10 Essential Travel Tips to Visit Mexico City (On Your Own)

Today we take you on a trip to one of the most interesting and contrasting metropolises in America: Mexico City (CDMX). After walking around it from top to bottom for a few days, we have come back loaded with recommendations: what is the best time to visit, what are the tourist must-sees, information on safety, how to get around and much more.

In this complete guide we take advantage of our experience to share what we consider to be the best tips for traveling to Mexico City (and not screwing it up).

Visiting Mexico City will be like discovering a small universe: you will walk among modern skyscrapers and pre-Hispanic ruins, you will cross charming and bohemian neighborhoods and others where the hustle and bustle of its people makes its way, you will visit world-class museums and you will find yourself negotiating the price of trinkets in its markets.

But in order to get the most out of this incredible destination, it is necessary to know a few tips first . And that is why we are here, take note because we are going to tell you the best tips for traveling to CDMX, or in other words, everything that we would have liked to know before going.

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10 Essential Travel Tips to Visit Mexico City (On Your Own)

1. Best time to visit CDMX

In general, Mexico City has a mild climate all year round , and coming from the old continent we won't notice a big difference in temperature between one month and another. But for the locals there is a lot of it! It's clear that each season offers something different and it's better to be prepared to avoid unexpected surprises.

If you love the sun and want to avoid the rain, the best time to visit is between March and May . During spring, temperatures range from 15 to 26 °C, which is ideal for exploring parks like Chapultepec Park or enjoying walks through neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa, which during this time are filled with flowers, especially the iconic jacarandas that cover the streets with their vibrant purple color.

Another great option is autumn, specifically from September to November , when the rains have decreased and the city experiences cool days, perfect for outdoor activities without the stifling heat of spring. Plus, there are fewer tourists in autumn, which will allow you to enjoy the city's main attractions without the crowds. But remember that from November onwards it gets a little cold, and you'll need some warm clothing, especially for the evenings.

We visited in October and found very good weather, with temperatures between 15 and 23 degrees, although it must be said that we were somewhat lucky as it was raining quite a lot the days before we arrived and when we left 😛

If you decide to travel during the months of June to September , be prepared for the rainy season . Although rainfall usually occurs in the afternoon, storms can be intense. However, this also has its charm: the vegetation is at its peak and the city seems greener than ever.

We leave you with a table of the average annual climate in Mexico City:

2. How to get from the airport to downtown CDMX

You should know that in Mexico City there are two airports :

› Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) : the main and busiest airport in the country. It is located quite close, about 10 km from the city center and has two terminals (T1 and T2). This is where we landed.

› Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) : It was opened in 2022, and is located about 40 km north of CDMX. We used it to take a domestic flight to Tulum.

We will focus on the options to get from Benito Juárez International Airport , which is probably the one you are interested in:

Metro : The “Terminal Aérea” station (line 5-yellow) is located in Terminal 1 of the airport. At 5 pesos (0.25€ at the current exchange rate), it is by far the cheapest option. However, it does not go all the way to the centre and you may have to transfer to other lines.
Metrobús : This is a public transport system with buses that run on exclusive lanes, making it faster than normal traffic. Line 4 connects both terminals with plenty of stops in the city centre and costs 30 pesos .
Authorized taxis : At the exits of both terminals you will find authorized taxi counters, which are safe and regulated. Don't stay with the first one, ask for the price at several (because it is not always the same) and choose the one that interests you the most. You must pay the fare there (they accept cards) and give the driver the slip they give you. The cost will depend on the distance, but is generally between 300 and 500 pesos (15-25€). We paid 340 pesos to go to the Cuauhtémoc area.
Uber, DiDi or inDrive : These apps are generally safe and convenient options for getting around CDMX, but there is currently a lot of chaos with taxi drivers, so it is not recommended to use them on the airport → city route to avoid tension. But before you go, find out if things are quiet and if so, calculate a price of 150-300 pesos to the Historic Center or areas like Roma or Condesa.
Private transfer : and if you really want to avoid any hassle, you can always book a pick-up service in advance, with a driver who will pick you up with a sign and take you directly to the hotel. You can book it online here.

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IMPORTANT : Traffic in CDMX is horrible , especially during rush hour, which is more complicated when entering in the morning and leaving in the afternoon. Keep this in mind when planning your transfer to the airport, we don't want to miss our flight due to a traffic jam ! For example, it took us about 1 hour to get to Cuauhtémoc from Felipe Ángeles Airport at around 10:00 am.

