Mexico City Travel Guide: 17 Best Things to Do & See in CDMX

Mexico City, a capital like no other

How do you begin to describe one of the world’s largest cities – a place with around four times the population of our home country, Denmark?

Mexico City, home to more than 21 million people, is impossible to sum up in a single word.

Alongside sprawling neighbourhoods and heavy traffic, you’ll find some of the country’s finest restaurants, incredible street food, outstanding museums and the most charming local areas.

We spent ten unforgettable days in the capital, visiting many of the main Mexico City attractions, sampling every menu we could find and taking countless leisurely walks through leafy parks and along wide, green boulevards.

In this travel guide to Mexico City, we’ve gathered our favourite experiences, tips on how many days to stay, when to go, how to get around, all the best things to do in Mexico City and our best travel tips. Órale!

Our favourites: Where to stay in Mexico City

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• Budget: Hotel Escala Colonia Roma – Small, comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms at reasonable prices.
• Value for money: District Polanco by Lumina – More affordable than it appears, and it looks pretty great!
• Luxury: Ignacia Guest House – A colourful boutique hotel with just nine suites.
• Ultra-luxury: Las Alcobas – Exceptionally luxurious, with a homely atmosphere and outstanding service.

Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Mexico City here (adlink).

Where is Mexico City

Mexico City, or Ciudad de México (CDMX), lies in the very centre of Mexico, surrounded by mountains in a vast valley known as the Valle de México.

Set at an impressive altitude of about 2,240 metres above sea level (about 7,350 feet), it ranks among the world’s highest capital cities.

With more than 21 million residents across the metropolitan area, Mexico City is the largest city in North America and one of the biggest urban areas anywhere in the world. Around nine million people live within the city itself.

The best things to do in Mexico City

Wondering what to do in Mexico City?

The capital offers an incredible range of experiences and attractions!

You’ll find everything from ancient Aztec ruins and colonial palaces to world-class museums and an outstanding food scene.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Mexico City – not to mention some of the world’s largest pyramids just an hour away.

Here we’ve gathered our favourite places to visit in Mexico City and some of the best things to do in Mexico City, based on our own time in the city:

1. Teotihuacán Pyramids – Ancient city with impressive pyramids
2. Condesa and Roma – The city’s most charming neighbourhoods
3. Palacio de Bellas Artes – Art exhibitions beneath a colourful dome
4. View from the 8th floor of Sears – Free panoramic view of downtown
5. Alameda Central – City park with fountains and shaded paths
6. Mexico City Cathedral – Huge church on the Zócalo
7. Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo) – The city’s lively main square
8. Torre Latinoamericana – Observation tower with 360-degree views
9. Palacio de Correos de México – Historic post office
10. Chapultepec – The city’s largest park
11. Chapultepec Castle – Elegant castle on a hilltop
12. Museo Nacional de Antropología – The national anthropology museum
13. Monumento a la Independencia – CDMX’s golden icon
14. Shopping in Polanco – High-end boutiques and designer stores
15. Frida Kahlo Museum – The famous blue house
16. Xochimilco – Cruise the Aztec canals in colourful boats
17. Other activities in Mexico City – Extra things to do across the capital

Map of the best things to do in Mexico City

1. Teotihuacán Pyramids – Ancient city with impressive pyramids

We were absolutely blown away by the Teotihuacán pyramids.

It’s without doubt one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico. And that’s saying something.

Located around 40 kilometres (~ 25 miles) northeast of the capital, a visit here makes for one of the best day trips from Mexico City, taking roughly an hour each way.

The main attractions are the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which are connected by the broad Avenue of the Dead (La Calzada de los Muertos).

Sadly, but understandably, climbing the pyramids is no longer permitted – mainly to protect the ancient structures and improve visitor safety.

Even so, Teotihuacán is absolutely worth visiting!

We spent about six hours in Teotihuacán, including lunch, which gave us time to explore the site, see the small museum and have a drink at the atmospheric cave restaurant La Gruta.

