Mexico City—CDMX—has transformed from overlooked capital to global destination. The food rivals anywhere on Earth, the cultural offerings are staggering, and the cost of living makes extended stays practical. Here's everything you need to know.
Understanding CDMX
Scale
With 21+ million people in the metro area, CDMX is massive. But visitors typically focus on a handful of central neighborhoods, making it surprisingly manageable.
Altitude
At 2,240 meters (7,350 feet), altitude affects visitors. Expect:
- Initial breathlessness
- Possible headaches first few days
- Lower alcohol tolerance
- Need for more hydration
Safety Reality
The narrative of dangerous Mexico City is outdated. Tourist areas are well-policed and safe. Use normal urban precautions:
- Uber over street taxis
- Awareness in crowded areas
- Avoiding empty streets late at night
- Staying in established neighborhoods
The Neighborhoods
Roma/Condesa
The expat hub: Tree-lined streets, art deco architecture, sidewalk cafes, boutique everything.
Roma Norte: More gritty, more interesting. Best food scene in the city.
Condesa: Greener, more residential, excellent running in Parque México.
Best for: First-time visitors, foodies, remote workers, design-conscious travelers.
Polanco
The luxury zone: Upscale shopping, fine dining, contemporary art.
Highlights:
- Museo Soumaya (free, incredible collection)
- Museo Jumex (contemporary art)
- Presidente Masaryk (designer shopping)
- Lincoln Park (weekend markets)
Best for: Luxury travelers, art lovers, families wanting green space.
Centro Histórico
The ancient heart: Colonial buildings on Aztec foundations. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Must-see:
- Zócalo (main square)
- Palacio Nacional (Diego Rivera murals)
- Templo Mayor (Aztec ruins)
- Palacio de Bellas Artes (stunning building and murals)
Best for: History lovers, budget travelers, authentic Mexico experience.
Coyoacán
The bohemian quarter: Cobblestone streets, intellectual history, weekend markets.
Highlights:
- Frida Kahlo Museum (book ahead)
- Jardín Centenario
- Mercado de Coyoacán
- UNAM campus (nearby)
Best for: Art pilgrims, families, quieter atmosphere seekers.
San Ángel
Saturday destination: Colonial village atmosphere, tianguis (Saturday market), quiet plazas.
Xochimilco
Floating gardens: Ancient canal system with colorful trajineras (boats). Touristy but genuinely fun, especially with groups.
Food: The Main Event
CDMX's food scene is arguably the world's best value. From $1 tacos to world-ranked restaurants, everything excels.
Street Food Essentials
Tacos: The foundation. Styles vary by filling and preparation:
- Tacos al pastor (spit-roasted pork)
- Tacos de canasta (basket tacos)
- Tacos de guisado (stewed fillings)
- Tacos de carnitas (braised pork)
Best strategy: Follow the crowds. Long lines = quality.
Market Food
Mercado Roma: Upscale food hall, tourist-friendly but quality.
Mercado de San Juan: Exotic meats, gourmet ingredients, lunch spots.
La Merced: Massive traditional market, overwhelming but authentic.
Restaurant Levels
Budget ($5-10): Cocinas económicas, taquerías, fondas
Mid-range ($15-30): Modern Mexican, quality comida corrida
Upscale ($40-80): World-class restaurants at fraction of NYC/Paris prices
Fine dining ($80-150): Pujol, Quintonil, Contramar (book weeks ahead)
Must-Try Dishes
- Chilaquiles (breakfast)
- Pozole (weekend soup)
- Mole (complex sauces)
- Tortas (sandwiches)
- Pambazo (sauce-dipped sandwich)
- Quesadillas (with or without cheese, yes that's a thing)
Cultural Essentials
Museums
CDMX has more museums than any city in the Americas.
