Did you know Mexico City boasts more museums than any other city in the Americas? With over 150 museums, this vibrant metropolis offers an incredible array of cultural experiences that would take months to fully explore. As the oldest capital city in the Americas, Mexico City seamlessly blends ancient history, colonial architecture, and modern innovation into a captivating urban tapestry that attracts millions of visitors each year.
Getting to Mexico City
Mexico City is served by Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), the busiest airport in Latin America. Direct flights are available from major cities across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Latin America. The airport is located about 5 miles (8 km) east of the city center, making it conveniently accessible.
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The sprawling metropolis of Mexico City, home to over 21 million people
Best Time to Visit Mexico City
Mexico City enjoys a moderate climate year-round thanks to its high elevation (7,350 feet above sea level). The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April, with March and April offering warm days and cool nights. May through October marks the rainy season, with afternoon showers common but rarely lasting all day.
| Season | Months | Temperature | Precipitation | Crowds |
| Dry Season (Peak) | November-April | 50-75°F (10-24°C) | Low | High (especially December-January) |
| Rainy Season | May-October | 55-80°F (13-27°C) | Afternoon showers | Lower (except July-August) |
| Shoulder Season | February-March, October | 55-75°F (13-24°C) | Variable | Moderate |
For the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists, consider visiting in February, March, or November. If you’re interested in experiencing Day of the Dead celebrations, plan your trip for late October through early November.
Getting Around Mexico City
Mexico City is massive, but its excellent public transportation system makes it surprisingly navigable. The metro is efficient, extensive, and incredibly affordable at just 5 pesos per ride (about $0.25 USD). For visitors, these are the best ways to get around:
- Metro: Clean, fast, and comprehensive with 12 lines covering most tourist areas. Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM and 6-8 PM) when possible.
- Metrobús: Bus rapid transit system with dedicated lanes that bypass traffic. Great for longer distances.
- Uber/Didi: Safe, reliable, and inexpensive compared to US/European prices. Recommended for evening travel.
- Ecobici: Bike-sharing program perfect for exploring neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa.
- Walking: Many neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly, especially Roma Norte, Condesa, and Coyoacán.
Mexico City’s metro system is one of the largest and most affordable in the world
Pro Tip: Download the “Metro CDMX” app for easy navigation of the subway system. For Uber, make sure you have a working phone number to receive verification codes.
Where to Stay in Mexico City
Choosing the right neighborhood is crucial for enjoying your Mexico City experience. Each area offers a different vibe and advantages:
Roma Norte & Condesa
The hipster heart of Mexico City, these adjacent neighborhoods offer tree-lined streets, art deco architecture, trendy restaurants, and excellent nightlife. Safe, walkable, and central, they’re ideal for first-time visitors.
Perfect for: Foodies, young travelers, digital nomads
Polanco
Mexico City’s upscale district with luxury shopping, high-end restaurants, and beautiful parks. Home to some of the city’s best museums including Soumaya and Jumex.
Perfect for: Luxury travelers, shoppers, art enthusiasts
Coyoacán
A charming, historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and a small-town feel despite being in the big city. Home to Frida Kahlo’s Blue House.
Perfect for: Culture seekers, families, those seeking authenticity
Find Your Perfect Mexico City Stay
From boutique hotels in Roma Norte to luxury accommodations in Polanco
Top Things to Do in Mexico City
With its rich history spanning Aztec ruins to colonial architecture to contemporary art, Mexico City offers an incredible array of experiences. Here are the must-see attractions that should be on every visitor’s list:
1. Explore the Historic Center (Centro Histórico)
The heart of Mexico City is its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site centered around the Zócalo (main square). This area was once the center of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan before the Spanish conquest.
