Mexico City is one of those places that should be on everyone’s list. Up until earlier this year, the only part of Mexico I had ever visited was the Yucatan Peninsula, which, don’t get me wrong, is terrific. But, Mexico City is a whole different vibe. And it’s absolutely worth experiencing. The history, culture, food, and ruins encompasses what Mexico, as a country, is all about.
Mexico City is not only the capital and is not only the largest city in the country, but it’s the largest city in all of North America! It’s also over 500 years old- how impressive is that?! I initially had no plans of visiting Mexico City this year, but during the springtime an opportunity presented itself and I’m not one to turn down a trip. I went with no real expectations or even set plans, and ended up having the time of my life. Mexico City impressed me much more than I was expecting and it’s inspired me into wanting to travel more extensively throughout Mexico in the future.
If Mexico City is a destination that you’re giving thought to visiting, I’ll tell you right now, don’t question it any further! I’ve got you covered with everything you’ll need to know in this first-timers guide to visiting this incredible city, including where to stay, where to eat, and what to do.
Other Mexico Related Blog Posts to Check out:
- Top 10 Ultimate Experiences for Your First Time in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
- How Much Does a Mid-Budget, Five Day Trip To Mexico Cost?
Important Things To Know
Let’s get started with some important information that you should know about Mexico City before visiting, as it will prepare you and ensure you have a smooth trip.
The Best Time to Visit
I can only speak for the springtime as that’s when I visited, but it honestly couldn’t have been more perfect. The weather was incredible, with really comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and beautiful days. The winter can be pretty chilly and the summers can be rainy.
Currency
Mexico uses the peso. You will definitely encounter places that do not take credit cards so it’s essential to have pesos on you when traveling through Mexico City. I highly suggest going to your bank before your travels and having money exchanged ahead of time. You’ll save money on exchange fees and won’t have to worry about encountering ATMs that don’t work- something that isn’t uncommon.
How To Get Around
If you’re staying somewhere central, it’s very easy to get around on foot. And I highly suggest walking a lot as it allows you to really take in the city. However, taxis are everywhere if you’re going somewhere that is not within walking distance and Uber is also readily available. Just be prepared for some really bad traffic! We also did attempt to take their underground Metro system and it was an experience! Much cheaper than taxis or Uber but insanely busy during rush hour.
Tipping Culture
As someone who works in the service industry, this is something I think everyone should look into before traveling to a new country. Tipping is common at restaurants and the norm is to leave between 10-15%.
Safety
Mexico often gets a bad rap. When I told friends and family that I was visiting Mexico City, the first thing they asked me was “Is it safe?” Just like any other major city in the world, there are crime and safety issues that arise. But I can honestly say, I did not at any moment during my time there feel even slightly unsafe. In Mexico City, you need to follow the same exact rules you would anywhere else. For example, don’t walk around by yourself after dark, don’t wear flashy clothing or jewelry, and have awareness of your surroundings. I also recommend getting a bag/purse specifically for travel safety. I purchased my favorite one here, and I use it whenever I’m traveling to a different country and even back home.
Alright, now that we covered some important details, let’s get into the good stuff!
Where To Stay in Mexico City
Mexico City is filled with plenty of unique neighborhoods, amazing hotels, beautiful Airbnbs, and fun, sociable hostels. With all of the options, it makes it a little more difficult to figure out where to stay! But depending on your circumstances and budget, you’ll surely find something that fits you.
We landed on the Historic Center, which I couldn’t recommend more. It’s a very walkable area, with plenty of close attractions, amazing restaurants, street tacos at every turn, great shopping, and all of the charm that goes along with staying somewhere historical. For our budget, we were looking at either a hostel or Airbnb and choose to spend the extra money on an Airbnb so that we could have our own space. We found a gorgeous, cozy apartment with a full- kitchen, balcony, and nice size living area. Check it out here! I’ll also leave some other options below:
Top Rated Hotels For the Luxury Traveler
- Sofitel Mexico City Reforma
- Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City
- Hilton Mexico City Reforma
- Hotel Marquis Reforma
Top Rated Hostels For the Budget Traveler
Other Neighborhoods To Visit
As I said earlier, Mexico City is filled with really cool neighborhoods, and I’d highly suggest venturing out of whatever area you do decide to stay in and explore what else is out there. Besides the Historic Center, which I already touched on, here are some of the top neighborhoods to visit:
Condesa
Known for its stylish sidewalk cafes, trendy international restaurants, lively clubs, and nightlife, Condesa is definitely the place to be. There’s more of a European vibe and a younger crowd, making this area fun, hip, and edgy.
