Mexico City Travel Guide
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Top Attractions
Cheap Flying Tips
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Your Guide to Mexico City
Mexico City is a beautiful vacation destination. But you may not know how to get around or where to find the coolest attractions. Well, look no further; this guide is here to help!
Mexico City is one of the largest cities in Mexico. This makes it one of Mexico’s most culturally diverse and populated cities in the region. So, there are lots of things to do and places to see. From your average tourist experience to an off the beaten path adventure, Mexico City is worth the trip.
In this guide, you will discover the best attractions to visit, the coolest places to stay, and the most economical ways to travel to and within Mexico City. Read on, and this all-inclusive guide will provide you with all you need to know to plan your next trip.
Top Attractions in Mexico City
Mexico City is known as a must-visit tourist destination. There are many amazing attractions you can stop at while staying in Mexico City. This city is very walkable, which makes it a perfect place to see all the sites. Below you will find information on the top three attractions you can find in Mexico City.
El Zócalo
One major attraction is El Zócalo, La Plaza de la Costitución, also known as Constitution Square, is a sight to see and was first built after the Aztec city Tenochititlán. And it was the birthplace of Mexico’s constitution.
What to See and Do Here
Within the square, you can find some of the major stops on almost all tourists’ itineraries:
- Metropolitan Cathedral
- National Palace
- Secretaría de Educación Pública
- Templo Mayor
The types of events and activities you can find at the square include:
- An open-air market
- Festivals
- Historic architecture
- Parades
- Street artists and demonstrations
- Street vendors
This should be one of your first stops while you are in Mexico City! It is a great introduction to the culture and falls at the center of the city. The best part is so many other attractions are within walking distance from the square or a short subway ride away.
El Museo Nacional de Antropología
Why You Must Visit El Museo Nacional de Antropología
The main reasons to stop by this famed museum are because it highlights:
- Culture
- Life in various regions
- Tradition
This museum is a perfect introduction to the history of Mexico and gives you a better understanding of the people who are native to the country. It is, by far, one of the best education sites to learn about the relics of the past and see how they connect to the present.
What to See and Do Here
The museum offers a multitude of different areas to explore, including:
- A cafeteria
- A gift shop
- A locker room
- Collections of artifacts from 100 B.C. to A.D. 1521
- Exhibits by various artists
- The National Library of Anthropology and History
Within the museum, you can find relics from El Templo Mayor. And if you stroll outside, you will find yourself in El Bosque de Chapultepec, or Chapultepec Park. This park offers plenty of other sites to see right in a few kilometers.
La Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe
The Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is one of the most important religious sites in Mexico City. You can attend a mass if you are Catholic, but the building also allows visitors to stroll through without interrupting the services.
This church is famous for being built next to the hill on which the Virgin Mary first appeared. The church is actually made up of two different buildings:
- The Old Basilica – Built in 1695 and was the first basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
- The new basilica – Built in 1976 as the previous building’s integrity became compromised with time.
What to See and Do Here
The two churches offer an array of things to explore, including the following:
- Gift shop
- Library
- Museum
- New church’s construction
- Old church’s relics
Even though this is a religious site, you do not have to be Catholic to visit. You can appreciate and enjoy the architecture and extravagance of an older church without practicing the same faith.
The Experience Flying into Mexican Airports
With airplane travel, you never quite know what to expect, a thunderstorm could derail your plans, or mechanical issues could cause a delay. With all those potential hiccups aside, flying into Mexican airports may be a bit different than what you are used to at a United States airport.
If you are looking to fly directly into the Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport from the United States, you should fly using one of the following airlines:
- Aeromar
- Aeromexico
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta
- Interjet
- JetBlue
- Southwest Airlines
- United
- Viva Aerobus
- Volaris
Delta, American Airlines, and United are the top three airlines that fly into Mexico City from the United States.
Keep in mind that arrival looks different in a foreign country, so you will want to remember the following things:
- Be ready for immigration – The lines are not too long and move relatively fast. But have your form filled out in advance to speed the process up.
- Declare your gifts and goods at customs – You may or may not have items to declare. If you are simply on vacation and not importing any goods, you likely have nothing to declare.
