Is Mexico City Worth Visiting? Tips from A Local

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. Please see my disclaimer policy here,and my privacy policy here.

Is Mexico City Worth Visiting? The short answer is yes! But I may be biased. Keep reading these 26 Pros and Cons of visiting Mexico City.

This post will cover everything you need to know about traveling to one of the biggest cities in the world so you can make the decision for yourself!

I was born and bred in Mexico City and to be quite honest, I never really thought of the city as much growing up.

It wasn’t until I decided to travel the world and live in different cities across different continents that I concluded that CDMX, as it’s locally called now, is one of the most thrilling capitals in the entire world.

After almost ten years of traveling all over and finding home bases in places like New York City, Miami, Bangkok, London, and Dusseldorf, I decided to move back to Mexico City because what this city has is pretty unique.

You can’t ever really get bored here because there is something going on every second of every day!

Of course, like any big city in the world, Mexico City has a lot of pros and a lot of cons.

For that reason, I put together a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about this humongous metropolis so you can decide if Mexico City is worth seeing on your own.

Why should you visit Mexico City?

👉🏼 Is Mexico City safe?

Like any big city, Mexico City has safe and unsafe areas. Generally, Mexico City is a very safe destination to visit.

Safe areas to stay for tourists include Roma Norte, Roma Sur, Condesa, Polanco, Lomas de Chapultepec, Cuauhtemoc, and Santa Fe. When staying in any of these areas, you will rarely encounter problems.

With that said, I still recommend practicing any safety precautions you would in any big city. 

👉🏼 Is Mexico City tourist friendly?

Mexico City doesn’t have the tourism infrastructure other cities in Mexico like Cancun or Los Cabos have, but it is generally very tourist friendly as long as you don’t expect locals to cater for you.

While this is rapidly changing due to a high influx of digital nomads, most people working at shops, restaurants, and cafés don’t speak English.

Neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma are changing this, but you should still expect to have to translate often.

Moreover, one thing to note about traveling to Mexico City is that due to plenty of digital nomads and remote workers coming to live here for extended periods of time since 2020, locals are beginning to resent gentrification.

While you shouldn’t encounter problems, there is definitely a rise in xenophobia among Mexico City locals as many have been displaced from their homes.

The issue is mostly targeted toward long-term stayers rather than visitors, but it is still something you should keep in mind when visiting.

Reasons why you should visit Mexico City: Pros

1. Rich history & attractions: Historic Center

✨ Zócalo

Also known as the Plaza de la Constitución, the Zócalo is the main square and the historical heart of Mexico City.

This place is a must-visit on anyone’s Mexico City itinerary as it holds immense cultural and historical significance.

For centuries now, the Zocalo has been the main gathering place for political, cultural, and social events in the city.

These days, the Zócalo is a magnificent space to look at, but it also acts as a cultural center of sorts where food, crafts, and souvenirs are sold.

Occasionally, events and concerts are held here as well.

As a tip, the Zócal still continues to be an important gathering spot in the city.

Protests happen here often as do plenty of political events. My advice is to make sure to check what’s going on during your visit as it can sometimes get incredibly crowded.

✨ Templo Mayor

You wouldn’t expect to find Mesoamerican ruins in the middle of a huge metropolis, but in Mexico City, everything is possible!

Templo Mayor was once the center of Tenochtitlan (the former Aztec capital). The Spanish largely destroyed it during the conquest and replaced it with a cathedral. 

There are still some ruins to explore and consider the splendor this significant capital once held, despite the fact that few of the temples were spared.

✨ Palacio Nacional

Located in the historical center of the city, Palacio Nacional serves as the official seat of the executive branch of the Mexican government.

While some parts of it are out of reach for visitors for that very reason, you can still enter the place and check out its interior.

The building itself is magnificent work of art and a testament to colonial architecture in Mexico.

A favorite feature is the Diego Rivera mural series, “The History of Mexico”.

His works of art cover the walls of the main staircase and tell the story of Mexico as a country, covering pre-Columbian times all the way to the Mexican Revolution.

