Top 10 Mexico City Travel Tips: Tacos, High Altitude, and Neighborhood Secrets
“Mexico City is not a city; it is a world.”
CDMX (Ciudad de México) is a massive, vibrant metropolis that defies expectations. It is green, sophisticated, historical, and chaotic all at once. Whether you're exploring the ancient ruins of Teotihuacán or the hipster cafes of Roma Norte, this city will steal your heart (and satisfy your stomach).
However, its size can be intimidating. To navigate this "megacity" safely and efficiently, here is your essential guide.
1.
Respect the Altitude
Mexico City sits at 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level.
The Warning: If you arrive from a sea-level city, you might feel lightheaded, tired, or get a headache.
The Hack: Stay hydrated, avoid heavy alcohol on your first night, and don't plan a strenuous hike (like climbing pyramids) for day one. Give your body 24 hours to adjust.
2.
Tacos: The "Con Todo" Rule
Street food is the soul of CDMX. You’ll see taco stands on every corner.
The Tip: Look for stands with a long line of locals—that's the gold standard. When they ask if you want it "con todo" (with everything), it usually means cilantro, onions, and salsa.
Warning: Even the "mild" salsa can be very hot for tourists. Taste a drop before you pour!
3.
Use Uber, Not Street Taxis
While pink-and-white street taxis are iconic, they are not always the safest or most honest for tourists.
The Hack: Use Uber or DiDi. They are incredibly cheap in Mexico City, the vehicles are tracked by GPS, and the price is fixed. It is the safest way to get around, especially at night.
4.
Sunday is for Chapultepec Park
Chapultepec is one of the largest city parks in the world (twice the size of Central Park).
The Tip: On Sundays, entry to many museums in the park is free for residents, so it gets very festive and crowded. Visit the National Museum of Anthropology (world-class) and then walk up to the Chapultepec Castle for the best view of the Reforma grand avenue.
5.
Water: Don't Drink from the Tap
This is the golden rule for all of Mexico.
The Rule: Do not drink tap water. Even locals don't drink it. Most hotels provide bottled water or have giant filtration jugs (garrafones). Also, be cautious with ice in very cheap street stalls, though most reputable places use purified ice.
6.
Book the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) Early
Frida Kahlo’s blue house in Coyoacán is the most popular museum in the city.
The Rule: You cannot buy tickets at the door. They must be purchased online, often weeks in advance. If you miss out, consider visiting Museo Anahuacalli (Diego Rivera's museum) instead—it’s stunning and usually less crowded.
7.
Choose Your Neighborhood: Roma vs. Condesa
Most tourists choose between these two adjacent areas.
Roma Norte: Hip, artistic, filled with the best restaurants and galleries.
Condesa: Greener, quieter, full of Art Deco architecture and beautiful parks like Parque México.
The Tip: Both are very safe and walkable. If you want a more "local" but still fancy vibe, check out Polanco.
8.
Teotihuacán: Go at Opening Time
The ancient pyramids are about an hour outside the city.
The Hack: Take a bus from the Autobuses del Norte station or an Uber early. Be there when the gates open at 8:00 AM. By 11:00 AM, the heat is intense and thousands of tour bus passengers arrive. Wear a hat and bring sunblock!
9.
Lunch is the Main Meal (Comida)
In Mexico, people eat a light breakfast, a massive lunch around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM, and a light dinner.
The Hack: Look for "Menú del Día" or "Comida Corrida" in local restaurants. For about $5-8, you get a 3-course meal (soup, main, dessert) and a drink. It is the best value way to eat in the city.
10.
The "Zocalo" and the Tilting Buildings
The main square (Zocalo) is where the heart of the Aztec Empire (Tenochtitlan) was.
The Fact: Much of the city is built on an old lake bed. Look closely at the Metropolitan Cathedral or old buildings in the center—many are visibly leaning or sinking. It is a fascinating (and slightly scary) sight.
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