Practical info:

• Open every day from 8:00-17:00.
• The entrance fee was 90 pesos per person (around 4.2 EUR / 4.9 USD) in 2025.
• Arrive early to avoid the heat and the biggest crowds.
• Bring plenty of water and sun protection. The UV index is high, and shade is scarce.

Read our full Teotihuacán guide to find the best ways to get there, practical tips and plenty of photos from one of the most unforgettable places to visit when you’re in Mexico City.

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2. Condesa and Roma – The city’s most charming neighbourhoods

There aren’t really any major Mexico City attractions in the neighbourhoods of Condesa and Roma, which sit side by side just southwest of the Centro Histórico (the historic centre).

Even so, a stroll in the area is still one of the best things to do in Mexico City.

This is where you’ll find much of the best the city has to offer in terms of restaurants, street food, nightlife, shopping and cosy parks.

The wide, tree-lined streets are lined with Art Deco buildings, colourful street art and cafés where well-off locals sit alongside expats and visitors.

A distinctive feature of Condesa is the oval-shaped Ámsterdam Avenue, once a horse-racing track.

Today, it serves as a popular running and walking route encircling the lovely Parque México – a perfect spot to pause and take in daily life, from dog walkers and yoga groups to families enjoying a picnic beneath the tall trees.

3. Palacio de Bellas Artes – Art exhibitions beneath a colourful dome

The magnificent Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) is one of Mexico City’s most famous landmarks.

It’s at the edge of Alameda Central in the historic centre.

Inside, there’s not much to see, if we’re honest, but the Art Deco interiors are worth a look, and some of the murals by renowned Mexican artists are really impressive.

Overall, it’s a pleasant experience, though if your time is limited, it’s not essential to go inside. We spent about an hour exploring the museum.

Practical info:

• The entrance fee was 95 pesos (~ 4.4 EUR / 5.1 USD) in 2025. Please note that only cash is accepted.
• Open Tuesday-Sunday 11:00-17:00.
• Take the elevator to the top floor first and then work your way down.
• Pro tip: The best view and photos of the building are from the café in the Sears building directly opposite (more on that in the next section)

4. View from the 8th floor of Sears – Free panoramic view of downtown

Just across from the Palacio de Bellas Artes you’ll find the Sears shopping centre.

Finca Don Porfirio café is located on the 8th floor, where you can enjoy a coffee, cocoa or frappé while taking in the view of the beautiful building. Prices are quite reasonable.

Take the elevator to the 8th floor and turn right when you exit.

There may be a long line at busy times.

We waited no more than 10 minutes and were initially seated at a regular table before being allowed to move to the “front row” with a direct view of the Palacio de Bellas Artes – and this was around lunchtime on a Saturday.

Wait times can, of course, vary.

5. Alameda Central – City park with fountains and shaded paths

The spacious Alameda Central park is right next to the Palacio de Bellas Artes.

As Mexico City’s oldest public park, dating back to 1592, it’s a lovely spot for a stroll or to take a break – especially if you’re visiting the palace.

6. Mexico City Cathedral – Huge church on the Zócalo

Mexico City’s cathedral is also known by the impressively long name, La Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María a los Cielos de la Ciudad de México.

It is the oldest and largest cathedral of its kind in Latin America.

The building is stunning from the outside, and the interior is equally impressive, with multiple chapels, a grand altar and lots of intricate decorations.

Entrance is free, but you are not allowed to wear hats or sunglasses, and overly “revealing” clothing is discouraged (we got away with shorts, though).

Flash photography is prohibited, and as with many religious sites, visitors are expected to be respectful and keep noise to a minimum.

7. Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo) – The city’s lively main square

Right next to the cathedral lies the city’s main square, Plaza de la Constitución, also known as the Zócalo.

Since the time of the Aztecs, the square has long been the gathering place for Mexicans, hosting everything from religious ceremonies and military parades to royal proclamations and independence celebrations.

