Mexico City Travel Advice

Mexico City Travel Advice

Tips to help you feel prepared for your trip to Mexico City

The most populous city in North America is a staggering characterization to anticipate for a non-Spanish speaking traveler. However tourism is booming here. Each year millions come to explore Mexico City’s many museums, gardens, and clubs, and it’s begun to be spoken about in the same sentences as with London, Paris, etc. Many have a misconception that the city is rife with crime, overpopulation and pollution. To the contrary, Mexico City is a beautiful and colorful destination waiting for you to explore its deep rooted history, culture, and possibly most important, food! After traveling here, I’ve put together my most useful Mexico City travel advice.

20 Pieces of Travel Advice for Mexico City

1. There are (essentially) no rules of the road. People will drive in all directions and nudge their cars through where they want. And adjust your ears for the car horns, as they are extensions of a Mexico City drivers arm.

2. Public Transportation should be avoided if you are not a local. Pick pocketing happens to many tourists, so use Uber instead

[New to Uber? Use this link to earn your first ride for free on me!]

3. Avoid the taxis too (they are pink & white). This may be a preference on the traveler, but I’ve read plenty of stories of Mexico City taxi drivers who skim your credit card information and overcharge non-Spanish speakers. If you insist on taxis, NEVER hail one from a tourist attraction. Go to the stations that have taxis parked, or one that your hotel can call for you.

4. In fact, the ratio of drivers to people living in the city is fairly low, which makes its people more sustainable than most other cities.

5. Overall, Mexico city is very safe for tourists! In fact tourism is booming here; with over 12 million plus visitors coming each year.

6. The city is very vegetarian and vegan friendly!

[ Related: Here is a vegan food tour we did ourselves in Mexico City! ]

7. Mexicans are not fans of sarcasm and can take things very personally. So use caution if your go to humor is sarcastic. (*we were advised of this by a few different Mexico City locals, however I never experienced it firsthand)

8. Cinnamon is a popularly used spice. Embrace it or go home.

9. Mexico City is not for morning people (or so I’m told). They enjoy late nights out, and who couldn’t blame them with their exciting club scene. Lucky for travelers, that just means it is easier to take morning photos since there will be less people out.

10. The city is massive. While on a map it may not look like it will take you long to get there, in real time it will. So, incorporate travel time and traffic if riding in a car.

[ Related: Mexico City Travel Guide ]

11. There are 16 districts in Mexico City, also known as colonias. Each has its own personality, and vibe. Polanco, for example, is one of the wealthiest residential areas with expensive designer boutiques, upscale restaurants, and swanky clubs and hotels. While Condesa and Roma are home to hip cafes and bars, quirky shops, and cool art galleries.

[ Related: Wondering where to stay in Mexico City? Here’s why you should stay in Roma or La Condesa ]

12. The city was built on a high altitude lake bed- and it continues to sink… (could this be north america’s version of Venice?) When people speak about pollution in the city this is because the air takes awhile to migrate away from this valley.

13. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day, so should not be missed. The gastro scene in Mexico City is booming. You can find a delicious meal on any spectrum of price you’re willing to pay. Dinner typically starts around 9pm.

14. Carry loose change to tip at restaurants. 10% is customary, and it can be left on your table when you depart.

15. Speaking of cash, it’s best to carry small denominations of pesos with you. Use your credit cards for larger purchases.

16. Pack to dress in layers- the weather can be sunny all morning with showers in the afternoon.

17. You cannot and should not drink the tap water. My advice would be to purchase a large jug of water at a local convenience store and refill your own water bottle throughout your trip.

18. Leave your valuables at home. There is no need to flash off your expensive jewelry or handbags. As a visitor, you can easily be targeted. We were even told that many locals won’t wear their nice jewelry out in certain areas of the city.

19. Dress smart. While many may not wear expensive jewelry, as a whole, the people of Mexico City dress professionally.

20. Set aside at least three FULL days in Mexico City. While you could spend weeks here to see it all, the major sites can be done in a weekend. Plus that’s three lunches and three dinners where you can eat your way to happiness here.

Laura of Blue Eyed Compass, a Sustainable Travel Blog

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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First Time Visitors Mexico City Travel Guide

Destinations, Mexico

First Time Visitors Mexico City Travel Guide

Here are visitor & local favorite sightseeing stops, and neighborhoods to explore and safety tips for first-time visitors.

This page contains affiliate links to products and tours that I have used for my own travels, purchased & enjoyed. Clicking these links does not cost you anything, however doing so will support Blue Eyed Compass and allow the site to continue. THANK YOU!

As a first time visitor to Mexico City it can feel daunting about what to expect.

What do you envision when you think of Mexico?

I visualize lots of vibrant colors, hear tons of happy people walking around me, taste fresh tortas, smoky mezcal, cinnamon sweet churros, and the strum of guitars as part of a mariachi band.

