Visiting Mexico City for the First Time? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

I don’t know about you, but Mexico City was always a dream destination for me.

When I finally visited, and spent a week or so there, it met all my expectations and more, and I can’t wait to go back. I’m so excited that you’re going to get the opportunity to experience it soon too!

Mexico City’s history and culture, abundance of parks and green spaces, and the food — I could go on and on about the food — made it one of my all-time places I’ve visited, and I’m pretty confident that you’ll feel the same. 

Read on for all the tips you need to make your first time in Mexico City a success!

How many days are enough in Mexico City?

If possible, you’ll want to spend at least five or so days here, so you have time to take in many of the amazing sites, explore the many unique neighborhoods, and eat some of the world’s best food, while going at a somewhat relaxed pace.

I definitely wouldn’t spend less than three days here for your first time in Mexico City, especially if one of those days falls on a Monday, when most museums are closed.

And on the other hand, if you really want to enjoy Mexico City at its fullest, you could easily spend a week or more here.

I spent about a week here and didn’t get to do everything I wanted to do (but all the more reason for a return visit, I guess!)

It’s also such an amazing city, so the more time you have to really immerse yourself, the better.

How to Visit Mexico City

If you’re from the U.S., you don’t need a visa, as long as you’re staying for less than 180 days.

Getting to Mexico City

BY AIR – Mexico City-Juarez International Airport (MEX) is where you’ll most likely be flying into. There’s also the recently opened Mexico City-Felipe Angeles Airport (NLU), but it’s more national flights with limited international options.

BY LAND – If coming from northern Mexico, as well as certain locations in the U.S., there’s the Bus Terminal Del Norte. The Bus Terminal de Poniente comes from western Mexico, while Bus Terminal del Sur comes from southern towns like Acapulco, Cuernavaca, Taxco, Collima and Guerrero. Lastly, Terminal Autobus de Pasajeros de Oriente is what you’ll take if you’re coming from eastern Mexico, like the Yucatan.

When’s the best time to visit Mexico City?

Mexico City is fairly temperate weather-wise, so there’s really no bad time to visit.

It’s usually in the upper 80s in the summer, and low 70s in the winter, dropping into lower temperatures at night. Spring is usually seen as the best time to visit — during March and April, it’s especially beautiful, since you’ll see the jacarandas blooming, and it’s warm.

No matter when you travel, it’s not a bad idea to pack layers, as it can get chilly during the evenings, as well as an umbrella — Mexico’s rainy season is from May through September.

Keep in mind that Mexico City also has a fairly high elevation of around 7,349 feet above sea level.

Between this and air pollution, you may experience some symptoms like light-headedness or nose bleeds for a couple days while you acclimate.

You may very well not experience any symptoms, but plan to take the first couple days on the easier side just in case, and be sure to stay hydrated. 

Currency and money in Mexico City

Mexican pesos are used. At the time of writing. 1 U.S. dollar comes out to 19.70 Mexican pesos (updated Sept. 2024), but keep in mind that this could fluctuate.

Although many places will accept credit cards, some places, especially street vendors, will be cash only, or will charge an additional fee to use your card, so you’ll want to have cash on hand. 

To get the best conversion rate for cash, you can go to an ATM at a bank and just take out cash in pesos, rather than converting your dollars somewhere.

Banamex, Banorte, and Santander Mexico are some of the main banks. When the ATM asks if you would like to accept the conversion to pesos, don’t accept it — it will end up over-charging you.

How do you get around Mexico City?

Ubers are relatively inexpensive and are very accessible.

However, keep in mind that traffic here can be rough, so make sure you factor that in with your timing.

As far as public transportation, there are both buses and the Metro, which are highly accessible. The Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada (Integrated Mobility Card) is M$15 ($0.88 USD) and will allow you to easily access buses, trains, cable cars, and bikes.

Best Things to Do in Mexico City

Mexico City is so many things.

A cultural and culinary destination. A giant city full of parks and tons of green space. A haven for architecture and history buffs. You could easily fill up your time if you decided to spend weeks here. In fact, just writing this post has me already plotting my next visit. 

