Where To Stay In Mexico City: Your Local Guide

Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world. It’s a major center for finance, commerce, and transportation and has been an important city since Aztec times with many different cultures influencing it over time. It’s a must see for travelers. With so much to do and see there are plenty of options for accommodation – but which one should you choose? We’ll show you some great places to stay!

Mexico City is huge!

Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world with a population of over 20.5 million. It’s also one of the most polluted, but this doesn’t stop it from being so interesting! The city has a lot of history and beauty, many different spots are perfect for your stay. You could visit the National Museum of History or spend some time at Chapultepec Park.

Why should you go to Mexico City?

Mexico City is a vibrant, vast city with something for everyone. Mexico City has many different cultures; it’s interesting to see how they’ve all mixed over time and left their mark on Mexico City. No matter if you want culture or nightlife Mexico City has you covered.

Mexico City is perfect for people who like to be surrounded by culture and history but also like to stay at one of the growing number of boutique hotels that are offering an atmosphere that can’t be beaten. The best way to discover Mexico when visiting Mexico City would have been public transportation until recently where Uber became ubiquitous in the city as its quick and cheap way of getting around. Although just realize traffic can suck depending on what time you’re out so plan accordingly!

Where should you stay?

Centro Historico

Centro Historico is Mexico City’s historic center. It is the original city before Mexico City grew around it. In 1521, when Mexico city was founded by Spanish conquerors, this was the area that would be the original Mexico City (although not as big). Centro Historico is also home to Mexico City’s downtown area and main financial district. Centro Historico is filled with cultural heritage and color. It has a lot of great museums and galleries, but you’ll also find many street performers and taco stands on every corner.

The Zona Rosa: upscale business district

The Zona Rosa is Mexico City’s upscale business district. It’s Mexico City’s equivalent to New York City’s Midtown, the Golden Triangle in Bangkok, and Mexico City’s Flatiron District. Containing a lot of Mexico City’s skyscrapers and offices, the Zona Rosa is rife with commerce and industry. There are many great shopping malls in the area, but also a lot of historical landmarks like Chapultepec Castle.

Zona Rosa is also known for its nightlife, as it has some fantastic restaurants and bars that line Avenida Presidente Masaryk.

Condesa: trendy, hipster neighborhood

The neighborhood of Condesa is a trendy, hipster neighborhood. There are cafes and restaurants on every block. Lots of Mexico City’s art galleries and museums are also located in the area since Mexico City’s rich history has transformed the area into a cultural hub. It is the perfect place for culture seekers and nightlife hounds to stay!

Roma Norte: bohemian and artsy

Roma Norte is a bohemian and artsy district with a lot of character. It’s Mexico City’s equivalent to New York City’s Williamsburg and Clinton Hill – there are traditional Mexican markets, live music, murals, and graffiti on every street corner. There are also large art galleries and museums in the area that speak to Mexico City’s rich history. If you want a more authentic Mexico City experience while visiting Mexico City then this is the place to stay!

Polanco: luxury district

Polanco is Mexico City’s high-end shopping district for luxury goods. It’s Mexico City’s equivalent to NYC’s Avenue of the Americas, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, or Fifth Avenue in New York. Polanco has many upscale shopping boutiques and restaurants as well as some historical landmarks like ancient buildings and churches. So no matter what you’re looking for you can find it on Polanco!

Coyoacan: known for its colonial architecture 

Coyoacan is Mexico City’s historic district with the second largest number of colonial buildings. It is also famous for its architecture. This area is also a chill place with a slower vibe so this is a great place to stay if you are looking for a Mexico City getaway with less noise and more chill vibes.

Roma: hipster heaven

Roma is Mexico City’s hipster district, with many cafes and restaurants on every block. Mexico City has a rich history that Roma is proud of- Mexico city was founded Mexico City’s rich history has transformed Roma into a cultural hub with art galleries and museums. If you want a more authentic Mexico City experience while visiting Mexico City then this is the place to stay!

San Rafael: Artsy and up-and-coming

San Rafael Mexico City is Mexico City’s up-and-coming cultural hub. It’s Mexico City’s equivalent to Mexico City’s Williamsburg and Clinton Hill – a bohemian district with many traditional Mexican markets, live music, murals, and graffiti. There are also large art galleries and museums in the area that speak to Mexico City’s rich history. San Rafael Mexico City is located near Roma Mexico City which is more of a hipster district with cafes and restaurants on every block.

Tlalpan: close to the airport

Tlalpan is another Mexico City district that you might want to consider when looking for accommodations. It’s close to the Mexico City airport and thus good for those arriving or departing from Mexico City. Tlalpan is Mexico City’s equivalent to Mexico City’s suburbs. It has everything that Mexico City has, just further away from the city center. Public transport is also much easier in Mexico City’s suburbs than it is within Mexico City itself.

