim, the richest man in Mexico. With six storeys and thousands of modern art installations, it’s free to go inside although there’s usually a long queue.

Palace of the Fine Arts: Last but not least is Palacio de Bellas Artes, the most iconic building in Mexico City. As well as a theatre and concert hall, the palace contains art by Diego Rivera and other Mexican artists.

14. Get your tickets ahead of time

Because Mexico City’s cultural attractions are often busy, my next travel tip for Mexico City is to buy your tickets ahead of time. A day or so will do. You can book many local attractions on GetYourGuide . Also, many museums are free to enter on Sundays. They’re usually very busy but it’s a great way to save on entrance fees.

15. Ride Grab bikes / Lime scooters

A fun way to get around in neighbourhoods like Roma and Condesa is to unlock a Grab bike via the Uber app or a Lime scooter via the Lime app. Simply scan a code within the app to unlock the vehicle and explore the neighbourhood! Another transport tip for Mexico City is check out EcoBici . This is a bike sharing system used by many ex-pats and locals. You can make unlimited journeys of up to 45 minutes with a one day, three day, one week or one year pass. It’s far cheaper than Grab or Lime but you do need to register rather than just rocking up and tapping your bank card.

16. Walk a dog in Parque Mexico

I love weekends in Condesa because Parque Mexico suddenly becomes packed with beautiful stray pups who need walks and love. Simply hand in your ID to take a dog for a walk around the neighbourhood. Once you’re done, make a donation which goes to their care and upkeep until they find forever homes.

17. Be earthquake ready

I don’t mean to scare you with this Mexico City travel tip. It’s unlikely to happen but Mexico City is built within an ancient lake bed which makes it susceptible to earthquakes. Locate your safest exits and educate yourself on what to do in the event of an earthquake.

18. Know some Spanish

Mexico can be a tough place to travel without knowing some basic Spanish although you’ll be let off easy in touristic areas and ex-pat friendly neighbourhoods like Roma and Condesa. If you can brush up in advance, do. Otherwise, download the Google Translate app and do your best! Pack a Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary .

What not to do in Mexico City

Next, some Mexico City travel tips relating to things you shouldn’t do. These are…

19. Don’t walk at night

There’s no need to lock yourself away – some of the best things to do in Mexico City happen at night. I’ll happily walk around Roma and Condesa alone until 9pm or so but after this, I’ll get a taxi. In neighbourhoods I don’t know, I’d opt for Uber as soon as it gets dark. Uber is affordable so it’s easy to stay safe.

20. Don’t flash your valuables

It goes without saying that you should put your valuables away, especially in inner-city markets or busy, crowded areas.

21. Don’t take regular taxis

It’s not advisable to take the regular white or pink taxis you see in Mexico City; for starters they’re much more expensive. It’s best just to call Uber.

22. Don’t travel on the Metro during peak hours

It will be so crowded and cramped! Avoid travelling during rush hour which goes on quite a while from 7am to 10am and 6pm to 9pm. Many people will also tell you not to travel late at night on the Metro. I have (in the women’s carriage) between the main bus station and Condesa but I wouldn’t travel to out-of-town areas on the Metro at night.

23. Don’t expect tacos to crunch!

That’s Tex-Mex. Don’t expect to see nachos, fajitas or burritos, either. Mexico City street food isn’t like Western countries’ versions of Mexican food – it’s better!

To experience real Mexican food, take a market tour and cooking class in Condesa . I made and ate so much food with the friendly team!

Read more Mexico blogs:

• The perfect 2 day Puebla itinerary
• How to get to San Miguel de Allende and what to do there
• Guide to visiting Queretaro wine region
• How to celebrate Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
• How to visit Hierve El Agua, Mexico
• The perfect Guadalajara itinerary

Mexico City essentials

These are the items that came with me to Mexico and I would recommend using during your trip.

• Clothes: Jeans, sweater and a jacket – you’ll specially need these in winter and during the evenings
• Cooler clothes for day times: shorts, dresses and skirts are all appropriate for Mexico City
• ‘Nicer’ clothes for restaurants and bars (whatever you’d wear at home)
• Comfy sneakers – you’ll do a lot of walking
• Nicer sandals for evenings
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Microfibre quick-drying towel
• Security: A handy bum bag with secure zip
• Combination padlock (ideal for hostel lockers)
• Research: The latest copy of Lonely Planet Mexico
• A Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary
• Technology: a GoPro if you’re making videos – I use the HERO8 Black
• Solo photography pick: Manfrotto tripod and Joby Gorillapod
• A power bank to keep your devices alive
• Sustainability: stainless steel reusable water bottle with straw lid to reduce the use of plastic bottles
• Alternatively, a filtering water bottle that allows you to safely drink tap water
• Reusable coffee cup (collapsable) for hot takeaway drinks
• Metal straw kit with straw cleaner and cloth bag .

VISITING MEXICO? These are my trusted resources: Getting around by air – the quickest (and often cheapest) way to travel between Mexican cities is by flight. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Getting around by bus (environmental option) – buses in Mexico are comfy with free snacks and an in-journey entertainment system. I use Busbud to find the best prices. Driving in Mexico – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in Mexico (and all around the world). For hotels in Mexico, I use Booking.com – they also have self-catering apartments. You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse Mexico tours and activities on GetYourGuide . I also check Viator too in case they have a better offer. For Mexico food tours with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith . Need to top up your Spanish? Pack a Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing .

Thanks for reading my Mexico City travel tips!

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

See you next time,

Liked this? Pin it for later!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/

• Travel recommendations
• The taste of travel
• Tips & tricks
• Travel experiences

Your guide to exploring Mexico City

Looking for a vacation spot that’s affordable, yet effortlessly cool? Look no further than Mexico City — our #1 Trending Destination for 2019. With a 73% increase in KAYAK searches, more and more travelers are discovering the charms of this colorful and cultural hot spot.

Whether you’re in it for the flavorful cuisine found in four-star restaurants and streetside stalls alike, the vibrant music and nightlife, or the favorable exchange rate and affordable flights (the average price for a round-trip flight from the U.S. is $268), there’s no time like the present to see it all for yourself.

Read on for everything you should know before planning a trip to Mexico City. From when to book to how to get around to what to do, we have the info you need to travel with confidence.

What’s in This Guide

Plan Your Trip Booking Advice Local Lingo Where to Go & What to Do 10 Instagrammable Spots Set the Mood

Plan Your Trip

Flights & hotels.

Check out personalized insights from your home airport to Mexico City, such as median airfare, when to book a flight and what qualifies as a good deal.

When to visit

There’s no bad time to visit Mexico City with year-round temperatures averaging 75 degrees and plenty to fill your calendar each month. But depending on what’s important to you, there are some months that may be better than others. If cost is a concern, travel during winter (with the exception of December, which sees a surge in interest) — average temperatures are still in the 50s so no need to pack your winter coat.

