Explore Mexico City: Things to Do, Itinerary, Getting Around, & More

14 Experiences I Think Are Worth It in Mexico City

1. Explore the Historic Center & Zócalo

If it's your first time in Mexico City, I'd recommend starting your exploration at Plaza de la Constitución, better known as the Zócalo, located right at the heart of the historic center. This massive square was once the ceremonial center of Tenochtitla, the ancient capital of the Aztec Empire, before the Spanish conquest in 1521.

Today, it remains one of the most important gathering places in the city, regularly hosting concerts, festivals, fairs, parades, and other events throughout the year. The moment you step foot onto the square, you'll be met with a massive plaza with an unexpected scale unlike any plaza you've seen before.

The place is so spacious and airy, which is kind of mind-boggling when you think that you're standing right in the middle of a massive city of over 9 million people! It's a perfect place to wander around for a while, and get your bearings before exploring everything around it.

From the square, you'll immediately be surrounded by some of the most impressive buildings in Mexico City. The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral dominates the northern side of the Zócalo, and its enormous scale is just as impressive once you step inside.

The cathedral took almost 250 years to complete, which explains the fascinating mixture of Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical influences throughout the building. The golden altar is definitely the highlight for me, along with the incredibly detailed façade of the chapel next to it, so be sure to drop by and check out the cathedral while exploring the historic center.

On the eastern side of the Zócalo is the National Palace, another enormous landmark that occupies an entire side of the square, while other colonial-style government buildings flank the remaining sides of the plaza. There are tons of stunning buildings around the Zócalo, so don't forget to spend some time wandering around and taking them all in.

There are also tons of museums here, like Museo del Estanquillo, the National Museum of World Cultures, and the Museo de la Ciudad de Mexico. You can simply turn down whichever street looks interesting and see where it takes you.

And right beside all of this is the Templo Mayor Museum, where you can see the archaeological remains of the Mexica ceremonial center that once stood here before the Spanish conquest. I'll cover the Templo Mayor and its museum in much more detail in the next section.

Where to Stay in Mexico City?

Budget

Casa Amelio Roma Norte

$ | Dorm

See Availability

👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Condesa Cibel

$$ | Double Room

See Availability

High-End

The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City

$$$ | Double Room

See Availability

View More Hotels

2. Drop By Templo Mayor Museum

As you explore Mexico City's Historic Center, be sure to check out the Templo Mayor Museum, an open-air archaeological site built around the remains of Templo Mayor, the main temple of Tenochtitlan, the Mexica capital that once stood where Mexico City is today before the Spanish conquest. It's located right next to Plaza de la Constitución, so you can easily explore it after visiting the Zócalo.

The museum next door houses an enormous collection of artifacts discovered around the site, including sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, ritual objects, and the famous Coyolxauhqui Stone, a massive circular stone depicting the dismembered body of the Mexica moon goddess. Together, the ruins and museum should give you a fascinating glimpse into the civilization that existed here long before modern Mexico City.

I'd set aside around 1 hour to properly explore the archaeological site and museum. The museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, and is closed on Mondays. Entry costs 210 MXN (around 12 USD) per person, although you can also get a good view of the archaeological site for free from the walking platform located in front of the building without entering the museum.

3. Admire the Beauty of Palacio de Bellas Artes

One of the most recognizable landmarks in Mexico City is the Palacio de Bellas Artes which hard to miss as you explore the western side of the Historic Center. The building is an impressive mix of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, with a gleaming white marble exterior, elaborate sculptures, and colorful ceramic tiles covering its domes. You will notice it right away as you pass it.

You can also go inside to admire its impressive interior, as the building houses a permanent collection of monumental murals by some of Mexico's most important artists. Admission to the museum is 95 MXN (around US$5), and it's free for everyone on Sundays. The museum is currently open from 10 AM to 6 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, although the palace's performance and ticketing schedules can differ.

Unfortunately, when I visited, part of the building was undergoing renovation, so I didn't get to fully appreciate Bellas Artes in all its glory. 😢 Nevertheless, it's still such an iconic part of Mexico City's skyline that I think it's absolutely worth dropping by, even if you don't have time to go inside.

The area around Bellas Artes is also worth exploring, with the beautiful Alameda Central right next door and plenty of impressive historic buildings surrounding it. From here, you can walk directly toward the Zócalo along Avenida Francisco I. Madero, a lively pedestrian street lined with beautiful colonial-era buildings, churches, shops, and cafés. One of my all-time favorite buildings with blue tiles is located along this street, so be sure to keep an eye out for it!

