Mexico City
Updated October 19, 2026
Also known as: CDMX, Ciudad de México, Tenochtitlan, El DF
Main Landmarks in Mexico City
History
Mexico City stands on the site of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec, or Mexica, people, founded according to tradition in 1325 on an island in Lake Texcoco. By the early 16th century it was one of the largest cities in the world, with perhaps 200,000 people, linked to the shore by causeways and supplied by floating gardens called chinampas. In 1521 the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and his Indigenous allies captured the city after a long siege, and the Spanish built their capital, the centre of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, on its ruins, using stones from Aztec temples for churches and palaces. The lake was gradually drained over the following centuries, leaving the city on soft ground. After independence in 1821, Mexico City became the national capital. It was occupied by US troops in 1847 and by French forces in the 1860s. The 20th century brought rapid growth, the 1968 Olympics and devastating earthquakes in 1985 and 2017. In 2016 the Federal District was renamed Ciudad de México, CDMX. Today about 9.2 million people live in the city and around 22 million in the metropolitan area.
Culture
Mexico City is the political, economic and cultural centre of Mexico, a vast and energetic metropolis where Aztec ruins, colonial palaces and modern skyscrapers stand side by side. It has more museums than almost any other city in the world, around 150, from the National Museum of Anthropology to the homes of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, whose murals cover the walls of public buildings. Food is central to daily life: street stalls serve tacos al pastor, tamales and quesadillas at every corner, while chefs in Roma and Polanco run some of the world's top-ranked restaurants. Markets such as La Merced and San Juan offer everything from chillies to insects. Music fills the streets, from mariachi bands in Plaza Garibaldi to rock and electronic concerts. Lucha libre, Mexican wrestling with masked fighters, draws crowds every week. Neighbourhoods have distinct characters, from the bohemian Coyoacán and the leafy Condesa and Roma to the historic centre. Religious devotion is strong, especially at the Basilica of Guadalupe. Chilangos, as residents are called, are known for their humour and resilience.
Climate
Spring
9–28°C
March to May is the warmest and driest period, with 24–28°C days and cool nights, and purple jacaranda trees bloom acros…
Summer
12–25°C
June to September is the rainy season, with mild 22–25°C days and heavy afternoon or evening thunderstorms that can floo…
Autumn
8–24°C
October and November bring the end of the rainy season, pleasant 20–24°C days and clear skies. The Day of the Dead, on 1…
Winter
5–23°C
December to February is dry and sunny, with 20–23°C days but cold nights that can drop to 4–6°C, as many buildings lack …
Fun Facts
One of the cities with the most museums
Mexico City has around 150 museums, one of the highest numbers of any city in the world. They include the National Museu…
The city is sinking
Because Mexico City was built on the soft clay bed of former Lake Texcoco, and groundwater has been pumped from beneath …
A city at high altitude
Mexico City lies at about 2,240 m above sea level in a highland valley surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, including …
Floating gardens from Aztec times
Xochimilco, in the south of the city, preserves a network of canals and chinampas, artificial islands created by the Azt…
The world's largest Spanish-speaking city
With about 22 million people in its metropolitan area, Mexico City is the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world and…
A stadium that hosted two World Cup finals
The Estadio Azteca, opened in 1966, hosted the FIFA World Cup finals in 1970, when Brazil won, and 1986, when Argentina …
Local Cuisine in Mexico City
Practical Travel Information
Transport & Accessibility
International Transport
Mexico City International Airport, Benito Juárez (MEX), about 10 km east of the centre, is the busiest airport in Mexico and Latin America, with flights to North America, Europe, Asia and across Latin America. Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU), opened in 2022 about 45 km north, serves some domestic and international routes. Long-distance buses from four main terminals connect the city with all regions of Mexico. Mexico City is a hub for domestic flights to Cancún, Oaxaca, Guadalajara and other destinations.
Local Transport
Mexico City has an extensive and very cheap public transport system. The metro has 12 lines with a fare of 5 pesos, and the Metrobus rapid transit has 7 lines, including one to the airport. A rechargeable Mobility Integrated Card is used on the metro, Metrobus, light rail and Ecobici bike-sharing. Uber, Didi and authorised taxis are safe and affordable, and recommended at night. Traffic is very heavy, especially at rush hour. Walking is pleasant in Roma, Condesa, Coyoacán and the historic centre.
Safety & Health
Personal Safety
Mexico City is safer than many people expect, especially in tourist neighbourhoods such as the historic centre, Roma, Condesa, Polanco and Coyoacán, but normal urban precautions are needed. Pickpockets operate in crowded places such as the metro, markets and the Zócalo. Keep phones and wallets secure, and avoid showing valuables. Use Uber, Didi or authorised taxis rather than hailing taxis on the street, especially at night. Avoid poorly lit and empty streets after dark and some peripheral neighbourhoods such as Tepito. Earthquake alarms sound across the city; follow evacuation signs. In an emergency, call 911.
