Your Travel Guide to Mexico City

mexico
Written By Julia Marr
travel guide to Mexico City

Things to do in Mexico City - Your Travel Guide to Mexico City

Arriving in Mexico City as the clock struck midnight, I was taken aback by the sheer number of twinkling lights that greeted me from above. It was a breathtaking sight that truly highlighted the vastness of this urban expanse. Witnessing the city's grandeur firsthand was a stark reminder of its immense scale, a perspective that left me in awe as I embarked on my Mexican adventure.

Getting through Customs and security was a breeze, and soon enough, it was time to find my way around. Before my arrival, I had taken the time to research the best way to get from the airport to my accommodation. I always prefer to have my transfer arranged in advance to avoid transportation-related stress upon arrival. After looking into it, I discovered that private transfers in Mexico City were often deemed unreliable, so I opted for an Uber instead. It turned out to be a smooth and convenient choice - I simply booked the ride after retrieving my backpack, and off I went.

My first impressions of Mexico City were quite positive - it struck me as a cool place to be! Staying in Juárez at my hotel was a great decision. I highly recommend this spot due to its plethora of shops, diverse restaurants, and cafes, and most importantly, its safe environment for solo exploration during daylight hours.



 

Things to do in Mexico City - Your Travel Guide to Mexico City

HOW TO GET AROUND MEXICO CITY

Mexico City is undeniably massive, offering a plethora of options for traversing its expansive urban landscape. When faced with the daunting task of getting around this bustling metropolis, I found myself relying on a diverse array of transportation modes. From the convenience of Uber to the affordable efficiency of public buses, the swift subway system, and the simplicity of walking, each method brought its unique charm to my exploration of this vibrant city.

  • Ubers - Easy to use and quick to get to places, but they are not cheap to use. Well worth it if you are travelling as a group and can divide the cost but not so great for solo travellers.

  • Buses - Metrobús is popular in Mexico City, they run from around 5:30 am - til midnight most days, they are cheap but can be difficult to navigate if Spanish is not your strong suit. They also have sections on the buses that are for females only and are great if you are a solo female traveller.

  • Subway/ Metro - This is the best way to get around Mexico City, it’s the 2nd largest subway system in America, and all you need is a metro card (officially known as the integrated mobility card) which you can buy from metro stations or bus stations. Again, this can be tricky to understand if you only know a little Spanish and might not be worthwhile if you are only spending a few days in the city.

  • Walking - The cheapest way to travel around Mexico City! Because it’s free. Depending on what you want to see, and do it might be possible to just walk to the places you are interested in. I also recommend a walking tour when you get into the city to help you navigate your way around and to show you some of the best places to visit.

Mexico City is a vibrant metropolis brimming with numerous attractions waiting to be explored. From delving into its rich historical legacy to marvelling at the intricate street art and architectural wonders scattered throughout the city, every corner holds a tale waiting to be discovered. With a myriad of activities catering to a diverse range of interests, embracing the cultural tapestry of Mexico City becomes an immersive and unforgettable journey that promises something special for every visitor. Below are my top things to see & do in CDMX:

Things to do in Mexico City - Your Travel Guide to Mexico City


THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN MEXICO CITY

  • Sunrise Hot Air Balloon ride over Teotihuacan -

    This experience must be one of my favourite activities I have ever done. They pick you up from your hotel and drive about 1 hour to where you will be briefed on the ride. Then you spend around 40 mins in the balloon watching the sunrise and seeing the 3rd largest pyramid in the world from above. They do try and sell you photography packages afterwards that are quite expensive, so I recommend trying to take your photos during this experience. - https://gyg.me/LUmXdx1f

  • Museo Frida Kahlo

    The one thing I have to say about this is, BOOK YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE! I thought it would be okay for me to just book these the day before, but I was so wrong! If you know when you will be in Mexico City book these

  • tickets before you arrive. When I went to book mine, they were all sold out and after researching for a few hours I finally found one ticket for the next afternoon (It was double the price but so worth it). If you are a fan of Frida or Diego then you need to book a ticket here, It felt so surreal to be able to be in her house and see where she lived, where she painted and the clothes she wore. I loved every minute of this experience. The cheapest place to get tickets is straight from the direct website but if you lucked out like me you might be able to find some on the Get Your Guide app. They don’t sell any at the door either so there is no point turning up without a ticket. https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/?lang=en

https://gyg.me/Bxuq9urb

  • Walking Tours Around Mexico City

    One of my favourite things to do when visiting a new city or destination, most walking tours are free (It’s great if you tip your guide at the end though). There are different types of walking tours you can do including historical walking tours, gastronomical, urban art and so many other ones. It's also a great way to meet people if you want to connect with others while travelling. https://www.guruwalk.com/mexico-city