4. Watch a Lucha Libre

If there's one thing you absolutely have to experience in Mexico City, it's watching a Lucha Libre match, or Mexican wrestling show. Even if you already know that most of what you're watching is performative, the atmosphere inside the arena is something else entirely.

The moment a wrestler launches themselves off the ropes or flies through the air, the entire crowd erupts with this incredible sense of camaraderie and energy. I've watched plenty of live performances around the world, but the energy here was unlike anything I've felt anywhere else. It's absolutely awesome.

Most Lucha Libre shows are held at Arena México, the famous "Cathedral of Lucha Libre", often last around 2 hours, and are generally held in the evening. Arena México currently hosts regular Friday shows at 8:30 PM, Sunday shows at 5 PM, and Tuesday shows at 7:30 PM, although special events can be scheduled at other times, so check the schedule before planning your evening.

You can book your tickets through Ticketmaster, with prices generally starting around 112 MXN (about 6 USD) and going above 300 MXN (around 17 USD), depending on where you sit. The closer you are to the ring, the more expensive the seats become.

One mistake I made was choosing a seat next to the walkway, thinking it would give me a good view. Big mistake! 😂 People were constantly walking back and forth throughout the night and blocking my view, which caused me to miss quite a few photos. I'd recommend getting a seat somewhere in the middle instead.

One very important tip for photographers: leave your professional camera at home! CMLL's current venue rules do not allow photographic or video cameras inside, and cameras may have to be left in the venue's storage area. I just came with my phone, which is good enough to bring you all these shots you see here, but man, I wish I had my zoom lenses with me! The photos would have come out much better!

Before and around the arena, you'll also find a lively market where vendors sell all kinds of Lucha Libre masks and wrestling souvenirs. Definitely browse around before or after the show because the masks make for a pretty fun souvenir for your loved ones back home, especially without any context. 🤣

You can also buy drinks and snacks inside the arena, but be warned that prices are considerably higher than what you'd pay outside, so I wouldn't go in expecting cheap arena food. I'd recommend booking your seat in advance, especially if you have a particular date or seating area in mind, and checking the official schedule first because there isn't a show every day.

Also, try to arrive around 45 minutes before the start so you have enough time to get through security and find your seat. Once the lights go down and the first wrestler comes flying into the ring, you'll understand why Lucha Libre is such an important part of Mexico City's culture. It's loud, ridiculous, theatrical, and incredibly fun, and I absolutely loved it.

5. Explore Chapultepec Park

After spending time in Mexico City's busy streets, stepping into Chapultepec Park feels like entering a completely different world. This enormous green space is often compared to Central Park in New York City, but Chapultepec is actually much larger, covering more than 680 hectares across four sections.

It is incredibly spacious, lush, and full of mature trees, with plenty of shaded paths where you can escape the city's heat while still being right in the middle of it all.

There is a ridiculous amount to see inside the park, so don't think of it as somewhere you simply walk through on the way to something else. There are also monuments, fountains, gardens, sculptures, and plenty of quiet corners where you can just slow down and enjoy the greenery.

I actually really enjoyed wandering around Chapultepec in the early morning without a strict plan. Expect to spend at least 1–2 hours here, especially if you want to see some of the highlights the park has to offer. One of those highlights is Chapultepec Castle, which we'll discuss in more detail in the next section, as it deserves its own dedicated mention thanks to how awesome it is. The park itself is open daily from 5 AM to 6 PM, although most of the attractions inside are closed on Mondays, so if you want to see more than just the park, make sure you plan your visit accordingly.

6. Check Out the View from Chapultepec Castle

Sitting on top of Chapultepec Hill, you will find Chapultepec Castle, one of the most impressive landmarks in Mexico City, and the views alone are worth the climb. From the castle's balconies, you get a fantastic panorama over the enormous green expanse of Chapultepec Park, and on a clear day, you can even spot the monuments and skyscrapers lining Paseo de la Reforma in the distance.

It's a great place to get a sense of just how massive Mexico City really is. The castle itself is also surprisingly large, with grand halls, historic rooms, courtyards, terraces, and beautifully decorated interiors to explore. I'd set aside at least 1–1.5 hours to properly walk around and take everything in.