2. Amazing Architecture

One of my favorite things about Mexico City is its blend of amazing architecture.

One second, you can be looking at humongous skyscrapers, and the next, you can be admiring ancient Aztec ruins or colonial buildings.

The city has plenty of well-preserved ruins and buildings from prehispanic and Colonial times.

As the city grew and modernized, new buildings showcasing beautiful Art Nouveau and Neoclassical styles also popped up.

Seriously, walking around the city feels like you’re strolling through an architecture museum that reflects Mexico’s Citys ever-evolving identity.

3. Ancient Mesoamerican civilizations

Mexico City has been inhabited by several ancient civilizations, each of which has left a significant mark on the city’s culture and history. 

The most famous of these civilizations were the Aztecs, who founded their capital city of Tenochtitlan (modern-day Mexico City). 

Before the Aztecs, though, the area in and around Mexico City was home to several other civilizations.

These include the Toltecs (10 century) and the Teotihuacan (1st and 8th centuries).

4. Pyramids of Teotihuacan

One of the most significant archeological complexes in the world is Teotihuacan, which is about an hour’s drive from the center of Mexico City.

Teotihuacan was once the biggest city in all of North America, and the Aztecs later used it as a place of pilgrimage.

Today, tourists can explore a sizable portion of the ruins and take in Teotihuacan’s two impressive pyramids, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which are connected by a broad avenue with many still-standing structures and murals.

In addition, hot-air balloon rides are available here! If you have the time and resources, I really recommend taking one because it will help you understand the true grandeur of the site.

5. Authentic Mexican culture

Mexico City has its own unique identity, history, and culture, making it very different from the rest of Mexico.

Even if you’ve visited other destinations in Mexico, you’ll feel as though you’re getting to know an entirely different side of the country. 

6. Awesome Foods & Restaurants

Mexico City has one of the most interesting food scenes in the entire world.

Not only will you find incredible street food on every single corner of the city, but you will also find tons of cozy hole-in-the-wall restaurants as well as plenty of high-end dining establishments.

As if that weren’t enough, Mexico City is also home to some of the best restaurants in the world, including Pujol, Sud 777, and Quintonil, to name just a few.

7. Buzzing Bars and Nightlife

If you’re into glitzy outings, you’ll fall head over heels in love with Mexico City’s nightlife. 

The city is home to some of the best bars in the world as well as some of the coolest clubs you’ll ever visit (think Salon Solin, Looloo, Republika, and Montana to name just a few!).

8. Xochimilco Floating Gardens

Located in the south of Mexico City, Xochimilco Floating Gardens are a set of canals and artificial islands that were created by the Aztecs for agricultural purposes.

These days, the canals are a popular tourist attraction, with plenty of tours available on colorful boats called “trajineras” that can take you to several of the islands (if you’re into creepy stuff, make sure to book a tour that includes a visit to the Island of the Dolls – you can thank me later!)

Xochimilco is also a popular drinking spot in Mexico City. You can head over there with your friends, rent a trajinera, and party the day away as you ride the canals!

There are several tours available as well where you can join a shared trajinera and meet people (great if you’re traveling solo and want to make friends).

9. Fantastic Art Scenes & Museums

🎨 National Anthropology Museum

The National Anthropology Museum is one of the most wonderful museums I’ve ever visited. This place alone makes Mexico City worth visiting.

This enormous museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the cultural heritage of Mexico’s indigenous peoples.

Here, you’ll find a vast collection of artifacts, including the Aztec Calendar Stone and a replica of the tomb of Mayan ruler Pakal the Great as well as exhibits spanning thousands of years of history, representing various indigenous communities from different regions of the country.

🎨 Frida Kahlo Museum

The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Casa Azul (Blue House), is a must-visit attraction in Mexico City. 

This museum is located in the actual house where Mexican artist Frida Kahlo was born, lived, and created much of her artwork. 

During your visit, you can explore the rooms that have been preserved to reflect Kahlo’s life as well as a collection of her paintings, personal belongings, and tools. 