Today, it remains the heart of Mexico City, and it is said that you haven’t truly experienced the city until you’ve set foot here.

The square is lined with historic buildings, including the Presidential Palace.

8. Torre Latinoamericana – Observation tower with 360-degree views

Torre Latinoamericana (Latin American Tower) is a 183-metre-tall skyscraper in the city centre.

Completed in 1956, it was once the tallest building in Latin America.

From the top floor, you get a fantastic 360-degree view of Mexico City.

The entrance fee is around 220 pesos (~10 EUR / 12 USD), and there can be a queue at busy times. There’s also a small museum about the tower’s history.

A restaurant with great views is found near the top, but according to many reviews, the food is rather disappointing for the price, and the service can be slow, so it might be better to just come for the view.

Scroll down to see what we did instead.

See the view from Nivel 40 Skybar

We chose to visit Nivel 40 Skybar instead.

The view here is technically “free” – you just need to order a drink.

They’re not the cheapest, but definitely fair for the setting.

The view over Mexico City is stunning, though it’s worth knowing that you look through glass windows and only in one direction – not a full 360 degrees like from the official viewing platform.

Only three tables are right next to the glass windows, but you can still enjoy the view from elsewhere in the bar. We were lucky to move up front once a table became free.

We came for sunset, and it turned out to be an amazing experience!

9. Palacio de Correos de México – Historic post office

The main post office in Mexico City is known as Palacio de Correos de México, and it’s well worth a stop, even if you have no letters to send.

The grand exterior is impressive enough, but it’s even more beautiful inside, where it looks more like a movie set than a post office.

10. Chapultepec – The city’s largest park

Chapultepec, often called Bosque de Chapultepec (“Chapultepec Forest”), is Mexico City’s green lungs.

If you need a quiet spot for a long walk in the shade or a break from the traffic, this is the place to go.

The park is divided into several sections, with most of the main sights in the eastern part, near Polanco and Condesa.

Here you’ll find two lakes, a botanical garden, the Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno), the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología) and Chapultepec Castle, which sits proudly on the hill.

Alex also enjoyed going for runs in Chapultepec Park during our stay in the city.

11. Chapultepec Castle – Elegant castle on a hilltop

In the middle of the first section of Chapultepec Park stands Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec) on top of Chapultepec Hill.

It has been regarded as sacred since Aztec times, and over the centuries the castle has served as an imperial residence, a presidential home and an observatory.

Today, it is home to the National History Museum.

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12. Museo Nacional de Antropología – The national anthropology museum

Mexico’s National Museum of Anthropology is the country’s largest and most visited museum – and we quickly understood why.

We were greeted by the enormous umbrella fountain in the courtyard, which sets a dramatic tone right from the start.

Inside, we were impressed by the fantastic collection of artefacts from Mexico’s pre-Columbian cultures.

The museum is huge, so allow at least a couple of hours to see the highlights.

These include the famous Aztec Sun Stone and treasures from the Mayan civilisation, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history.

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13. Monumento a la Independencia – CDMX’s golden icon

The Angel of Independence, often called El Ángel, is one of Mexico City’s most recognisable landmarks.

The 45-metre-high column, topped with a gold-plated statue of the Greek goddess of victory, Nike, was erected in 1910 to mark the 100th anniversary of Mexico’s independence.

14. Shopping in Polanco – High-end boutiques and designer stores

The Polanco neighbourhood lies just north of Chapultepec and is known for its upscale vibe, with luxury shops, art galleries and fine restaurants.

We noticed a lot more familiar international brands here, and it’s a pleasant area to stroll around.

Avenida Presidente Masaryk is the main street, lined with most of the shops and eateries. Parque Lincoln is also worth a stop.

15. Frida Kahlo Museum – The famous blue house

Frida Kahlo is one of Mexico’s most iconic figures, and visiting her world is a must for many when in Mexico City.

In the southern neighbourhood of Coyoacán, you’ll find Museo Frida Kahlo.

