MEXICO CITY AT A GLANCE
CITY
Mexico City (Ciudad de México)
COUNTRY
TIMEZONE
UTC-6
TRAIN
Mexico City Metro ($5 MXN / $0.25 USD)
BUS
Metrobus ($6 MXN / $0.3 USD)
TERRAIN
Metropolitan City
WEATHER
Winter: 41ºF - 73ºF December to February / Spring 50ºF - 82ºF March to May / Summer: 54ºF - 77ºF and Rainy June to August / Autumn: 50ºF - 75ºF September to November
AVERAGE MEAL COST
$80 MXN / $4 USD
AVERAGE HOSTEL COST
$300 MXN / $15 USD
LAST UPDATED
26/11/2024
LANDSCAPE
NOTABLE FEATURES
Mexico City, the vibrant capital of Mexico, is renowned for its rich blend of history, culture, and modern urban life. Known as a city where ancient meets contemporary, it’s home to iconic landmarks like the Zócalo, one of the largest city squares in the world, and the Templo Mayor, an Aztec ruin revealing the city’s ancient roots. Mexico City also boasts world-class museums, including the National Museum of Anthropology, which houses invaluable pre-Columbian artifacts, and the Frida Kahlo Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the beloved Mexican artist. Food culture is another defining trait, with everything from street tacos to high-end cuisine attracting food lovers globally. Additionally, Mexico City's neighborhoods, such as Condesa and Roma, are celebrated for their art deco architecture, hip cafes, and vibrant nightlife. As one of the largest cities in the world, it’s a bustling, ever-evolving metropolis with a unique character that captivates locals and tourists alike.
ACTIVITIES
Popular Activities
Explore the Historic Center and Zócalo: Visiting the city’s main square, Zócalo, offers a look at historic landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and stunning murals by Diego Rivera.
Tour the National Museum of Anthropology: This world-renowned museum features extensive exhibits on pre-Columbian history, including the famous Aztec Sun Stone and Maya artifacts.
Visit Chapultepec Park and Chapultepec Castle: A sprawling urban park with museums, lakes, and trails, Chapultepec Park also holds the only royal castle in North America, offering scenic city views and a museum.
Walk through Coyoacán and the Frida Kahlo Museum: Coyoacán, a charming neighborhood, is home to the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul), where visitors can learn about the life of the celebrated Mexican artist in her vibrant blue house.
Stroll and shop in Roma and Condesa: These trendy neighborhoods are known for their art deco architecture, lively cafes, street art, and unique boutiques.
Experience Teotihuacan Pyramids: A day trip from the city, Teotihuacan is a remarkable ancient city with the iconic Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, allowing visitors to climb and enjoy breathtaking views.
Boat Ride in Xochimilco Canals: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Xochimilco’s colorful trajineras (boats) offer festive canal rides through historic waterways with food, music, and flower vendors.
See Ballet Folklórico de México: The Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) hosts this celebrated traditional dance performance that showcases Mexican folklore and culture through dance and music.
Indulge in the Street Food Scene: Sampling Mexico City’s legendary street food, such as tacos al pastor, tamales, and churros, is a must for any visitor.
Visit the Museo Soumaya and Museo Jumex: Located in the upscale Polanco neighborhood, these museums house extensive art collections, with Museo Soumaya featuring works by Rodin, Dalí, and Mexican artists.
Explore Mercado de la Merced and La Ciudadela: These popular markets offer an authentic taste of local life, with La Merced focusing on fresh foods and traditional ingredients, while La Ciudadela specializes in Mexican crafts and artisan goods.
Attend Lucha Libre at Arena México: For an exciting slice of local entertainment, Lucha Libre wrestling is a high-energy spectacle with colorful masks, acrobatics, and enthusiastic crowds.