3. How to get around CDMX

CDMX has an extensive public transportation network that includes the Metro, Metrobús, buses and trolleybuses, as well as the popular colectivos and cable cars. We tell you a little more about each of them:

The Metro is the most efficient and economical means of transport, with over 12 lines connecting almost the entire city for just 5 pesos a ride, a real bargain. However, remember that during rush hour (7-10 am and 5-8 pm) it can be extremely crowded, so it is best to avoid it during those times.
The Metrobús is a comfortable and very accessible alternative, with several lines that cover the main areas and points of the city. The price for using the Metrobús is 6-7 pesos, and like the Metro, you use a rechargeable card that you can buy at the stations.
Urban buses and trolleybuses are the most extensive public transportation network in CDMX and reach almost all places, but they can be uncomfortable, slow, and congested. More information on the CDMX transportation website .
The Mexicable is a cable car that connects high areas and areas with difficult access. Currently there are two lines, both in the north of the city.
Colectivos are private passenger vans and minibuses that reach places where public transport does not offer service. They are commonly used by locals, but are not recommended for tourists as they are difficult to understand.

For short distances or to get around more comfortably, we recommend using apps like Uber, DiDi or inDrive (to register with DiDi you need a Mexican number). They are safe, with more than reasonable prices and work perfectly in almost any part of the city. We have always traveled this way and we have not had any problems, except for the trip from the airport, when we took an official taxi.

You can also opt for the Turibús , a tourist bus service that runs through the main points of interest in the city, with several routes that allow you to get on and off at different areas. You can book your place here . And something that we found very interesting was the night tourist bus , to enjoy the illuminated city. Take a look .

mexico city tips

4. Where to stay in Mexico City

One of the best tips for traveling to Mexico City that we can give you is: choose the area where you look for accommodation carefully . This city is huge and it is NOT worth staying in neighborhoods that are far from everything, because you will spend the day on public transportation. You also have to consider the "security" factor and avoid the most conflictive areas. And of course, give priority to dynamic neighborhoods, which are trendy, with hotel, restaurant and leisure options.

Taking all this into account, we would look for accommodation in these areas:

Historic Center : Ideal for those looking to be close to the city's main attractions, such as the Zócalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Here you'll find everything from hostels to boutique hotels in restored colonial buildings. It's a perfect choice if you're interested in history and architecture.
Roma and Condesa : two of the trendiest neighborhoodsin the city, full of bohemian life, art and gastronomy. There are plenty of accommodation options, from Airbnbs to designer hotels, in a quieter atmosphere than in the center, with parks, cafes and restaurants. This is our favorite option.
Polanco : This is the most exclusive and luxurious area of the city, with five-star hotels, gourmet restaurants and luxury shops, although you can also find good accommodation deals. It is close to important museums such as the Museo Soumaya and the Museo Nacional de Antropología. It is the best option if you have a high budget and are looking for a more sophisticated experience.
Coyoacán : If you prefer a quieter, more traditional atmosphere, Coyoacán is perfect. This historic neighborhood, the oldest in Mexico City, offers a charming atmosphere, with cobblestone plazas, craft markets, and Frida Kahlo's famous Casa Azul. It's a great place for those who want a more cultural experience, but it's a bit far from the center.

We stayed at the VIVE MX Cuauhtémoc hotel , a chain of small designer hotels with several establishments, and this one in particular seemed like a good choice.

⭐ We expand the information and give you interesting accommodation options in our article on the best areas to stay in Mexico City .

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5. What to do in CDMX

With an almost endless range of leisure, cultural and gastronomic activities, it is impossible to get bored in Mexico City . We spent 4 full days there and it was not enough. The city has impressive historical buildings, very interesting neighborhoods, some of the best museums in the country and fun and somewhat random activities that can only be experienced here… In addition to several free tours to get the most out of CDMX .

We leave you our top 5 things to do in Mexico City:

Strolling through the Historic Center : don't miss the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Templo Mayor, the National Palace and the Palace of Fine Arts.
Breathe in Chapultepec Park : This is the largest park in the city, where you can take a boat ride, visit Chapultepec Castle or enjoy the National Museum of Anthropology.
Discover Coyoacán : This neighborhood was one of our favorites and is also where Frida Kahlo's Blue House is located, and you must reserve a ticket in advance.
Boarding a trajinera in Xochimilco : sailing through the canals on one of these traditional boats, while enjoying live music and typical food is one of the best experiences to have in Mexico.
Going to a wrestling match : something that is already part of the Mexican imagination, and for us, one of the most fun and unique things to do in Mexico City, as well as being cheap. Here we tell you about our experience at a wrestling show in CDMX .

IMPORTANT: Many museums in Mexico City are closed on Mondays , so it is best to plan cultural visits for the rest of the week.

⭐ Here is our top 10 places to visit in Mexico City .