Frida Kahlo grew up here in the house called Casa Azul (the Blue House) and later also lived here with her husband, the artist Diego Rivera.

The bright blue house has since been turned into a museum dedicated to her life and art, featuring a selection of her works and personal belongings.

We unfortunately didn’t manage to visit ourselves, but since it’s one of the best things to do in Mexico City, it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance.

The Coyoacán neighbourhood in general looks like a very charming area to explore, too.

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16. Xochimilco – Cruise the Aztec canals in colourful boats

We didn’t make it to Xochimilco on our trip, but the colourful canals rank among the best things to do in Mexico City.

Here, you can glide through the last remains of the ancient Aztec canal system on traditional trajineras – vibrant, gondola-like boats. It looks super fun!

The canals form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer a glimpse of what Mexico City looked like before the Spanish conquest.

Many recommend visiting on a weekend for the lively atmosphere, though it can get very crowded.

17. Other activities in Mexico City – Extra things to do across the capital

CDMX is so huge that you’ll never run out of fun activities. Here are a few more great experiences to add to your itinerary when looking for the best things to do in Mexico City.

• Traditional markets: Mercado de San Juan is famous for its gourmet produce and unusual ingredients, while Mercado de la Ciudadela is the go-to spot for traditional Mexican crafts and souvenirs.
• Lucha Libre: Catch a wrestling match at Arena México – a lively, one-of-a-kind cultural experience with masked wrestlers and colourful costumes.
• Basilica de Guadalupe: Visit Mexico’s most important religious pilgrimage site, which attracts millions of visitors every year.
• Museo Soumaya: An architectural masterpiece that houses one of Latin America’s largest private art collections. The distinctive building is worth a visit in itself.
• Plaza Garibaldi: Soak up the atmosphere of live mariachi performances in this famous square – especially in the evening.
• San Ángel neighborhood: A charming neighbourhood with cobbled streets, colonial buildings and a strong artistic vibe. We were recommended by locals to eat at the restaurant Na Tlali.
• Food and culture tours: There are plenty of excellent guided tours in English, where you can discover more about for example Mexican food culture, street art or the city’s history.

Map of the best things to do in Mexico City

We’ve put together a map of all the best things to do in Mexico City, highlighting top neighborhoods, experiences and attractions.

Hop-on hop-off in Mexico City

The popular hop-on hop-off buses are a convenient way to see many of the main attractions and highlights of Mexico City in a short time.

There are four routes, and since your ticket is valid for all of them on the same day, the buses can double as transport to places such as Coyoacán or the Basilica de Guadalupe.

Buy your hop-on hop-off ticket here (adlink)

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The best day trips from Mexico City

Apart from visiting the Teotihuacán pyramids, there are countless great options for day trips from Mexico City.

We spent several days in Cholula, Puebla and Tepoztlán – all of which can easily be done as day trips. We’ve also added a few other places that look especially interesting.

(Approximate driving time and distance from the Centro Histórico are shown in parentheses.)

The best day trips from Mexico City:

• Cholula (2 hours – 125 km / 78 miles): Home to the world’s largest pyramid (!). Read our Cholula guide here.
• Puebla (2 hours – 130 km / 81 miles): Mexico’s fourth-largest city has a calmer, more relaxed vibe than Mexico City. Read our Puebla guide here.
• Tepoztlán (1.5 hours – 80 km / 50 miles): A truly special town known for its cobbled streets, magical mountains and hilltop pyramid. Spiritual on weekdays, festive on weekends. Read our Tepoztlán guide here.
• Teotihuacán (1 hour – 50 km / 31 miles): Don’t miss the incredible pyramids in the ancient city. Read our Teotihuacán guide here.
• Ajusco (1 hour – 40 km / 25 miles): Climb Mexico City’s highest volcano or visit the nearby Six Flags México amusement park.
• Paso de Cortés (1.5 hours – 85 km / 53 miles): The mountain pass between the volcanoes Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl is a great place to escape the heat and enjoy nature.
• Cuernavaca (1.5 hours – 70 km / 43 miles): The “City of Eternal Spring” is a popular weekend getaway for locals.
• Tula (2.5 hours – 90 km / 56 miles): The ancient Toltec capital, famous for its 4-metre-high warrior statues atop the Quetzalcoatl pyramid.
• Malinalco (2 hours – 100 km / 62 miles): A small “magical town” similar to Tepoztlán, with a pyramid offering panoramic views of the town and valley.
• Huasca (2 hours – 125 km / 78 miles): A mysterious town with beautiful basalt formations and waterfalls.
• Taxco (2.5 hours – 165 km / 103 miles): One of Mexico’s prettiest cities.
• Grutas de Tolantongo (3.5 hours – 200 km / 124 miles): Instagram-friendly hot springs carved into a cliffside in a dramatic gorge. Most likely a really long day trip, but still worth mentioning.