Don't just rush to the balconies for the view and call it a day. I found the interior just as interesting, with many rooms filled with murals, period furniture, paintings, and plenty of fascinating décor that will keep you impressed throughout your visit. The castle is definitely worth exploring in its own right.

One rather annoying thing to know before you go: water and snacks are not allowed inside, and you'll be asked to throw them away at the entrance, so don't bring any unless you want to say goodbye to your bottle of water as I did. All that precious cold water I packed for the day, gone 😬.

The castle is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, and is closed on Mondays. Entry costs 210 MXN (around US$12), with free admission on Sundays for Mexican nationals and foreign residents of Mexico, so expect significantly more people on Sundays. If you prefer a quieter experience and don't mind paying the entry fee, I'd recommend visiting on another day.

7. Spend Half the Day Exploring Museo Nacional de Antropología

Be prepared to spend a good chunk of your day at the Museo Nacional de Antropología because there is a lot to see here. This is a world-class museum covering Mexico's incredible history and cultural diversity, with galleries dedicated to different civilizations and periods throughout the country.

I spent around a good 3 hours inside and honestly felt a little dizzy by the end from trying to take everything in. 😂 You could easily spend half a day here, if not longer, so don't come expecting to breeze through the whole thing in an hour. I'd recommend setting aside a day to visit this museum and no other museums. Trust me, after spending a few hours here, your brain will probably need a good rest before taking in anything else! 😂

There can be a line at the entrance, especially later in the morning, but I arrived around 11 AM and found that it moved surprisingly quickly, so I didn't have to wait long. My biggest tip, though, is to eat before you go in. Trust me, you're going to be walking for hours, and the museum is so massive that you don't want hunger cutting your visit short. There is a restaurant inside, but I'd still recommend having a proper meal beforehand if you want to maximize your time exploring.

If you're short on time, don't worry about seeing absolutely everything. I'd focus on the highlights, particularly the Mexica, Maya, Olmec, and Teotihuacan galleries. The Mexica Gallery is home to the enormous 24-ton Aztec Sun Stone (Piedra del Sol) and the imposing statue of Coatlicue.

The Maya Gallery features a replica of the tomb of Pakal the Great from Palenque, while the Olmec Gallery has those incredible colossal basalt heads. The Teotihuacan Gallery, meanwhile, showcases monumental sculptures, architectural elements, and artifacts from the ancient city.

Another fascinating piece is Moctezuma's Headdress, a spectacular ceremonial plume made with vibrant quetzal and other bird feathers. Even if you only have a couple of hours, these galleries will give you a fantastic overview of Mexico's ancient civilizations without having to rush through every room. And honestly, you can breeze through the rest depending on your interests because there is simply too much to absorb in a single visit.

The museum is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, and is closed on Mondays. General admission is 210 MXN (around 12 USD), while Sundays are free for Mexican nationals and foreign residents of Mexico with the required identification.

One important thing to know is that only a small bag is allowed inside. Large backpacks aren't permitted, but there is a free cloakroom available from 9 AM to 5 PM, so you can leave your larger bag there before exploring.

8. Stroll Around Roma Norte

Roma Norte is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Mexico City. This area is some of the most green and peaceful neighborhoods here, with tree-lined streets, pretty early-20th-century colonial style buildings, little plazas, and an almost endless selection of cafés, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques, waiting for you to explore.

One of my favorite spots here is Plaza Río de Janeiro, a lovely tree-filled square surrounded by beautiful buildings and cafés. The plaza has a replica of Michelangelo's David in the center and is a great place to sit down, people-watch, or grab a coffee before continuing your walk.

From here, you can wander along streets like Álvaro Obregón, Orizaba, and Colima, where you'll find plenty of places to eat, drink, and browse along the way. It is the perfect place to come spend the afternoon wandering around without a plan, stopping whenever something caught your eye.

Compared with La Condesa, which we'll explore in more detail later, I found Roma Norte to be a little more touristy, busier, and livelier throughout the day. There is simply more going on, with more cafés, restaurants, shops, and people constantly moving around the neighborhood. I personally preferred exploring Roma Norte during the day, when I could take my time wandering around and checking out all the little corners.

For accommodation, though, I preferred staying in La Condesa. It's a little more peaceful and relaxed, with less traffic and a quieter atmosphere, while still being close enough to Roma Norte that you can easily walk between the two. So my ideal combination would be to explore Roma Norte during the day, then retreat to La Condesa in the evening when you're ready for a slower pace.