You will get a pretty intimate insight into her artistic vision, struggles, and legacy (I highly recommend watching the 2002 Frida movie before visiting!).

🎨 Palacio de Bellas Artes

The Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) is an iconic cultural landmark in Mexico City and a magnificent building that combines neoclassical and Art Nouveau architectural styles.

These days, it acts as one of the most important centers for performing arts in the country, not to mention it also contains collections of Mexican art, including murals by renowned artists such as Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. 

As if that weren’t enough, its rooftop offers panoramic views of the city, allowing visitors to appreciate the architectural splendor of Mexico City’s historic center.

Whether attending a performance or exploring art exhibitions, a visit to the Palacio de Bellas Artes is a must on your itinerary.

10. Beautiful Churches and Cathedral

⛪ Metropolitan Cathedral

Located in the heart of Mexico City, the Metropolitan Cathedral is a magnificent religious and architectural masterpiece, not to mention it is also the largest cathedral on the American continent!

Even though religion isn’t as important for a large percentage of locals in Mexico City anymore, the cathedral is still a symbol of the city’s cultural heritage and history. 

Its construction began during the 16th century and took over 250 years to complete.

Its elaborate details and gorgeous architecture are reason enough to visit this Mexico City attraction, but also the fact that stepping inside will take you back centuries of Mexican history.

⛪ Basilica of Santa Maria Guadalupe

Another important religious site in Mexico City is the Basilica of Santa Maria Guadalupe, which is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the entire world.

It was built in order to honor Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The complex is made up of several buildings, with the main basilica dating all the way back to the 16th century (it wasn’t completed until 1976, so it actually looks quite modern!).

11. Amazing green space and parks

🌳 Parque Mexico

Located in the Condesa Neighborhood, Parque Mexico is one of the city’s lungs and one of the most iconic parks in Mexico City.

The park features plenty of natural beauty, a wide array of trees, and lanes that will make you feel like you’re in a mini jungle.

In addition to that, this park has become a favorite for ex-pats and visitors because of the beautiful Art Deco buildings surrounding it, many of which harbor cafés, boutique shops, and trendy restaurants.

Something else you’ll love about Parque Mexico is the fact that it is a sort of artistic hub in Condesa.

Dance classes, exhibitions, outdoor concerts, and live performances are all held here any day of the week, especially during the afternoons and early evenings. 

During the weekends, Parque Mexico gets pretty crowded, so I would recommend visiting on a weekday if possible.

🌳 Bosque de Chapultepec

Bosque de Chapultepec is four times the size of Central Park and almost the size of Singapore, making it one of the largest urban parks in the world.

Being here always makes me feel as though I’ve left the city entirely. Because the park is absolutely humongous, it is divided into different sections.

The first one is the most popular one and one where you’ll find some of the biggest attractions in Mexico City such as the Chapultepec Castle, the zoo, and the Museum of Anthropology.

This part can get pretty crowded and feel a bit more commercialized for that reason, but you will still be able to find a quiet spot either way.

The second section also has lots of attractions as well as plenty of hidden gems.

This part of the park is pretty developed but has a much more local feel to it.

You’ll find restaurants, locals hosting picnics, joggers, and dogs running around.

The third section feels more like an actual forest you can get lost in for hours!

Most people never really visit this area of the park, so you will feel like you have it all to yourself.

🌳 Parque Alameda Central

Ever since it opened during the 16th century, Parque Alameda Central has been a popular hangout spot for Mexico City locals.

This historical park is known for its beautiful monuments, fountains, and landscaping as well as for being home to several important buildings in the city like the Palacio de Bellas Artes.

🌳 Jardin Allende

Jardin Allende is a small yet incredibly charming park located in the Centro Historico.

The park boasts a fountain, benches, and a pretty tranquil ambiance where you can observe the local life in Centro. 

12. Cheapest capital city in North America

While Mexico City isn’t the cheapest place to visit in the country, it is still the most inexpensive city on the North American continent.

