Things To Do
in Mexico City
Mexico City, the sprawling capital of Mexico, is renowned for its rich tapestry of history, blending pre-Columbian ruins with Spanish colonial architecture, and modern urban life. It is a cultural hub, home to numerous museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as a vibrant culinary scene that showcases the diversity of Mexican cuisine.
Nestled in the Valley of Mexico at an altitude of about 2,250 meters (7,382 feet), this megacity battles with unique challenges like traffic congestion and air pollution, yet remains a dynamic and captivating metropolis.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.20 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the Zócalo, the main square, and enjoy the stunning architecture of the Metropolitan Cathedral. Don't miss the Templo Mayor ruins right next to it for a glimpse into the Aztec civilization.
Grab lunch at a nearby local restaurant and try traditional tacos. Afterward, visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes for its beautiful murals and art exhibits.
Spend your evening at the Torre Latinoamericana for panoramic views of the city. Enjoy dinner in the nearby Casa de los Azulejos, known for its exquisite tiles.
Start your day at the Museo Frida Kahlo, also known as the Blue House. The vibrant colors and artworks provide insight into this iconic artist's life.
Have lunch in Coyoacán, then explore the charming streets and markets in the neighborhood. Visit the Anahuacalli Museum dedicated to Diego Rivera's work.
Return to the city center and have dinner at a local eatery. Finish the night with a performance at the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history.
- Vibrant arts scene with numerous museums and galleries.
- Delicious and diverse cuisine.
- Lively atmosphere with many festivals and events.
- Affordable cost of living compared to other major cities.
- Extensive public transportation system.
- Beautiful parks and green spaces.
- High levels of air pollution.
- Traffic congestion can be severe.
- Safety concerns in certain areas.
- Earthquake risk due to geographical location.
- Infrastructure challenges, such as aging buildings.
- Overcrowding in popular neighborhoods.
- Water shortages and management issues.
Best Activities in Mexico City
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
One of the largest city parks in the world, offering opportunities for walking, picnicking, boating, and visiting museums.
A network of canals where visitors can take a boat ride on colorful trajineras while enjoying music and food.
A natural area with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a botanical garden, offering a tranquil escape from the city.
An ecological park with a butterfly sanctuary, botanical garden, and opportunities for birdwatching and walking trails.
Tours
Uncover the best of Mexico City with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Mexico City
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic cultural center with a stunning exterior and great views of the surrounding area.
Situated on a hill in Chapultepec Park, it offers panoramic views of the city.
Iconic skyscraper with an observation deck offering 360-degree views of the city.
Observation deck with breathtaking views of Mexico City's skyline and landmarks.
Food in Mexico City
Mexico City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, served on a small tortilla and topped with pineapple, coriander, and onions. Try it at El Huequito or El Vilsito.
Must-Try!
A complex sauce made with chocolate, chilies, and spices, often served over chicken. For an authentic taste, visit Restaurante Las Cazuelas or El Cardenal.
Poblano peppers stuffed with a sweet and savory mix of meat, fruit, and spices, topped with a creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds. Visit Casa de Toño for a traditional rendition.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Mexico City better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest and most vibrant food markets in Mexico City, offering a wide variety of street food stalls, fresh produce, and local ingredients.
A trendy food market featuring an array of gourmet street food stands, perfect for sampling diverse regional Mexican cuisines.
Explore the bustling streets of Coyoacan for an abundance of street food options, including quesadillas, elotes, and tamales.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Mexico City, it is important to be mindful of personal space, especially when interacting with others in public spaces or on public transportation.
When meeting someone for the first time or in a formal setting, it is customary to use formal greetings and titles, such as 'Señor' (Mr.) or 'Señora' (Mrs.), to show respect.
Showing an interest in and respect for Mexican customs and traditions, such as fiestas, music, and food, can go a long way in demonstrating cultural respect.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Mexico City with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Mexico City
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is common in Mexico City, especially in restaurants and for other service providers. It is customary to tip around 10-15% of the total bill as a token of appreciation for good service.
