While Mexico is popular with travellers for its endless coasts, perfect weather and sandy beaches, the interior of the country is also well worth exploring. The bustling capital, Mexico City, with its hectic urban lifestyle, artistic neighbourhoods and historic buildings, has long been neglected by summer vacationers, but is now being discovered by curious city trippers. CDMX never ceases to surprise travellers with its renowned arts and culture scene, as well as some of the best cuisine in the Western Hemisphere.
1 Mexican Peso (Mex$, MXN) = 100 Centavos
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In English:
Mexico Today (by Reforma) — mexicotoday.com
Mexico News Daily — mexicotoday.com
In Spanish:
La Jornada — www.jornada.com.mx
Milenio — www.milenio.com/cdmx
Reforma — www.reforma.com
El Universal — www.eluniversal.com.mx
El Sol de México — www.elsoldemexico.com.mx
Opening hours are usually from 9 am to 8 pm. Big department stores or shopping centres might stay open until 9 pm.
The city: 9.2 million
Urban area: 21.8 million
Secretariat of Tourism
Calle Nuevo León 56
Colonia Hipódromo Condesa, CDMX
Mon–Fri 9am–7pm
+52 55 5212 0257
contacto@turismo.cdmx.gob.mx
www.turismo.cdmx.gob.mx
The vibrant national capital of Mexico is not only the political centre but also the cultural hub of the country, whose name dates back to the old Aztecs who called themselves “Mexica.” The city holds sights dating back to the beginnings of the high civilisation of the 14th century, and is home to one of the oldest Universities on the continent, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, established in 1553.
With over 9 million inhabitants, Mexico City is among the largest cities in the world by population. It is divided into several boroughs, each one holding a wide range of restaurants and sights for visitors.
Located 2,240 m (7350 ft) above sea level and framed by high mountains and volcanoes such as the Ajusco, the Popocatepétl and the Ixtaccihuatl, the city is a place for adventure seekers, city breakers and party people alike. Apart from an impressive amount of typical Mexican cantinas (where one can try traditional local drinks and food), there are many different ethnic groups that have added their cuisines and businesses to the urban landscape. With Cuban, American, Japanese, Chilean, Korean and Lebanese communities, Mexico City has got one truly multicultural identity.
With its 16 delegaciones (boroughs) divided into several hundred colonias (neighbourhoods), there is always something new to explore around Mexico City. While the historic centre of the city with the National Palace, the Mexico City Cathedral and the Palace of Fine Arts is a magnet for tourists, opportunities to have a good time abound both here and beyond. Climb the Teotihuacán Pyramid of the Sun, one of the largest of its kind, browse through amazing creations at craft markets or relax in the Viveros de Coyoacán public park.
Metropolitan Cathedral
Xochimilco
Day of the Dead
Mexico City has an impressive number of museums — over 150 of them! Given the country's rich history and love for art, it is no wonder that CDMX has so much to offer. You get the biggest collection of pre-Colombian artefacts at the National Museum of Anthropology, a fantastic smorgasbord of local and world art at Museo Soumaya, an abundance of Mexico's power couple Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, as well as an ever-changing assembly of modern folk art at the aptly named Museum of Folk Art.
This list is just a short introduction to the absolute best museums Mexico City wants to show you. Dive in!
Mexico's cuisine is without a doubt one of the country's biggest draws. Its typical flavors are beloved around the world, but there is so much more to try beyond the staples we all know. Keep an eye out for chilaquiles for breakfast or enchiladas for lunch, and enjoy the rich flavors of the incredibly varied local cuisine. Beans, corn and meat are staples. By the way, get ready to put your taste buds to the test with some authentic Mexican hot sauce.
Quintonil
Pujol
Coox Hanal
Dulce Patria
Rokai Ramen-Ya
Puerto Madero
Agua & Sal
Masala y Maíz
Café El Popular
Sometimes it might seem that Mexican cuisine relies very heavily on grilled meat and corn tortillas. While this is an awesome combo that packs a flavorful punch, it is not exactly compatible with everyone's diet. And sometimes even meat-eaters could use some fresh vegetables and diversify their menu.
Vegan and vegetarian food options are plenty in CDMX if you know where to look. Start by checking out our list of the absolute best vegan-friendly restaurants and eateries:
La Pitahaya Vegana
Mexico City's numerous coffee houses are popular social hangouts for the young and old, locals and digital nomads. Here you'll meet self-employed creatives discussing business over laptops and espressos as well as seniors engaging in the usual coffee chit-chat. While sightseeing and museums might give you an impression of Mexico City, this is where you can truly experience local culture.
Café Nin
Cielito Querido
Triana Café Gourmet
Churrería El Moro
Otro Cafe
Helado Obscuro
It's fair to say that Mexico City is a place that never sleeps. Bars, clubs and music pubs can be found on every corner, and jazz lovers can experience live gigs every day of the week. Adapt to the relaxed Mexican lifestyle, grab a drink and enjoy a musical evening.
Cantina "Tio Pepe"
SOM — vinateria, restaurante bar
La Bipo
Zinco Jazz Club
Kinky Bar
Nibelungengarten
Black Dog
While big department stores and shopping centers have settled in Mexico City, there is also a large number of small craft shops, art galleries, curious markets and beautiful souvenir shops to be found in the city center. Along the big streets you can find many lovely places ideal for a spontaneous shopping spree.
Mercado de Coyoacán
Dulcería de Celaya
FONART – Galeria Reforma
Sanborns
Liverpool
Centro Santa Fe
Ciudadela Market
Samara Shops
Best Time To Visit
If you're looking for pleasant weather and don't mind the hotel prices and lots of tourists, then you should visit the city between March and May. Winter daytime temperatures can also be pleasant, it tends to cool down overnight. Summers are known for being rainy, so remember to pack an umbrella with you.