9. Hang Out in La Condesa

If Roma Norte feels lively and energetic, La Condesa is its calmer, more relaxed counterpart. This is probably my favorite neighborhood in Mexico City to stay at, with its leafy streets, beautiful Art Deco and Art Nouveau buildings, small parks, cafés, restaurants, and plenty of places to sit and watch the world go by. The whole area feels surprisingly peaceful considering how close it is to the center of such a massive city.

Again, much like Roma Norte, one of the best things you can do here is to simply walk around without a plan. The streets around Parque México and Parque España are particularly pleasant, with huge trees providing plenty of shade and lots of cafés and restaurants spilling out onto the sidewalks.

If you're looking for nice cafés where you can sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, I recommend checking out Nils Café. They serve specialty coffee from different regions of Mexico, each with its own distinct flavor profile, and you can choose from three handpicked options with every order. They even come with a little description card explaining the different coffees, which I thought was a really nice touch.

Compared with Roma Norte, I found La Condesa to be less touristy, quieter, and much less hectic. That's actually why I preferred staying here during my visit. Roma Norte is only a short walk away when I wanted more restaurants, shops, and activity, while La Condesa gave me somewhere peaceful to come back to afterward. If you're choosing between the two, I'd personally stay in La Condesa and explore both neighborhoods from there.

10. Admire the Beauty of Biblioteca Vasconcelos

If you have time to spare, don't forget to drop by and check out Biblioteca Vasconcelos, one of the most visually striking public libraries you will ever see in Mexico. The library is open-air and are accessible by everyone for free.

The best part about this library is its futuristic interior, which feels almost more like a piece of modern art than a traditional library. The moment you walk inside, you'll find yourself surrounded by an enormous central structure of suspended bookshelves and walkways, giving the interior a wonderfully surreal, almost sci-fi appearance. It's like you're walking through a tesseract or the TVA if you've watched the Loki series on Disney+! 😉

Other than its appearances, there are also other cool features you should check out inside, like the giant whale skeleton sculpture hanging in the middle of the library called Mátrix Móvil. It seems very out of place but somehow fit in really well!

I found this to be a great stop to add after visiting Teotihuacán as a day trip, as the library is conveniently located between the city center and the bus station. You should be able to catch an Uber here easily as you make your way back into the city. The library is open from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM every day, and entry is completely free.

11. Buy Souvenirs from Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela

If you're looking to bring a little piece of Mexico home with you, make your way to Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela. This huge indoor artisan market is packed with stalls selling crafts and souvenirs from all over Mexico, which makes for a great place to shop for traditional Mexican goods without having to travel around the entire country.

You'll find pretty much everything here, from colorful ceramics, Talavera-style pottery, textiles, embroidered clothing, woven baskets, leather goods, wooden crafts, masks, jewelry, and traditional decorations to all kinds of quirky little souvenirs. I particularly enjoyed browsing the colorful ceramics and decorative pieces, and there were plenty of things that I could imagine bringing back to decorate my home in Bangkok.

I found the prices here to be a little more expensive than buying the same kinds of crafts directly in the cities and provinces they come from, such as a red pottery cup from Oaxaca or Talavera-style pottery from Puebla. That's to be expected, since you're paying for the convenience of having crafts from all over Mexico in one place, but it's something to keep in mind. If you're planning to visit Oaxaca, Puebla, or other regions in Mexico on this trip, you'll probably find it cheaper to buy the crafts directly from the source.

Nevertheless, if you're only visiting Mexico City, this place is awesome for browsing all kinds of incredible souvenirs from different states. I'd recommend giving yourself at least an hour to wander through the market properly. The market is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day, making it an easy stop to fit into your Mexico City itinerary.

12. Walk Along Avenida Paseo de la Reforma

Avenida Paseo de la Reforma is one of the city's grandest and most recognizable avenues. The wide boulevard cuts through the heart of the city, lined with towering skyscrapers, monuments, trees, sculptures, and plenty of open space.

The highlight is undoubtedly the Angel of Independence, the golden-winged statue standing right at the center of the avenue. It was built to commemorate Mexico's independence and has since become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. You don't need to walk the entire avenue, though. You can simply pick a section that interests you and wander between the monuments, cafés, parks, and impressive architecture along the way.

If you're already visiting Chapultepec Park, the avenue is an easy addition to your day, and you can continue walking toward Roma Norte or La Condesa afterward. It's a great way to keep yourself occupied throughout the day as you explore Mexico City on foot.