Tlalpan is perfect for those looking to be close to the Mexico City airport but want to avoid staying right in Mexico City. It’s also good for those that are looking to stay outside of Mexico City’s historic Centro Historico, but still want to be right in Mexico City. Remember Mexico City is a huge city and unless you’re willing to spend every single day in Mexico City (if you do then perhaps Mexico City isn’t the best place to stay) then Mexico City’s suburbs are a great place to be.

What to do in Mexico City

Mexico City is home to many museums like Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology and Mexico City’s Museum of Modern Art. It is also home to many art galleries like the Palacio de Bellas Artes or Mexico City’s National Museum of Art. Mexico City has many outdoor attractions like Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park (aka Mexico City’s Central Park) that are great for Mexico City sight-seeing. You could also go to Xochimilco Mexico City and visit the many floating gardens in Mexico City there!

Chapultepec: Mexico City’s Central Park

Chapultepec is Mexico City’s Central Park. Chapultapec is a huge recreational park! It has various attractions like the Chapultapec Castle or Mexico City’s Zoo and it has many different species of plants and animals.

The Zócalo

The Zócalo is Mexico City’s historic center. This beautiful, historic place will help you orient yourself in the city and get your bearings. The Zócalo is often filled with people and it’s where you’ll find many of Mexico City’s most important historic sites like the National Palace or Templo Mayor.

 Ruins of Templo Mayor

The Ruins of Templo Mayor (aka Pyramids of Teotihuacan) are more than 2,000 years old. They’re a must-see for any visitor to Mexico City. You can see carvings and original sculptures which are all that remain of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán.

The Colosseum

The Coliseum in Mexico City is one of the largest theaters in Latin America. It’s an amazing place and even if you don’t watch sports it still makes for a great visit!

El Chopo Market

El Chopo is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir without getting ripped off. It’s an open-air street market that allows you to haggle with the vendors and is fun for people of all ages.

The National Museum in Mexico City

Mexico City’s National Museum is home to a lot of history and art for you to enjoy while staying in Mexico City. There are three main sections: Ancient Civilizations of Mexico, Contemporary Art, and Temporary Exhibitions. The temporary exhibitions change so make sure to check the museum’s website before you go.

If you are lucky enough to be in Mexico City during the holiday season then make sure you visit the National Palace, which is beautifully decorated for this time of year!

To get to know Mexican culture and history better, you should consider visiting the National Museum of Anthropology. This museum has a ton of artifacts and history about the country. It also has a pretty impressive collection of Mayan, Olmec, Toltec, Zapotec, and Aztec relics. Many of these pieces are from before Columbus discovered America!

The Palacio de Bellas Artes

Palacio de Bellas Artes is Mexico’s equivalent to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Originally opened in the early 1900s, Palacio de Bellas Artes has grown to be one of Mexico City’s most important museums and galleries. It showcases artwork from all over the world and it also hosts concerts and festivals regularly!

Mexico City Zoo

The Mexico City Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Latin America. It’s filled with different animals from all over the world and it has a great view of the city, especially if you go at night!

Mexico City’s National Museum of Art

The museum features modern art from Mexico as well as international artists. The galleries are huge and have some pieces that even Picasso himself would be proud of. Make sure to check out the main gallery and temporary exhibitions while you’re there!

If you are looking for wine, beer or tequila then Tequileria Pica is where you want to go. This place has everything from great mezcal cocktails to a great selection of Mexican beers.

Paseo de la Reforma

This is one of the most important avenues in Mexico City since it was created back in 1910. It’s also been dubbed the world’s longest avenue and not too far from Chapultepec Park, you can walk through a beautiful garden that features Mexican art!

Attend a lucha libre match

Lucha libre, or “free wrestling” in Spanish, is one of Mexico City’s most popular traditions. It’s a style of wrestling that features colorful costumes and masks, which dates back to the Aztec culture. A Lucha libre match will last anywhere from 15-30 minutes and can be found at the Arena Olímpica de Mexico, as well as other areas around the city like Plaza de Toros Mexico, Arena Jardín México, and Arena Coliseo de Guadalajara. Tickets are inexpensive and it’s a fun event for kids!

And More!

There’s more to Mexico than just the city of Mexico. You can head out into the country on a road trip and see some interesting things, like this great lighthouse called La Barra Lighthouse. It’s at a beach about an hour from downtown Mexico City and it gives you a great view of the Pacific Ocean!

While in Mexico City, try to visit the Templo Mayor Museum. It’s a museum in the middle of one of the city’s most iconic ruins and it features some amazing exhibits that will give you an insight into Aztec life!