- Zócalo: One of the largest public squares in the world, often hosting cultural events and exhibitions
- Metropolitan Cathedral: The oldest and largest cathedral in Latin America
- National Palace: Home to Diego Rivera’s epic murals depicting Mexican history
- Templo Mayor: Ruins of the main Aztec temple, with an excellent on-site museum
- Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes): An architectural masterpiece housing important murals and hosting cultural performances
The Zócalo plaza and Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City’s historic center
2. Visit the National Museum of Anthropology
Located in Chapultepec Park, this world-class museum houses the most important collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts in Mexico. The iconic Aztec Sun Stone and massive Olmec heads are just a few of the treasures you’ll discover here.
Visitor Tip: The museum is enormous, so consider focusing on the Aztec and Maya sections if you’re short on time. Closed on Mondays, like most museums in Mexico City.
Discover Mexico’s Ancient Civilizations
Skip the line and explore the National Museum of Anthropology with an expert guide
3. Marvel at the Ancient Pyramids of Teotihuacan
Just 30 miles northeast of Mexico City lie the magnificent ruins of Teotihuacan, a vast pre-Aztec city built between the 1st and 7th centuries. Climb the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, walk the Avenue of the Dead, and imagine life in this once-thriving metropolis of 200,000 people.
The magnificent Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan, one of the largest pyramids in Mesoamerica
Experience Teotihuacan
Avoid the crowds with an early morning tour or see the pyramids from above!
4. Cruise the Canals of Xochimilco
Experience the famous “floating gardens” of Xochimilco, the last remnant of the ancient lake and canal system that once covered the Valley of Mexico. Rent a colorful trajinera (flat-bottomed boat) and float along the canals while enjoying food, drinks, and music from passing mariachi bands.
The vibrant trajineras of Xochimilco offer a festive way to experience Mexico City’s ancient waterways
Local Tip: Visit Xochimilco on weekends for the most authentic experience with local families, but be prepared for crowds. Weekdays are quieter but less lively.
5. Visit Frida Kahlo’s Blue House (Casa Azul)
Located in the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán, the Casa Azul is where the iconic artist Frida Kahlo was born, lived, and died. Now a museum, it houses a collection of her artwork, personal belongings, and offers insight into her fascinating life.
Important: Tickets to the Frida Kahlo Museum often sell out days in advance. Book online before your trip to secure your spot.
Explore Frida Kahlo’s World
Skip the line with a guided tour of Casa Azul and the charming Coyoacán neighborhood
6. Explore Chapultepec Park and Castle
Chapultepec Park is one of the largest urban parks in the Western Hemisphere, spanning over 1,695 acres. At its heart sits Chapultepec Castle, the only royal castle in North America, perched on a hill with spectacular views of the city.
Chapultepec Castle offers stunning views and a glimpse into Mexico’s imperial past
The castle houses the National Museum of History, with exhibits spanning from the Spanish conquest to the Mexican Revolution. The park itself contains multiple museums, a zoo, lakes, and recreational areas perfect for a leisurely day outdoors.
Mexico City Food Scene: What to Eat
Mexico City is a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from humble street food to world-class fine dining. In 2010, traditional Mexican cuisine was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and nowhere is this rich culinary tradition more evident than in the capital.
Street Food Essentials
Exploring Mexico City’s street food is a must for any visitor. Here are some classics to try:
- Tacos al Pastor: The city’s signature taco, featuring spit-roasted marinated pork shaved onto small corn tortillas, topped with pineapple, onion, and cilantro
- Tlacoyos: Blue corn masa patties stuffed with beans or cheese and topped with nopales (cactus), salsa, and queso fresco
- Esquites: Corn kernels served in a cup with mayo, lime juice, chili powder, and cheese
- Quesadillas: In Mexico City, these are made with blue corn masa and often don’t automatically include cheese (you need to ask for it!)
