Updated September 11, 2023
To ensure that your trip to Mexico City is seamless and fun, follow these 15 Mexico City travel tips. We go over best practices for using money, getting around town, what to pack, and much more! Still have questions? Send us a message!
This is Mexico City 101: Don’t Drink the Water. Seriously guys, it’s not safe to drink, and even the locals avoid it. If you don’t want your Mexico City travels marred by Montezuma’s Revenge, then be sure to buy bottles of water. They’re everywhere in Mexico City and big bottles are cheap—usually about a dollar. To be extra safe, use it to brush your teeth, too.
Having a phone that works in Mexico City is awesome. With roaming data you can easily share your adventures on Instagram and Facebook, call an Uber after a long night out, and confidently navigate the city streets.
The good news is you may already have a phone plan that’s set up for roaming in Mexico. Check with your carrier. If this isn’t already included in your plan, you can add it for a couple of dollars a day. Believe us—it’s worth it!
Although some places in Mexico City do take cards (mostly big tourist attractions and hotels) it’s much easier to carry cash. This is especially true given the exchange rate—prices in Mexico City are favorable to American travelers. You want to try Mexico City’s famous street food, right? (the correct answer is: YES!) Have pesos in your pocket.
So when you travel to Mexico City, be sure to withdraw cash. Do this from the ATM at the airport or inside banks. These are safer than kiosks you may find on the street.
The easiest way to get around Mexico City is to use Uber. Mexico City is safe, but it’s like any big city—be aware, use caution, and call an Uber when the night is over.
The Mexico City metro is a good option too. However, it can get crowded and it’s a prime target for pickpockets. During the day it’s pretty safe. At night, however, it’s a better idea to take an Uber.
Transfers are one of the safest ways to travel. They can be pre-booked for longer journeys and are generally more reliable than Ubers or the metro.
Whatever you do, avoid the taxis. Mexico City has struggled with taxi scams and other problems, so it’s best just to steer clear.
No matter where you want to eat in Mexico City, you’ll find great options. But at the top of our list is Mexico City’s incredible street food. Tacos al pastor were created in Mexico City! With tamales, elotes, tlacoyos, and more constantly simmering on carts around the city, how can you resist?
Street food is generally safe. Just be sure to choose vendors with large crowds, as this ensures a high turnover rate and local loyalty.
If you want to fully experience Mexico City's food culture, joining a guided food tour is also a great idea. You'll explore authentic flavors, discover hidden local spots, and learn the rich history behind each dish—all while enjoying a stress-free culinary adventure.
No, you do need to tip in Mexico City. For good service at a restaurant, a 10% tip is standard. For excellent service, anything between 15–20% is acceptable.
Pro tip: It’s not required to tip when you get street food, but it is appreciated. You can give back the change to make things easy.
Check out our blog post on everything you need to know about tipping in Mexico City for more useful information!
You don’t need to be fluent in Spanish to get around Mexico City, but knowing some basic words and phrases will go a long way. Mexicans will appreciate it if you greet them with a simple hola (hello) and if you are gracious with gracias (thank you).
There’s no bad time to visit Mexico City. The temperature usually hovers between sixty and eighty degrees. But it can get chilly at night, which means that layers are the name of the game. Translation: you don’t need a visa to go to Mexico City—just a versatile jacket!
Mexico City is full of incredible neighborhoods. One of the best parts of visiting this dynamic city is exploring what each one has to offer. No matter where you decide to stay in Mexico City, it’s still fun to explore elsewhere. Roma, Condesa, and Polanco are often top-choices for visitors, but Juarez, San Rafael, and Coyoacan have their own special appeal.
Just like in any city, there are a few neighborhoods that should be avoided. Steer clear of Doctores, Tepito, Iztapalapa, and Ciudad Neza.
There are tons of truly amazing tourist attractions in Mexico City. Between ancient pyramids, active archeological sites, and tons of fantastic museums, there’s a lot to see. The big sites are a thrill, and definitely worth checking out.
The big sites are great, but there are also tons of non-touristy things to do in Mexico City to spice up your itinerary. Don’t miss out on the more unusual things to see in Mexico City: weird museums, obscure landmarks, and secret spots for delicious tacos.
Tip #12: Join a Tour to see the Best of Mexico City and Immerse Yourself in its Rich Culture
Whether you're interested in history, food, or art, guided tours offer an expert’s perspective on the city's must-see landmarks and hidden gems. You'll get a deeper understanding of places like the historic center, Frida Kahlo’s house, or even the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan. Plus, a tour takes the stress out of navigating, giving you more time to enjoy the vibrant energy of the city. It's a fun, informative way to enhance your experience and connect with Mexico City’s fascinating heritage.
So many of Mexico City’s must-see sights are free, which makes budgeting a breeze. Between free museums, cheap street food, and an advantageous exchange rate, traveling to Mexico City doesn’t have to break the bank.
We definitely encourage getting out of the city and exploring some of the awesome sights nearby. Check out Mexico City’s most distant neighborhoods (gems like San Angel and Xochimilco) and take a few hours to explore sights further away, like the incredible Pyramids of Teotihuacan and the colorful town of Puebla.
Using a travel agent can make planning your trip to Mexico City much easier and stress-free. With their local expertise and connections, travel agents can recommend the best hotels, tours, and transportation options tailored to your preferences and budget. They can also help you navigate complex itineraries, book unique experiences, and ensure you don’t miss out on must-see attractions. Plus, if any issues arise during your trip, a travel agent can provide support, giving you peace of mind.
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