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Mexico City travel guide

Mexico

Basics

CountryMexico

Time zoneAmerica/Mexico_City

CurrencyMXN

Official language(s)Spanish

Be sure to try the local cuisine. It's advisable to stay around tourist areas for safety.

Places to visit

Xochimilco

A famous area known for its traditional canals and colorful trajineras. On weekends, it is a lively place to enjoy music and food while seeing a different side of Mexico City.

LocationXochimilco, Ciudad de México, CDMX, México

Nearest stationMetro Xochimilco / Tren Ligero Xochimilco

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionBoat fare extra

Travel tipBoat prices can involve negotiation, so confirm the fare before boarding.

Frida Kahlo Museum

A must-see museum dedicated to the life and work of Frida Kahlo, also known as the Blue House. Tickets can sell out quickly, so booking ahead is wise.

LocationLondres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, México

Nearest stationMetro Coyoacán / Viveros-Derechos Humanos

HoursTue–Sun 10:00–18:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipWeekends are especially busy, so consider a weekday morning visit.

National Museum of Anthropology

Mexico’s largest archaeology and anthropology museum, with an outstanding collection covering Aztec, Maya, and other Mesoamerican cultures.

LocationAv. Paseo de la Reforma y Calzada Gandhi s/n, Chapultepec Polanco, Ciudad de México, CDMX, México

Nearest stationMetro Auditorio

HoursTue–Sun 09:00–20:00

AdmissionGeneral admission around MXN 100

Travel tipIt is hard to see everything in one visit, so focus on the main galleries and go early for the most popular pieces.

Cuicuilco Archaeological Zone

A pre-Aztec archaeological site in southern Mexico City, best known for its circular pyramid.

LocationInsurgentes Sur s/n, Peñón de los Baños, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, CDMX, México

Nearest stationMetro Universidad

HoursTue–Sun 09:00–17:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt is not large, but it has great historical value, so pairing it with a nearby museum works well.

Chápultepec Park

A park to enjoy nature and relax.

HoursAlways open

AdmissionFree

Travel tipGreat for walking or cycling.

Mercado de La Merced

The largest local market in Mexico City.

HoursDaily 7:00-22:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipShop for local groceries and crafts.

Teotihuacan

An ancient city site of Mesoamerica.

HoursDaily 9:00-17:00

Admission80 MXN

Travel tipGo early to climb the pyramids.

National Museum of Art

It hosts exhibitions featuring traditional Mexican art.

HoursTue-Sun 10:00-18:00

Admission50 MXN

Travel tipThe entrance fee is low, so visit early to enjoy.

Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral

A cathedral with beautiful colonial architecture.

HoursDaily 9:00-17:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipTake a close look at the interior of the cathedral.

Food to try

Café de Tacuba

A classic restaurant known for serving traditional Mexican dishes in a comfortable setting. It has long been popular in the historic center and is well regarded for breakfast and full meals.

LocationCalle de Tacuba 28, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX, México

Nearest stationBellas Artes

HoursDaily 08:00–23:00

AdmissionMain dishes around MXN 200–400

Travel tipLines can form at lunchtime, so an earlier visit is helpful.

Mercado de la Merced

A huge market packed with local produce and street food, great for experiencing everyday Mexico City life.

LocationComonfort 32, Merced Balbuena, Venustiano Carranza, Ciudad de México, CDMX, México

Nearest stationMetro Merced

HoursUsually daily 07:00–18:00

AdmissionFree entry; food purchased separately

Travel tipIt can be crowded, so watch your belongings and choose busy stalls for food.

El Cardenal

A classic restaurant known for traditional Mexican breakfasts, hot chocolate, and chilaquiles.

LocationAv. de la Paz 32, San Ángel, Álvaro Obregón, Ciudad de México, CDMX, México

Nearest stationMetro Barranca del Muerto

HoursDaily 08:00–22:00

AdmissionMenu prices around MXN 150–350

Travel tipGo in the morning for the best experience of a very Mexican breakfast.

Taquería Los Cocuyos

One of Mexico City’s iconic taquerías, especially famous for its tacos al pastor.

LocationLondres 136, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, CDMX, México

Nearest stationMetro Insurgentes

HoursDaily 12:00–02:00

AdmissionAround MXN 25–40 per taco

Travel tipIt gets busy late at night, so go earlier if you want to avoid the crowd.

Sanborns

A famous restaurant offering traditional Mexican food.

HoursDaily 9:00-21:00

Admission200-500 MXN

Travel tipTry the special menus and drinks!

Tabasco

A modern Mexican restaurant using smoked dishes and fresh ingredients.

HoursTue-Fri 13:00-22:00 / Sat-Sun 10:00-22:00 / Closed on Mon

AdmissionApprox. 300-700 MXN

Travel tipReservations are recommended.

Taco al Pastor

A popular taco made with fresh pork and pineapple.

HoursDaily 10:00-20:00

Admission30-70 MXN / per person

Travel tipExpect long lines on weekends!

Events

Day of the Dead season events

From late October to early November, the city hosts traditional events, parades, and altar displays.

WhenEvery year from late October to early November

LocationCiudad de México, CDMX, México

Nearest stationMetro Zócalo/Tenochtitlan

HoursVaries by event

AdmissionMostly free

Travel tipThis is one of the busiest travel periods, so book accommodation and transport in advance.

Mexico City Music Festival

An event that gathers various musicians from around the world.

WhenAround March every year

Travel tipCheck the performance schedule in advance.

Subway lines

Línea 1 (Observatorio → Pantitlán)Línea 12Línea 2Línea 3Línea 4 (Santa Anita → Martín Carrera)Línea 5 (Politécnico → Pantitlán)Línea 6Línea 7Línea 8 (Constitución de 1917 → Garibaldi/Lagunilla)Línea 9 (Tacubaya → Pantitlán)Línea A (Pantitlán → La Paz)Línea B (Ciudad Azteca → Buenavista)Tren Ligero (Xochimilco → Tasqueña)

Basic travel phrases (Spanish)

Hola

Hola · Greeting

Gracias

Gracias · Thanks

Mucho gusto

Mucho gusto · Nice to meet you

Que tengas un buen día

Que tengas un buen dia · Wishing a good day

Bienvenido

Bienvenido · Welcome

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