- Tamales: Steamed corn dough filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves
Tacos al pastor being prepared at a street stand – a must-try Mexico City specialty
Discover Mexico City’s Culinary Treasures
Sample the best street food with a local guide who knows where to find the most authentic flavors
Markets to Visit
Mexico City’s markets offer an immersive food experience and a glimpse into local life:
Mercado de San Juan
The gourmet market of Mexico City, where you’ll find exotic ingredients, international foods, and unusual delicacies like scorpions and insects.
Mercado de la Merced
The largest traditional market in the city, offering an overwhelming array of produce, meats, prepared foods, and household goods.
Mercado de Coyoacán
A more manageable market with excellent food stalls serving tostadas, quesadillas, and fresh juices in a charming neighborhood setting.
Fine Dining Experiences
Mexico City has emerged as one of the world’s great culinary capitals, with several restaurants ranking among the World’s 50 Best:
- Pujol: Chef Enrique Olvera’s flagship restaurant featuring a tasting menu that elevates traditional Mexican ingredients to high art
- Quintonil: Chef Jorge Vallejo’s celebrated restaurant focusing on fresh, local ingredients and innovative techniques
- Contramar: The perfect lunch spot for seafood lovers, famous for its tuna tostadas and grilled fish
- El Cardenal: Traditional Mexican breakfast and lunch in a refined setting, perfect for trying classics like chilaquiles and conchas with hot chocolate
Mexico City’s fine dining scene combines traditional ingredients with contemporary techniques
Mexico City Neighborhoods Worth Exploring
Beyond the major attractions, Mexico City’s diverse neighborhoods each offer their own unique character and charm. Here are some areas worth exploring:
Roma Norte
Made famous by the Oscar-winning film, Roma Norte is a hipster haven with tree-lined streets, art deco architecture, and some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. Spend an afternoon wandering its streets, popping into boutiques, galleries, and coffee shops.
The trendy Roma Norte neighborhood offers beautiful architecture and a vibrant dining scene
Coyoacán
This charming neighborhood feels like a small town within the big city. With its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and relaxed atmosphere, Coyoacán offers a perfect escape from urban intensity. Beyond the Frida Kahlo Museum, visit the main plaza, browse the market, and enjoy a coffee at Café El Jarocho.
Polanco
Mexico City’s upscale district is home to luxury shopping along Avenida Presidente Masaryk, beautiful parks, and some of the city’s best museums including the striking Soumaya Museum and the contemporary Jumex Museum. It’s also a dining hotspot with many of the city’s top restaurants.
San Angel
Visit on Saturday for the famous Bazaar Sábado (Saturday Market), where you can browse high-quality Mexican crafts and art. While there, visit the former studios of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, now a fascinating museum showing how the artists lived and worked.
Explore Mexico City Like a Local
Discover hidden gems and local favorites with a guided neighborhood tour
Unique Things to Do in Mexico City
Looking for experiences beyond the typical tourist attractions? Here are some unique activities to add to your Mexico City itinerary:
Watch Lucha Libre Wrestling
Experience the colorful spectacle of Mexican wrestling at Arena México, where masked luchadores perform acrobatic moves in theatrical matches that are part sport, part performance art. Shows typically run on Tuesday and Friday evenings.
Take a Cooking Class
Learn to make authentic Mexican dishes from expert local chefs. Many classes include market tours where you’ll select fresh ingredients before preparing traditional recipes like mole, tamales, or salsas.
Visit Biblioteca Vasconcelos
This stunning “megabiblioteca” features hanging bookshelves, transparent walls, and a whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling. It’s a paradise for architecture lovers and photographers.
The futuristic interior of Biblioteca Vasconcelos, often called Mexico’s most beautiful library
Explore UNAM Campus
Visit the National Autonomous University of Mexico to see impressive murals by Juan O’Gorman covering the Central Library and explore the Espacio Escultórico, an outdoor sculpture garden.
Experience a Temazcal Ceremony
Participate in a traditional pre-Hispanic sweat lodge ritual led by a shaman. This spiritual experience combines meditation, aromatherapy, and indigenous healing practices.