Must-see:
- Museo Nacional de Antropología (world-class, half-day minimum)
- Palacio de Bellas Artes (murals and architecture)
- Museo Frida Kahlo (book weeks ahead)
- Museo Soumaya (free, eclectic collection)
Underrated:
- Museo Nacional de Arte (Mexican art history)
- Museo del Templo Mayor (Aztec artifacts in situ)
- Museo Casa Luis Barragán (architecture pilgrimage)
Architecture
Pre-Hispanic: Templo Mayor ruins, Teotihuacán pyramids (day trip)
Colonial: Centro Histórico, Coyoacán, San Ángel
Art Deco: Condesa neighborhood
Modern: UNAM campus (UNESCO site), Luis Barragán buildings
Music and Nightlife
Live music everywhere: From mariachi in Plaza Garibaldi to indie venues in Roma.
Clubs: Condesa and Roma have bustling nightlife. Things don't start until midnight.
Mezcalerías: Mezcal bars have exploded. Excellent education in the spirit.
Practical Matters
Getting Around
Metro: Excellent coverage, very cheap ($0.25), can be crowded.
Metrobús: Bus rapid transit, good for north-south corridors.
Uber/DiDi: Preferred over street taxis. Cheap and safe.
Walking: Feasible within neighborhoods but distances deceive.
Ecobici: Bike share works in flat central areas.
Money
Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)
Cash: Essential for markets, street food, small businesses.
Cards: Accepted widely in restaurants and shops.
ATMs: Use bank ATMs inside branches for security.
When to Visit
Best: March-May (dry, warm), October-November (fall vibes)
Avoid: June-September (rainy season, afternoon storms daily)
Consider: December (holiday atmosphere), February (weather turning nice)
Health
Water: Don't drink tap water. Ice in restaurants is usually purified but ask if unsure.
Altitude: Take it easy first day or two. Hydrate.
Air quality: Some days are bad. Check forecasts if sensitive.
Language
Spanish helps enormously. English works in tourist areas but limits interactions. Even basic Spanish dramatically improves the experience.
Day Trips
Teotihuacán
Ancient pyramids 50km northeast. One of the world's great archaeological sites.
Tips:
- Go early (opens 8am)
- Wear sun protection
- Climb Pyramid of the Sun for views
- Allow 4-5 hours
Getting there: Tours, Uber, or public bus.
Taxco
Silver town with colonial architecture, 2.5 hours south. Good overnight option.
Puebla
Colonial city, culinary capital (mole poblano originated here), 2 hours southeast.
Valle de Bravo
Lake town popular with wealthy Mexicans. Mountain scenery, monarch butterflies in season.
Digital Nomad Hub
CDMX has become a major nomad destination:
Coworking: WeWork, Selina, countless local spaces in Roma/Condesa.
WiFi: Reliable in cafes and coworking spaces.
Cost of living: $1,500-2,500/month comfortable lifestyle.
Visa: 180 days on tourist visa, easy to renew.
Time zone: Central time, good for US clients.
Community: Large and active nomad community.
Sample Itineraries
5 Days Essential
Day 1: Centro Histórico (Zócalo, Templo Mayor, Bellas Artes) Day 2: Anthropology Museum, Chapultepec Park, Roma dinner Day 3: Teotihuacán day trip Day 4: Coyoacán, Frida Museum, local markets Day 5: Roma/Condesa exploration, food tour, nightlife
10 Days Deep Dive
Add: Days 6-7: Xochimilco, San Ángel, UNAM campus Days 8-9: Puebla overnight trip Day 10: Final neighborhood exploration, departure
1 Month Nomad
Rent an apartment in Roma or Condesa. Use weekends for day trips. Immerse in local rhythm. Learn Spanish. Eat everything.
The CDMX Experience
Mexico City isn't a checklist destination—it's an immersion. The rewards come from slowing down: lingering over multi-hour lunches, getting lost in markets, understanding the layered history beneath modern streets.
The city has problems (traffic, pollution, inequality) but they're outweighed by generosity, creativity, and quality of life available to visitors. Many come for a week and stay for months.
Give it time. Let it surprise you.
Create your perfect Mexico City adventure with TripPlan—our AI balances must-sees with neighborhood exploration for an authentic experience.