The city comes alive from September to November, when major festivals such as Día de la Independencia, Día de Los Muertos and Día de la Revolución take place. Be aware that Mexico City is situated about 7,382 feet above sea level, so remember to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen.
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Passport / Visa
Visa exemption applies to citizens of all EU countries, most countries in the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and more. Both tourists and business visitors from these countries may stay in Mexico for up to 180 days. For Russian, Turkish and Ukrainian passport holders, electronic authorization (SAE) is required, which then grants travelers from these countries the right of a single entry followed by a stay of up to 30 days. Please consult an official source/consulate in your home country for the latest information on visa requirements.
When traveling to Mexico, you almost always be asked to demonstrate a return/onward ticket. Asking for hotel booking information is also common.
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Website: www.mexicotouristcard.com
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Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
The Benito Juarez International Airport is located in the eastern part of Mexico City, and it has two terminals connected by a bus and light rail system. Do check which terminal you are departing from — finding and taking said train takes time. International airlines fly here from larger cities around the globe.
You can reach the airport or city center by taxi, metro or bus.
There are several airport taxis recognizable as white and yellow (with black logos of an airplane) that transport you to and from the city. You can buy tickets inside the airport and cars are available at Terminals 1 and 2. Taking Uber or Didi is advisable.
While the metro might not be the best option if you are traveling with heavy luggage, it provides a much cheaper way of getting to and from the airport. The stop "Terminal Aérea" on line 5 can be found next to airport Terminal 1. Line 1, 5, 9 and A are within walking distance from Terminal 2, and the stop is called “Pantitlán”. You can buy tickets at the metro station or purchase a rechargeable metro card.
Alternatively, the Metrobus operates between city center and the airport, and stops at Puerta 7 at Terminal 1 and Puerta 2 at Terminal 2.
Address: Avenida Capitan Carlos León, CDMX
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Phone: +52 55 2482 2400
Website: www.aicm.com.mx
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Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU)
Some national flights will fly to AIFA airport in the State of Mexico. You can get to the airport by bus or car. Without traffic, your ride will take about an hour. A train line is under construction and is scheduled to open in April 2024.
Originally called Santa Lucía Airport and serving as Mexican Air Force base no. 1, the airport was renamed after Felipe Ángeles (a general in the Mexican Revolution) in early 2021. In Spanish, its initialism is AIFA.
Address: Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Ángeles, Circuito Exterior Mexiquense km 33, Santa Lucia, Zumpango, Estado de Mexico
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Phone: +52 55 5798 9800
Website: aifa.aero
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Licenciado Adolfo López Mateos International Airport (TLC)
This airport is located in Toluca, approximately 50 km from Mexico City. It has recently been transformed into an international airport and it is not as easily accessible as Mexico City International Airport.
If you arrive at or depart form Licenciado Adolfo López Mateos International Airport you best hire a car or take a taxi to the city center.
Address: San Pedro Totoltepec, Toluca de Lerdo, Estado de Mexico
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Phone: +52 722 279 2800
Website: www.aeropuertodetoluca.com.mx
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Metro
The Metro is a cheap way of transportation and will take you almost everywhere in Mexico City. The 12 lines operate until midnight. The first cars of each train are reserved for women and children.
It's smart to avoid the Metro during rush hour. The trains get very full, and pickpockets often take advantage of that.
STC Metro tickets are among the cheapest in the world. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines in every station, or you can get a rechargeable Metrocard.
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Website: www.metro.cdmx.gob.mx
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Bus
Along with the Metro, the local bus system is a fast and easy means of transportation in the city. Tourist-frequented streets, attractions as well as multiple points of interest usually have at least one bus stop nearby, and one ticket costs very little (price is fixed regardless of distance traveled). Payment is made in cash when boarding the bus. Peseros (mini buses) are operated by multiple private firms and run alongside official RTP buses.
In addition, there is the Metrobus — a modern and fast BRT system that will take you pretty far. For these buses you will need a rechargeable smartcard (may be purchased at vending machines).
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Taxis
While hailing a cab off the street can be risky, taxis can be a convenient means of transport in Mexico City. Your best bet is calling an official provider, especially if you don't speak Spanish.
Taxi Mex: +52 55 9171 8888
Taxis Radio Elite: +52 5560 1122
For lower fares you can always order a cab through the Uber or Didi app.
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Time Zone
The time zone in Mexico City (CDMX) is Central Standard Time (CST), which is UTC-6. Since 2022, Mexico does not observe daylight saving time.
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Post
The Palacio de Correos de México (or Correo Mayor) is not only Mexico City's main Post Office, but also a historical building dating back to the 20th century. After an earthquake struck Mexico in 1985 much of the Palacio was destroyed, only to be restored in 1990.
Address: Palacio Postal, Calle de Tacuba 1, Centro Histórico, CDMX
Email:
Phone: +52 55 5512 0091
Website: www.gob.mx/correosdemexico
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Pharmacy
Farmacias del Ahorro (operates 24 hours, provides home delivery)
Olivar del Conde 1ra Secc, Mexico City
Farmacia París: +52 55 5709 5349
República del Salvador 97, Mexico City
Farmacia San Pablo: +52 55 5354 9000
Aguascalientes 132, Mexico City
Farmacias Similares: +52 55 5709 9454
There are several shops throughout the city, some are open 24 hours
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Telephone
Country Code: +52
Area Code: 55
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Electricity
In Mexico the power plugs and sockets are of type A (two flat prongs) and B. The standard voltage is 127 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.
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