Now imagine a city that has all of that, PLUS beautiful architecture blending old and new, celebrated history seen throughout its streets and tree-lined boulevards leading to city parks, galleries, and vibrant restaurants. This is Mexico City, Mexico – a destination with a combination of your favorite Mexican characteristics.

Here is your first time visitors travel guide to Mexico City!

How to get around Mexico City

Mexico City is a very large city, and one I wouldn’t suggest anyone try to walk the entirety of. Instead start your trip by ordering an Uber, hop in and head to the most interesting places to see in Mexico City:

[New to Uber? Use this link to earn your first ride for free on me!]

Car sharing rides are quite cheap in Mexico City, costing around $3 for a 10-15 minute trip. And something I would suggest over their public transportation.

How long do you need to spend in Mexico City?

There are plenty of restaurants, museums and day trips that you could spend weeks in Mexico City. If you aren’t an urban fan or dying to see the more ‘scenic’ parts of the country and just booking a stopover in Mexico City, I would suggest at least three full days.

First Time Visitors Guide to Mexico City

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Check out more images of Chapultepc Castle by scrolling through here

Mexico City Travel Guide | Blue Eyed Compass

Step into the Future Forest

Upon your walk from the Chapultepec Castle to your next stop (see next item below), visitors will find the Future Forest. An art installation done by artist Thomas Dambo, made entirely out of recycled plastic!

The Future Forest can be found within the parks Botanical Gardens. It was created for the annual Flowers and Gardens Festival (April 2018) and is set to remain here until further notice.

Explore all of the Zocalo

Zocalo is part of the historic center of Mexico City. This is where the major picture snapping sights are, and is the heart of the city. Set aside this area as the start of one of your days and explore the following:

Metropolitan Cathedral

This is the lead place for Roman Catholicism in Mexico. Built on top of sacred Aztec space (thanks to Spanish conquistadors), this cathedral is the most recognizable church in Mexico City. And it’s interior is stunning with the golden Altar of Forgiveness gleaming as soon as you step inside.

Check out more images of the Metropolitan Cathedral by scrolling through here

Templo Mayor

These are the remaining ruins of the Mexica people’s place of worship of Tenochtitlan (which is now the city of Mexico City). You can pay to enter, or see it from above by walking to the right side of (if you are facing) the Metropolitan Cathedral.

National Palace

Since the time of the Aztecs, this has been the ruling class’s palace. It is now a government building and museum. Much of the exterior is original and beautifully maintained. The National Palace is free to enter, and you will provide your ID as you enter — don’t worry, you get it back when you exit. Be sure to enjoy the gardens as there are feral cats on the grounds, many of which were very friendly and seeking cuddles! Inside you’ll enjoy The History of Mexico wall mural by Diego Rivera. This massive mural seamlessly intertwines the struggles of the Mexican people throughout history.

*The entrance to the National Palace in Mexico City may be difficult to find. Head towards the Templo Mayor from the Metropolitan Cathedral and go down Prol Seminario. The entrance will be a five minute walk down this road and on the right side of the road.

Check out more images of the National Palace by scrolling through here

Walk down Calle Francisco I Madero

This pedestrian only street, leading from the Zocalo, has many restaurants and stores to shop in. A wonderful place to stop for a quick bite and people watch. Plus it will lead you to the beautiful…

Palais de Bella Artes

Probably the most iconic building in all of Mexico City. The Palace of Fine Arts is a stunning architectural beauty. Tours are available inside, but I prefer the outside beauty and people watching. If you want pictures with less people visit here early in the morning prior to its opening. *If you want pictures of the Palais de Bella Artes from above visit the cafe inside of Sears across the street.

Enjoy the many public parks throughout the city

Plaza Luis Cabrera is a small one in the Roma neighborhood, surrounded by restaurants and lots of great people watching.
Parque Espana is another small public park in the Roma neighborhood with a mini CDMX sign and street art of the infamous dog, Frida, can be seen too.

*There are so many parks in the city, if you see one allow yourself some time to wander through or go in with a coffee in hand to people watch and understand the culture a bit more.

TIPS for visiting Mexico City, Mexico:

Be wary of walking around at night. We chose not to go out at night (since we were exhausted at the end of each day) but many locals told us to be cautious as females — this is advice you should carry with you everywhere you go
Don’t take the public metro system; Ubers were very cheap and took up much less time. There are also quite a few reports of pickpocketing on public transportation, so avoid dealing with it if possible.
Don’t take taxis either; this is a preference depending on who you talk to
Read More about Mexico City Travel Advice
If you don’t speak the language, stay in safe areas (such as the ones listed above)
Book an Airbnb or boutique hotel in the La Condesa or Rome neighborhoods
It’s best to carry cash & use credit cards for larger purchases
Leave your valuables at home, no need to flash off your expensive jewelry or handbags.
Street food is a vibe in Mexico City, and probably the most affordable (and delicious) food you will ever find.
Most museums are closed on Mondays