With that said, here are some top destinations to visit and things to do on your first visit.

A quick reminder that most museums are closed on Mondays!

Coyoacán

Casa Azul

Let’s start off with my personal favorite destination in Mexico City, Frida Kahlo’s House, “Casa Azul.”

This beautiful museum, located in the Coyoacán neighborhood, was the former home of legendary artist Frida Kahlo, and for some time, for her husband Diego Rivera as well.

This home is full of artifacts, clothing, furniture, personal items, and of course, art.

Frida Kahlo is such an iconic figure in Mexican culture and abroad as well, and getting a glimpse into her life is worth the visit.

Plus, the home and garden is absolutely gorgeous. When I visited, there was also a special exhibit dedicated specifically to her clothing. It dove more into her identity and what her clothing reflected, which was really interesting.

Admission is $320 Mexican pesos, which is $16.24 USD.

Museu Nacional de las Culturas Populares

Also in Coyoacán is the Museum of Popular Culture.

This is a relatively small museum with a number of interesting exhibits covering different aspects of Mexican culture. It’s $15 Mexican pesos to enter, which is under $1 USD. When I visited, the exhibits were pretty diverse, ranging from covering preserving Indigenous language to feminist art and religious pieces.

Mercado de Coyoacán and Parque Allende 

While in Coyoacán, pop by Parque Allende. This little park feels extra special on weekends, when you can find local artists selling their work. It’s a great place to pick up a piece of art either as a gift or for yourself. I currently have a beautiful piece of artwork I bought here hanging on my wall!

Across the street is also the Mercado de Coyoacán, a colorful market filled to the brim with everything from food, textiles, gifts, flowers, and more.

Stop by for lunch and just take some time wandering through the stalls. It’s been serving the local community since 1921, although it was initially in a different location.

Polanco 

Chapultepec Park 

This park in the Polanco neighborhood is absolutely massive.

Seriously, I may have gotten slightly lost. With that said, it’s completely worth visiting (just don’t be like me and screenshot a map first). Not only is it beautiful, but you could easily spend the day just here, as it’s also home to a number of interesting museums and other activities. 

Museum of Anthropology

Some highlights include the Museo Nacional de Antropología, or the Museum of Anthropology, which is the most visited museum in Mexico. It’s giant, so be sure to allot yourself a fair amount of time for this museum.

It’s home to over 20 permanent exhibits about Indigenous cultures, and is full of fascinating artifacts and artwork. Admission is 95 Mexican pesos, or $5.63 USD.

Chapultepec Park and the Anthropology Museum

Natural History Museum

Another well-known spot within Chapultepec are The Natural History Museum. You could easy spend an hour or two in the museum too — it’s 95 pesos to enter, or $5.79 USD. Purchase your tickets either in-person or online. 

Oh, and did I mention it’s also located in a castle? 

That’s right. Known as the Castillo de Chapultepec, the castle served many purposes over the centuries since construction began in the 1780s — it was once a military academy, an imperial and presidential residence, an observatory, and then from 1939 on, the history museum. 

Its location is also particularly significant, as it was a sacred spot for the Aztecs.

I know I’ve already mentioned that Mexico City is an amazing place for parks, but it’s worth saying again.

Maybe I’m just jaded after living in the LA area for several years now, but I was seriously impressed by the abundance of green space for such a giant city. 

Condesa & Roma Norte

Condesa and Roma Norte are two beautiful neighborhoods with a much more relaxed ambiance than other areas of Mexico City, making them perfect for just wandering around and exploring.

Both neighborhoods are charming, artsy, and full of gorgeous architecture and interesting cafes, art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. 

Parque Mexico, located in the beautiful Condesa neighborhood, was another spot that wowed me.

Full of tropical greenery, fountains, a pond, and lots of places to sit and people watch, this park feels clean, safe, and like the perfect place to wander through or just recharge for a bit. 

Parque España is also in Condesa, and although it’s smaller, is also super beautiful.

Be sure to also walk along Avenida Amsterdam in Condesa to see some of Mexico City’s most picturesque architecture.

As for Roma Norte, this neighborhood is particularly artsy, so definitely spend some time checking out the many art galleries, museums, and street art in this area.

