Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is a great place to start your journey! It’s full of history, culture, and energy. There’s so much to see, from ancient ruins right in the middle of the city to vibrant neighborhoods, museums, and amazing street food everywhere.
What you need to know before planning your trip
- Museums are closed on Mondays, so make sure you don’t plan any museum visits that day.
- Book a taxi in advance from the airport to the city center to avoid scams when you arrive.
- Always carry cash, as many places still don’t accept credit cards.
- Many restaurant will ask for 5-10% tips.
- On Sundays, many attractions are free for Mexican nationals, so expect bigger crowds.
- You won’t find official tourist offices everywhere, but there are information points around the city that are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
- There’s a free walking tour of the historic center run by Estación México. You don’t pay for the tour, just tip what you want at the end.
- The Turibus is a hop-on-hop-off touristic bus that takes you around the city’s main spots. It’s a good option if you’re short on time or want to get a general overview of the city.
Day 1 and 2: Mexico City center
Start your day at Zócalo Plaza, one of the most beautiful squares in the world! It’s also the historical heart of Mexico City. From there, you’ll spot the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral in the distance, apparently the largest cathedral in all of Latin America.
Keep walking and make your way to Tenochtitlan, where you can visit the fascinating Templo Mayor. You can see most of it from the outside but if you want to you can walk through the remains and visit the small museum to learn more about the history of Tenochtitlan. It’s quite interesting to see the ruins of an archeological site surrounded by a modern city.
Next, head to Francisco I. Madero Street, a lively pedestrian street filled with shops, energy, and local vibes. Along the way, don’t miss La Casa de los Azulejos, a stunning building with a beautiful tiled facade that’s perfect for a photo.
Visit at the San Juan Market, where you can try all sorts of local foods. It’s a great place to end your day with something tasty and authentic.
Mexico City even has its own Chinatown, though funny enough, there aren’t many Chinese people around. It’s a super short street, but still fun to walk through.
Then head to Chapultepec Park, one of the largest city parks in the world. It’s full of energy, especially in the evening when people gather to dance salsa, just go and watch, it’s amazing! Inside the park, visit the Castillo de Chapultepec, a beautiful castle on a hill with great views and an interesting museum.
If you have more time, explore the neighborhoods of La Roma and La Condesa. Both are great for walking around, eating tacos, sipping tequila, and just enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
Finally, don’t miss the Frida Kahlo House in Coyoacán, a colorful and charming area full of character. Also nearby are the Xochimilco canals, where you can hop on a boat, listen to mariachi music, and float through a one-of-a-kind part of the city.
Day 3: Teotihuacan excursion
Teotihuacan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico, definitely a must-see. Set aside a full day for this amazing excursion. It’s located just about an hour from Mexico City.
Most tours include several stops, and one of the highlights is a visit to the Basilica of Guadalupe, which is an absolutely beautiful place to see. Even if you decide to go on your own and not take a tour, you should still make a stop at the Basilica, it’s totally worth it. You can find all the information about the exucursion here
Conclusion on Mexico City
Unlike what many people think, Mexico is not as dangerous as its reputation. In fact, it actually feels pretty safe, especially in popular areas and tourist-friendly cities. Of course, like anywhere, you should use common sense and avoid the regions known to be dangerous.
There are many things to see in Mexico city, and do not miss Teothiucana and the beautiful Gualape Basilic and its park.