The rainy season runs from June to September, but later in the fall is the sweet spot between low prices, great weather and some of the coolest experiences. Travel at the start of the November to take part in the Day of the Dead festivities if you can, or keep an eye on the dates for Cerveza Mexico , an annual beer fest in fall, which showcases craft breweries from all over the country.

How to get to the city from the airport

Benito Juárez International Airport , more commonly referred to as Mexico City International Airport (MXC), is the most popular entry point for visitors and is located about 8 miles east of central Mexico City. Travel time can vary based on traffic, but there are a few quick and convenient ways to make the trip. The Metro is cheap and may even be faster than a taxi or rideshare, especially during rush hour. (However, you may not be allowed on with large luggage.) The metro station Terminal Aerea is served by Line 5, running from Pantitlán to Politécnico, and is represented by the color yellow. The station is located just a few minutes walk from Terminal 1.

For the quickest and easiest commute, use rideshare. Uber operates in Mexico City and can be called when you’re ready to head outside from baggage claim. Provide the driver with your terminal and door number and they’ll meet you curbside. Fares start around MX$85 (less than $5). Metered taxis are also available, but if you don’t speak Spanish and want a bit more security, avoid hailing cabs and instead find one at designated taxi stands or through the popular Easy Taxi app.

Good to know

• Uber is your best bet for getting around. Uber is more affordable than regular taxis and more easy to navigate for non-Spanish speakers. Many drivers won’t speak much English, but with Uber they will have your destination and information available to them through the app, all rides are tracked and payment is handled electronically. However you choose to get around, avoid travel at rush hour if you can since traffic can be extreme.
• On your first day, take out more cash than you think you’ll need at the ATM to avoid paying multiple fees. Cash is king in Mexico City and you’ll need it for most transactions. Plus, it’s one of the rare circumstances where exchanging your spare pesos back to USD at the airport will actually benefit you in terms of the exchange rate.
• Drink plenty of (bottled) water. Mexico City is 7,200 feet above sea level and the high altitude can take some adjustment. Hydrating is one of the best ways to counteract the effects. But, as you’ve probably heard or seen comically portrayed in movies, drinking from the tap may make you sick, so sticking to bottled water is your best bet.
• Make dinner reservations a few days in advance (or weeks in advance for more popular restaurants), but always leave room for street food.

On the ground costs in Mexico City are extremely affordable. On average from the US, round-trip flights can be less than $300. The currency is the peso and the exchange rate is favorable — one U.S. dollar is equal to almost 20 pesos. Tipping around 10-15% at restaurants and bars is customary (just leave money on the table or bar), but tipping is not expected for street food or when riding in metered taxis.

Local Lingo

While knowing some Spanish can be helpful, Mexican Spanish features some slang you may not be familiar with. Here are some words that may come in handy.

Güey (Pronounced and sometimes spelled “wey”) : Mate, dude or any reference to a person without using their name. If you only remember one term, this is it.

Carnal: Close friend

Chela/Cheve: Beer

¿Mande?: What did you say?/Pardon me. Used when you’d like someone to repeat something you didn’t hear or understand the first time.

Chido: Cool/Awesome

Fresa: Literally means “strawberry,” but in Mexican Spanish it can also be used to describe someone as stuck up or snobby.

¡Aguas!’: Be careful/Watch out

¿Qué onda?: What’s up?

Booking Advice

Based on median airfare, if you’re looking to find a flight deal, here’s what you need to know: February sees the lowest median airfare from the U.S. ($278) and December is generally the most expensive time to visit (median airfare $439) because of the holidays. We found that booking 6 months ahead could get you some of the best deals on flights (median airfare: $319). Prices may go up slightly after that, but there are also some deals to be had for last-minute travel if you book one month ahead (median airfare: $320).

*Median airfare by month is based on travel dates 03/01/2018 – 02/28/19 and search dates 10/25/2017 – 10/24/2018. All coach, round-trip flights originating in the U.S. during this search period were considered. Our when to book recommendation was based on median airfare as a function of months before departure for travel dates 03/01/2018 – 02/28/19 and search dates 10/25/2017 – 10/24/2018.

Where to Go & What to Do

Note: Check out this map to see the city’s neighborhoods.

Mexico City is BIG. It’s larger than New York City — in fact, it’s the 6th largest city in the world. But don’t let the size deter you. Getting oriented is easier than it may seem, especially when you take it neighborhood by neighborhood. There are two main roads. The first, Insurgentes, runs north to south through many of the city’s different neighborhoods including Condesa, Roma and Coyoacan, among others. The second, Reformas, runs diagonally — southwest to northeast — taking you through Zona Rosa and El Centro. When you break it down by neighborhood, it’s a lot easier to comprehend.

Also referred to as Centro Historico, this is Mexico City’s downtown and where you’ll find the main square and one of the city’s most well-known landmarks, the Zocalo. Any first-time visitor should make it a point to spend a bit of time in this historic center, even though it can get crowded. Snap photos of the Palacio de Bellas Artes with its yellow and orange roof. For the best angles, head to the Sears building across the street and up to the 8th-floor cafe, Finca Don Porfirio. If you need a break from the crowds, head to Alameda Central, an urban park where you can people watch and enjoy some fresh air.

Located west of the city center, Zona Rosa is energetic and lively and a popular neighborhood with travelers, especially for those looking to take advantage of the nightlife. From clubs to karaoke bars, Zona Rosa (also known as “the Pink Zone”) has what you’re looking for. With a large LGBTQ+ community, Zona Rosa is also where you’ll catch the Pride Parade in June.

With an award-nominated film named for (and set in) the neighborhood, Roma is getting more attention as of late. It’s bordered by Zona Rosa and El Centro, but it sets itself apart as an artsy enclave with a cool hipster vibe. Here you’ll find trendy bars and art galleries set amid neoclassical architecture and pretty tree-lined streets. Snap photos in front of street art, buy handmade souvenirs from the artists themselves and enjoy a handcrafted cocktail at bars like Aurora Roma or Licoreria Limantour.

Like it’s neighbor Roma, Condesa has a chill bohemian attitude. Art deco architecture and colorful street art allow for photo ops at every turn. For local flavor, wander through Parque Mexico where you’ll catch friendly locals, music, performances and a number of well-behaved dogs partaking in obedience school. While in Condesa, dining on tacos and mezcal is a must. Tacos Hola serves up stewed tacos made in clay pots, while Taqueria El Greco offers arabe -style tacos served on pita. Both have been around for more than 40 years.