If you are looking to relax on your trip then head out to Bosque de Chapultepec. It’s right in the heart of Mexico City and it features great nature, awesome museums, and a beautiful castle. Once you’ve explored everything in the park to your heart’s desire then head over to the Castillo de Chapultepec!

If you are looking for an adventure in Mexico City then head out to Xochimilco. This is one of the best places in Mexico City to go on a tour. You can take a boat ride through the canal or just explore the restaurants and markets that line the canals. It’s also great for bird watching!

What to eat in Mexico City

Only in Mexico City can you find such a variety of delicious food! There is no better way to get acquainted with Mexican culture than to taste the food. Mexican food is my favorite, besides when I visited Chandigarh. Whether you want to explore the tastiest tacos in Mexico City or sample fried grasshoppers, there’s something for everyone!

Tacos Al Pastor: These are tacos with pork that is seasoned and cooked on a rotisserie with pineapple. This dish originated from Lebanese immigrants who were running restaurants near Los Tiles, but it has taken off as one of Mexico’s favorite dishes!

Tlacoyo: If you’re looking for a satisfying meal, this one should top your list. It is a kind of taco but it has a thick layer of masa that surrounds the ingredients. They’re incredibly delicious and if you like tacos, you’ll love tlacoyos!

One of the best street food tacos to try in Mexico City is tacos Arabe(Arab tacos). The meat is lamb and it’s cooked on a spit over an open fire. It is served on fresh, handmade corn tortillas and you can add salsa, cilantro, and onion if you want to!

What to drink in Mexico City

Drinking in Mexico City comes with some major perks. First off, you get the chance to sample some quality tequila that is probably far superior to anything you could drink back home. Second of all, Mexico City has some of the most delicious fruit juice and frozen treats that are sure to cool you down on a hot summer day!

Tequila: If there’s one thing that’s synonymous with Mexico, it’s tequila. You can enjoy different kinds depending on your taste but most people would agree that a good quality tequila should be enjoyed neat. La Maison du Tequila offers tastings and flights to give you the best idea of what’s out there!

Tepache: This drink is made with pineapple, cinnamon, panela (unrefined cane sugar), and banana. It’s one of the most refreshing drinks and it’s perfect for a hot summer day!

Milk Shakes: These are some of the tastings drinks you can get in Mexico City, delicious and they also come with lots of toppings like chocolate syrup or fruit. You’ll never forget your trip to Mexico once you’ve had one of these delicious milkshakes!

Weather in Mexico City

As much as Mexico is known for its heat, especially during the summer months, September is one of the coolest times to go. If you still prefer warmer weather, then anytime between March and May are the warmest months. Mexico City is an incredibly dry city so it can get as hot as 40 degrees Celsius in the summer but that doesn’t mean you want to brave these extreme temperatures.

This means avoiding tiling and concrete surfaces if possible, drinking plenty of water, wearing a hat, light layers, and if all else fails, try to find some air conditioning.

Mexico City has a rainy season from May to October but during the rainy season, there is still plenty of sun so you don’t have to worry about missing out on outdoor activities that much. You just will have to get used to getting wet when it rains! The rainy season can be a little humid so it’s best to plan for that. Rain usually only lasts for about an hour, sometimes two, and then the sun comes out again.

The rainy season is a great time to travel because there are plenty of festivals going on around this time. You don’t want to miss them! If it is still too hot for you, just remember that the rainy season goes from April to October so if it gets a little cooler in September, wait until the month before and then plan your trip.

Festivals in Mexico City

There are tons of festivals going on all around Mexico City every single day. There will be something for everyone! Festivals are especially popular in the city because it’s a great time to get together with your friends and family, especially if you are away from them a lot.

There’s no reason that festivals have to be religious celebrations. There are plenty of food festivals where people compete for who can make the best tamales or even the best lemonade. Many festivals are held in the evening and go all night long.

Festivals may end late but that doesn’t mean that you have to stay up all night. It’s a good idea to get plenty of sleep during your trip so when you’re not out partying or checking out this festival or that one, make sure to get some sleep in. Not getting enough sleep will only make the next day more difficult for you.

If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day, there are plenty of museums that you can check out or even the Aztec ruins! You can get more information about what is going on around town at the Mexico City Tourism Office, which is conveniently located in the airport also.

Safety Tips For Traveling to and From the Airport

Airport safety starts with security both at your origin airport and destination airport. At both airports, you are going to want to keep track of your belongings but also be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded hallways like baggage claim.

The first thing you will need to do when arriving in Mexico City is fill out an immigration card. This card will get stamped as you exit the airport so you won’t have to go through any other formalities before heading out into the city.