13. Visit Museo Soumaya

If you're into art and architecture, make your way to Museo Soumaya, another awesome museums in Mexico City. The building itself is worth the trip on its own, with its futuristic silver, curved exterior made up of thousands of hexagonal tiles. It looks almost like a giant space sculpture sitting in the middle of the city.

Inside, you'll find an enormous collection of artworks and sculptures spanning several centuries, with works ranging from European Old Masters to Mexican artists and modern sculpture. There's plenty to keep you occupied here for at least 1 - 2 hours.

The best part is that entry is completely free, which makes it a great addition to your Mexico City itinerary if you have a day to spare. The museum is open from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM every day, and you can easily get there using Uber or Didi.

14. Spend the Day Exploring Teotihuacan

When you are in Mexico City, make sure you dedicate an entire day for a day trip to Teotihuacan, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico. This ancient city was once one of the largest cities in the Americas, and today you can spend hours wandering through its enormous ceremonial complex.

The main highlights are the Pyramid of the Sun, the largest pyramid here; the Pyramid of the Moon, where you can climb up and enjoy a fantastic view over the site; and the Quetzalpapálotl Palace, with its beautifully preserved stone carvings. There are also many more temples, plazas, murals, and smaller structures scattered throughout the enormous complex, so prepare to walk, like A LOT.

I've been to Chichén Itzá and Uxmal before this, and even then, I still found the sheer scale of Teotihuacan incredibly impressive. Expect to spend at least 1–2 hours walking around the site, although you can easily spend much longer if you want to see everything. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of ground to cover. There is also very little shade here, so bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen. It's not as hot as the Yucatán thanks to the higher elevation, but with the sun blazing overhead, it can still get pretty uncomfortable.

The easiest way to get there independently is by bus from Mexico City's North Bus Station (Terminal del Norte). As you enter the main entrance, just head left all the way to the end of the building to Sala 8 and look for the kiosk labeled Autobuses Teotihuacan. You'll probably spot it easily because there will usually be a bunch of tourists lining up to buy tickets. A one-way ticket costs 81 MXN, and buses leave roughly every 15 minutes. The journey takes about 1 hour.

Once you have your ticket, the bus often departs from Platform 6, although this can change, so double-check before boarding. Make sure the bus has "Piramides" displayed on it, as that's the one you want. Your ticket will be checked before you board. The bus itself is comfortable and air-conditioned, which is definitely appreciated for the hour-long journey.

The bus will drop you off at this stop, right in front of the archaeological site, so you don't have to worry about finding your way once you arrive. When you're ready to head back to Mexico City, simply walk over to this bus stop and wait for a bus heading back toward the city. The journey takes around an hour, so you can easily spend most of the day exploring Teotihuacan before returning to CDMX.

I'd recommend starting early if you can, especially if you're visiting during the hotter months. There is very little shade across the archaeological complex, and you'll be doing a lot of walking between the pyramids and plazas. Bring plenty of water, wear comfortable shoes, and give yourself at least 3–4 hours to properly explore the site without rushing.

Afterward, you can even stop by Biblioteca Vasconcelos on your way back into the city, which makes for a nice combination if you still have some energy left. 😂 The site is open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily, and entry costs 210 MXN (around 12 USD) per person. You should be able to buy the ticket at the entrance, no need to book the ticket in advance.

For more details about Teotihuacan, check out:Visit Teotihuacan: A Complete Travel Guide

What to Eat & Drink in Mexico City?

1. Eat Tacos at Chinampita

I know, I know... it's a restaurant chain, which isn't usually something I go for when I'm traveling. 😂 But Chinampita was close to my accommodation in La Condesa, so I decided to give it a shot, and I'm glad I did because the tacos were actually great. Before the tacos even arrive, you're given a small cup of nachos with around five or six different spicy sauces and condiments that you can mix and match with your tacos. Every single one I tried was delicious, and it made the whole meal much more fun.