A quieter neighborhood than some of the others, Coyoacan is home to some of the city’s most iconic art and museums. Once home to Frida Kahlo, you can visit her house from the 1950s — La Casa Azul (The Blue House) — and explore the Museum of Frida Kahlo . Take time to wander through Mercado de Coyoacan, a Mexican market where you’ll find local handicrafts alongside groceries. You may find the prices better here than at markets in some of the more touristy areas of the city.

This upscale area boasts premier shops and internationally known restaurants — but that doesn’t mean it’s short on culture. Check out the artwork of 20th-century Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros at the Sala de Arte Publico Siqueiros or visit the Soumaya Museum (in a very recognizable shimmering silver building) for glimpses of art by Picasso, Renoir, Dali and Van Gogh. While you’re there, window shop (or splurge) at the shops along Avenida Presidente Masaryk — known as Mexico’s Champs-Elysees. Book lovers should not miss Libreria El Pendulo — an elaborate two-story bookstore featuring a cafe where you can grab a coffee after you browse.

More Things to Do

Float down the city’s canals Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Xochimilco, where you can float through canals aboard trajinera boats. You’ll pass boats holding mariachi bands playing music and a small island known as the Island of Dolls, where the former owner once hung dolls from trees to chase away evil spirits.

Start the day with a traditional breakfast Indulge in the most important meal of the day at Fonda Margarita . Try the frijoles negro con huevos (black beans and eggs) and you won’t be disappointed. Go early to beat the crowds.

Shop one of the most famous local flea markets Each Sunday just 10 blocks from the city center, you’ll find La Lagunilla Market, a traditional market where you can browse antiques, clothing, jewelry and anything else you can imagine. Grab a michelada (Mexican beer mixed with fresh lime, Tobasco and Worcestershire sauces) and browse the winding stalls for the perfect souvenir.

Watch a film from the water Once a month, the Chapultepec forest hosts Lanchacinema, a movie screening on the lake with the best seats found aboard boats for 2, 4 or 6 people. When boats run out, you can still watch from the terrace. Admission is free.

Have dessert first Head to El Moro Churerria in Roma for the sweet Mexican treat. Once inside, watch the confection being made and enjoy the very instagrammable interior of blue and white tile, bright lighting and long tables.

Get a 360-degree city view Head to the 44-story Torre Latinoamericana, the tallest building in El Centro. The top floor features an observation deck for 360-degree vies of the city. There’s also a restaurant one floor down, where you can grab a bite while peeping the impressive view.

Dance the night away Spend the evening at Salon San Luis in the Roma neighborhood, where you can listen to live music and try your hand (and feet) at salsa and merengue in a classic Mexican salon popular with locals.

Top 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Mexico City

• Casa Gilardi
• Palacio de Bellas Artes
• La Casa Azul
• Coyoacán’s street art
• Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico
• Morisco Kiosk, Santa María de la Ribera
• Ciudad Universitaria’s Espacio Escúltorico
• Casa Luis Barragán
• Bosque de Chapultepec

Set the Mood

Mexico City is the backdrop for an eclectic group of films, from award winners to an animated children’s flick. Get a taste of the city before you experience the real thing by watching these films.

• Roma (2018)
• Gueros (2014)
• Nosotros Los Nobles (2013)
• Frida (2002)
• Y Tu Mamá También (2001)
• Romeo + Juliet (1996)
• The Chipmunk Adventure (1987)
• The Magnificent Seven (1960)

Feeling that Mexico City vibe? Here’s a playlist of tunes for planning your trip , taking a long walk around the city, or getting ready for a night out. Listen Local: Mexico City

About the author

Explore more articles

California consumers have the right to opt out of the sale * of their personal information. For more information on how we securely process personal information, please see our Privacy Policy .

Do not sell my info ON

* The definition of "sale" under the California Consumer Privacy Act is applicable only to California consumers.

• North America
• A Solo Travelers Guide To...

A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Mexico City

Northern England Writer

The Mexican capital, in all its sprawling enormity, can be overwhelming for any visitor – whether it’s your first time here or your 30th. But with a little insider knowledge, you’ll soon fall in love with this engaging, energetic city. Here are the top tips for traveling solo in Mexico City , from impressing with some local lingo to knowing the right places to stay.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Unsure about traveling alone in Mexico? Book your place on Culture Trip’s exclusive five-day Mexico City tour where our Local Insider will help you navigate this exciting city.

Learn some basic Spanish

While many people in the capital know some English, particularly those working in the tourism industry, a good chunk won’t have a clue what you’re saying. So brush up on a few basic phrases before you land at Mexico City International Airport. A gracias or por favor goes a long way, but if you can master some key phrases – disculpe, ¿dónde está el baño? (excuse me, where is the bathroom?) – you’ll soon start to mix with the locals.

Hit up the top tourist attractions

If you’re a solo traveler in Mexico City, don’t swerve the big-name attractions. Yes, the most popular landmarks have a heavy footfall, but they’re popular for a reason. Among the must-visits are the Zócalo, around which you’ll find the grand Catedral Metropolitana and the Aztec ruins of the Templo Mayor; Chapultepec Park, the biggest green space in the city; and La Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s home and now a museum dedicated to her life and works. It’s the mix of essential landmarks and little-known hip hangouts that makes this city one of the best places in Mexico for solo travel.

Stay in areas with tons of foot traffic

If you’re going it alone in the capital, stay in a busy area. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travelers and you’ll probably feel more comfortable with others around. If you want easy access to the big-name landmarks, book a room near the Zocalo. But to mix with the cool kids, base yourself in the trendy neighborhoods of Roma or Condesa.

Take care with your prized possessions

When you’re traveling alone in Mexico City, always watch out for your valuables – as you would in any major city. Basic precautions should protect your essential items: never carry your passport or large amounts of cash; keep your bag zipped up and near you at all times; and don’t keep your cell phone and wallet where they can be easily grabbed.

Stay in one of the top hostels in the city

It’s one of the top traveler destinations in the world, and one of the largest capital cities in the Americas, so unsurprisingly there are several excellent hostels in Mexico City . The benefits? You’ll be surrounded by like-minded people looking to have similar experiences to yourself. You might even have your mind opened to things you hadn’t considered.

Try out the Turibus

If you’re not confident to traipse the streets of Mexico City alone, then why not hop on the super-convenient Turibus? This open-top doubledecker will transport you around the city highlights for a reasonable price, so you can be sure you’ve got your fill of attractions and culture.

Taste the street food

Mexico City is renowned for having exquisite street food – you’ll find delicious corn, cheese and meat combos on practically every corner. But if you’re traveling alone, how do you make sure you pick the right street-food stall? If there’s no-one to ask, your safest bet is heading to the busiest vendor. Their quick turnover means your food will be freshly cooked, while the large crowds are a sure sign your meal will be good.

Steer clear of certain areas

Is Mexico City safe for solo travelers? Absolutely. But don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger. As with any city, there are some areas to avoid. The most notable example is Tepito – a neighborhood with a dicey rep.