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Map of day trip destinations

Here we’ve marked the best day trips from Mexico City on a map to give you a better overview of where each place is located in relation to the others.

How long to stay in Mexico City

The ideal stay in Mexico City is around 4-5 days if you want to experience the main sights without rushing.

This allows time to see the Centro Histórico, visit a couple of the city’s museums, explore the neighbourhoods of Roma Norte and Condesa and try plenty of yummy food.

We stayed for 10 days, which was perfect for us.

It gave us time to move at our own pace, explore more areas and fit in a day trip to the Teotihuacán pyramids.

With 10 days, we also had time to revisit our favourite spots and try some of the many great restaurants.

If you have a week, you’ll have enough time to see the key attractions and take one or two day trips without feeling pressed for time.

If you’re only making a short stop in Mexico City, you can still get a taste of the city in one or two days, but you’ll need to prioritise and plan carefully – distances are long, and traffic can be heavy.

At a minimum, we’d recommend spending three days in Mexico City so you can fit in:

• Teotihuacán Pyramids. An unmissable day trip from the city.
• Chapultepec. Visit the castle, enjoy a walk, and spend a few hours at the Museo Nacional de Antropología.
• Centro Histórico. The city centre is packed with experiences. You can easily spend (at least) a day experiencing the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the post office, the cathedral, the zócalo and seeing the city from above.

Length of stay for tourists in Mexico

Most visitors from Europe, the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia and many other countries can stay in Mexico for up to 180 days without a visa.

However, you should always check the latest entry requirements for your specific country before travelling, as rules can change.

Upon arrival, you’ll need to fill out a tourist card (FMM – Forma Migratoria Múltiple), either on the plane or at the airport. Keep it safe, as you must return it when leaving Mexico.

Where to stay in Mexico City

Although Mexico City has countless neighbourhoods, most visitors choose to stay in Condesa, Roma Norte or Polanco – and we recommend the same.

Centro Histórico (adlink) is another option, but it’s less charming, particularly in the evenings.

Read more about the city’s best neighbourhoods and hotels in our comprehensive guide to where to stay in Mexico City here.

The best areas to stay in Mexico City:

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• Roma Norte: A cosy, walkable neighbourhood filled with excellent restaurants and coffee shops. It’s a real favourite with tourists, and where we also stayed ourselves.
• Condesa: A slightly pricier, greener alternative to Roma Norte, located nearer to Chapultepec Park.
• Polanco: Even more upscale, ideal for shopping, art and fine dining.
• Juárez: Just north of Condesa and Roma, this is another good option. It can be a little cheaper while still offering a safe, central location with plenty of restaurants.

Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Mexico City here (adlink).

The best hotels in Roma Norte

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• Luxury: Ignacia Guest House – A colourful boutique hotel with just nine suites.
• Value for money: Santa Casa by Tasman – A charming former duchess’ villa, now transformed into a cosy boutique hotel.
• Budget: Hotel Escala Colonia Roma – Small, comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms at reasonable prices.

Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Roma Norte here (adlink).