13. Perfect for solo travelers

Mexico City has a pretty young and open-minded atmosphere, which makes it perfect for solo travelers.

With so many museums, attractions, parks, and events you can attend on your own, the city is perfect if you’re traveling alone.

Making friends is also very easy, as the city has become a popular place for solo travelers, remote workers, and digital nomads.

14. Enormous marketplaces

One of the best things to do in Mexico City if you want to get to know a more local side of it is to check out a few of its markets.

Markets in Mexico City sell everything you can think of, ranging from fresh fruits and produce to prepared food, groceries, clothes, home supplies, and just about everything in between.

Some of the top markets to visit include the Central de Abastos (this is where most restaurants in Mexico City get their supplies and ingredients!), Mercado Medellin, Mercado San Juan, and Mercado Sonora.

15. Vibrant musical scene

Mexico City is a hub for music, with plenty of concerts and festivals being held here for those who enjoy modern music.

Mariachi and jazz are also a big part of Mexico City’s culture.

One of the best places to listen to live mariachi music is at Plaza Garibaldi, a lively square lined with bars and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Mexican food and drinks while listening to live mariachi music.

As a local tip, I recommend visiting Garibaldi on a tour. While the area is pretty guarded because of tourism, it’s not exactly the safest place in Mexico City.

Jazz is also popular here, with plenty of bars offering live jazz every evening.

Musak, Jules Basement, Tokyo Music Bar, Jazzatlán Capita, Parker & Lenox, and Zinco Jazz Club are all popular spots for jazz lovers.

16. Largest Butterfly Migration (Monarch Butterfly Reserve)

Mexico City is located close to the Monarch Butterfly Reserve, where you can witness one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world.

Every year, millions of Monarch butterflies travel to Mexico to escape the cold climate of Canada and the United States. 

The butterflies arrive in Mexico in November and spend the winter in the reserve’s forests before heading back north in March.

If you’re visiting Mexico City during this time of the year, I highly recommend visiting the reserve to experience one of the coolest natural sights the country has to offer!

17. Excellent location for day-trips

Thanks to Mexico City’s centric location amid many states, the city is a wonderful hub for day trips.

It would be impossible for me to list them all in one post, but some of my favorite day trips to take from Mexico City include Malinalco, Valle de Bravo, Taxco, Queretaro, Puebla, Cholula, and Tepoztlan, to name just a few.

18. Nearby Volcanoes to hike

Mexico City is surrounded by impressive volcanoes you can hike!

Nevado de Toluca and La Malinche are two of the “easiest” hikes around Mexico City and perfect to get acclimatized (although I still found these hikes pretty tough!).

If you’re looking for a challenge, you can also choose to hike the Popocatepelt, Iztaccihuatl, and Pico the Orizaba, all of which are some of the highest peaks in North America.

19. Day of the Dead Festival

Day of the Dead is huge all over Mexico and in Mexico City, it is mainly celebrated with a vibrant parade featuring elaborate puppets, costumed performers, and lots of other things that depict the story behind the date.

The parade usually begins at the Zocalo and travels all the way through Paseo de la Reforma (the city’s most important avenue).

Aside from the parade, there are plenty of other festivals and events that take place in the city between October and November.

Visiting Mexico City: Cons

20. Unsafe Neighborhoods

There are plenty of safe neighborhoods in Mexico City, but like any large city in the world, there are some unsafe ones as well.

As long as you keep about your wits and know which areas to avoid, this should not be a huge con when deciding to visit Mexico City.

Unsafe neighborhoods include Tepito, parts of Centro Historico, Neza, Iztapalapa, and Doctores.

The city has made improvements in terms of safety in many of these places, but it’s still best to avoid them for the time being.

21. Air Pollution

Mexico City faces significant challenges when it comes to air pollution.

Its large population, car emissions, industrial activities, and humongous urbanization rates coupled with the city’s geography and location in a high-altitude valley all contribute to the problem.

Prolonged exposure to air pollution can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, and plenty of health complications.