Don’t use the metro late at night

While the metro runs until at least midnight every day, you shouldn’t use it alone late at night. The rush hour often lasts until 9pm in heavily populated areas, after which the carriages become eerily empty. Plus, many stations have several exits – come out the wrong one and you might be disoriented in the dark.

Download Uber

The most practical thing the solo traveler in Mexico City could do is download the Uber app. It’s a simple solution to getting around the city without diving into taxis or taking the metro.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Food & Drink

The best street food cities in the world.

Places to Stay

Coastal vote: a beach-lover's guide to bacalar, mexico.

Guides & Tips

Top tips for travelling in mexico.

The Best Trips and Tours in Mexico

See & Do

Best things to do on isla espíritu santo, mexico.

The Best Things to Do in Chichen Itza, Mexico

A Solo Traveler's Guide to Yucatán, Mexico

The Best Hotels in Puerto Escondido

Foodie Paradise: A Culinary Expedition Around the World in 2024

March, April and May 2023 Price Drop

The Best Places to Travel in December

Coastal Vote: A Beach-Lover's Guide to Sayulita, Mexico

Culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 920785
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

Mexico Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Mexico. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Dengue in the Americas April 18, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, French Guiana (France), Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Martinique (France), Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.), Uruguay
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Mexico March 12, 2024 There have been reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in people traveling to the United States from Tecate, in the state of Baja California, Mexico.
• Salmonella Newport in Mexico March 29, 2023 Some travelers who have spent time in Mexico have been infected with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Newport.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Mexico.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Mexico. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Mexico.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Mexico take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Mexico.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Mexico. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Mexico, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Mexico. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites, chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

• Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth
• From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink.
• Avoid Bug Bites

Chagas disease

• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Mexico, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Mexico. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in Mexico—such as dengue, Zika, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Mexico include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Mexico. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Mexico’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Mexico. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Mexico may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Mexico, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Mexico, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Mexico .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in Mexico, dial 066, 060, or 080. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.

Learn as much as you can about Mexico before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on Mexico from the US Department of State.

Americans in Mexico have been arrested for purchasing souvenirs that were, or looked like, antiques and that local customs authorities believed were national treasures. Familiarize yourself with any local regulations for antiques and follow these tips:

• When you are considering purchasing an authentic antique or a reproduction, ask if you are allowed to export these items before you purchase them.
• If you buy a reproduction, document on the customs form that it is a reproduction.
• If you buy an authentic antique, obtain the necessary export permit (often from the national museum).

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Mexico for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Other Destinations

If you need help finding travel information:

Message & data rates may apply. CDC Privacy Policy

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

6 alternative and arty ways to discover Mexico City culture

Amid art deco architecture and Frida Kahlo’s creations, find Mexico City’s pre-Hispanic traditions and an Indigenous crafts scene.

Mexico’s sprawling capital is a gateway to the country’s Maya ruins, miles of beaches, rocky canyons and traditional Indigenous villages. But many travellers find the metropolis has an allure all of its own, and a handful of days can be well spent touring its neighbourhoods and historic centre. Mexico’s best museums are here, and its many galleries and markets help facilitate one of the strongest creative scenes in Latin America. Dig a little deeper to find the city’s pre-Hispanic roots, and discover how many customs are linked to the ancient Aztec and Maya civilisations.

1. Kayak the ancient canals of Xochimilco

Before the Spanish conquest in 1521, Mexico City, then called Tenochtitlán, was built on two small islands inside Lake Texcoco. The Aztecs built canals and floating farms called chinampas to feed its growing population. Today, all that remains of these ancient waterways are in Tláhuac and Xochimilco, a neighbourhood 15 miles south of Mexico City’s Centro Histórico. Flat-bottomed party boats called trajineras cruise Xochimilco’s canals daily, but a guided kayaking trip provides a more tranquil — and environmentally friendly — visit. Tours offer the chance to spot Xochimilco’s wildlife, including the critically endangered axolotl salamander and more than 200 bird species, while learning about the history and science behind chinampas, which still provide food for Mexico City residents.

2. Browse the Museo de Arte Popular

In the historic centre of Mexico City is the Museo de Arte Popular , a beautifully designed handicraft museum housed inside a 1920s art deco building. The museum, which once served as Mexico City’s fire department headquarters, celebrates traditional Mexican craft in all its forms, from textiles and pottery to children’s toys, furniture and giant alebrijes — mythical creatures made from wood or papier-mache. High-quality crafts from almost every Mexican state are displayed thematically over several floors, including ceramics from Jalisco, piñatas from Puebla and ceremonial masks from Chiapas. Particularly striking are the small but impressive Day of the Dead craft collection and the á rbol de la vida (tree of life) pieces – colourful, intricate clay sculptures depicting the creation of life.

3. Sip on pulque, the drink of the Aztec gods

Pulque is a drink made from the fermented sap of agave, the same plant used to make tequila and mezcal. It has been drunk for more than 2,000 years, making it Mexico’s oldest alcoholic beverage. During the Aztec empire, pulque was considered a sacred drink, reserved for gods, emperors and ceremonial events. The introduction of beer and distilled spirits by the Spanish in the 16th century marked the beginning of the end for pulque, with many of Mexico City’s pulquerias — taverns specialising in the drink — closing between the early 20th and 21st centuries. But a recent resurgence has seen several reopen across the city, making it one of the best places in Mexico to try the tipple. La Canica — a pulqueria in the Tabacalera neighbourhood run by a family that has been in the pulque business for five generations — takes a modern approach to the ancient drink, infusing freshly made pulque with dozens of seasonal flavours, from guava and mandarin to marzipan and toasted oats.

4. Try Mexico City’s ancient caviar

Ahuautle — which loosely translates to ‘seeds of joy’ in the ancient Nahuatl language and are also known as ‘water fly eggs’ — were sacred to the Aztecs. During the rainy season, a type of water fly called axayácatl would lay its eggs in Lake Texcoco. These were harvested for Aztec emperors and used as offerings to the gods. Montezuma, one of the last emperors of the Aztec empire, is said to have eaten them every morning to improve his strength. Hard to get hold of and up to four times more expensive a kilogram than beef, the eggs have been dubbed ahuautle , the ‘caviar’ of Mexico, by the capital’s chefs. Only a handful of restaurants in the capital still serve ahuautle, one of which is Ayluardo’s — in the Iztapalapa neighbourhood, in the east of Mexico City. It serves the water fly eggs — which taste intensely fishy, similar to dried shrimp — in pancakes with tomatillo (a bright green, acidic fruit native to Mexico) and serrano chilli sauce.