The tacos themselves were solid, but the real deal is the 2-for-1 al pastor promotion every Monday and Wednesday, which makes the meal considerably cheaper. If you're staying around La Condesa, I'd definitely try to time your visit for one of those days because you can eat very well without spending much. The al pastor was my favorite, and as a Thai, having all those sauces at my disposal turned every taco meal here into an alchemy experiment. 🤣🤣

They're open from 12 PM to 1 AM every day, so it's also an easy place to drop by for a late-night taco fix. If you're staying in La Condesa, or happen to come across a Chinampita location elsewhere in Mexico City, give it a go. I normally prefer smaller independent places when I travel, but this was one chain restaurant I was genuinely happy I tried. 😂

2. Enjoy Specialty Coffee at Nils

If you're a coffee lover like me, make sure to stop by Nils Café while you're exploring La Condesa. This cozy little café specializes in coffee from different regions of Mexico, and I really enjoyed being able to taste how different the beans can be depending on where they're grown.

What I particularly liked is that you can choose from three handpicked coffees with each order, and they come with a little description card explaining the different beans and their flavor profiles. It's a small touch, but I thought it made the whole experience much more interesting. The staff was also real friendly and always greet me by name every morning I was here 😊.

I'd definitely recommend adding Nils to your itinerary as you explore La Condesa. The café is open from around 7 AM to 9 PM daily, and prices are around average to slightly expensive, but I think the quality and experience are worth it.

3. Chill with a Cup of Coffee at Café Nin

If you're looking for a cozy place to take a break while exploring Roma Norte, make your way to Café Nin. Technically, it's in Juárez, but it's close enough to Roma Norte that you can easily include it as a stop while wandering around the neighborhood. I really liked the cozy atmosphere here, especially the small outdoor area and the beautiful vintage-style décor, with lots of warm wood throughout the space. It's exactly the kind of interior I naturally gravitate toward.

They serve a good selection of pastries, small plates, and sandwiches, so you can come here for more than just coffee. They also have a thoughtfully sourced wine list, which makes it a great place to hang out in the evening as well.

Prices are around 200–300 MXN (about US$11–17) per person. They're open from 7 AM to 9 PM Monday to Wednesday, 7 AM to 10 PM Thursday to Saturday, and 7:30 AM to 6 PM on Sunday. If you're exploring Roma Norte, I'd definitely consider making the short detour here for a coffee, pastry, or evening drink.

When to Visit Mexico City?

Mexico City is a year-round destination, but if you want the best combination of pleasant weather and relatively dry days, I'd aim for March to May or October to November. Spring and fall generally bring warm, comfortable afternoons and cooler evenings, which is perfect for walking around the city's many beautiful neighborhoods and attractions.

May is typically the hottest month, while the rainy season begins around May or June and runs through early October. I visited Mexico City in early May and, despite it being one of the hottest months, it was actually pretty comfortable throughout the day, with cool breezes whenever I stuck to the shaded areas.

I had clear weather the entire time and really enjoyed walking around the city. Mexico City is also surprisingly green, with tons of trees and shaded areas, so you should have no trouble finding somewhere to escape the heat when it gets too hot.

If you want to see Mexico City's famous jacaranda trees in bloom, February to April is a great time to visit. If you're more interested in festivals and cultural events, the Day of the Dead celebrations typically take place from around mid-October into early November, while Mexican Independence Day brings major celebrations around September 15–16. December also has its own festive atmosphere, although mornings and evenings can get quite chilly.

In fact, come whenever you can! As you can see, Mexico City is awesome all year round, and you're guaranteed to have a great time here no matter when you visit 😉.

How to Get to Mexico City?

Mexico City is one of the easiest places to reach in Mexico, with direct flights from all over the world and an extensive long-distance bus network connecting it with practically every major destination in the country.

By Plane: Most international travelers will arrive at Mexico City International Airport (MEX), which is located relatively close to the city center. The airport has two terminals and is well connected to the city by public transportation, including Metrobus, Metro, and Uber. Metrobus operates from both terminals and connects the airport with central Mexico City.

By Bus: Mexico City has several major bus terminals, so your arrival point depends on where you're coming from. If you're traveling from Puebla or Oaxaca, you'll most likely arrive at TAPO, the city's main eastern bus terminal. ADO operates frequent services connecting Mexico City with Puebla, Oaxaca, Veracruz, and other destinations across southern and eastern Mexico. You can look for buses here.

From Puebla: This is one of the easiest routes if you're following the same route I did through Mexico. Direct ADO buses run between Puebla and Mexico City, taking roughly 2–2.5 hours. You can depart from Puebla's CAPU bus station and arrive at TAPO, or in some cases travel directly to Mexico City Airport. You can book the bus here.

