Places / North & Central America / Mexico
Mexico City
Visited in October 2009
At a glance
- Country
- Mexico
- Region
- —
- Population
- 212,500
- Best time to go
- March to May, October to November
- Main airport
- Benito Juárez International (MEX)
- Coordinates
- 19.43°N, 99.13°W
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Overview
Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the Americas, built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. It has more museums than almost any city in the world, a wonderful food scene and leafy neighbourhoods made for wandering.
It sits 2,240 metres above sea level, so take it easy on your first day.
Things to see
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Photo: Ulisesmorales, CC BY-SA 3.0 Zócalo and the Metropolitan Cathedral
One of the world's largest squares, at the heart of the historic centre.
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Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, CC BY-SA 4.0 Templo Mayor
The excavated main temple of the Aztec capital, right beside the cathedral.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: kornemuz, CC BY-SA 3.0 National Museum of Anthropology
A world-class collection including the Aztec Sun Stone. Allow half a day.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Nachtwächter, CC BY-SA 3.0 Frida Kahlo Museum
The Blue House in Coyoacán where the artist lived. Book ahead.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Xavier Quetzalcoatl Contreras Castillo, CC BY-SA 3.0 Palacio de Bellas Artes
A spectacular art deco palace with murals by Rivera and Orozco.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Sisgeo, CC BY-SA 4.0 Chapultepec Park and Castle
A huge park with a hilltop castle and city views.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Hdlrosa, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Teotihuacan
Climb the Pyramid of the Sun, or see it from a hot-air balloon at sunrise.
Find tours -
Photo: ProtoplasmaKid, CC BY-SA 4.0 Xochimilco trajinera ride
Float along ancient canals on brightly painted boats with mariachi bands.
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Photo: Larry Miller, CC BY-SA 2.0 Street food tour
Tacos al pastor, tlacoyos and churros with hot chocolate.
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Photo: Thelmadatter, Public domain Lucha libre
Masked wrestling at Arena México, a loud and colourful night out.
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Where to stay
Roma Norte
Tree-lined streets with cafés, galleries and great restaurants.
Hotels in Roma NorteCondesa
Leafy art deco neighbourhood with parks and a relaxed feel.
Hotels in CondesaCentro Histórico
Close to the Zócalo and museums; quieter at night.
Hotels in Centro HistóricoPolanco
Upmarket area near Chapultepec with luxury hotels and fine dining.
Hotels in Polanco
Getting around
The Metro is huge and very cheap but crowded at peak times. Ride-hailing apps are safe and affordable. Roma, Condesa and Polanco are great for walking.
The airport is close to the city, about 20 to 40 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing app depending on traffic.
When to go
March to May is warm and dry, and October to November is pleasant, with Day of the Dead celebrations in early November. June to September is the rainy season, usually with afternoon showers.
Plan your trip to Mexico City
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.