32 Tips For Mexico City | Mexico City Travel Guide 2024

Curious about what you should know before going to Mexico City? Keep reading for my essential travel tips for Mexico City. 

You Better Travel To Mexico City!

Mexico City surprised me in the best possible ways. The people greeted me with kindness and enthusiasm, and the food stood out with distinct flavors all while feeling safe and comfortable the whole time. 

Just a short flight away from the United States, Mexico City gets passed for beach cities like Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. Although it differs from these popular locations, Mexico City has its own culture unique to its people. 

Don’t skip Mexico City. This food paradise is more than the media makes it, and I hope to persuade you with my passion. 

Mexico City Safety Tips

Safety always concerns me no matter the destination. I took extra care in understanding Mexico City and navigating my way through the city.

1. Mexico City Is Safe For Tourists

Mexico City is safe for tourists but remember that Mexico City still has a gritty side with crime like any other large city in the world. It’s important to know a few important details about which neighborhoods you should avoid. 

Generally speaking, any area of the city worth visiting is safe for tourists. As you venture far north or south of the city center, you will find dangerous areas of Mexico City.

I walked through the city during the day and night, in different neighborhoods, and never encountered any problems. 

Do you have more questions about safety in Mexico City? I answered the most common questions in this post, which you should check out. 

Questions ANSWERED: How Safe Is Mexico City?

2. Practice Common Sense With Valuables

I always use common sense when carrying jewelry, cameras, bags, and money. If you are new to traveling or maybe don’t know what I am talking about, let’s cover a few important safety practices I utilize no matter where I go. 

Only Carry What You Need

Leave your cash, credit cards, debit cards, jewelry, and everything else you don’t need for the day in your room. 

I carry one credit card, one debit card, and small bills in cash when I venture around the city. If I lose my wallet, I have another credit card, debit card, and cash in my room. I can freeze the stolen cards with no financial harm done. 

Don’t Leave Valuables In The Open

I never leave my phone, keys, or camera on the table. Ever. Anyone can run by and snatch it and run. Europe is particularly infamous for such crimes but the same applies to Mexico City. 

For my backpack, I put my bag on the ground by my feet with one leg through a strap. If anyone tries to take it, my leg acts as an anchor to keep my valuables with me. 

Forget Your Designer Items At Home

Thieves look for designer handbags, watches, sunglasses, and jackets before moving in for the steal. 

I only pack the items I need for my trip and nothing more. If you need these expensive items with you, just use extra caution and avoid compromising situations. 

Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

I try my best to know who’s around me, and if anyone gets suspiciously close for too long. When walking on the streets, I pay attention to who’s behind me and maybe following me too long that I feel uncomfortable. 

In these rare cases, I will dip into a store, cafe, or restaurant until they pass or I stay until I feel comfortable again. 

Use Your Front Pockets

Pickpockets usually target people with items in their backpacks like phones and wallets. These circumstances create the perfect environment for them to sneak away with your valuables without you ever noticing. 

If believe you’re better than that, check out this video that might shed some light on pickpocketing. 

3. The Emergency Number In Mexico Is 911

Just like in the United States, if you ever have an emergency, call 911 for emergency support. No matter which country you visit, knowing the local emergency number can save your life or those traveling with you. 

4. Keep Your Eyes On The Sidewalk

Throughout Mexico City, holes in the sidewalk, manhole covers, and even parts of the road make walking around the city a serious task. 

Take a casual glance down to avoid your foot slipping into a deep hole or getting caught on concrete rebar. 

5. Police Are Everywhere

Although I found Mexico City safe, the overall safety of the city is overshadowed by all sorts of crime and violence. In response, the busier parts of the city have extra police officers on the corners and around tourist sites to assist in case of an emergency. 

Even at the major metro stations, police monitor the corridors and loading areas. 

Although the need for their presence signifies more crimes, I am glad they were available if I ever needed their help, 

6. Earthquakes Can Happen

In 2017 an earthquake shook Mexico City leaving over 200 hundred dead and many more injured. Even smaller earthquakes and aftershocks can cause panic for the unprepared. 

I experienced two aftershocks from earthquakes that hit the western coast of Mexico. My third-floor apartment swayed uneasily with creaks rattling the walls. 