Medical Services
Mexico City has excellent private hospitals, such as Hospital Ángeles, Médica Sur and the American British Cowdray (ABC) Medical Center, with English-speaking doctors and international standards, as well as public hospitals. Private care is affordable compared with the United States but travel insurance is strongly recommended. Pharmacies such as Farmacias del Ahorro and Similares are everywhere, and many have consultation rooms with doctors for minor issues for a small fee. Drink bottled water. The altitude and air pollution can affect people with breathing conditions.
Budget & Costs
Travel Costs
Mexico City offers excellent value. A hostel bed costs about 300–500 pesos, a mid-range hotel 1,500–3,000 pesos and a luxury hotel from 5,000 pesos per night. A street taco costs 15–30 pesos, a comida corrida set lunch 100–180 pesos, dinner at a mid-range restaurant 400–800 pesos per person and a craft cocktail 150–250 pesos. A metro ride costs 5 pesos, the Anthropology Museum about 100 pesos, the Frida Kahlo Museum about 300–350 pesos and a trajinera boat 600–800 pesos per hour. A mid-range traveller should budget about 2,000–3,500 pesos per day.
Budget Tips
Eat street food and comida corrida set lunches, which are filling and cheap. Use the metro and Metrobus, which cost only a few pesos. Visit free sights such as the National Palace murals, the Zócalo, the Basilica of Guadalupe and Chapultepec Park. Many museums are free on Sundays for residents, though foreigners may still pay. Stay in Roma or Condesa for good value and walkability. Share a trajinera in Xochimilco with a group to split the cost. Free Sunday bike rides are fun.
Culture & Traditions
Social Norms
People in Mexico City are friendly and polite, and greetings such as buenos días and con permiso, excuse me, are important. Friends greet with a kiss on the cheek. Meals are social and long, with lunch, the main meal, usually from 14:00 to 16:00. Tipping of 10–15% is customary in restaurants, and small tips are given to baggers in supermarkets and car park attendants. Dress is generally casual but smart in upscale restaurants. Respect religious sites and ceremonies. Punctuality is relaxed in social settings.
Cultural Activities
Watch the Ballet Folklórico de México at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. See lucha libre wrestling at Arena México. Listen to mariachi bands in Plaza Garibaldi in the evening. Take a food tour through markets and street stalls. Visit Diego Rivera's murals at the National Palace and the Ministry of Education. Celebrate the Day of the Dead in November. Explore contemporary art in Roma and the Jumex Museum. Join a cooking class to learn mole and salsas. Ride a bike along Reforma on car-free Sundays.
Unique Experiences in Mexico City
Glide through the canals of Xochimilco on a colourful trajinera boat, with mariachis serenading from passing boats and vendors selling tacos and micheladas. Boats cost about 600–800 pesos per hour for up to 20 people. Go on a weekend for a festive atmosphere or on a weekday for calm.
Watch lucha libre, Mexican wrestling with masked fighters, acrobatics and dramatic performances, at Arena México on Tuesday or Friday nights. Tickets cost about 100–600 pesos. Buy a souvenir mask, cheer loudly for your favourite and go with a guide if you prefer.
Take a street food tour through the historic centre, Roma or Coyoacán, tasting tacos al pastor, tamales, quesadillas, churros and mezcal with a local guide. Tours cost about 1,000–2,000 pesos and last three to four hours. Arrive hungry and wear comfortable shoes.
Fly in a hot air balloon at sunrise over the pyramids of Teotihuacan, then explore the Pyramid of the Sun and the Avenue of the Dead on foot. Balloon flights cost about 2,500–4,500 pesos including breakfast and transport. Book with licensed operators and wear warm layers.
Watch the Ballet Folklórico de México at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a colourful show of traditional dances from across Mexico, performed in the theatre with its Tiffany glass curtain. Tickets cost about 400–2,000 pesos. Book online in advance, and dress smart casual.
Travel Recommendations for Mexico City
Stay in Roma, Condesa or the historic centre for walkability, restaurants and easy access to sights. Roma and Condesa ha…
Book popular sights in advance, especially the Frida Kahlo Museum, which sells out weeks ahead, and the Ballet Folklóric…
Use Uber or Didi to get around, especially at night, as they are safe, cheap and convenient. The metro is very cheap but…
Take it easy for the first day or two to adapt to the altitude of about 2,240 m. Drink plenty of water, limit alcohol, w…
Eat like a local by trying street food from busy stalls, comida corrida set lunches and traditional markets such as Merc…