Mexico City Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors: A Complete Guide for Visiting Mexico’s Capital
Planning a trip to Mexico’s vibrant capital? These Mexico City travel tips for first-time visitors will help you make the most of your adventure in one of the most exciting and culturally rich cities in the world. From exploring ancient ruins to indulging in street tacos, there’s something for everyone in CDMX.
Mexico City is a dynamic blend of old and new, where historic neighborhoods meet modern skyscrapers and centuries-old traditions come to life through food, art, and festivals. With its bustling streets, world-class museums, and stunning architecture, navigating this sprawling metropolis can feel overwhelming at first.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know for a stress-free trip, from practical tips on getting around to the best neighborhoods to stay in. Whether you're drawn to its history, food, or culture, this Mexico City travel guide will help you experience the heart of Mexico like a local.
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Mexico City Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors: A Quick Intro
Our Mexico City guide is here to share all of the basics for visiting the city including top activities, ways to get around, and the top Mexico City travel tips for first-time visitors, so that you can have safe and pleasant trip in this bustling metropolis.
Why Visit Mexico City?
Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, and is one of the largest cities in the world. It is the heart and soul of the country, and while it doesn't have the allure of the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, it makes up for it in rich culinary experiences, fascinating museums, and perfectly pleasant weather.
Mexico City has a ton to offer travelers.
Where is Mexico City Located?
It is located in the Valley of Mexico, a large highland basin surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level.
Geographically, Mexico City sits near the center of the country in the Mexico State region.
How to Get to Mexico City
Mexico City is the most well connected city to the rest of the country, and is pretty well connected to many other countries in the world, particularly across the Americas.
Depending on where you are coming from, you can:
- Fly to Mexico City
- Drive to Mexico City
- Take a bus to Mexico City
What Airport Do You Fly into for Mexico City?
The official airport for Mexico city is Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX). It serves Greater Mexico City and it's the second-busiest airport in Latin America by passenger traffic.
Which Cities Fly Direct to Mexico City?
International cities that fly direct to Mexico city include Amsterdam, Atlanta, Barcelona, Bogota, Boston, Buenos Aires, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Frankfurt, Guatemala City, Havana, Houston, Istanbul, La Paz, Las Vegas, Lima, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Managua, Medellin, Miami, Minneapolis, Montreal, Munich, New York, Oakland, Orlando, Panama City, Paris, Phoenix, Raleigh, Rome, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Jose, San Francisco, San Salvador, Santiago, Santo Domingo, Sao Paulo, Seattle, Seoul, Shenzhen, Tampa, Tokyo, Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington.
Mexican cities that fly direct to Mexico City include Aguascalientes, Acapulco, Campeche, Cancun, Chetumal, Chihuahua, Ciudad del Carmen, Ciudad Juarez, Ciudad Obregon, Cozumel, Culiacan, Durango, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Huatulco, Los Mochis, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Merida, Mexicali, Minatitlan, Monterrey, Morelia, Nuevo Laredo, Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido, Puerto Vallarta, Queretaro, Reynosa, San Jose del Cabo, San Luis Potosi, Silao, Tampico, Tapachula, Tepic, Tijuana, Torreon, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Veracruz, Villahermosa, Zacatecas, and Zihuatanejo.
Mexico City Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors: Entry Requirements
In order to visit Mexico, you'll have to bring your passport. I only mention this because when we were working on cruise ships, there were so many Americans that were under the false impression that they did not need their passport for Mexico.
Do I Need a Visa for Mexico?
Nationalities that do NOT need a visa for Mexico include Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niue, Norway, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Uruguay.
Mexico City Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors: IMPORTANT Visa Info
Many countries (including the US) actually just need to go through a machine to go through customs. You won't get a stamp, but you WILL get a piece of paper that you NEED to keep with you.
If you lose the paper, you'll have to pay a fine for a new one (which is exactly what happened to me). You must physically have the paper, not a picture or digital copy.
It's a massive pain as the counter is really far from the check in counters, and they'll try to force you to pay cash. I begged, and finally they let me pay with credit card, but I nearly missed my check in with the running back and forth.
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Mexico City Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors: Local Adjustments
Now that you are ready to get to Mexico City, let's go over a few more Mexico City travel tips for first-time visitors, which are some of local adjustments you should be aware of.
Language in Mexico City
The official language in Mexico City is Spanish.