My wife and I raced downstairs and onto the street where everyone else in the neighborhood nervously waited for the tremors to cease. 

We definitely felt uneasy about being unprepared for the situation. 

We later found out that an alarm sounds when the city knows an aftershock or earthquake is starting, and to exit the building as fast as possible to the street where first responders are waiting. 

7. Cars Have The Right Of Way

Although legally cars must yield to pedestrians, I found this to be a suggestion rather than a rule. I found myself less than an arm’s length away from a car turning into the intersection without slowing down or caring I was there. 

Some intersections in the neighborhoods lack streetlights, yield, or stop signs. Look both ways and let the cars go.

8. Elevation Might Affect You

Mexico City sits at 7350 feet above sea level, leaving even the most adapted to succumb to the altitude. 

Despite living in Denver, Colorado at 5280 feet above sea level, I still suffered from the side effects of elevation sickness, with frequent headaches, shortness of breath, and drowsiness. 

After a week, I felt significantly better, enjoying my time in the city. I am not saying you will have the response, but I would be prepared for how to handle it. 

Although I cannot give medical advice, here is a website about altitude sickness and how to handle the side effects. 

9. The Weather Is Different From The Beach

Leave the beach attire at home because the altitude makes the weather cooler during the day with sharp temperature drops at night. Even in the summer, temperatures barely break 80 degrees at its warmest in May. 

More than just the weather, the attitude, and culture of the city differ greatly from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and other notable beach towns. With over 21 million people, Mexico City is busy, so treat it as you would any other dense city like New York or Tokyo. 

10. Pack A Jacket And Umbrella

As I mentioned with the weather, bringing a light jacket will save you in the mornings and evenings when temperatures reach uncomfortable levels. 

Rain can sneak up as well, with months June through September raining intermittently throughout the day and almost every evening. 

Rain doesn’t last long, but when heavy downpour happens streets and sidewalks flood creating a tough situation when trying to see the city.

Tips For Eating And Drinking In Mexico City

Eating took a top priority for me in Mexico City and I want to help you experience the food culture. These tips for Mexico City will let you know what to expect when eating and drinking around the city.

11. Download Spanish Onto Google Translate

Google Translate helped me out of tight spots when trying to decipher a menu or make the correct order. 

Make sure Google Translate is downloaded on your phone then download the Spanish language, making translations available offline.

So simple, but Google Translate helped me avoid so many headaches. 

12. Mexico City Is Worth Visiting For The Food Alone

Food is everywhere in Mexico City with a wealth of variety. Taquerias and street food cover almost every corner throughout the city, but I encourage you to venture beyond the norm and try new and unique foods that you can only find in Mexico. 

In neighborhoods like Polanco, nicer, fine dining establishments hog the streets, whereas Roma showcases a mix of Mexican street food and international fare. 

Venture through the different neighborhoods and try new foods that interest you. If a crowd hovers around a quesadilla cart, it’s a sign of something delicious. Give it a try and who knows what you might discover. 

13. Don’t Expect Conventional Chips and Salsa

Most of what Americans know of Mexican food is actually Tex-Mex, a fusion of Mexican cuisine with the American food palate deriving from Texas. 

Tex-Mex is delicious and certainly has its place, but have different expectations when eating in Mexico City. No watered down tomato salsa with neatly cut fried tortilla chips. 

If the restaurant offers chips and salsa, it’s whole fried corn tortillas with a range of salsas. Break off a chunk, dip, and eat before, during, and after your entrees. 

14. Don’t Drink The Tap Water

You may already know this and almost every website about Mexico states this fact, but don’t drink the tap water. The locals don’t even drink the water. 

In every convenience store and corner shop, you will find individual bottles of water and large jugs you can take back to your room. 

15. Aguas Frescas And Juices Are Safe To Drink In Mexico City

During my time in Mexico City, I openly looked for aguas frescas, horchata, and fruit juices. These are all made with purified water and are safe to drink without getting sick. 

Aguas frescas are the colorful jugs that line the restaurant walls or the edges of a beverage cart. These sweet drinks are made from fresh fruit, water, and sugar, and are very refreshing after walking around the city all day. 