Centro

Now heading into another main neighborhood in Mexico City is Centro. 

Palacio de Bellas Artes

Although you’ll find beautiful architecture throughout Mexico City, one of the most stunning buildings is here. 

The Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) is a gorgeous cultural center and art museum initially built in the early 20th century.

This UNESCO-recognized museum is decorated with murals by some of Mexico’s most iconic artists. It also hosts regular Ballet Folklórico de México, opera, and orchestra performances.

Admission is 75 pesos, or $3.81 USD from Tuesdays through Saturdays, or visit on a Sunday for free.

Torre Latinoamericana

For a look at Mexico City from above, visit Torre Latinoamericana.

This 545-foot-high Downtown skyscraper is no longer the tallest building in Mexico City, but it was the first major skyscraper in the world to be built on a highly active seismic zone.

Regardless, it’s the best place to get an amazing panoramic view of the city. Prices can vary, but last I checked it was 200 pesos, or $12.20 USD to go to the top. There’s a little cafe where you can sit and enjoy the view as well. 

La Ciudadela

La Ciudadela in Centro is the spot to shop for souvenirs.

Since opening during the 1968 Olympics, this artisan market has sold arts and crafts items from throughout Mexico. Textiles, sculptures, dishes and glassware, mirrors, and more, are just some of the items you can find here. 

Zócalo

This large public square in Mexico City’s historic downtown is full of gorgeous buildings, vendors, restaurants and more, and has been the site of numerous parades, performances, and demonstrations throughout history. 

This is also where you can visit Templo Mayor.

This ancient Aztec temple, dedicated to Huitzilopochtli, the god of war, and Tlaloc, the god of rain and agriculture was located in Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec empire. Admission to both the archeological site and on-site museum is 95 pesos or $5.79 USD. There is no entry fee on Sundays. 

Other Places to See Near Mexico City

I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to do these, but I would be remiss not to mention a couple of bucket-list places that are easily accessible from Mexico City.

Teotihuacan

This is an ancient Mesoamerican city is home to some of the country’s most impressive pyramids.

It’s about an hour or two outside of the city, so I suggest signing up for a tour that can handle transportation for you. An especially amazing way to explore Teohituacan is from above — specifically, in a hot air balloon. This is definitely on my list for my next time in Mexico City!

Xochimilco

This is another activity I’m so sad I missed! It’s essentially a boat ride along a network of canals that date back to Aztec times.

I’ve heard that this activity can be pricey and cost can also vary depending on who you’re purchasing from and your negotiation skills, so just be prepared for that. It can be a fun activity to do with friends, as many options come with unlimited drinks.

Where to stay in Mexico City for your first time

The historic downtown area, right near the famous Zócalo, is a great place to stay in Mexico City, especially for your first time. 

Kali Centro has lots of high ratings, and is a reasonably-priced option that still comes with features like a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant, and a bar. All rooms also have AC and private bathrooms. You also get free breakfast! Book here.

Condesa and Roma Norte are also really popular neighborhoods for tourists to stay in. They’re beautiful, walkable, and considered to be safe. 

Condesa Cibel is a beautiful, highly-rated boutique-style hotel. 

Casa Lalique is another affordable, highly-rated option in a great location.

Although Centro, Condesa and Roma Norte are my favorites, Mexico City is a huge city with lots of great neighborhoods and options!

What to eat and drink in Mexico City

As we talked about earlier, Mexico City is the ultimate foodie destination (I hate using the word “foodie” but I’ll excuse myself this time). 

While what to eat and drink in Mexico could definitely be its own post (stay tuned for that), here’s a list to get you started. These are all very common foods that will be easy to find throughout the city, perfect for your first time in this culinary destination.

Tacos aren’t the most underrated food item, I know. But it’s safe to say that tacos in Mexico City are on a whole other level compared to what we usually experience in the US. Whether you opt for a sit-down restaurant, or from a street vendor, you won’t be disappointed. Al pastor (marinated pork) and asada (grilled steak), are particularly popular.

