Things to Do in Mexico City

Mexico City is one of the world's great megalopolises — a city of 22 million people built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, now offering world-class museums, some of the planet's best street food, and a cultural scene that rivals any European capital. Roma and Condesa neighborhoods have emerged as global food and design destinations. Chapultepec Park (twice the size of Central Park) contains museums, a castle, and a zoo. The city sits at 2,240 meters (7,350 feet), so altitude adjustment is real. Budget travelers will find extraordinary value. Peak season is November through April (dry season).

Top Experiences

Teotihuacan pyramids — climb the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon (1 hour north). National Museum of Anthropology — the world's greatest collection of pre-Columbian art. Frida Kahlo Museum (La Casa Azul) in Coyoacan. Zocalo (main square) and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Chapultepec Castle for city views and history. Roma-Condesa neighborhood walking tour for architecture and food. Xochimilco floating gardens on colorful trajineras (boats). Street taco crawl — the city has over 100,000 taco stands.

Getting Around

Metro has 12 lines covering the city ($0.30 per ride). Metrobus rapid transit supplements the metro. Uber is safe, cheap, and universally used ($2-5 for most rides). Walking is excellent in Roma, Condesa, Coyoacan, and Centro Historico. Traffic is severe — avoid taxis during rush hours.