Horchata is a pale white liquid made from rice, water, cinnamon, and sugar, creating the perfect beverage for eating delicious tacos. If you see it, drink it!

Juice stalls are everywhere in Mexico City, giving you a variety of options to choose from. They do use water in these juices, but again, it’s purified water and ok to drink. 

16. Ice Is Safe In Mexico City

Local ice companies purify the water before making ice cubes and selling them to all the restaurants, food stalls, and beverage carts around the city.

Cocktails, sodas, and any drink found in a restaurant or on the beverage cart are safe to drink.

17. Salsas Are Safe! 

EVERY taqueria, street food stall, and restaurant serves salsa. From various greens to ominous dark reds, each salsa varies in spice and flavor. These salsas are never made with tap water, just blended peppers, tomatoes, onion, and herbs. 

Before dousing your food with salsa, put a small dab on the side of your plate and taste it. Everyone’s spice tolerance is different. It would be a shame to ruin a great taco with the flames of Hades poured over every morsel. 

18. Eat Tacos And Street Food In Mexico City

TACOS, TACOS, and MORE TACOS. Everywhere all around the city, you will find different types and styles. 

I was lucky to eat at some of the best tacos and street food in Mexico City, sometimes visiting two or three different places a day without any regrets.

If you forget my tips for Mexico City, just remember this one: please, you must eat tacos in Mexico City, and be sure to try something new.

Bubbling cauldrons of meat are a common site, giving everyone different options. 

I recommend trying Suadero (beef), Al Pastor (pork), Cabeza (head), and Lengua (tongue) tacos. Each has its own characteristics and is worth trying at least once. 

Street food in Mexico City provides endless options from Hawaiian burgers to tortas (sandwiches) to fried gorditas. 

My only advice is to eat when there is a line or group of people huddled around one stall. The locals in the neighborhood know where to find the best food and always eat at their favorite spots. 

19. Barbacoa Is A Weekend Affair

Throughout the city every weekend, Barbacoa restaurants open their doors and serve deliciously amazing slow-cooked lamb. 

The Barbacoa in Mexico City is different from what you’ve probably experienced at home, but expect a delicious, fatty, and wonderfully unique dish. 

Of course, order barbacoa tacos, but you better order the consomé, a broth made from the residual liquid from the lamb when roasting. It’s an unforgettable treat. 

20. Carry Small Bills

With all the tacos and street food options, most only accept cash and sometimes can’t break large bills. ATMs usually give out 500 peso bills, so try to break these at a convenience store and don’t put the local eateries in a tight spot by taking all their change. 

21. Sit-In Restaurants Usually Accept Credit Cards

The commonality I found with credit cards comes from the type of restaurant. If you dine at a sit-in restaurant with waitstaff, they almost always accept credit cards. Feel free to use cash too, but I like having options. 

22. Order Tacos And Street Food “Con Todo”

Every taqueria street food cart serves up food differently. If you are confused or don’t understand how to order your food just say, “Con Todo” which means “with everything.” 

They will throw your dish together with all the fixings. For most places, this includes but is not limited to onions, cilantro, cheese, lettuce, tomato, fruit, and sometimes a signature salsa. 

Crisis averted. Time to eat!

23. Try Other Mexican Beers Besides Corona

Beer is everywhere and it’s nice to try the varieties. Although Corona’s marketing hits hard in the US, why not try a different Mexican beer? 

Try something new or different like a full-bodied Modelo Negra or a distinct lager like Victoria. 

Yes, these and other beers are most likely available where you live but have you tried them? Drinking these beers with real Mexican food works as an obvious but fantastic pairing. Explore and try a new beer!

24. Use Open Table For Reservations

Nicer dine-in restaurants throughout the city almost always use Open Table for reservations, including the notable Pujol. 

In the high-end neighborhood of Polanco, restaurants fill up quickly making reservations in this area a dinner necessity. 

Even notable restaurants in Centro take reservations, so plan ahead to guarantee yourself a seat. 

25. Don’t Forget To Tip

Please tip your server, your street cart vendors, and anywhere else you get food. Although with street food, it’s not necessary, a few extra pesos won’t break the bank.

If you have a server at any restaurant, you should tip at least 10 percent, and if they were particularly on point please tip more.