With that said, if you’re visiting Mexico City for a short period of time, this should not affect you greatly, although I’ve had friends with sensitive bodies and lungs struggle while visiting the city, especially in May when the weather is very dry.

22. Poor Water Quality

Water quality in Mexico City isn’t great in some areas due to population growth, pollution, and industrial activities. 

This, however, does not really affect tourists staying in nicer neighborhoods like Roma Norte, Condesa, Polanco, Lomas de Chapultepec, and others.

As long as you don’t attempt to drink tap water, you will be fine!

23. Too much crowd

With 8 million inhabitants, Mexico City can get pretty crowded. Add to that the fact that 13 million people also live in Greater Mexico City (many of which work in the metropolitan area), and you’ve got yourself a pretty packed place!

24. Traffic can be a challenge

Traffic can be an issue in Mexico City, especially during the weekdays. This can make moving around pretty time-consuming, especially if you don’t want to walk or take public transportation.

25. Earthquake hotspot 

Earthquakes are a big issue in Mexico City. I kid you not, while I was writing this post, there was a big quake with an epicenter in the city!

Mexico City is located in a seismically active region, making it prone to earthquakes.

The city has experienced devastating earthquakes throughout its history, with notable events including the 1985 earthquake and the 2017 earthquake.

These earthquakes caused widespread destruction, loss of life, and significant damage to infrastructure.

In recent years, I’ve felt more earthquakes in Mexico City than I ever had.

While none of them have been fatal since the 2017 one, they can be a pretty terrifying experience no matter how used to them I get.

This is definitely a huge con of visiting Mexico City. 

Alarms usually ring a few minutes before an incoming earthquake happens, giving you time to evacuate the building and find a safe spot.

Make sure you read about earthquake safety before visiting the city so you know what to expect, how to react, and how to stay safe during one.

26. Red light district & prostitution

Even though prostitution is illegal in Mexico, Mexico City still has several red-light districts. This, however, does not affect tourists at all.

Getting around Mexico City

✔ Walking around Mexico City

Mexico City is humongous, so walking all over the city isn’t possible, but plenty of neighborhoods such as Condesa, Roma, Cuauhtemoc, Polanco, and others are very walker-friendly, so you can easily explore these areas on foot if you wish to.

✔ Renting a car

While renting a car is pretty easy and inexpensive in Mexico City, I personally would recommend against doing so unless you plan on taking lots of day trips out from the city and want to have the ease of doing so indifferently.

For one, traffic in Mexico City can be a nightmare, not to mention driving can get pretty hectic.

You may just wind up spending half of your visit to Mexico City stuck in traffic and getting stressed!

You will also end up spending a lot more money and time than expected finding parking spots and figuring out the parking rules where you are.

✔ Ubers and Taxi

One of my favorite ways to get around Mexico City is by Uber.

The app works well and is usually inexpensive, although prices can vary depending on traffic, time of the day, and whether or not it’s raining.

Additionally, there are other ride-sharing apps available you may want to download to compare prices.

These include Cabify, DiDi, and InDriver (InDriver is usually much cheaper, but cars can sometimes not be of that great quality. Keep in mind this app is cash only).

Taxis are another way to get around, but they aren’t usually recommended even by locals for safety reasons.

If you must take a taxi, make sure you only take one from an official agency.

✔ Public Transportation

👉🏼 Subway: The subway has stations all over the city (with the exception of Santa Fe). Locals in CDMX refer to it as the “metro”.

There are 12 metro lines in total, and they are distinguished by different colors and numbers. The cost of a one-way metro ticket, including transfers, is 5 pesos.

👉🏼 Metrobus: The Metrobus is another great, affordable, and efficient way to get around Mexico City.

The Metrobus runs over the ground, unlike the metro, but it still has its own lane on the road, so traffic has no bearing on how quickly it travels.

The Metrobus is 6 pesos in price. You must obtain a city card in order to use it because cash payments are not accepted (you can buy one directly at the machines at any station).

✔ Bike Share (Eco Bicis)

I love using bike sharing (eco bicis) to move around the neighborhood like Condesa, Polanco, and Roma Norte which have great infrastructure for cycling.