5. Support indigenous crafts at Mercado de Artesanías de la Ciudadela

Just a few minutes’ walk from Museo de Arte Popular is this hub for artisans, Mexico City’s largest and best arts and crafts market. It is home to 350 stands selling a huge variety of crafts, or artesanias in Spanish, from all over Mexico, including handblown glass from Jalisco, silver jewellery from Guerrero and patterned chaquira beadwork from Jalisco, crafted by the indigenous Huichol people. For beautiful ceremonial Mayan masks made of wood and obsidian, head to stand 104, where you’ll often see the craftspeople at work. Also seek out the artisans selling amate — colourful works painted on to paper made from the pulp of fig and mulberry trees; the same type of paper was once used by the ancient Aztecs and Mayas to produce manuscripts.

6. Experience Mexican folk dance at El Ballet Folklórico de México

Founded in 1952 by choreographer and dancer Amalia Hernández, Ballet Folklórico celebrates Mexico’s diverse folklore traditions through dance, music and traditional dress. The performances take audiences from Mexico’s ancient past up to the revolution in 1910, travelling through the states of Oaxaca, Jalisco, Sonora, Zacatecas, Guerrero and more. Many of the dances take inspiration from Mexico’s Indigenous cultures, such as the Deer Dance (a contemporary piece that depicts a pre-hunting ritual practised by the Indigenous people of Sonora and Sinaloa) and the Guelaguetza, a folkloric ballet inspired by the ceremonial dances of the Mixtec and Zapotec people of Oaxaca. Performances are held at the Palacio de Bellas Artes — a white-marbled, art nouveau palace commissioned by President Porfirio Díaz in 1905 — on Wednesdays at 8.30pm and Sundays at 9.30am and 8.30pm.

Related Topics

• CULTURAL CONSERVATION
• ART HISTORY
• MODERN HISTORY

You May Also Like

Where to stay in Helsinki, Finland's design-conscious capital

China just had a museum building spree. Here are 6 of the best.

For hungry minds.

7 of the UK's best gallery cafes

How to spend a day exploring Berlin's art and design scene

A guide to Jaipur's craft scene, from Rajasthani block printing to marble carving

The real history of tartan, from the Scottish Highlands to the streets of Tokyo

Visit these cultural hot spots in 2024

• Environment

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Paid Content
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 22, 2023, mexico - see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

• Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Guerrero state  due to  crime .
• Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Sinaloa state due to  crime  and  kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
• Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Chiapas state.

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

• U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
• Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
• City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
• U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
• U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
• U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
• U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
• Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
• Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
• Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

• Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
• Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

• West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state.  Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

• Taxco:  U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
• Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
• Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
• Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.  Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders.  Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
• Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

• Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
• Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
• Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
• San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo.  In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
• Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
• U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

The 15 best places to visit in Mexico

Oct 9, 2023 • 14 min read

Explore Mexico's stunning landscape and see the best the country has to offer © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

Cantinas and cathedrals. Art and archaeology. Mariachis and mountains. Ruins and rainbow reefs. Mexico makes a mesmerizing escape for lovers of adventure, romance, history, culture, food, and fiery festivals .

Then there are the much-lauded  beaches with clear, blue waters you’ll want to step right into and silent paradise islands without a soul in sight. From the deep canyons of Chihuahua to the peaks of Veracruz, these are the best places to visit in Mexico .

1. Mexico City

Best place for art and vibrant culture

Wondering where to go for your first trip to Mexico? Start in the bustling capital that brims with skyscrapers, markets, gardens and parks , awe-inspiring museums and more than 22 million residents.

Top Mexico City sights include “Casa Azul,” better known as Museo Frida Kahlo , where the celebrated artist lived and died. High-spirited high jinks and chihuahua-sized micheladas are on offer when catching a lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) match at the sprawling Arena México .

For artsy folks, Mexico City is where many of the country's top muralists left behind their most important works. Peruse Diego Rivera's cinematic murals in the Palacio Nacional and the social-realism work of José Clemente Orozco in the Palacio de Bellas Artes .

For a taste of culture, float along the ancient canals of Xochimilco with a mariachi band serenade, or savor piping-hot tacos from the many street-food stalls in the downtown areas before catching a show at one of the city’s 160-odd theaters. You might be lost for words, but you’ll never be short of things to do in Mexico City.

Planning tip : Couple your Mexico City stay with a trip to see the pyramids at Teotihuacán . This archaeological site is located 50km (31 miles) northeast of Mexico City, and it was one of the largest in the Americas in the pre-Columbian era. Visit during the vernal equinox to celebrate spring.

2. Isla Holbox

Best island for bioluminescence and flamingos

For its size, Isla Holbox packs a strong biodiversity punch. Only a mile wide and 26 miles long, this is one of the best places to visit in Mexico to see bubblegum-pink flamingos in the wild (head to Punta Mosquito), catch a glimpse of whale sharks (between mid-May and mid-September), and witness the mesmerizing show of bioluminescent phytoplankton glimmering in the water. Comparable to sparkling underwater fireworks, these glowing micro-organisms are best seen on moonless nights.

Holbox (pronounced hol-bosh) is a laid-back dream of an island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula .

With no vehicles to disturb the peace (cars are banned), sandy streets lead to endless beaches with warm, inviting water that’s waist-deep at most for adults. The island’s one alleged drawback? Questionable wi-fi, which encourages travelers to disconnect.

3. San Miguel de Allende

Best place for craft shops and folk art

This Mexican beauty has it all: a fantastic spring-like climate, extraordinary light, breathtaking architecture, superb handicraft shopping, and well-attended art workshops. With a high gallery-to-resident ratio, San Miguel de Allende is one of the best places for creative types to visit in Mexico.

The cobbled city has been luring retirees and bewitching artists since the first art institute opened in a former convent back in the 1930s. It then enticed Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Neal Cassady, who came to drink, write and read poetry in the 1960s (the latter stayed there until his death).

Today, San Miguel de Allende’s narrow, sloped streets house boutiques and cafes that dangle multicolored ribbons from wrought iron window bars, and its vibe is akin to a sepia-toned postcard from the past.

Buildings in the historic district adhere to a color code of saffron, rusty orange, ochre, terracotta, and mustard yellow. Grab a birdseye view of them from one of the city’s numerous rooftops, like Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar at Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, a firm favorite.

Planning tip : San Miguel de Allende is a three-hour drive north of Mexico City in the state of Guanajuato . Visit in spring to see the purple jacaranda trees in full bloom.

Best place for lagoon living and Maldives vibes

Everything about Bacalar is magical. Not only was it recognized by the Mexican government as a Magic Town ( Pueblo Mágico ) in 2006, but it’s also known for its ethereal jewel-toned lagoon, serene spas offering Mexican healing rituals and a distinct bohemian vibe.

Diners enjoy live music sessions beside bright indoor murals at tropical restaurant-meets-gallery El Manati , and wellness-minded travelers experience temazcal sweat ceremonies and copal cleansings at Casa Hormiga boutique hotel.