26. Every Type Of Restaurant Is Available In Mexico City

Japanese, Chinese, Korean, American, Lebanese, fine dining, buffets, fast food, pizza, cakes, ice cream, and almost any food imaginable is available in Mexico City. 

I understand the need for a break from the local cuisine, so having a few familiar or differing options really helps reignite the passion to eat local. 

One of my main food tips for Mexico City is to try other types of cuisine.

Here’s the crazy part, it’s all delicious. A tiny Japanese restaurant around the corner from my Airbnb in San Rafael served freshly grated wasabi with their sushi. I can’t even find that in Denver! 

I ate delicious pancakes, pastrami sandwiches, burgers, ramen, and pizza in Mexico City and everything was awesome. 

27. Mexico City Meals Are Inexpensive

If you eat at local restaurants and eat regional cuisine, most meals should range around $5-$10 USD per person. If you gorge on street food, expect that price around $3-$6 USD per person, being completely full. 

Public Transportation is $5 pesos per person with Ubers being relatively inexpensive (more on this below).

If you want a food filled, budget destination, look no further than Mexico City. 

Tips For Getting Around Mexico City

The 22 million people in Mexico City need to get around and with such a dense population, traveling is tricky. Read on for my favorite transportation tips for Mexico City.

28. The Metro Is Cheap And Fast 

I highly recommend the metro for getting around Mexico City. Each fare is $5 pesos per person with unlimited transfers for a single use. 

The metro moved quickly between stations and it took only ten minutes to go from one side of the city to the other. 

I found the Mexico City metro safe with plenty of security and police officers around the stations and platforms at all times of the day and night. 

If you are a budget traveler, stick with the metro to save more money for delicious food. 

29. Public Transit Get’s Really Crazy At Peak Times

I used public transit 90% of the time in Mexico City with the only problem occurring from overcrowded metro cars during peak times. 

The bus always looked packed all the time even outside of peak times, so I never had the opportunity. 

Peak times are around 8:00 am to 10:30 am and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. I rode the metro during peak times and still found it manageable but a little uncomfortable standing close to so many people. 

Plan your activities and take these peak travel times into consideration. 

30. Traffic Is Terrible So Plan Ahead

No matter where I was in the city, traffic appeared backed up as far as I could see. This is important when thinking about taking the bus, as mentioned above, or deciding on an Uber. 

From my experience with Uber, although they are inexpensive, give yourself double the time the app tells you. 

Traffic stops and road closures pop out of nowhere, causing traffic to divert onto already crowded roads. If you have a reservation on the opposite side of the city, budget extra time.

31. Taxis Are Expensive, But Uber Is The Way To Go

Sprinkled throughout the city are pink and white taxi cabs. These are the official cabs of Mexico City, but prepare to pay extra for the service. 

Just like any taxi cab in any city, you remain at the mercy of the meter. Without a fixed price, your fare increases with each minute and mile, sometimes leaving you with a bill triple what you expected to pay.

As mentioned above, the traffic is terrible so stay away from taxis. 

I recommended Uber for getting around the city apart from the metro. The prices are fixed so you know exactly what you are paying. Plus with the added security and safety that Uber adds, you enjoy the trip with little worry about your driver. 

32. Walk, Walk, Walk

In my opinion, Mexico City is a walking city. The streets are easy to navigate with plenty to see between each neighborhood. 

Every neighborhood has its own vibe unique to the people and restaurants of the community. 

Try new restaurants or sample street food. Every food stall has its own identity with the cook eager to serve you something delicious. 

Pop into an eclectic cafe, or buy a sheet, yes sheet, of chicharron (fried crispy pork skin), or suck down freshly baked pastries at the corner bakery. 

Walking leads to spontaneous food adventures and helps you enjoy the city at a slower pace. 

Conclusion: It’s Time To Explore Mexico City

I hope these tips for Mexico City help you experience more of the area and food. Take the time to explore the city for yourself on your terms and create memories that will last a lifetime. 

I want every reader to understand that Mexico City is much different from what you expect and will hopefully surprise you around every corner. 

Mexican food holds a special place in my heart and I, unfortunately, won’t eat the same way until I return.