Do They Speak English in Mexico City?
Being such a touristic city, you will certainly find people that can speak English. However, you'll have a lot better interactions if you speak a bit of Spanish, so we'd recommend picking up the basics at the very least.
What is the Best Currency to Use in Mexico City?
The currency used in Mexico is the Mexican peso. Currently (January 2025) every $1 USD gets you 20 pesos. We'd recommend taking a bit of cash out from the ATM so that you can enjoy the street food, and have money to tip or use on small vendors.
Is it Cheap to Visit Mexico City?
Mexico City can be a really affordable trip! We'd highly recommend making use of the public transportation and the delicious street food. This is one of out top Mexico City travel tips for first-time visitors in order to have a more authentic experience and to save money at the same time.
What Plugs are Used in Mexico City?
Mexico uses the same outlets as the US, which are for plug types A & B. The country operates on a 127V supply voltage and 60Hz.
Is it Safe to Drink the Water in Mexico City?
It's not advised for tourists to drink the tap water in Mexico. We'd recommend purchasing larger jugs of water, and then refilling your own reusable water bottle to be a more sustainable traveler.
Do You Tip in Mexico City?
The tipping culture in Mexico has been getting much closer to the US. While a typical tip was always 10%, you'll now notice that people will expect 15-20%. We honestly think 15% is more than enough, and don't believe it's necessary to tip more than that considering servers are paid a normal wage.
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Things to Do in Mexico City
Now that you know some of the basic Mexico City travel tips for first-time visitors, it's time to check out all of the fun things to do in the city!
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Here is a list of some of our must-do activities in Mexico City:
- Watch a Lucha Libre wrestling match
- Explore the museums of Mexico City
- Visit Bosque de Chapultepec
- Take a ride at Xochimilco
- Check out the ruins of Teotihuacan
- Go to China Town
- Explore the markets
- Enjoy one of the day trips from Mexico City
Want to learn more? We have a ton of other unique activities to enjoy around the capital, so wrote a complete guide for you with the timetables, ticket prices, and details for enjoying all that the city has to offer.
Mexico City Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors: Food & Drink
One of my favorite Mexico City travel tips for first-time visitors is to enjoy as much of the food scene as possible!
Mexico's capital is world-renown for its cuisine, and there are a ton of ways to enjoy the flavors of the city, from exploring the local markets, to diving into the street food scene, or taking a cooking class.
There are also a ton of trendy restaurants, cute cafes, and amazing dining opportunities whether you are looking for a fancy night out or need a nice place to work while traveling.
Here are a few fun activities you can sign up for to enjoy the food scene in Mexico City:
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Mexico City Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors: Getting Around
Alright, so you know some fun things to do and a lot of the basics, but it's time to get you around the city!
How Do Tourists Get Around in Mexico City?
- Metro (Subway) – The cheapest and fastest way to move around the city. Tickets cost just $5 MXN per ride, but it can get very crowded during peak hours.
- Ride share – Safe, convenient, and reliable rides that can be booked on apps. They’re more expensive than public transport but are a great option for tourists.
- Metrobus – A fast and comfortable bus system that uses dedicated lanes to avoid traffic. Ideal for longer distances and major routes.
- Authorized Taxis – Use only official taxis from designated stands to avoid scams. These are safer than street taxis but cost more than rideshare apps.
- Ecobici (Bike-Sharing System) – Perfect for exploring neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma. A great eco-friendly option with plenty of bike lanes.
- Walking – The best way to explore neighborhoods and discover hidden gems. Stick to safe areas and avoid walking alone at night.
- Colectivos (Shared Vans) – Super cheap and cover areas that other transport doesn’t. However, they can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Is Mexico City a Walkable City?
Mexico City is a really big city, but you can in fact walk a good bit of it. For example, we covered most of the top museums in Mexico City and China Town all on foot.
Within each neighborhood we'd recommend walking as much as you can (the safe and touristic ones of course) and we'd recommend using the metro to get from one neighborhood to another.
Is There Uber in Mexico City?
There is Uber in Mexico City! You can also use Cabify and Didi, which is a local ride share app. Ride share apps are pricier than public transportation, but they are an easy way to get around, and you can pay easily with your credit card.
Driving in Mexico City
Both times we visited Mexico City we had rental cars, and we aren't going to lie - it's a total shit show. Driving in this city is chaotic, confusing, and congested. We'd highly recommend only renting a car for day trips, which is what we used our car mostly for.