The prized activities in Bacalar are kayaking, paddleboarding and boating on the 26-mile Bacalar Lagoon , which is known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors (Laguna de Los Siete Colores) due to its mesmerizing gradient of blues and greens.

The town also has a 90m-deep (295ft) cenote (freshwater pool) and an old Spanish fortress . Nicknamed “the Maldives of Mexico,” unhurried Bacalar is one of the best places to visit in Mexico to get away from it all.

Planning tip : Bacalar is in the state of Quintana Roo, close to Mexico’s border with Belize. To get there using public transportation, take the ADO bus from Cancún, Playa del Carmen or Tulum.

5. Guadalajara

Best city for mariachi music, tequila and fine dining

Guadalajara , Mexico's second-largest city, is a dynamic cultural hub in the state of Jalisco. This is the tequila-producing region where Mariachi music was born, as well as charrería , Mexico’s national sport (don’t miss September’s annual International Mariachi and Charrería Festival).

Must-sees in Guadalajara include a lienzo (a charrería arena), the vivid frescoes of the Instituto Cultural de Cabaña – a testament to the genius of one-handed muralist José Clemente Orozco – and the three-story Mercado San Juan de Dios , Latin America’s largest indoor market.

Despite being deeply rooted in tradition, Guadalajara has recently gained recognition for its modern gastronomic excellence with multiple appearances on the coveted World’s 50 Best lists. Delight in upscale, globalized Mexican cuisine and cocktails at Alcalde and El Gallo Altanero.

Planning tip : Guadalajara's allure extends beyond its city limits. Use it as your gateway to Lake Chapala (one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country), the agave-clad fields of Tequila, or other charming Magic Towns like Tlaquepaque or Tapalpa.

6. Puerto Vallarta

Best place for sand, adventure and LGBTIQ+ events

With climactic and wild scenery, Puerto Vallarta is a popular vacation destination for Mexicans and foreign travelers alike. Framed by the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Banderas), it's a place where thrill seekers conquer rugged terrain and rappel down waterfalls, and families frolic on sun-kissed beaches – Playa Conchas Chinas , Playa Las Gemelas and Playa Mismaloya are noteworthy sandy spots.

The city is also popular among LGBTIQ+ travelers; there are gay-friendly Puerto Vallarta hotels, beach bars, restaurants, and nightlife establishments. Lovers take to the Zona Romantica (Romanic Zone) for alfresco meals, and strolling along the picturesque Malecon boardwalk, with its numerous bronze sculptures and street performers, is one of the best free things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

There's also plenty going on in the ocean, where you can see humpback whales breaching on the horizon, pods of dolphins rising from the waves, and mother turtles arriving to lay their eggs.

Planning tip : The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta to witness a baby turtle release is between July and December. Selected hotels like Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa host newborn turtle release ceremonies.

7. Playa del Carmen

Best place for beach-meets-city vibes

Playa del Carmen is the best of both worlds: a thriving city with a bounty of enticing restaurants and pinch-me-please white sand beaches (one is even connected to a cenote). The palm-lined Quinta Avenida is the city's bustling artery with an eclectic mix of shops, lively street performances, and gourmand-pleasing international eateries.

In this versatile beach destination, families build sandcastles alongside digital nomads and solo travelers seeking spirited adventures, while night owls congregate around Calle 12 (12th St) for throbbing nights at Mandala, La Vaquita and Coco Bongo. Another Playa del Carmen accolade is the variety of rooftop bars, from the sleek UMI Rooftop and Tokyo Kitchen to the laid-back BeRoof .

From Playa (as locals call it), day trips to Riviera Maya towns like Akumal (known for turtle encounters) are all within easy reach using colectivos (minivans). There is also a direct ferry to Cozumel with Winjet or Ultramar .

8. Chichén Itzá

Best place to see pre-Columbian architecture

If you’ve always wanted to see one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá is one of the best places to go in Mexico. With origins dating back to the 5th century, this is undoubtedly the most popular of Mexico's ancient sights.

From the imposing, monolithic El Castillo pyramid (where the shadow of the plumed serpent god Kukulcán creeps down the staircase during the spring and autumn equinoxes) to the Sacred Cenote and curiously designed El Caracol observatory, Chichén Itzá is spectacular.

Planning tip : Book a Chichén Itzá tour with an English-speaking guide to learn about the mind-blowing legacy of Maya astronomers . Note that the heat, humidity and crowds in Chichén Itzá can be fierce, so try to explore the site either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, though keep in mind that the 5pm closing is a hard exit. There is also a post-sunset sound-and-light show .

9. Zihuatanejo

Best place for an Old-Mexico feel

Zihuatanejo benefited from the fortunes of neighboring resort town Ixtapa, which Mexico’s tourism body carefully developed in the 1970s. This was a direct attempt to replicate the Caribbean splendor of Cancún on the Pacific coast.

Ixtapa’s hotspot status trickled 6.5km (4 miles) south to Zihuatanejo, which feels like a sleepy fishing village elevated by a handful of relaxed seaside sanctuaries like Thompson Zihuatanejo on Playa La Ropa .

In this blissed-out traditional Guerrero town, there are storied, curiously named beaches that are great for surfing, diving, fishing and seafood-feasting in the presence of crashing waves.

Take a walk on Playa Las Gatas (Cat Beach), reportedly named after land wildcats or the whiskered nurse sharks in Zihua’s waters, or make a dash for the aforementioned Playa La Ropa (Clothes Beach), the town’s most popular beach, which incorporates a legend of a Spanish shore wreckage containing washed silk clothes.

Best place for quiet beaches

La Paz , the capital of Baja California Sur, has something for every kind of beach lover. The city is a delightful springboard to adventures on the Sea of Cortez, home to 39% of the world’s marine mammals.

Around 40 minutes from La Paz, Playa El Saltito feels tranquil and isolated during the sweltering days, and its crystal waters come alive with bioluminescence at night. Though competition is tough, Playa Balandra , with its unique mushroom-like rock formation, is heralded as one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches.

The impossible-to-miss destination in the region is the Unesco-listed Espíritu Santo  island, where you can camp under a canopy of stunning stars, snorkel with playful sea lions and even peek at congresses of clumsy blue-footed boobies. A number of operators run activities here, including kayaking and snorkeling.

Best place for wellness and boho vibes

Over the years, Tulum shed its former name (Zama), and its position as a secluded and sleepy beach-meets-jungle town in Riviera Maya and subsequently ripened into a world-famous pilgrimage for honeymooners, hedonists and holistic tourists. The spirituality-focused traveler will find a host of things to do in Tulum ranging from cacao ceremonies to pre-Hispanic sound healing and open-air rooftop yoga classes.

