You’ll find Mexico City a global hot spot, tempting countless locals and visitors worldwide. Its impressive historic places, diverse culture, and scrumptious dining spots explain its appeal.
My significant other and I explored this sprawling metropolis for nearly a week, scouring blogs and YouTube for insider tips. Through this post, I aim to answer your queries and ease any concerns you may have about diving into such a colossal city.
What are the must-see tourist attractions in Mexico City?
Mexico City promises a thrilling adventure with countless sights and activities in its buzzing hub. Locally called CDMX, it houses over 150 museums, offering everything from ancient history to specialized places like the Tequila and Mezcal Museum! Don’t miss the National Museum of Anthropology, a massive structure flaunting Mexico’s captivating historical artefacts.
For art aficionados, the Frida Kahlo Museum, the bright blue residence of Mexico’s renowned artist, awaits. The Historic Centre enchants with colonial structures like the Metropolitan Cathedral and Aztec remnants of Temple Mayor. But most visitors are foodies in quest of authentic Mexican cuisine. You’ll try unique local delicacies unknown till the taste tells you its story.
Both on-the-go street food and high-end eateries, like Pujol, mark the food scene. Unwind during the night in trendy spots like Roma Norte with Mezcal-infused cocktails at spectacular bars.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Check out Mexico’s dry season, from October to April. We went in February, and it was a fantastic visit.
Sunshine during the day with chillier nights – pack a jacket and hoodie since 7-10°C (45-50°F) is pretty standard for those months. May to September? That’s the rainy season. Expect it warm and a bit wet. Seeking a significant Mexican holiday? Go early November. Why? The Day of the Dead celebrations. In Mexico City, a citywide parade happens the Saturday before the actual holiday.
Consider altitude too. Mexico City sits around 2,240 metres high. People unaccustomed to such heights might experience altitude sickness. With traffic exhaust and air pollution, it helps to have an adjustable schedule in case adjustment days are needed.
How many days in Mexico City are enough?
My hunch is that Mexico City could keep you busy for a whole year! But, let’s be real, we don’t all have endless vacation days. My advice? Plan for around 3 to 4 days.
You’ll be able to hit the big sights and trendy areas then. My stay lasted six nights, which was perfect for squeezing in a day trip to thrilling Teotihuacán. Yep, one of my Mexico City highlights! But hey, you could even spend a solid week to ten days if you wanted.
Is Mexico City safe for tourists?
Sure, bad events occur in Mexico, no dispute there. However, some news stories paint an overly menacing picture. Annually, millions visit Mexico with most enjoying trouble-free stays. Tourism is vital to Mexico’s economy, so they invest heavily in visitor safety. If you’ve been to a big city, apply those same safety skills. I was brought up to be extra cautious (big thanks to my super worried parents in London!) and had no scary moments in Mexico City.
Just prioritize safety no matter what, trust your gut and steer clear of dodgy areas. Your time in Mexico City, and indeed all over the country, will be stellar! Planning to ride the bus or metro? Stay alert and watch out for thieves. Wear your backpack on your front, straps over your shoulders. If you have a handbag, clutch it with the opening towards you. Try and cover the fastener with your hand. Let your pockets stay empty. To escape crowds, skip the rush hours (7-9am and 5-7pm).
If you’re a woman travelling solo, make use of the women-only sections on metros and buses in Mexico City. On metros, it’s the first few railways cars; on buses, it will be a marked area at either end. These spots are designated for women and children only.