Underrated Destinations
Explore the San Ángel Neighborhood and Bazar Sábado: This historic neighborhood offers cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and a quieter atmosphere than the bustling city center. On Saturdays, the Bazar Sábado art market showcases handmade crafts, jewelry, and art by local artisans. San Ángel’s cafes and plazas also provide a peaceful escape, with a vibrant cultural scene centered around Plaza San Jacinto.
Hike and Picnic at Desierto de los Leones National Park: Located on the outskirts of the city, this national park offers beautiful forested trails, historical ruins of an old convent, and scenic picnic spots. Desierto de los Leones is an ideal place to recharge in nature and escape the city crowds, especially for hiking enthusiasts, as it provides panoramic views of Mexico City.
Visit the Vasconcelos Library (Biblioteca Vasconcelos): Often called a "mega library," this architectural marvel is a hidden gem for book lovers and design enthusiasts. Its impressive modern architecture, with hanging bookshelves and open layouts, creates a striking space for study and relaxation. The library often hosts art exhibitions and cultural events, providing a quieter cultural experience in a breathtaking setting.
NEIGHBORHOODS
Centro Histórico: The historic heart of Mexico City, Centro Histórico is where many major landmarks are located, including the Zócalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace. It’s a bustling area with museums, shops, restaurants, and street vendors. While generally safe during the day, some streets can feel less secure at night, so it’s best to stick to the main areas and avoid side streets after dark.
Roma: Known for its bohemian vibe, Roma is filled with art galleries, vintage shops, cafes, and hip restaurants. Roma Norte, in particular, is popular with young professionals and tourists, while Roma Sur is quieter and more residential. Although the area is generally safe, some visitors may want to be more cautious late at night.
Condesa: Bordering Roma, Condesa has a similar hip, artistic atmosphere with tree-lined streets, beautiful parks (like Parque México and Parque España), and a vibrant dining scene. It’s known for a high concentration of bars, which make it lively at night, though fairly safe.
Polanco: Often considered one of the most upscale neighborhoods, Polanco is known for luxury shopping along Avenida Presidente Masaryk, fine dining, embassies, and large green spaces like Chapultepec Park. It’s safe and popular among locals and expats alike, and is home to some of the city’s best museums, like Museo Soumaya and the National Museum of Anthropology.
Coyoacán: This charming, artsy neighborhood has a small-town feel with plazas, colorful colonial houses, markets, and the Frida Kahlo Museum. Coyoacán is known for its traditional vibe and is generally very safe, attracting locals and tourists alike, especially on weekends.
Santa Fe: A newer district known for skyscrapers, business centers, and luxury shopping malls like Centro Santa Fe, the largest mall in Latin America. Santa Fe caters mostly to business professionals and is safe, though it lacks much of the charm and cultural appeal of other neighborhoods.
San Ángel: Known for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and Bazar Sábado art market, San Ángel is a peaceful, residential area with historical charm. It’s a safe place to explore, particularly for art lovers and those looking to experience more traditional aspects of Mexican culture.
Juárez: This central neighborhood includes Zona Rosa, a vibrant LGBTQ+ district with bars, clubs, and shops catering to the community. Juárez is lively and culturally diverse, generally safe, though Zona Rosa can be busy and attract crowds at night.
Tlatelolco: Tlatelolco is a neighborhood with significant historical relevance, known for the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, where Aztec, colonial, and modern structures coexist. While safe to visit during the day, some parts can be unsafe at night, so visitors should exercise caution and stick to main areas.
Iztapalapa: Known as one of Mexico City's largest and most densely populated areas, Iztapalapa has areas with significant economic challenges. While it has cultural events like the annual Passion Play, it’s generally not recommended for tourists, as some areas have higher crime rates.
Tepito: Tepito is one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, known for its massive street market offering almost anything. However, it's also one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Mexico City, with high rates of crime. This area is best avoided by tourists, especially without a local guide.
Doctores: Known for its traditional architecture, Doctores has some affordable food markets but is not particularly safe, especially at night. The area is generally advised against for tourists, as it has a reputation for crime.