Mexico City is one of the great capitals of the world. Built on the ruins of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, it sits at about 2,240 metres in a valley ringed by mountains and volcanoes. About 9.2 million people live in the city itself, and its museums, markets and neighbourhoods could fill weeks.
Why visit Mexico City
For Aztec temples next to baroque churches, Diego Rivera’s murals, some of the best museums in the Americas, tree-lined districts full of cafés, and street food from tacos al pastor to tamales.
Top things to do in Mexico City
The Zócalo and the Templo Mayor
The huge main square, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace with Rivera’s murals and the excavated Templo Mayor, the main temple of Tenochtitlan.
Bellas Artes and the Alameda
The white marble Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Alameda Central park and, nearby, the Monument to the Revolution, with a viewing platform at the top.
Chapultepec
A vast park with Chapultepec Castle and the National Museum of Anthropology, home of the Aztec Sun Stone.
Roma and Condesa
Leafy streets, Art Deco buildings, parks, cafés and restaurants.
Coyoacán
A colonial village swallowed by the city, with the Frida Kahlo Museum in the Casa Azul.
Xochimilco
Trajinera boats on canals between floating gardens, especially lively at weekends.
The Basilica of Guadalupe
Mexico’s most visited shrine, in the north of the city.
Day trips from Mexico City
The pyramids of Teotihuacán (about an hour), Puebla and Cuernavaca (about 1.5–2 hours).
Best time to visit Mexico City
October to May is dry and sunny; March to May is warmest. June to September brings afternoon storms. Mornings and nights are cool all year.
Getting to and around Mexico City
Mexico City International (MEX) is close to the centre; Felipe Ángeles (NLU) is about an hour north. The Metro is cheap and extensive; the Metrobús runs along Reforma and Insurgentes, and ride-hailing apps are widely used.
What to eat in Mexico City
Tacos al pastor, tamales, quesadillas, chilaquiles, churros with chocolate and Mexican-style pan dulce.
Mexico City travel tips
- Allow for the altitude: drink water and go slowly on the first day.
- Many museums close on Mondays.
- Avoid the Metro at rush hour with luggage.
Mexico City FAQ
How many days do I need in Mexico City?
At least three or four, plus a day for Teotihuacán.
Which area is best to stay in?
The Centro and the area around Reforma for sightseeing; Roma and Condesa for cafés and nightlife.