6. Best excursions from CDMX

Mexico City is located in an area that allows for some super fun getaways to complete a perfect visit. These are our favorites:

Teotihuacán : Just an hour from the city, these ancient pyramids are among the most impressive in the country and an example of the legacy of pre-Hispanic cultures.
Basilica of Guadalupe : the most important place of Catholicism in Mexico, where the apparitions of the Virgin Mary took place. Today there are 2 basilicas, the old and the new, the latter houses the famous image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Puebla and Cholula : Discover the colonial architecture of Puebla and visit the largest pyramid in the world in Cholula.
Nevado de Toluca : If you love nature, this volcano is perfect for an unforgettable hike.

Although you can do them on your own with a little planning, we do recommend signing up for organized tours to optimize time (especially transfers) and have a specialized guide. In this case, it is essential to book a few days in advance to ensure a place, especially on the most popular excursions. Here are some interesting suggestions:

Tour to Teotihuacán, Basilica of Guadalupe and Tlatelolco , for us, essential.
Excursion to Puebla, Cholula and Tonanzintla , only if you are going to spend several days in CDMX and want to visit other nearby historical cities and natural environments.
Tour to Taxco and Cuernavaca , an interesting alternative to the previous one, in which you visit some pre-Hispanic mines and two very beautiful colonial cities.
Hiking in the Nevado de Toluca / Excursion to the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes , two proposals for nature and hiking lovers.

⭐ We expand the list in our article on the best excursions from Mexico City .

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7. Security in CDMX

One of the most common questions when planning a trip to Mexico City is about safety. Every trip and every experience is different, but in our case we can only say that we felt safe at all times and did not experience any compromising situations. Generally, in tourist areas and with a certain amount of caution you will not have any problems and it is always important to follow a series of recommendations:

Avoid remote areas and walking alone at night.
Pay attention to your belongings in crowded places and on public transportation.
Do not get into cars that are not authorized taxis or that you have not contacted via Uber or Didi.
Do not display valuables, such as phones or cameras, in non-tourist areas.
Almost everything can be paid for by card, so don't carry large amounts of cash.
Use common sense and of course, stay out of trouble.

8. What and where to eat in Mexico City

If there is one thing that is never lacking in Mexico, it is places where you can taste some of the most delicious dishes of Mexican cuisine . Try at least these:

Tacos : tortillas filled with meat, chicken or vegetables, served with onions, cilantro and sauces.
Mole : thick sauce made with chili peppers and chocolate, usually served with chicken or turkey.
Tamales : corn dough filled with meat or fruit, cooked in corn leaves.
Pozole : thick soup made of hominy corn and meat, accompanied by radishes and lettuce.
Ceviche : raw fish or seafood marinated in lemon juice with onion and cilantro.
Chiles en nogada : poblano chiles stuffed with minced meat, covered with walnut and pomegranate sauce.
Sopes : thick tortillas with beans, meat and cream, with raised edges.
Sweet bread : pastries of various types (conchas, cinnamon rolls, cuernito, garibaldi...) made by hand in local bakeries.
And to drink, don't forget to try tequila , mezcal or pulque , the latter best in a traditional pulquería.

⭐ And if you want to know where to taste these delicacies, here are our favorite restaurants where to eat in Mexico City (well and cheap).

9. Get up early and stay up late

It may seem like a bit of an absurd tip, but we assure you that it will be one of the most rewarding tips you can get when you visit Mexico City. It's a good idea to get up early for one reason: to avoid the crowds at the most visited places in the city, such as museums, historical sites or parks. However, check the schedules first, so you don't end up waiting unnecessarily.

And when night falls, don't go to bed at 9 pm like you're a grandma, or at least not every night. Mexico City is famous for its nightlife and you should get to know its more mischievous and fun side, especially in neighborhoods like Condesa, Roma or Polanco, full of lively bars, restaurants with very nice terraces and events with live music.

*National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City*

10. More tips for traveling to Mexico City

Here are a few extra recommendations to make your trip to Mexico City go smoothly:

If CDMX is your first destination in Mexico, keep the entry card they give you at the airport. If you lose it, you can always request a duplicate or have your passport stamped before taking your outbound flight, but it can cost you about 700-800 pesos.
Although we told you that many stores accept card payments, it is a good idea to always carry some cash to use in small businesses, markets or vendors.
Remember that the city is located at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level and if you are not used to it, you may suffer from altitude sickness . To prevent this, there is nothing better than staying hydrated (water, beers don't count!).
Avoid taking a taxi/Uber during rush hour , as traffic can be VERY heavy.
Always put on sunscreen because even if it's cloudy, the Mexican sun is strong.
Book your tickets for Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul in advance and remember that with the same ticket you can enter the Anahuacalli Museum for free.
Wear comfortable shoes , you're going to be walking a lot, and if you're in the rainy season, it's a good idea to pack a raincoat/umbrella .

If you follow these recommendations, your trip to Mexico City will be a resounding success. Feel free to reach out if you know any other tips for traveling to Mexico City to add to this post.

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