Mexico City is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a rich history and culture. It’s hard not to be impressed when visiting this glorious, well-rounded city but there are things that you should know prior to booking a trip here. There are endless things to do, to see, and certainly, to eat and drink. Maybe this is an exaggeration, but someone could spend a lifetime in Mexico City and barely scratch the surface.
Mexico City ranks highly on lists of world-class cities, or at least should, and has elements that even the pickiest, hard-to-impress traveler will appreciate. Can’t argue with an endless supply of tacos, that’s for sure.
If you're thinking about planning a trip here for the first time, here are a few things you might want to know:
1. Mexico City is located at a high altitude, higher than Denver, CO, so you may experience mild altitude sickness when you first arrive. To help with this, drink plenty of water and take breaks when needed. You’ll adjust quickly.
2. The city is known for its rich culinary scene, so be sure to try some local dishes like tacos, tortas, and mole. You can find street food vendors and markets all over the city and high-end restaurants with all types of cuisines from all over Mexico and the rest of the world. Leave that diet behind when visiting CDMX and pack the stretchy pants, trust us.
3. The city is also home to a number of important cultural and historical sites and museums, including the ancient city of Teotihuacán, Templo Mayor, Museo Nacional de Antropologia, Museo Soumaya, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
4. The weather in Mexico City is generally consistent and mild, with average highs ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit throughout the year. However, it can get quite hot and humid during the summer months and very chilly at night during the winter months, so bring at least a light coat to stay warm while inside and outside. Anytime is a good time to hang out in CDMX though.
5. Mexico City is a large, bustling city, so it's a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions. Keep your belongings close to you and be cautious when walking at night, just like you would any other city. Overall, it’s a very safe place to explore and be comfortable.
6. The city is served by an extensive public transportation system, including buses, metro, and taxis. The metro is an inexpensive and efficient way to get around (and to bypass traffic during rush hour), and you can buy a prepaid card to use on all forms of public transportation. The Metrobus is also very efficient as there are dedicated bus lanes along the main veins of the city.
7. Credit cards are widely accepted in Mexico City but it’s always good to carry a bit of cash for your day-to-day, just in case. Super useful in case you’re diving into markets, some street food or need to provide a tip for good service. Speaking of which, always tip 10-15%.
8. Uber is a bit pricey but is very convenient. Other companies operating in Mexico City are DiDi and Cabify, both provide relatively cheaper options for car service. Make sure to grab an Uber from the airport. However, walking around is still; the best way to learn about a city and get a feel for the day-to-day.
9. Lunch generally is the bigger meal in Mexico City and happens around 2 or 3 pm. It can last at least for a few hours, allowing for “sobre mesa”, or relaxing around the table, talking and drinking with friends. Dinner generally tends to be a lighter (sometimes) and later occasion, usually starting after 8 pm, if not later.
10. Earthquakes are a thing in Mexico City. Mostly, they are on the softer side, but if you hear the earthquake alarm go off, people usually gather outside to wait out the alarm, unless you’re on a higher floor in a tall building.
11. Finally, the water. Don’t drink tap water unless you want to spend a few days getting to know the baño in your living quarters. Find a jug of water to bring back to your accommodation from your local Oxxo (convenience store). Some people go as far as to use filtered water to brush their teeth. If you’re out at a restaurant, they will provide filtered water.
These are just a few recommendations to keep in mind when thinking about diving into Mexico City and soaking up the rich culture. We recommend budgeting at least 3-5 days to thoroughly explore what Mexico City offers and hit some of the highlights and recommendations from Mexico City Social. It's almost a guarantee that you'll fall in love with this epically beautiful city.