For those coming back from Mexico City, be sure that all of your belongings are with you before approaching the customs officer. The customs officer will want to examine all of your items before letting you go so if anything is missing, you will have to figure out what happened to it before continuing. Another thing to be aware of is the fact that the strictest security has been placed on your luggage. Bags are scanned and if anything looks suspicious, it won’t make it past customs.

There are plenty of options for getting from Mexico City Airport into the city. The cheapest way is to take a colectivo, but this can get crowded since there are a lot of travelers going into the city. Buses and taxis are also options but these can be expensive and you will have to come prepared with lots of small bills to pay for them.

When leaving Mexico City Airport, be sure to give yourself a lot of time to return your rental car and get through the airport security. This can take a long time if you don’t leave in advance.

Once you are out of the airport, find your way into town by riding one of the light rail trains or taking an overpriced cab. Walk around for a bit and get your bearings. When you’re ready to go back to the airport, arrange for pick up ahead of time or take one of the shuttle buses that are going there as well.

Before returning home from Mexico City Airport, remember to check in with your airline and know what terminal you will be departing from. This way you won’t get lost and end up in the wrong terminal or potentially miss your flight!

Is Mexico City safe for tourists?

Mexico City is safe for tourists as long as you stay in the tourist areas and are aware of your surroundings. Lately, the crime rate in Mexico has been on the rise so some people may feel more comfortable exploring other countries besides Mexico but this is not necessarily an indication that it would be unsafe for tourists. Besides crime, you also need to be aware of your surroundings at night.

Be sure that you are on the right side of the road before crossing and keep a lookout for cars to avoid any potential accidents. If you find yourself lost or alone outside, try to get back into a crowded area as soon as possible.

Is it safe to walk around in Mexico City?

The safety of Mexico City for tourists is debatable. While traveling around the city, you may even experience some petty crimes such as pickpockets or fraud. But don’t let this discourage you – it’s worth exploring the culture and its monuments as well as meeting the locals despite these challenges.

Mexico City is a huge metropolitan center with crowded streets so it can be difficult to walk around during rush hour times. This is especially true during weekdays when there are more people out and about their daily routines. The problem is that while trying to avoid busy areas where there are a lot of pedestrians, you risk running into traffic which may lead to dangerous situations while crossing the street or going near an intersection. You will find that there are alternate routes to streets where walking is not advisable.

The best way to get around the city and its attractions is by using apps such as Uber or DiDi or by public transportation. There are numerous buses, trolleys as well as metro lines that will take you practically everywhere in the city. This can also be a good way for tourists to meet other people who may be able to answer questions that you have about the city especially if you don’t speak Spanish.

If you are planning a trip to Mexico City, make sure that all of your documents are in order including passport and tourist visa requirements as well as any other documents needed for entry into Mexico. You may need several photocopies because these will be needed when you check into your hotel or if you want to buy a SIM card for mobile service.

If you are planning on taking public transportation, make sure that you have some coins handy as well as small bills because these can be used to buy tickets. You may also need some change for the meters in taxis so it’s a good idea to have some coins with you.

Is Mexico City Expensive?

Mexico City is not the cheapest place to visit on Earth but it’s not that expensive, either. Unlike in the past, just about everything can be purchased in the city from electronics to clothes. You can find a pair of jeans for less than $20 and plenty of souvenirs for under $5. Meals are typically around $5 to $12 each depending on where you eat and the type of food that you eat.

Mexican cuisine is very diverse so you will find a lot of interesting dishes that are unique to the region. If you are looking for a break from Mexican food, there are plenty of other options available. You can always opt for international cuisine or Spanish food from Spain. There are plenty of international restaurants that offer good quality food at a reasonable price; just be sure to look around and explore your options before deciding where you want to eat.

If you’re looking to splurge while in Mexico City, several upscale restaurants serve amazing Mexican cuisine with international twists on traditional dishes. There are also a variety of other high-end restaurants outside the city but still within the metropolitan area where you can indulge in fine dining.

Many accommodations in Mexico City are reasonably priced and with plenty of options depending on your needs and budget. Many places to stay offer WiFi although it may be charge extra; keep this in mind when budgeting your trip. There are also plenty of hotels that have all kinds of facilities to keep you comfortable while you enjoy your stay in Mexico City.

Bienvenidos a Mexico

It’s always a good idea to do your research before you embark on any trip, but especially one as expansive and diverse as Mexico City. I hope this guide has given you some insight into the most important considerations for booking an unforgettable vacation in Mexico City. If you follow these tips, you will have the trip of a lifetime. If you’re traveling with family or friends, this city has plenty to offer in terms of activities as well as attractions that reflect both its traditional character and modern sensibilities. There is so much to do here and there are countless options for accommodations so it should be easy to find one that fits your needs and budget.