Using eco bicis is very easy. It usually takes less than 45 minutes to get from point A to point B and the first 45 minutes are free.

After 45 minutes, you must pay $50 MXN per hour to continue riding (or drop your bike off at a station, wait five minutes, and then pick up another one).

Is Mexico City expensive?

Mexico City is not the most affordable place in Mexico, but you can easily visit the city on a budget if you stick to street food and smaller restaurants.

Accommodation prices have increased in recent years, but it is still possible to find apartment rentals and hotel rooms for prices that won’t break the bank.

Tour prices are generally very pocket-friendly, too!

All in all, visiting Mexico City can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be as there are options for every budget.

Where to stay in Mexico City 

🛌🏻 Budget: Hotel PF

Hotel PF is conveniently located in the trendy Condesa neighborhood and offers comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and complimentary breakfast for an affordable price. 

Awesome stay, I highly recommend it.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jaime, may 2023

👉 Check rates and availability at Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

🛌🏻 Mid-range: Nima Local House

Nima Local House is set in the stunning Roma neighborhood inside a stunning turn-of-the-century casona. This stunning boutique hotel features cozy rooms, intimate spaces, and incredibly stylish decor.

Immaculately clean and fantastic service. Perfect location and amenities.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Matthew, november 2021

👉 Check rates and availability at Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

🛌🏻 Luxury: The Four Seasons Hotel

The Four Seasons Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the lively Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City’s main avenue.

Its beautiful and modern rooms provide plenty of comfort and the hotel features lots of amenities like a spa, upscale restaurants, and a stunning outdoor courtyard (make sure you schedule at least one Sunday brunch here during your time in Mexico City!).

The beds and linens are amazing and the staff is the best.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Alejandro, march 2022

👉 Check rates and availability at Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com

The best time to visit Mexico City

👍🏻 Cheapest time to visit Mexico City

Mexico City is generally a year-round destination so prices don’t change much throughout the year. 

The cheapest time to visit would be between May and September, when the rainy season is going on and hotel rates and flights may lower down a little bit.

With that said, prices don’t really change much unless you’re visiting during a major festival or event such as Day of the Dead, Christmas, or Formula 1.

👍🏻 Best time to visit for lesser crowds

In general, Mexico City does not have a high or low travel season. There isn’t much of a difference in terms of crowdedness in a city with more than 20 million inhabitants.

Consider traveling during Mexico’s Semana Santa (Spring Break) and the Christmas Holidays if you want to visit when the city is less crowded.

During these times, a large number of residents of Mexico City depart the city for vacation, making the city appear noticeably more empty.

👎🏻 Worst time to visit Mexico City

The worst month of the rainy season in Mexico City is usually July, which typically lasts from June to October.

Even during these months, I’ve noticed rain hasn’t been as bad in recent years, but from June through September in particular, be prepared for torrential downpours that typically begin in the afternoon and last well into the evening.

Additionally, the driest months of the year are April and May.

Although this shouldn’t stop you from going to Mexico City, if your body has previously had trouble with high altitudes, I would recommend avoiding visiting at this time.

Many visitors to Mexico City at this time of year have complained of heavy headaches and even nosebleeds because of the combination of altitude and dryness, though not everyone experiences it. 

Mexico City travel tips

📌 Credit and debit cards are widely accepted all over the city, including small establishments and street food stalls. You should carry a bit of cash in case you need it, but your card will get you a long way.

📌 Learn some basic Spanish phrases. Many people in Mexico City speak English, but it is not the norm. Knowing a few Spanish phrases can be very helpful.

📌 If you want to try street food, I recommend doing so on the stalls that have lots of locals purchasing food as well. This means the place is clean, offers fair prices, and has delicious food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up: Is Mexico City worth visiting?

Mexico City is an incredibly exciting city and a place you will fall head over heels in love with if you enjoy visiting big metropolises.

From its cultural heritage, rich history, modern ambiance, and incredible food scene, there’s pretty much nothing Mexico City lacks.