Churros with chocolate or caramel are a dessert I typically overlook when I’m at home, but are the perfect sweet snack in Mexico City. Lightly coated in sugar and cinnamon, they’re even better when served with a hot chocolate to drink.

Tlayudas are a traditional Oaxacan food consisting of a large crispy tortilla filled with meat, cheese, beans and other toppings. They’re sometimes compared to a pizza, but in my opinion, they’re closer to quesadillas.

Chicharrones, seasoned and fried pig skin, are typically eaten on their own with a spicy salsa or wrapped in tortilla. 

Chilaquiles are a popular breakfast food consisting of fried tortilla chips topped with salsa and eggs. They’re also delicious when served on a large roll as a torta. 

Also hailing from Oaxaca and Puebla is mole, which is a sauce frequently paired with chicken or fish. However, mole doesn’t mean just one thing, and it can be made with a number of different ingredients and flavor combinations. Mole negro is probably the most common, and famously contains chocolate as well as chiles and other seasonings. 

Horchata is made with rice milk and cinnamon. Traditionally, it’s dairy-free, and so delicious. It’s both soothing and refreshing, and one of my favorite drinks to order.

Agua de Jamaica is a hibiscus tea. It’s sweet without being too sweet, has a bit of tartness, and is super easy to find. 

Micheladas are a classic cocktail somewhat similar to Bloody Marys, except it swaps vodka for beer and uses its own blend of spices and seasonings, typically including Clamato (clam juice) and hot sauce. To be totally honest, this one isn’t really my cup of tea (I’m not a Bloody Mary fan either), but these are suuuper popular and worth a try if you haven’t had one before!     

Chilaquiles and mole

Can you drink the water in Mexico City?

You will want to avoid drinking the tap water here.

Make sure all water comes from a sealed bottle, and be careful about ice, or any fresh produce that could’ve been washed in water. You’ll even want to use a water bottle to rinse your toothbrush.

Make sure to pack some probiotics and other medicines in case you end up with traveler’s sickness — this is a must-have for me, regardless of where I’m traveling, but is especially important in Mexico.

Getting a SIM card in Mexico City

If you’re from the U.S. your phone may even work normally without getting a new SIM card, depending on your phone provider and plan. But be sure to confirm this before you leave, but I have Verizon, and this was the case for me.

If not, getting an eSIM through Airalo is easy and affordable. It allows you to keep your regular number, which is also a plus compared to the physical card.

If your phone requires a physical card, you have a number of options. You can get a Telcel prepaid sim card at Mexico City Airport, or a Telcel, Movistar or AT&T card at one of their stores, which you can find at many grocery stores, or shopping centers.

(On a related note, Mexico uses the same plugs as in the US, so you won’t need any international adapters to charge your electronics, luckily.)

Is Mexico City safe?

Safety is an issue that typically arises when people talk about Mexico, and I know it can be even more of a concern if you’re traveling solo.

While feelings of safety can certainly be subjective, to be honest, despite considering myself a relatively anxious person, I felt completely safe when I was there.

It is a major city, so like anywhere, you’ll want to take basic precautions like being aware of your surroundings, not wandering alone at night, and not having all your money with you when you go out for the day. 

While there are some areas you’ll want to be more cautious, these aren’t any touristy areas where you’d likely be going on your first trip, anyway.

Costs of traveling in Mexico City

These are rough estimates based on my experience as well as research, and are of course subject to change!

• Dorm bed in a hostel: $8 to $30 a night
• A private room in a basic hostel or hotel: $19 to $45 a night
• A 4 or 5-star hotel: $35-$90+ a night
• A beer: $1.50 to $4.95
• A coffee: $1.50-$2.50
• A street taco: around 50 cents to $2.50
• A typical meal: $3 to $10
• A short Uber ride: $3.50 to $7

What to pack for Mexico City

There are a number of essentials you’ll want to bring to Mexico City. Here are some musts:

• You’ll definitely want layers, like a light jacket.
• Medicines for altitude and stomach issues, just in case.
• People tend to dress more on the conservative side, so if you want to try and fit in a bit, bring some longer pants/skirts/dresses/etc.
• Comfortable walking shoes are an absolute must.