From Oaxaca: You can also travel directly from Oaxaca to Mexico City by long-distance bus. ADO operates services between the two cities, leaving from this ADO Bus Terminal, and it will drop you off at TAPO in Mexico City. It's a long ride, so be sure to book the bus early and get the best seat.

From Mexico City Airport to the City: Once you land at MEX, you have several options depending on your budget and where you're staying. Metrobús is great for budget travelers, but not so much if you have a lot of luggage, as you'll likely have to walk quite a bit.

Plus, Metrobús during rush hour is definitely not for beginners! 😂 If this is your first time in Mexico City, you have a lot of luggage, or you arrive late, I'd just use Uber or Didi to get to your accommodation. They are quite affordable and much less of a hassle than dealing with a regular taxi.

How to get Around Mexico City?

By Metro: The Metro is by far the cheapest and often the fastest way to travel long distances around Mexico City. A single ride costs just 5 MXN, and the system operates from around 5 AM to midnight on weekdays, with slightly later starts on weekends. I used it whenever I needed to cover a lot of ground quickly, although it can get extremely crowded during rush hour. Keep your valuables somewhere secure and avoid carrying your backpack loosely in crowded carriages.

By Uber or Didi: This ended up being the main way I get around Mexico City. They're convenient and relatively affordable, especially when you're splitting the fare with someone, and I found them much less of a hassle than dealing with street taxis. It's also safe and reliable at all hours, so I recommend this for most people.

On Foot: Don't underestimate how much of Mexico City you can explore on foot. Neighborhoods like Roma, La Condesa, and Centro Histórico are best experienced by simply wandering around. I actually preferred walking whenever I could, especially in these neighborhoods, as you can discover so many places you would have missed if you were to take an Uber. The streets are also very well shaded throughout these neighborhoods, so you can easily explore at your own leisure.

How many days to spend in Mexico City?

I recommend spending at least 4–5 days in Mexico City if you want to experience the city properly. Mexico City is absolutely massive, and there is no way you're going to see everything in just a couple of days. Between the historic center, incredible museums, colorful neighborhoods, markets, food, and parks, you can easily fill several days without feeling like you're repeating yourself. Below is a rough itinerary for you:

• Day 1: Explore Mexico City's Historic Center, including the Zócalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor, Palacio Nacional, and Palacio de Bellas Artes.
• Day 2: Spend the day exploring Chapultepec Park, visit Chapultepec Castle and the National Museum of Anthropology, then wander around La Condesa in the evening.
• Day 3: Explore Roma Norte and Roma Sur, stopping at cafés, restaurants, galleries, and colorful streets before continuing to Juárez and Paseo de la Reforma.
• Day 4: Spend the day relaxing and visiting some of the attractions that are a bit farther out, such as Biblioteca Vasconcelos and the Artisan Market. Alternatively, spend the day in Coyoacán, visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum (if you can book tickets in time, I couldn't 😢), and finish the day by watching Lucha Libre at night.
• Day 5: Take a day trip to Teotihuacán to explore the ancient pyramids.

Is it Safe in Mexico City?

Yes, I felt completely comfortable traveling around Mexico City, but like any massive city, you do need to use some common sense. Mexico City is enormous, and safety can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another, so I wouldn't treat the entire city as if it were the same. For most visitors sticking to the main tourist areas as I recommended in this guide (La Condesa, Roma Norte, Historic Center, etc.) and using normal precautions, I don't think safety should stop you from visiting.

Keep an eye on your belongings: Pickpocketing is probably the main thing I'd be mindful of, especially in crowded areas like the historic center and on public transportation. Keep your phone and wallet somewhere secure, and don't leave expensive camera gear or other valuables hanging around unnecessarily. I traveled around with my camera and had no problems, but I still kept it close to me whenever I was in a busy crowd.

Be smart at night: I wouldn't recommend wandering into unfamiliar or quiet neighborhoods late at night just for the sake of exploring. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and use Uber or Didi when you're traveling farther away or returning to your accommodation late.

Be careful on public transportation: The Metro and Metrobús are incredibly useful, but they can get extremely crowded during rush hour. That's when I'd be extra careful with your phone, wallet, and backpack. If you're not comfortable navigating a packed train or bus, just take an Uber or Didi instead.

Don't flash your valuables: You don't need to dress like you're going undercover, but there's also no reason to walk around with expensive jewelry, watches, or your phone constantly in your hand. The city's tourism authority specifically recommends avoiding ostentatious valuables and carrying only what you need for the day.