Mexico City, a vibrant tapestry of history and modernity, where ancient Aztec ruins stand alongside cutting-edge art galleries, and every street is a fiesta of flavours, sounds, and colours.
Mexico City, the bustling capital of Mexico, is a vibrant and diverse destination that offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and modern attractions. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, the city is home to the historic Zócalo square, the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace adorned with Diego Rivera’s murals.
Once you visit this city, you will want to return, not once but multiple times. So, whether you're planning a short trip or an extended stay, it's important to be prepared with key travel information to make the most of your visit. Below are my essential travel tips for visiting Mexico City. Click on the link to take you to the relative section.
When to go
The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. with mild temperatures and minimal rain. During these months, the weather is typically warm and sunny with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city. The rainy season is from May to October. However, Mexico City enjoys a temperate climate year-round and the city is a year-round destination with plenty to offer at any time. It is worth taking into account that the high tourist season for the country as a whole is months December to April, especially during Christmas, New Year, and Easter.
How to get there
Mexico City offers an international airport called Benito Juárez International Airport which is well-connected with direct flights from numerous countries around the world (around 30 countries) spanning across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Many European destinations offer direct flights to Mexico City on a daily basis.
Entry Requirements
Upon arrival to Mexico City you will need to pass through immigration. A separate line is available for Mexican citizens and citizens from the USA. Entry requirements will depend on your citizenship, with many foreign nationals being exempt from visa requirements for tourism up to 180 days. However a valid passport with at least 6 months until expiry is necessary. For more information on visa exemptions, click here.
Safety and Travel Health
Many people wonder if Mexico is a safe country in general to visit and the short answer is it depends where you go! Overall, Mexico City as a popular tourist destination has a strong security presence and is overall safe. As with all travels, it is highly recommended to stay in safe neighbourhoods and be cautious of your personal belongings. Popular tourist areas and major cities almost always come with petty crime like pickpocketing, so being alert is advised.
Vaccinations: When traveling, it is worth checking if you up to date on routine vaccinations and whether you should consider additional vaccinations based on your travel itinerary/activities. To check the advice provided in the UK click here.
Travel Insurance: As with all travels, it is advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance, to cover any unexpected changes to plans and any medical emergencies.
Water Safety: It is advised to drink filtered or bottled water. However many places offer filtered water so have a refillable water bottle with you.
Where to Stay
Mexico City boasts several vibrant neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences and amenities. Below are some neighbourhoods to consider to stay in Mexico City which are centrally located and near to many of the attractions you will want to visit during your stay.
Polanco: An upscale neighbourhood known for its luxury shopping, art galleries, fine dining, & cultural attractions. It's home to some of the city’s best museums, including the Museo Soumaya and the Museo Nacional de Antropología. The area is also dotted with high-end hotels and beautiful parks like Chapultepec. The most famous street is Avenida Presidente Masaryk.
Roma/Condesa: Two adjacent areas which are a great shout to stay are Roma and Condesa. Roma is a trendy and bohemian area renowned for its eclectic mix of art galleries, cafes, and boutiques. Condesa is a hip and green neighborhood with a relaxed vibe. It features lush parks such as Parque México and Parque España, making it great for leisurely walks and outdoor activities.
Moving Around
In Mexico City, how you will move around will depend on the neighbourhood you choose as your base. You will probably use a combination of transportation which is most likely taxi, on foot and public transport. If you are planning on doing some excurisions in close proximity to Mexico City, then you will most probably either use a bus or a private transfer.
Public Transport: Mexico City offers an extensive and affordable public transport system which includes the metro, the bus and the metrobus. The metro is the easiest to use and the most efficient, but can get particularly crowded during peak hours. Although, note that for safety, the first and last carriages are solely for women and children. To use the metro you need to purchase a reusable card which you can top up and use for multiple people.
Taxis: A common way of getting around is by taxi with the most frequent and safe way being using a taxi app like Uber of DiDi. You can use this also for airport transfers. Otherwise at the airport it is recommended to use official airport taxis. If your mobile provider, does not cover Mexico as a destination, I would purchase a LATAM e-SIM card. Although in many public spaces in Mexico City there is free internet, having an e-SIM card will allow you to book taxis on the spot without depending on free internet.
To purchase an e-sim card for LATAM click here.On foot: My favorite way to explore the city is on foot. If you chose the areas of Roma or Condesa, then many places can be covered by walking. So if you are anything like me, make sure to pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes!
During all of my visits to Mexico City, I tend to use all methods of transportation. During the night, I use mainly taxis, but during the day I usually am usually on foot or a combination of on foot, metro and taxi.
Currency and Money
The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN - $) and the symbol is similar to that of a US Dollar. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it is worth having some cash on you, especially for street vendors.
To exchange to Mexican Pesos, you can either exchange beforehand or once there. In the UK for example it is quite easy to get Mexican Pesos. In fact you can order them online and get them delivered to your home. If you choose to exchange when in Mexico, prefer to exchange a main currency, like GBP, USD, EUR and make sure you have your passport with you! Otherwise you can withdraw pesos from an ATM machine.
Tipping: Tipping is customary in Mexico and is expected in most services, i.e. restaurants, with the standard tip being between 10-15%. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also appreciated.
Language
The primary language spoken in Mexico is Spanish, although in addition to Spanish, the Mexican government officially recognizes an additional 67 indigenous languages. However, Mexican Spanish has some grammatical differences to European Spanish and also differs in terms of pronunciation and accent. Additionally, the country has many slang words and phrases.
In Mexico City though you will not struggle if you do not speak Spanish. Most locals speak very good English, although using some basic Spanish phrases would be appreciated!
Mexico City is a captivating destination that offers an incredible array of experiences. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere, you're sure to have an unforgettable visit. By keeping these key travel tips in mind, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience in one of the world's most dynamic cities.
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