Roma Norte
This neighborhood is the center of Mexico City’s culinary and art scene, so if that’s more your speed, this is the place for you. Roma Norte is home to an increasing number of young professionals, as well as hipsters. You’ll have your fair share of sidewalk bars, eclectic eateries, international food stalls, and beautiful street art.
Coyoacan
Coyoacan is known for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. It’s home to the beautiful leafy Jardin Centenario park and more famously, Museo de Frida Kahlo. Here, you can walk through the well-preserved former home of the artist, which showcases her life and work.
Where To Eat in Mexico City
One thing Mexico City is really known for is the incredible food! Whether you want to dine at Michelin star restaurants, or overindulge on dirt-cheap street tacos, I can promise you’ll be very satisfied. Here are my top food recommendations for Mexico City:
El Mayor
Located in the Historic Center, El Mayor is a beautiful spot with fantastic food and a wonderful view. Its terrace overlooks the city down below with views of the Cathedral. The menu is made up of upmarket Mexican cuisine with delicious local flavors and fresh ingredients. They also have a great cocktail menu and tasty desserts.
Fonda Carmelita
This restaurant is located inside the Marcado de Artesanias, so it’s a perfect place to go for lunch if you’re already visiting the market. It’s very quintessential “Mexico” with fun, colorful decor, a live mariachi band, and fantastic margaritas and enchiladas.
Anywhere With Street Tacos
When in Mexico City, you must eat street tacos! They’re always delicious, fresh, and extremely cheap. We tried a handful of different places and were never disappointed. My advice for finding good street tacos- go wherever you see a line of locals. That’s how you know they’re going to be good.
Miralto
If you want to go somewhere with a view, Miralto is your spot. It’s located right at the top of the Torre Latinoamericana building. Miralto is on the upscale side, serving up ceviche, steak, and pasta dishes. We decided to come here for dessert and drinks and it was the perfect way to end the evening while watching the sunset over the city.
Taqueria Tlaquepaque
By far my favorite taco in all of Mexico City. After trying so many different places in the area, we always found ourselves wanting to come back here. Make sure you try the el pastor. It’s definitely a winner!
What To Do in Mexico City
There’s so much to do in Mexico City that you could spend a lifetime here and never get bored. We, unfortunately, had only four days. But we made the most of our time and ended up having only wonderful experiences. These are my top recommendations on how to spend your time in Mexico City:
Wander Around the Historic Center
I’m obviously partial to this area because it’s where we stayed. However, it’s a place I think everyone visiting should experience,regardless of if it’s where your accommodation is. The Historic Center is filled with incredible architecture and history. It’s worth walking around, stumbling in and out of a few cathedrals, checking out the little markets, and marveling at Palacio de Bellas Artes. There’s also tons of great shopping and restaurants.
Shop at Marcado de Artesanias
Marcado de Artesanias is one of the biggest markets in Mexico City. This place is truly incredible. We spent hours walking through and buying souvenirs. Anything you want, you’ll be able to find it here and it’s really just one of those experiences you should have when visiting Mexico City.
Visit Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan should be on everyones Mexico City list. This ancient archaeological complex is guessed to have been built around 400 BC and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This was once a flourishing pre-Columbian city and is now one of the most popular day trips from Mexico City. We hired a driver for the day that drove us to and from Teotihuacan and also made some other fun stops for us throughout the day.
Ride the Longest Cable Car in Latin America
This cable car ride is located in Iztapalapa, which is considered a bit of a seedy area, but I promise it’s worth it. Just be aware of your surroundings when visiting. Here, you’ll find the longest cable car ride in Latin America! It’s a transportation system for locals and has made a huge difference for everyday commutes. But it’s also an incredible way for tourists to see the city. You wouldn’t believe how colorful Mexico City is until you’re experiencing it from above.
This concludes my ultimate first-times guide to Mexico City! I hope you found this post helpful and informative. I also hope this has given you some ideas or inspiration for your own Mexico City trip. If you have any questions or comments, please drop them below and as always, happy travels!
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