Visit Museo Jumex & Soumaya
These neighboring museums in Polanco showcase contemporary art (Jumex) and an eclectic collection spanning centuries (Soumaya) in architecturally stunning buildings.
Create Unforgettable Mexico City Memories
Book unique experiences that go beyond the typical tourist attractions
Best Day Trips from Mexico City
While Mexico City offers endless exploration, several fascinating destinations lie within easy reach for day trips:
The colonial city of Puebla with the Popocatépetl volcano in the background
Puebla & Cholula
Just two hours from Mexico City, Puebla charms visitors with its colonial architecture, colorful talavera pottery, and delicious cuisine (try the mole poblano!). Nearby Cholula is home to the largest pyramid in the world by volume, topped with a Spanish church.
Taxco
This picturesque silver mining town is built into a mountainside, with whitewashed buildings and winding cobblestone streets. Browse silver shops, visit the stunning Santa Prisca church, and enjoy panoramic views from the surrounding hills.
Tepoztlán
This “Pueblo Mágico” (Magical Town) is nestled in a valley surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Hike to the Tepozteco pyramid perched on a mountain ridge, explore the lively market, and enjoy the bohemian atmosphere of this mystical town.
Explore Beyond Mexico City
Discover ancient pyramids, colonial cities, and magical towns with convenient day tours
Practical Tips for Visiting Mexico City
Safety Information
Mexico City is generally safe for tourists, especially in the main visitor areas. As with any large city, take common-sense precautions:
- Stick to well-traveled areas, especially at night
- Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than hailing cabs on the street
- Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
- Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or displaying expensive electronics
- Be cautious with ATMs and use those inside banks when possible
Altitude Considerations
At 7,350 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level, Mexico City’s high altitude can affect visitors. Give yourself time to acclimate, stay hydrated, limit alcohol consumption for the first day or two, and consider taking it easy on your first day.
The leafy Parque Mexico in Condesa is perfect for relaxing while adjusting to Mexico City’s altitude
Money Matters
The Mexican peso (MXN) is the local currency. While credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and larger stores, it’s good to carry cash for street food, markets, and smaller establishments. ATMs are plentiful, but withdraw money during daylight hours in secure locations.
Language
Spanish is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and upscale restaurants. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases will enhance your experience and is appreciated by locals.
Essential Spanish Phrases:
“Buenos días” – Good morning
“Por favor” – Please
“Gracias” – Thank you
“¿Cuánto cuesta?” – How much does it cost?
“¿Dónde está…?” – Where is…?
“La cuenta, por favor” – The bill, please
Transportation from the Airport
From Benito Juárez International Airport, you have several options to reach the city center:
- Authorized Airport Taxis: Purchase tickets at official booths inside the terminal
- Uber/Didi: Reliable and often cheaper than airport taxis
- Metrobús Line 4: Connects the airport to the historic center
- Metro: Terminal Aérea station connects to Line 5
Need a Rental Car for Your Trip?
While not necessary within Mexico City, a car is useful for exploring beyond the city limits
Ready to Experience Mexico City?
From ancient pyramids to world-class museums, vibrant markets to innovative cuisine, Mexico City offers an incredible blend of history, culture, and modern urban excitement. This sprawling metropolis defies simple categorization – it’s a place where pre-Hispanic traditions coexist with cutting-edge art, where street food vendors operate in the shadows of Michelin-starred restaurants, and where every neighborhood tells a different story of Mexico’s rich and complex heritage.
Whether you’re climbing the steps of Teotihuacan, savoring tacos al pastor from a street stand, admiring Diego Rivera’s murals, or simply people-watching in a leafy plaza, Mexico City rewards curious travelers with unforgettable experiences at every turn. The only question is: when will you start your Mexico City adventure?
The magnificent Palacio de Bellas Artes illuminated at sunset – a perfect symbol of Mexico City’s timeless beauty
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The above is subject to change.
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