Tulum is a well-rounded destination with scrumptious restaurants and bars, and accommodations for all budgets, from waterfront shacks to top-end resorts and thatch-roofed boutique boltholes like La Valise Tulum .

The beaches are postcard-ready, the most celebrated stretch being Playa Ruinas with its strikingly well-preserved Maya ruins perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. There are also numerous attractions in the surrounding area, such as the massive Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka’an , the secluded fishing village Punta Allen and the ruins of Cobá .

Planning tip : Tulum Pueblo (the town center) is where the really cheap eats and sleeps are found, but it’s a 20-minute bike ride or 12-minute taxi to the beach. Plan ahead to find well-priced beach accommodations if that’s where you’d prefer to stay.

12. Los Cabos

Best place for glitz, glamor and parties

Sister cities Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo need no introduction. The former is notorious among party-hearty North American crowds, while the latter is more sedate with art galleries, celebrity-frequented luxury resorts, upscale boutiques and over-the-top decadent tequila tasting rooms.

Together, these perennially sunny spots on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Sur peninsula have become two of the top places to see in Mexico.

Under the blazing Cabo sun, golfers chase their dreams on emerald greens designed by legendary champion Jack Nicklaus, and surfers tackle world-class surf breaks.

Not many beaches are safe for swimming, but other outdoor pursuits like deep-sea fishing, spotting sea lions and whale watching (from mid-December to mid-April) keep water babies coming back.

13. Pico de Orizaba

Best place for a superlative trek

Pico de Orizaba is a symmetrical, snow-capped volcano on the border of Puebla and Veracruz states. Also called Citlaltépetl, it’s the highest peak in Mexico and the third-highest mountain in North America, with a summit elevation of around 5636m (18,491ft) above sea level.

Dormant but not extinct, the last recorded eruption was in 1846, and it is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico for serious climbers – professionals prep there before taking on Mount Everest. Treks start from the small village of Tlachichuca, and the ascent requires some technical skills – Pico de Orizaba is the ultimate trekking and climbing challenge in Mexico.

If sea-level thrills are more to your liking, there's plenty on offer in the town of Orizaba, including a beautiful riverside walk, a couple of impressive museums and galleries and a unique "Iron Palace. " The perfect introduction to Veracruz state's most appealing town is to hop into the cable car up to the park atop 1240m (4068ft) Cerro del Borrego.

From this lofty, green perch, you can admire the domes and bell towers of the city's many historic churches and the surrounding mountainous terrain, including the snowcapped summit of Pico de Orizaba.

14. Copper Canyon Railway

Best train ride

The Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico (Copper Canyon Railway) remains one of Latin America’s best rail trips. Also known as the Chepe Express (from the “Ch” of Chihuahua and “P” of Pacífico), trains climb from sea level at Los Mochis to the town of Creel via the sensational rocky landscapes of the rust-hued Copper Canyon (the “Grand Canyon of Mexico”).

Vistas from your window during the train journey include alpine forests, subtropical valleys, Tarahumara villages and glimpses of some of the world’s deepest canyons.

Overnight en route at cinematic lodges overlooking the canyon's edge, or stay for days of exploring, hiking, horseback riding and even zip-lining in one of the best places to see in Mexico.

15. Oaxaca City

Best place for mezcal and cultural celebrations

Once the capital of the Zapotec Civilization, the state of Oaxaca is now better known as Mexico’s primary mezcal-producing region. Fine mezcals distilled around the state make their way to low-lit, atmospheric establishments in Oaxaca City like La Popular, El Destilado and La Mezcalerita, and savvy locals guide thirsty patrons on popular tours to experience the city one smoky sip at a time (check out Mezcouting and Oaxacking ).

The frequent colorful fiestas in Oaxaca City also win smiles from cultural travelers. The city’s population swells at the start of November during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities, when Mexican families honor and celebrate their lost loves with round-the-clock vigils, joyful offerings, and parades.

One of the most unique things to see in Oaxaca City is the merrymaking during Noche de Rábanos (Night of the Radishes) on December 23. During this competition dating back to 1897, the young and old carve radishes into scenes that are displayed in Zócalo to much fanfare.

Planning tip : Venture two hours outside of Oaxaca City to reach Hierve el Agua , a jaw-dropping petrified waterfall-like formation. You can take a bus, rent a car or hire a driver to take you to these mineral-rich infinity pools.

This article was first published Jun 24, 2021 and updated Oct 9, 2023.

Explore related stories

Apr 19, 2024 • 10 min read

Summer is just around the corner in the northern hemisphere. Here's where the Lonely Planet team is going.

Mar 26, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 16, 2024 • 5 min read

Feb 9, 2024 • 12 min read

Feb 7, 2024 • 5 min read

Jan 27, 2024 • 15 min read

Jan 24, 2024 • 6 min read

Dec 28, 2023 • 5 min read

Dec 27, 2023 • 8 min read

Dec 15, 2023 • 7 min read

Wealth of Geeks

First time visiting Mexico City? We can tell you what you need to know.

Posted: May 8, 2024 | Last updated: May 8, 2024

Mexico City city had long been on my desired list of places to visit. When the opportunity presented itself to plan a visit, I jumped at the chance to make this dream trip a reality.  While I am typically a solo traveler, a friend joined me on this adventure to immerse ourselves in all the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Ciudad De Mexico, commonly known as CDMX.

The Best Things To Do in Mexico City on Your First Visit

With so much to do across this great city, it was hard to decide what to see and do within six days. Here are the best things to do in Mexico City as a first-timer. 

1. Ride the Hop On Hop Off City Tour

An early discovery was the Turibus city tour, with excellent reviews for CDMX, featuring a single-day and two-day option at around $21 per person. With that ticket, you could ride four different routes throughout the city, getting on and off at your leisure to take in sites such as the Angel de la Independencia (Angel of Independence) and the Zocalo (main square.)  The tour also provided headphones that translated the pre-recorded description into eight languages. It was a great way to explore and learn about the sites, and it should be included for any first-time visit to the city.

My only regret is that we didn’t get off and back on other buses. We were worried about the lag time in buses on the route and wanted to get an overview of the city. There was enough time to take a few photos at each location. 

2. Visit a Museum. Or 150.

Mexico City has more museums within its city limits than the powerhouse cities of New York and Paris. One of the most significant is the Frida Kahlo Museum, housed inside her original blue house in the Coyocan neighborhood. The museum is one of the top attractions and can often sell out, so pre-purchasing tickets for a timed entry on your date of choice is essential. The museum staff monitors access and only allows entry within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. 

Tickets also include admission to the Diego Rivera Museum. Tickets are often purchased through a third party, so get email confirmation. You’ll need this confirmation to get in at the designated time. While there was a line, it moved quickly and efficiently and you can line up 15 to 30 minutes ahead of your time. 