In Mexico City, cash is widely accepted, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used for payments. It's important to carry both cash and cards, as some smaller establishments may only accept cash.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Mexico City.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Mexico City as the weather is mild and the city is blooming with colorful flowers. It's a great time to explore outdoor attractions and enjoy cultural festivals.
Summer in Mexico City can be hot and rainy. Expect warm temperatures and occasional showers. However, this is also the time for various traditional celebrations and events.
Fall is a transitional time with pleasant temperatures and lower rainfall. It's a great time to explore outdoor markets and enjoy the autumn festivals.
Winter in Mexico City brings cool and dry weather, making it a popular time for tourists. The city is beautifully decorated for Christmas and New Year, and it's a great time to experience the local holiday traditions.
Mexico City at Night
Hiking in Mexico City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A mountainous area located just south of Mexico City, Ajusco offers numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, beautiful forests, and views of the city.
One of the largest city parks in the world, Chapultepec features several trails for walking and hiking, lush greenery, and historical monuments.
This national park, located within the city limits, is known for its dense forests and serene environment, featuring a variety of hiking paths.
A bit farther from the city, this extinct volcano offers stunning hikes around its crater, with breathtaking landscapes and the opportunity to see local wildlife.
Located about an hour from Mexico City, La Marquesa is a popular destination for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature, with numerous marked trails.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Mexico City through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Mexico City by plane.
The main international airport serving Mexico City, located approximately 5 km east of downtown.
Located in Chetumal, approximately 1,050 km from Mexico City, this airport serves international flights mainly from the Caribbean.
Located approximately 1,600 km from Mexico City, this is one of the busiest international airports in Mexico, serving tourists heading to the Caribbean coast.
Located in Guadalajara, approximately 550 km west of Mexico City, it is the second busiest airport in Mexico.
Located in Monterrey, approximately 700 km north of Mexico City, it serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights.
Located in San José del Cabo, approximately 1,700 km northwest of Mexico City, it serves international flights primarily to the U.S.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Mexico City, representing people of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry.
Various Indigenous communities with distinct languages and cultures, representing a significant portion of the city's population.
People of Spanish and other European descent, including immigrants and their descendants.
Individuals of African descent, contributing to the cultural diversity of the city.
Includes groups such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean communities that have established a presence in Mexico City.
A vibrant and active demographic representing various sexual orientations and gender identities.
Expatriates and immigrants from various countries living in Mexico City, contributing to its multicultural landscape.
The Soul of Mexico City
Discover the essence of Mexico City through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Mexico City, with numerous professional teams and a passionate fan base. The city hosts matches in iconic stadiums like Estadio Azteca.
American football has a growing popularity in Mexico City, with the presence of the Mexico City Red Devils and the interest generated by NFL games held in the city.
Baseball is widely followed in Mexico City, especially during the summer months, with the Diablos Rojos del Mexico being one of the prominent teams in the area.
Basketball is increasingly popular among the youth of Mexico City, with local leagues and teams participating in various national tournaments.
Mexico has a rich boxing history, and the sport is very popular in Mexico City, producing many world champions and hosting numerous matches throughout the year.
Lucha Libre, a form of professional wrestling, is a unique cultural phenomenon in Mexico City, with colorful characters and events that attract large audiences.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mexico City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Mexican cuisine traditionally includes a lot of meat, many restaurants in Mexico City offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, such as nopales (cactus), enfrijoladas, and vegetarian tamales. Look for restaurants like Los Loosers and Forever Vegano for dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus.
For those with gluten restrictions, many establishments in Mexico City offer gluten-free versions of classic dishes, such as tacos made with corn tortillas, ceviche, and various seafood dishes. Check out Niddo or Blanco Colima for gluten-free options.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Mexico City with these cultural adventures.