  • Xochimilco Boat Tour

    This is a hotspot for tourists but it’s fun! Enjoy lunch and unlimited drinks on a colourful vibrant traditional Trajinera boat, this is great for a celebration or if you just like to party! There are so many different tours to choose from. https://gyg.me/3NoG0SoN

  • Chapultepec Park

    If you have a day free, I recommend spending it in Chapultepec Park as it contains nine museums, an amusement park, a zoo and beautiful natural spaces. You can find more information about this park here - https://mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx/locations/chapultepec-park/

  • Lucha Libre

    If you want a cultural experience like no other, Lucha Libre is where it’s at! Freestyle Mexican wrestling known in Mexico City as Lucha Libre is a spectacular show not to be missed. I recommend booking a tour or going with a local guide as they can show you the best time at an event like this and these shows are mainly held in a rough part of town so just to be on the safer side it’s good to go with someone that knows the area. Friday and Saturday evenings are the best time to book these shows. https://gyg.me/W2lsnlxt

There are so many different experiences to be had in Mexico City and depending on how long you have been in this incredible city will determine what is best for you to see and do, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the above recommendations.

 


Things to do in Mexico City - Your Travel Guide to Mexico City

WHERE TO EAT

There are so many places to eat in Mexico City it’s hard to know where to stop for a bite to eat, The touristy spot to eat is in Roma. This is going to be more expensive food targeted to foreigners but still nice food in a good spot. Mexican food is very different to the Tex-Mex you get in other countries, it’s worth trying! My first food in Mexico was for sure Tacos, and they were delicious, The most authentic Mexican food you can get is where the locals eat. Get recommendations from locals as they know best, that’s what I did for most of the places I tried in Mexico City.

  • Tacos Lachula

    A 24-hour taco bar in the heart of Juarez, Mexico City. When ordering, make sure you do yourself a favour and order the drink “Soursop” with it. This is probably one of the cheapest taco bars you’ll find and they taste delicious. https://www.instagram.com/tacos.lachula/

  • Mendl Delicatessen

    Inspired by Mexican and New York Deli Cuisine, Mendl Delicatessen is the perfect brunch spot in Mexico City. https://mendl.mx

  • Paramo

    A local favourite for a night out, it has the perfect combination of drinks, food and music to enjoy with friends. I enjoyed the vibe here and the food was delicious. https://www.instagram.com/paramo_roma

  • Mercado Coyoacán

    Right near the Frida Kahlo museum, this market is full of delicious street food and fresh fruits & vegetables. It's also great to check out the art and craft section too, Plenty of live music and dancing to enjoy as well. I loved coming across this market and I had a delicious Argentinian dish with potato and cheese.

Things to do in Mexico City - Your Travel Guide to Mexico City

Top Tips for Mexico City

  • Make sure you only use bottled/ filtered water in Mexico for drinking and brushing your teeth. Avoid Ice if you can!

  • Tipping is a must when visiting Mexico, roughly between 15-20% of the total cost at restaurants, bars and coffee shops or the amount paid for booking experiences and services. 

  • Mexico City is at a higher Altitude than you might think, sitting at 2240m elevation, you might feel more tired, and alcohol hits you faster here. A good idea to stay hydrated.

  • Mexico City has occasional earthquakes and is well prepared for them, if you hear the alarm, stay calm and follow the locals to a safe place.

  • Mexico City isn’t that cheap, it is quite expensive compared to other countries and similar price range to Australia.

  • Staying in areas like Roma, Polanco, Coyoacán or Condesa is safe to walk around but if you are travelling solo, I recommend catching an Uber in the evenings instead of walking. There are a few neighbourhoods to watch out for but ask the locals at your accommodation which ones are best to avoid.

Things to do in Mexico City - Your Travel Guide to Mexico City

Where to go after Mexico City?

After exploring the vibrant streets and cultural landmarks of Mexico City, a journey through Oaxaca and San Cristobal de las Casas offers a deep dive into Mexico’s diverse heritage. In Oaxaca, immerse yourself in the city's rich traditions and culinary delights, with its colourful markets, ancient Zapotec ruins at Monte Albán, and renowned cuisine featuring mole and mezcal. The city’s vibrant arts scene and historic architecture provide a captivating backdrop for exploration. From Oaxaca, travel to San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas, where the colonial charm of cobblestone streets and colourful facades is complemented by a strong Indigenous culture and lively local markets. San Cristobal offers access to stunning highland landscapes, traditional Mayan villages, and the opportunity to experience the region's unique cultural tapestry. Together, these destinations provide a rich tapestry of Mexico’s historical and cultural heritage, creating a memorable and immersive travel experience.

If you are wanting to know more about Oaxaca - Click on the link here about things to do - Travel Guide to Oaxaca

Or If you want to know more about San Cristobal de las Casas - Click on the link here about things to do - Travel Guide to San Cristobal de las Casas



Julia Marr
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