Mexico City Travel Guide 2025

Once overlooked in favour of Mexico’s beach resorts, the capital is finally getting the love it deserves. With more museums than almost any other city on the planet and a food scene to rival New York or Paris, it’s easy to see why more and more travellers are heading to Mexico City.

But with a population pushing eight million and an area bigger than New York, it can feel a bit overwhelming. So, we’ve put together this handy guide to help you make the most of your time in one of the world’s most exciting cities.

What to Know Before Travelling to Mexico City

Best time to visit 🗓️

March to May is ideal - warm, dry and clear, before the rainy season kicks in. September to early November is another great option if you don’t mind a bit of humidity. Avoid May to September if you can, as frequent showers and hazy skies aren’t the most fun.

Currency and language 💬

Mexico uses the peso (MXN). Pay in pesos for the best value - USD is rarely accepted and often at a poor rate. Use ATMs inside banks or supermarkets for safety and fair rates. Spanish is the official language, so knowing a few basic phrases can go a long way.

Getting around 🚌

Grab a Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada to use the Metro, buses and bike shares. Uber, Cabify and Laudrive (for women) are safer than hailing taxis on the street, especially after dark.

Travel essentials 🎒

Stick to bottled water. Use hotel safes and carry only what you need. Dress smart - think city wear, not beach gear. And if you’re using public transport, women-only options are available for added comfort.

How to Get to Mexico City

Arriving in Mexico City ✈️

Fly into Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) - Mexico’s busiest airport and a key hub for Latin America. Aeroméxico leads the pack here, alongside major names like American, Delta, Lufthansa, Emirates, Viva Aerobus and Volaris.

There are two terminals (T1 and T2), linked by shuttle bus and an airside train. Terminal 1 connects directly to the Metro (Line 5) and Metrobús (Line 4). For peace of mind, use the official airport taxi kiosks - just pay upfront and get a printed receipt.

Travelling around Mexico City 🚇

The Metro is cheap and fast, but packed at rush hour. For more space, hop on the Metrobús - both use the same travel card. Uber, DiDi and Cabify are popular for door-to-door trips and safer than street taxis, especially at night.

For something different, try the city’s light rail, cable car or the Ecobici bike share - great for exploring Roma, Condesa and other central areas.

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Mexico City is big and traffic can be a headache. So, where you stay matters.

Coyoacán ✨

If you’re short on time and keen to explore the history of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, think about staying in lively Coyoacán (instead of travelling back and forth from the historic centre).

La Condesa and Roma ✨

If food’s your thing, head for La Condesa or the super-cool Roma Norte or Roma Sur (the setting for Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma). Walk around some of the best parts of the city and try something from the city’s growing food scene.

The Historic Centre ✨

Or, if time’s tight or you’re only in the city for a layover, it might be best to stay in the historic centre - you’ll be walking distance from loads of top sights.

Things to Do in Mexico City

Day of the Dead Parade 💀

Day of the Dead has been part of Mexican culture for generations, but the parade itself is pretty new. It was first imagined for the James Bond film Spectre, and it proved such a hit that the city decided to turn it into an annual event. It now attracts thousands and is an unforgettable sight for anyone visiting in late October.

National Museum of Anthropology 🏛️

Mexico is home to two of the world’s oldest civilisations - the Aztecs and the Mayans - and the National Museum of Anthropology is the place to learn all about them. It’s packed with fascinating artefacts and exhibitions. You could easily spend a whole day here and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.

The Zócalo ⛪

You’ve probably seen photos of the Zócalo already - it’s one of the city’s most iconic spots. This vast public square dates back to the Aztecs and is still used for celebrations and public events today. Two buildings you can’t miss: the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace.

The Frida Kahlo museum 🎨

Set in Frida Kahlo’s famous blue house in Coyoacán, this museum is a must for anyone who loves the artist or is curious about her life. Lines can be long, so arrive early if you can.

Mercado Jamaica 🌸

Despite the name, this isn’t a Jamaican market! It’s actually named after the hibiscus flower, and is one of the best spots in the city for fresh flowers and vibrant colour. Great for a slow wander and some eye-popping Instagram pics.

Chapultepec Park 🌳

One of the largest city parks in the world, Chapultepec is more than just green space - it’s a full-on cultural hub. Home to lakes, museums, gardens and even a zoo, it’s a great spot for a lazy afternoon or a full day out. Don’t miss Chapultepec Castle at the top of the hill - the views over the city are worth the walk, and the castle itself has plenty of history to dig into.

Best Restaurants in Mexico City

For traditional Mexican - Fonda Fina 🍴

As we said, Roma and La Condesa are top picks for food, and Fonda Fina in Roma Norte shows exactly why. It’s a great example of new chefs putting their spin on traditional food. Simple interiors, tasty cocktails and plenty of veggie options too.

For a special occasion - Casa Virginia 🍴

Monica Patiño’s Casa Virginia brings fine dining made from the freshest local ingredients. Set in a lovely colonial home from the early 20th century, you won’t mind splashing out for some of the best food in the city.

For brunch - Delirio 🍴

If you went a bit hard on the mezcal, Delirio is a great place to recover. Just make sure you get there early - it’s one of the city’s most popular brunch spots and fills up fast at the weekend.

Street Food

Some of the best food you’ll try in Mexico City won’t come from a restaurant. Don’t be shy about diving into the city’s street food. Try a few chilaquiles, gorditas, quesadillas and tacos, and you’ll soon have a favourite. Or skip the search and head straight to Taquería el Abanico near Mercado Jamaica for brilliant carnitas.

Mexico City Travel Tips

Safety first ⚠️

Mexico City’s generally safe, but like any big city, it pays to stay alert. Watch your bag in crowded spots like markets or the metro and avoid flashing valuables. Stick to Uber or other ride apps, and avoid Tepito, Doctores, Iztapalapa and La Merced at night. Safer bets include Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacán and the Centro Histórico.

Tipping culture 💰

• At restaurants, tip 10-15% (unless it’s already added).
• Bellhops and cleaners - 20-50 MXN is standard.
• While Uber doesn’t expect tips, rounding up is appreciated.
• Tour guides usually expect 50-100 MXN per person.

Language and etiquette 🗣️

Spanish is the main language. Learn a few basics like hola (hello), gracias (thank you) and ¿cuánto cuesta? (how much?). Use usted to be polite. Handshakes are common - close friends greet with a cheek kiss. Punctuality’s a bit flexible, and yes, don’t flush toilet paper in older buildings.

Staying connected 📶

SIM cards from Telcel, AT&T or Movistar are easy to grab at airports or OXXO stores - expect to pay 150-300 MXN for 3-5GB. Most cafes and parks offer free Wi-Fi, and offline apps like Maps and Translate come in handy.

Your journey to Mexico City starts here ✈️

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Frequently Asked Questions about Mexico City

Is Mexico City dangerous?

Mexico City used to have a reputation for drug crime, but in recent years most of the violence has moved out of the city. You might still run into pickpocketing or petty crime, but as long as you stay switched on, you shouldn’t feel unsafe.

Are there beaches in Mexico City?

Mexico City’s right in the centre of the country, so there aren’t any beaches nearby. But if you’re keen to get some sun, Acapulco’s just five hours away. Or if you’ve got more time, the west coast town of Yelapa is peaceful and also made our list of cheap romantic trips for Valentine’s Day.

How do I get to Mexico City?

The closest airport is Mexico City International Airport (MEX), officially called Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez. You can fly there with Aeromar, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Delta, Avianca, Interjet (which is one of the cheapest airlines), LATAM Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Volaris and others.