3. Peruse Through a Traditional Mercado

Mexico City’s diverse neighborhoods each have a traditional mercado or market. These markets are a one-stop shop for anything you want—from fresh fruit and vegetables to souvenirs, party decorations, and handmade clothing. For those who don’t mind tight spaces and vendors trying to coax you to check out their store, this is another fun way to experience Mexican culture.

We visited the  mercado i n Coyocan, two blocks from the Frida Kahlo Museum. They are also a great place to practice your Spanish and bargaining skills, as most shop owners are willing to make a deal. 

4. Explore the Castillo and Bosque de Chapultepec

Planning a trip to the bosque (forest) with its castle was at the top of my must-do list and should be for any first-timer. It is the oldest and largest urban park in Latin America and one of the oldest urban parks in the world. You hardly feel like you are in the heart of a major city here, which boasts many different types of trees. The park features many more sights worthy of another visit, including a botanic garden and an Archaeology museum. 

One of the most impressive attractions is the castle which sits at the top of the hill overlooking the forest and surrounding the urban center. The small cost of around $5 per person (around $3 extra for a photo pass) makes it a bargain for the city views alone! After a short climb to the top, leave plenty of time to explore the expansive grounds, buildings, and gardens. It was the highlight of the adventure for me and another must-do for any first-time visitor. 

I still recall this experience as the single greatest place I got to see on my visit to Mexico City. You’ll just have to keep in mind that the attraction doesn’t allow any bottled water to be brought onto the grounds, so you will need to hydrate on your climb up and then grab some from one of the vendors when you get to the bottom. Pro Tip: There’s a somewhat “hidden” elevator for those with ADA needs but they require companions to walk up and meet the person at the top.

5. Stroll Through a Park or Central Plaza

At the heart of Mexican culture is their love of parks, and Mexico City has some of the highest per capita in the world. The largest is Chapultepec, but also to be enjoyed are Alameda Central, the oldest park in the city, and the one in Coyocan. While sitting on a park bench, we witnessed street performers, vendors selling various goods, and couples and families enjoying time together.

We found locals to be amiable and engaging, and people-watching is one of the best ways to immerse in everyday life. Just get used to saying “ No Gracias ” as countless roaming vendors try to entice you to purchase their goods.

6. Ride a Tranjera Boat in Xochilmilco

Another must-do is a boat ride on a tranjera i n the Xochilmilco area, about 35 minutes south of the city. A tranjera is a brightly-colored flat-bottomed boat, similar to a gondola, which can transport up to 20 people. The canals were formerly used for transport for the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, built on a lake where Mexico City now sits on top of.  These boats are hired by the hour and come with a boat captain who controls the boats with a long wooden stick called a remo. 

There are 11 ports ( embarcaderos ) that offer these rides. While on the canals, you can purchase food, beer, or a mariachi song from other vendors. The boats are cash only — make sure to take pesos — and depending on which port you use, you may need to negotiate the price.

Pro Tip: It can be a bit confusing to choose between the various ports available, each offering different canal views and activities. Make sure to research specifically the one you want to head to for the best experience. While we went as a twosome, it also is probably the most entertaining as a group event, and you can share with strangers. 

7. Take in a Sporting Event

The timing of my trip was planned around attending two Major League Baseball games in the city. Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Mexico, and Mexico City has its own team. It has a truly passionate fan base: They are loudly chanting, boisterous, and often sing during breaks in the action. The atmosphere was more electric than my experiences in the United States — perhaps because beer is only $3 or less!  

Other options for sporting events are  Lucha Libre wrestling matches or futbol (soccer) games.  If you don’t mind a little noise and want to experience authentic local life, attend a game or match, even if you aren’t a sports lover.

8. Indulge in the Diverse Dining Options

This might seem like a given on any trip, especially to a large metropolitan city, but Mexico City’s dining scene is unique in that it offers something for everyone. Some of the most popular neighborhoods, such as Roma, Roma Norte, Polanco, and Condesa, offer culinary delights from around the World. I’ve never enjoyed dining in a city more than in Mexico City.

While there is a taco stand on nearly any corner, you can also find a variety of cafes and restaurants featuring pizza, European food, and more. The parks also feature a variety of street food vendors if you’re daring enough to try them. In case nothing but an American staple will do, there’s also a wide selection of American chain restaurants located throughout the capital.

There are many guides and sources to choose how to fuel up for your adventures, and we share our culinary experience here . 

Getting Around Mexico City

One thing to note about Mexico City is a car is not necessary, as the streets and intersections were confusing, and parking looked challenging. The city’s expansive public transportation system costs around 25 cents per ride, is very efficient but crowded, and we only used it successfully once. We mostly utilized Uber and the Mexican equivalent, Didi, which was easy and affordable. Taxis are not regulated and, therefore, not recommended, given the challenges of negotiating rates and communicating a destination to the driver. 

There is so much to see and experience in Mexico’s largest city that a short trip can’t possibly cover. Our week thrilled us with beautiful sights, friendly people, fantastic food, and culture–an experience not to be forgotten soon. It may have been our first time in the city, but it won’t be our last. We cannot wait for another chance to return. 

More from Wealth of Geeks

• Find Peace at Westin Resort and Spa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• The Best Fall Activities to Do with Kids

More for You

How Kamala Harris' Approval Ratings Stand Six Months Before Election

These Crispy Onion Rings Are Almost Too Good to Share

This type of supplement may increase heart disease risk, new study finds

I've been offered every job I've interviewed for. Here are 5 questions I ask interviewers.

Charles Barkley On How Magic Johnson And Larry Bird Changed "Too Black, Thuggish, And Drug Infest" NBA League

Tom Brady Roast Producer on Getting Bill Belichick, Kim Kardashian vs. Drunk Hecklers and ‘Unprecedented' Live Arena Setting

45 Rare Photos From the Set of 'The Sopranos'

Alton Brown’s Burger Recipe Blew My Mind

A Lawn Leveling Rake Is The Yard Tool You'll Wish You Had Sooner

Cult-classic sci-fi movie returns to Prime Video – 27 years after divisive debut

Florida's High-Speed Rail Releases New Deal

Cowboys release former star wide receiver

How To Watch Godzilla X Kong At Home

Our Test Kitchen Found the Best Bacon

GOP senators amused as Ted Cruz seeks to move bill: ‘The foot’s on the other hand’

Here’s What Happens When You Eat Leftover Rice—and Why Reheating It Doesn’t Help

"I don't like to rain on people's parade, but I'm not happy with this one" - Shaquille O'Neal opposes Nikola Jokic being named the 2024 MVP

Bud Light Boycott Drags Down Beermaker's U.S. Revenue

10% of travelers have had their medicines confiscated. Here's how you can avoid it.

Clash on campus: Parents of George Washington University protesters speak out