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Where to Stay in Mexico City
Mexico City is massive, and choosing an area to stay can be really hard! While we are not experts, we did get a pretty good breakdown from our friends that live in Mexico City.
Here are the best neighborhoods to stay in Mexico City for first-time visitors:
- Polanco: an upscale neighborhood with chic restaurants designer shops, and great safety
- Condesa: a trendy and tourist-friendly neighborhood with a strong expat presence
- Roma: a Bohemian/hipster neighborhood that is safe and popular with young travelers and digital nomads
- Coyoacan: cute cobblestone streets with lots of art and history for those that want a more cultural and laid-back stay
Polanco is a really chic area to stay in.
* You can click on the neighborhoods above to check out accommodation by neighborhood, or you can take a look at the map below to see more options.
Mexico City Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors: Safety
There are always so many safety concerns when it comes to visiting Mexico, but we'd like to clear some things up!
Is it Safe to Travel to Mexico City Right Now?
We felt completely safe in Mexico City, but it is always good to be extra cautious while visiting big cities.
One of our top Mexico City travel tips for first-time visitors is be aware of your belongings, as well as your surroundings. Stick to well-lit safe neighborhoods, and don't wander in the dark by yourself.
Can You Walk in Mexico City at Night?
You can certainly walk in Mexico City at night, so long as you are in a good neighborhood. Regardless of where you are though, we always recommend traveling with someone else while being out at night.
Should I Go to Mexico City by Myself?
You can certainly visit Mexico City by yourself! We'd recommend staying at a hostel though, so that you can enjoy all of the fun restaurants, bars, and activities with some friends.
Mexico City Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors: Other Things to Know About Visiting
Now you know a ton of Mexico City travel tips for first-time visitors! But don't go just yet - we have a few other things to share with you.
Weather in Mexico City
Mexico City has a mild, subtropical highland climate with pleasant temperatures year-round. The city’s weather is influenced by its high altitude (2,240 meters / 7,350 feet above sea level), which keeps it cooler than other parts of Mexico despite its location near the Tropic of Cancer.
In the winter Mexico City has warm and sunny weather during the day with chilly nights, while in the summer temperatures are just slightly hotter than normal.
Mexico City has great beautiful weather year round.
What is the Best Time to Go to Mexico City?
We visited Mexico City in November, and we truly were in love with the weather and vibe. It was October the first time we went, and the weather was still really nice, and also everything was decorated for Dia de los Muertos.
We'd either recommend coming here in October/November, or in March/April for the most pleasant temperatures.
Packing For a Trip to Mexico City
Here are some of the things we'd recommend bringing on your trip to Mexico City:
- Comfortable sandals for walking around
- Sweater or light jacket for the evenings, or if you're going to Teotihuacan
- Bag/ Backpack that zips (check out our list of favorite backpacks for travelers!)
- Sunscreen
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
- Wide Lens for inside the museums (we use Sony GM 14mm 1.8)
- Drone for beautiful shots of Xochimilco (We use the DJI Mavic Mini 4 Pro)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because you can use it with an extra long selfie stick to mimic a drone)
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks as they are super long lasting and durable)
- Cash for the tips and street vendors
- Travel toiletries (our favorites are from Sheer Alternatives because they're all natural and 100ml)
Carry a wide lens to capture more inside of the buildings.
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Is Mexico City Worth Going?
While most people flock to the beaches of Mexico, they really don't know what they're missing out on in Mexico City. The city is full of gorgeous architecture, delicious food, and some really unique experiences.
It truly is a destination that shows the heart and soul of Mexico, and is unlike the rest of the country.
We highly recommend giving it a shot, even if it's just 1-2 days connecting your trip to another part of Mexico.
How Many Days is Enough for Mexico City?
We'd recommend 2-3 full days to enjoy inside Mexico's capital, and at least a few more to be able to explore the great day trips from Mexico City.
You could easily choose Mexico City as your home base for a week or two, as there is so much to do in and around it.
There are so many great day trips from Mexico City to enjoy.
Travel Planning Tools
Here are some useful tools that you can use for planning your upcoming trip!
We hope you enjoy exploring Mexico's incredible capital, and that our Mexico City travel tips for first-time visitors has helped you greatly in planning your trip. It's a fascinating city, and one that all different traveler types can enjoy.
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