Things to Do in Mexico City

About Mexico City

Mexico City layers three thousand years of history into one sprawling, contradictory metropolis. Aztec temples stand next to colonial cathedrals, modern galleries open beside traditional markets packed with marigolds and chiles. The contrasts define the place. Street vendors sell excellent tacos steps from Michelin-starred restaurants. Mariachi music drifts from cantinas wedged between glass towers, and Diego Rivera's murals cover ancient walls with revolutionary scenes. Copal incense mixes with morning coffee in the air—this is how the city smells at dawn. Every neighborhood shows you something different. Roma Norte has tree-lined streets and good cafes. Coyoacán skews bohemian. You'll get lost in the side streets, and that is the point. The culture here doesn't apologize for celebrating life loudly and often.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Metro costs 5 pesos ($0.28) per ride and covers the city efficiently. Metrobus costs 6-7 pesos ($0.33-0.39) for longer routes. Uber rides typically cost 40-150 pesos ($2.22-8.33) depending on distance and time. Turibus hop-on hop-off costs 180 pesos ($10) for day pass. Taxis have meters - airport to Zocalo costs 200-350 pesos ($11.11-19.44). Ecobici bike sharing costs 45 pesos ($2.50) for 3 days. ADO buses to other cities - Puebla costs 200-300 pesos ($11.11-16.67) for 2-hour journey. Walking is great in central areas but watch for altitude effects initially.

Money: Mexican peso (MXN) used. ATMs everywhere with reasonable international fees. Budget 800-1,500 pesos ($44.44-83.33) daily for comfortable travel. Credit cards widely accepted. Tipping 10-15% standard at restaurants, 10-20 pesos for hotel staff. Banking hours Monday-Friday 9am-4pm. US dollars accepted at some tourist areas but pesos offer better value. Mobile payments via apps gaining popularity. Market vendors prefer cash. Exchange rates roughly 18 pesos per USD. Keep small denominations for street food and tips.

Cultural Respect: Spanish is predominant with limited English outside tourist areas. Greet with 'Buenos días' and handshakes or cheek kisses among friends. Mexican pride is strong - learn basic history and show interest. Time can be flexible - 'hora mexicana' means slight delays expected. Tipping culture is strong across services. Family is central to society. Religious traditions important - respect church customs. Day of the Dead celebrated November 1-2. Lucha libre wrestling is cultural entertainment. Traditional arts like murals tell national stories. Personal space is smaller than North American norms.

Food Safety: Street tacos cost 8-15 pesos ($0.44-0.83) each from authentic vendors. Comida corrida (daily menu) costs 80-150 pesos ($4.44-8.33) for full meal with multiple courses. Pulque costs 30-50 pesos ($1.67-2.78) and is traditional fermented drink. Mezcal costs 80-200 pesos ($4.44-11.11) per shot depending on quality. Traditional tamales cost 25-45 pesos ($1.39-2.50) each. Restaurant meals average 200-500 pesos ($11.11-27.78) per person at mid-range places. Fresh fruit agua frescas cost 20-40 pesos ($1.11-2.22). Mercado food courts offer variety for 60-150 pesos ($3.33-8.33) per meal. Street food like elote costs 15-30 pesos ($0.83-1.67). Most cantinas close during afternoon hours.

When to Visit

Mexico City enjoys a pleasant subtropical highland climate year-round, with temperatures rarely exceeding 85°F (29°C) or dropping below 40°F (4°C).October through Apriloffers the best weather—dry, sunny days averaging 70-75°F (21-24°C) with cool nights around 50°F (10°C). This peak season sees hotel prices increase 30-50%, especially around Christmas and Easter.May through Septemberbrings the rainy season, with afternoon showers from June to September and humidity peaking in July-August. However, mornings are typically clear, and accommodation costs drop 20-40%.Key festivals include:Día de los Muertos (November 1-2) with spectacular celebrations, Semana Santa (March/April) featuring religious processions, and Independence Day (September 16) with patriotic festivities.For budget travelers,visit May-September for lower prices and fewer crowds, just pack an umbrella.Culture ensoiastsshould time visits around November's Day of the Dead celebrations or December's Las Posadas.Weather-sensitive visitorswill find October-March ideal, though booking accommodations well in advance is essential during this popular period.