Summary
Highlights
Mexico City is a mega-city with over 22 million inhabitants, making it one of the largest in the world. Despite its size, many tourist attractions are clustered in walkable areas, making it less overwhelming than expected. The city is a cultural powerhouse with an impressive number of museums.
The top museum recommendation is the Anthropological Museum, housing the largest collection of pre-Columbian artifacts from civilizations like the Aztecs, Mayans, and Olmecs. Another excellent choice is the Popular Art Museum, showcasing folkloric art and handcrafts, providing a perfect introduction to Mexican culture.
Explore the art of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Diego Rivera is known for his epic murals, often depicting Mexican history, found in various city buildings. Frida Kahlo's works can be seen at the Museum Dolores Olmedo, the Modern Art Museum, or her childhood home, the Frida Kahlo Museum (though it can be crowded and pricier).
Visit the Templo Mayor, the foundational ruins of an ancient pyramid, which offers a glimpse into Mexico City's past as a lake island. For panoramic city views, ascend the Torre Latinoamericana. Don't miss the impressive Zocalo (main square) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest and oldest in Latin America. Escape the urban bustle at Chapultepec Forest, a large city park with museums and a beautiful castle.
While Mexico City offers high-end dining, seek out local neighborhood restaurants and street food. Embrace the experience of eating tacos from street vendors, with 'tacos al pastor' being a popular default order.
Consider day trips to the pyramids of Teotihuacan, an impressive archaeological site. Another fun excursion is to Xochimilco, where you can take colorful boat rides through canals, enjoying food, drinks, and mariachi music. Experience a Lucha Libre fight, a Mexican wrestling spectacle, which is enjoyable for both the show and the lively audience reactions.
The two main areas to stay are El Centro, around the main square, which is convenient for sightseeing but quieter at night, and La Condesa/Roma. La Condesa and Roma are residential, picturesque, and upscale, offering a hipstery vibe with many cafes and restaurants, though they can be pricier.
The most convenient way to travel is by taxis and Uber. The metro is a very cheap alternative (around 25 cents per ticket) but can be crowded and confusing; it's recommended to have a metro map on your phone. For internet, consider getting a local Telcel SIM card for about 180 pesos for 5GB of data. Alternatively, leverage the widespread free public Wi-Fi available in squares and parks by looking for 'internet para todos'.
Do not rely solely on credit cards; it's advisable to get cash from ATMs. Be aware of transaction fees, as some banks like BBVA can charge high fees (e.g., 180 pesos), while others might charge only 20-30 pesos. Look for ATMs with lower transaction costs.