The best hotels in Condesa

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• Luxury: Mondrian Mexico City – One of the best hotels in Condesa, offering a spa, fitness centre and several restaurants.
• Value for money: Hotel Villa Condesa – A cosy boutique hotel set in a restored Art Deco villa with 13 spacious rooms.
• Budget: Hotel Roosevelt Condesa – Ideally located next to the oval Avenida Ámsterdam, with spacious rooms at an affordable price.

Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Condesa here (adlink).

The best hotels in Polanco

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• Ultra-luxury: Las Alcobas – Stylish boutique hotel with homely comfort and excellent service.
• Ultra-luxury: JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City – The city’s best location with stunning views and a wealth of amenities. One of the best hotels in Polanco.
• Luxury: The Alest – A British-style boutique hotel with an elegant and classy atmosphere.
• Value for money: District Polanco by Lumina – More affordable than it appears, and it looks pretty great!
• Budget: Casa Castillo – Comfortable rooms with options for a balcony, sofa and small kitchen. Located right between Polanco and Chapultepec Park.

Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Polanco here (adlink).

The best ultra-luxury hotels in Mexico City

Let’s be clear: There are lots of luxury hotels in Mexico City.

The 5-star hotels are clustered in prime locations, especially along Paseo de la Reforma (near the Angel of Independence) and in the Polanco neighbourhood.

Since we’ve already covered the best hotels in Roma Norte, Condesa and Polanco, here are two more ultra-luxury hotels worth considering, in addition to the already mentioned Las Alcobas and JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City (adlinks).

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• Ultra-luxury: Four Seasons Mexico City – Understated luxury with large, elegant rooms. One of the best hotels in Mexico City.
• Ultra-luxury: The St. Regis Mexico City – Butler service and an outdoor pool with a view. Another standout among luxury hotels in Mexico City, perfect if you are seeking sophistication and comfort.

The best places to eat in Mexico City

One of the highlights of Mexico City for us was the huge selection of vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants.

Even if you don’t eat exclusively plant-based, we’re sure most of these spots are more than satisfying.

• Por Siempre Vegana: The best saucy Mexican food in town (and that’s saying something!). And it’s cheap! They have two locations: a small restaurant and a street food truck. Take-your-own sauces and toppings are a bonus.
• Forever: Great café. We loved their French toast with whipped cream and berries, and the thick pancakes with chia seeds, whipped cream and syrup are a must.
• La Pitahaya Vegana: Cosy spot, all in pink, serving everything from breakfast to dinner. We tried their brunch with homemade cashew cream, plenty of fresh fruit and good coffee with cinnamon. Their burritos are also a hit.
• Plantasia: Delicious Southeast Asian food in beautiful surroundings.
• La Plantisquería: Excellent “fish” tacos and “calamari” rings.
• Paxil – Plant Based Seafood: Plant-based “seafood” from a small, fairly cheap stand. We tried a tostada with “ceviche” and four different delicious tacos.
• Mora Mora: A fancy and fairly expensive supermarket/café offering healthy bowls, among other things.
• Gracias Madre: We enjoyed a tasty breakfast burrito as well as gringas with “cheese” and “meat” plus guacamole. Service was fast and friendly.
• Vegangos: A small shop with cheap tacos, gringas and other small dishes.
• Churrería El Moro: Churros. Need we say more?
• I Quit Bakery: Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. We tried their croissant, s’mores brownie, cinnamon roll and cake with lemon – everything tasted even better than it looked. The lovely service and cute dogs made it even nicer.
• Pali Pali: Good tacos in a small shopping centre close to the large park Alameda Central.
• Vegamo: Burritos and pancakes, also near Alameda Central.
• Viko Vegan Taco. A small stall in the “basement” under the road offering various options. We grabbed a burrito to go and took it to Chapultepec.
• Veguísima. Good tacos, gringas and a Beyond Meat burger.

How to get around Mexico City

Mexico City is huge, and traffic can make getting from one place to another time-consuming.

