Mexico City Mexico

Overview

Mexico City is a vast capital built on the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, packed with museums, street food and lively neighborhoods. From the historic centre around the Zócalo to the cafés of Roma and Condesa, Chapultepec's museums and the Xochimilco canals, it is all here. The city sits at 2,240 metres, so take it easy for the first days.

Getting around

The Metro (5 pesos) and Metrobús are cheap and extensive; buy a card at a station and top it up. Uber and DiDi are safe, so use an app instead of hailing street taxis. Walking and Ecobici bikes work well in the central areas.

Where to stay

• Centro Histórico – The historic core around the Zócalo, Cathedral and Templo Mayor.
• Roma Norte & Condesa – Tree-lined streets, art deco buildings, cafés and bars.
• Coyoacán – A bohemian village feel with Frida Kahlo's Blue House and its market.
• Polanco – Upscale restaurants, close to the Soumaya and Anthropology museums.

Guide topics

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  Food & Drink

  Mexico City brings every regional cuisine of the country together, from street stalls to world-class restaurants. Markets and taquerías are the quickest way to taste the city.

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  Museums

  Mexico City has one of the highest concentrations of museums in the world, from Aztec artefacts to Diego Rivera murals. Most are open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays.

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  Hiking

  At 2,240 metres, hikes here are tougher than they look, so drink plenty of water and start slowly. Options range from city parks to volcano trails within two hours.

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  Extreme Sports

  Around Mexico City you can try everything from hot-air ballooning to volcano climbing at altitude. Choose licensed operators and acclimatise first.

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  Culture

  Mexico City layers Aztec, colonial and modern worlds into one living cultural capital. Day of the Dead, mariachi and traditional markets express its soul.