Below, there’s an overview of how to get around the city.

For more details, check out our guide on how to get around Mexico City with transport tips for visitors (covering the Metro, Uber, walking, and other practical info).

Walking in Mexico City

Many of Mexico City’s popular neighbourhoods, like Centro Histórico, Roma, and Condesa, are perfect for exploring on foot.

The wide pavements and abundance of parks make walking here a pleasant experience, and you’ll often come across cute cafés, interesting shops or colourful street art along the way.

If you steer clear of the large, motorway-like roads, it’s also generally easy and safe to walk between different parts of the city.

That said, it isn’t always the most comfortable way to go far, so to get between neighbourhoods we recommend taking the metro or a taxi.

Public transport in Mexico City

The metro in Mexico City is both quick and inexpensive – a single journey costs just 5 pesos (less than 0.5 EUR/USD), no matter how far you travel.

We used the metro quite a lot ourselves, and it’s a great alternative to taxis during rush hour, when traffic on the roads can be heavy.

There are also city buses in Mexico City (which we didn’t try ourselves). It probably helps to know at least a little Spanish when using them.

Taxi, Uber and other transport apps in Mexico City

In Mexico City, transport apps are the easiest and safest way to get around.

We almost exclusively used Uber and Cabify during our stay and had good experiences with both.

Read our comparison between Uber and Cabify in our transport guide to Mexico City.

There’s also DiDi (which we couldn’t find in the app store) and Beat.

Using these apps requires mobile data, so if you don’t already have free roaming from your phone provider, consider buying a local SIM card or an eSIM. We’ve previously used Airalo eSIM with great success (adlink).

Of course, regular taxis are available, too. They are pink and white and are known as sitios.

You can also read more about them, as well as safety and tipping culture, in our transport guide.

Flying to Mexico City

We flew with KLM from Copenhagen to Amsterdam and then directly to Mexico City.

If you’re travelling from Europe or other parts of the world outside the USA, you’ll often have one or two stopovers.

Many flights from Europe connect through major hubs such as Amsterdam, Paris or Madrid, though some of the cheapest routes may go via the United States.

It’s worth noting that even for a short stopover in the USA, you’ll need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) in advance.

Search for the cheapest flights on Momondo here (adlink).

Safety in Mexico City

Is it safe to visit Mexico City?

Well, like any major city, it’s important to use common sense in Mexico City, but we generally felt safe during our stay.

Safe areas in Mexico City

Most tourist neighbourhoods, such as Centro Histórico, Roma, Condesa and Polanco, are safe to walk around, especially during the day. Other areas can be more prone to crime.

As in any large city, it’s wise to be more cautious after dark and consider taking an Uber home rather than walking late at night.

Transport and safety

Uber and Cabify are the safest and most convenient ways to get around Mexico City. They’re reliable and often quite affordable.

Public transport in Mexico City, such as the metro and buses, is generally fine to use during the day – just keep a close eye on your belongings, as there can be opportunistic pickpockets.

Be cautious with regular taxis, as some may be unofficial. The official pink-and-white taxis are generally safe, but we preferred using Uber in Mexico City and Cabify for ease and peace of mind.

When to visit Mexico City

At an altitude of 2,240 metres (around 7,350 feet), Mexico City enjoys a pleasant climate year-round.

Daytime temperatures are generally mild, ranging from 20-26°C (68-79°F), though evenings and nights can be cooler, particularly in winter when temperatures may drop to around 10°C (50°F).

From June to September, it’s the rainy season.

This means afternoon showers almost every day, so it’s a good idea to carry a rain jacket or umbrella. On the other side, the rain helps reduce some of the city’s air pollution.

During the dry season from October to May, humidity is lower and rainfall is minimal. It’s ideal for sunshine lovers, though a warm sweater is useful for chilly winter evenings.

Sun protection is important throughout the year. At this high altitude, the sun can be quite strong even when temperatures feel mild.

When is the best time to visit Mexico City

March to May offers the most beautiful weather and blooming jacaranda trees, but it is also high season with more tourists.

From June to August, you can often find good hotel deals if you don’t mind afternoon showers.

September to November have pleasant temperatures and plenty of cultural events (including Día de los Muertos!), while December to February is cooler and quieter in terms of tourism.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is ideal for sun lovers, with temperatures around 26°C (79°F).

The city is at its most beautiful when the jacaranda trees bloom in shades of purple from February to March.

Book accommodation well in advance during the high season.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is low season, making it perfect for budget travellers, as hotel deals are often available.

Be prepared for daily afternoon showers, which also help clear the air of pollution.

Daytime temperatures remain comfortable around 26°C (79°F).

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn brings some of the year’s biggest cultural events, with October and November standing out for Día de los Muertos celebrations, when the city is filled with colourful decorations and skeletons.

Temperatures are cooler, but still comfortable for sightseeing.

Winter (December to February)

Daytime temperatures range from 20-22°C (68-72°F), but evenings can be chilly, so bring a warm jacket.

Many hotels offer good deals during this period, though some restaurants and shops close around Christmas and New Year.

Tip: UV radiation is high year-round due to the city’s altitude. Always wear sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight around midday.

Our best tips for Mexico City

• Bring pesos. Larger restaurants and shops usually accept credit cards, but for smaller places, street food, and markets, it’s a good idea to carry cash.
• Get a Mexican SIM card or e-SIM with data. You can buy one at 7-Eleven or Oxxo in the airport arrivals terminal or in shops around the city. Airport SIMs are more expensive but convenient if you want to use Uber right away, for example. We bought Telcel because we had heard that it had the best coverage, and it worked well for us. We’ve also previously used Airalo (adlink) with great success.
• ¿Habla inglés? While many people in tourist areas speak some English in Mexico, learning a few basic Spanish phrases can be helpful and appreciated.
• Use Google Translate: If you have data on your phone, you can use the camera function to translate things like menus and signs live. The microphone function is useful if you’re communicating with locals who can’t speak English.
• Plug type and voltage: Mexico primarily uses Type A and Type B plugs (flat, parallel prongs), similar to those used in the United States and Canada. Mexico operates on a 127V supply voltage and a frequency of 60Hz, so check if your devices are dual-voltage if they come from regions with different standards. It’s a good idea to bring an adapter if your devices use a different plug type.
• Avoid drinking tap water. We use a water filter from Tappwater (adlink) that fits most taps, making the water safe to drink. This allows us to refill our own bottles and avoid buying plastic. Large bottles of water can also be used. Brushing your teeth with tap water is generally fine. Alternatively, you can buy large bottles of water and fill them into smaller bottles. We brushed our teeth in tap water without any problems.
• Tips (“propinas”) are expected in many places. You can often choose between 10%, 15% and 20% on the card terminals. 10-15% is generally fine, with 20% for exceptional service. For Uber rides, tipping isn’t necessary unless you receive extra help, such as with luggage – then 5-10 pesos per bag is polite.
• Protect yourself from the sun. The UV index is high due to the city’s altitude. Wear sunscreen, a hat, or stay in the shade during midday. Also, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

What to bring to Mexico City

• Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
• A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
• Sunscreen (adlink). As mentioned before, the UV index is high, so we recommend using an organic, vegan sunscreen without oxybenzone and other harmful chemicals.
• Good sneakers or sandals that you can walk around in all day.
• Swimwear and a towel if your hotel has a pool.
• A refillable water bottle.
• Cash is useful to have, particularly if you want to buy street food or souvenirs at the markets. Some places, such as the Palacio Bellas Artes, only accept cash.

Thank you for reading

Thank you for reading our Mexico City travel guide!

We hope it helped you plan your trip and discover some of the best things to do in Mexico City.

Have you already explored CDMX? We’d love to hear your top tips and favourite experiences.

If you haven’t been yet, feel free to ask us anything in the comments. We’re happy to help.