- Exiting the airport – You can’t remove a baggage cart from the airport, but the friendly staff is available to transfer your luggage from the exit area to your final transportation.
- Flying into the airport– Be ready with your passport and Forma Migratoria Multiple, which is provided on the plane before you disembark
- Nothing too special about baggage claim – This area of the airport is similar to most others. Look for the correct signage to find your luggage.
Now that you are more prepared for the airport experience in a foreign country, what else should you be thinking about? Let us dive into some tips to find you a cheap flight for your Mexico City vacation.
Top 3 Tips to Fly Cheap to Mexico City
Flying at any time of year can be expensive, but there are some ways you can save money on your next flight to Mexico City. Take some time to really plan out your trip in advance, and you will be starting on the right foot.
Use the following three tips to reduce costs the next time you fly to Mexico City:
1. Use a flight comparison site
Kayak, Expedia, and FareCompare are all well-known discount travel sites
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tend to be cheaper days to fly into Mexico City
3. Avoid holiday travel
Airfare prices are known to be much higher during the holiday season. Remember to consider popular Mexican holidays in your plans as well.
With these tips in mind, you are bound to save money the next time you go to Mexico City on vacation.
Popular Areas of the City to Stay
There are eight popular neighborhoods to stay at while traveling through Mexico City. You should always consider location in your travel plans because even though you might find a less expensive option, it could be that way. After all, the Neighborhood is not as welcoming to tourists.
The following neighborhoods are the most popular places to stay while vacationing in Mexico City:
- El Centro Historico – This Neighborhood is at the center of Mexico City and is the same Neighborhood where you can find El Zócalo. It boasts historic charm and is quite safe.
- Roma – Roma lies south of El Centro Historico and has some of the best restaurants in the city. It is known for its vibrant Art Deco architecture and street art scene. This is a very popular tourist neighborhood.
- Condesa – Condesa is a similar neighborhood to Roma and is another safe option. It has lots of green space to enjoy the outdoors!
- Coyoacan – This Neighborhood is located farther from the city’s center than the other neighborhoods, so more travel planning is required. But you can find the natives here moving at a calm and serene pace compared to other parts of the city.
- Juarez and Zona Rosa – These neighborhoods are great for the tourists who like to stay out late and enjoy the nightlife.
- San Rafael – This Neighborhood is west of El Centro Historico. It is home to many artists and some beautiful mansions.
- Polanco – Polanco is one of the best neighborhoods for authentic, delicious cuisine.
- San Angel – This Neighborhood is similar to the feel of Coyoacan. It has quaint streets and a beautiful market. Yet, this Neighborhood is about an hour commute to El Centro Historico.
Popular Hotels in Mexico City's Neighborhoods
Now that you know which Neighborhood will suit your personality and travel style best, it is time to find the right hotels. Below are some of the finest hotels in Mexico City separated by Neighborhood.
The following chart lists popular hotels in the Mexico City neighborhoods with good ratings and reviews:
Neighborhood in Mexico City
| Neighborhood in Mexico City | Popular Hotels |
|---|---|
| El Centro Historico | • Gran Hotel Cuidad de México • Hampton Inn and Suites Mexico City Centro Historico • Zócalo Central Hotel • Hilton Mexico City Reforma |
| Roma | • Best Western Estoril • Hotel Emporio Ciudad de México • Hotel Galería Plaza Reforma |
| Condesa | • Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City • Hotel NH Collection Mexico City Reforma • Hotel CondesaDF |
| Coyoacan | • Krystal Grand Suites • Pasadena Hotel & Villas • Hotel Diplomático |
| Juarez and Zona Rosa | • Holiday Inn Express Mexico Reforma • Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel • Sofitel Mexico City Reforma |
| San Rafael | • Holiday Inn Mexico Buenavista • Fiesta Americana Reforma • Mexico City Marriott Reforma Hotel |
| Polanco | • Hyatt Regency Mexico City • W Mexico City • JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City |
| San Angel | • Holiday Inn Mexico City-Plaza Universidad • Fiesta Inn Insurgentes Sur • City Express Plus |
Popular Airbnb Places in Mexico City
Maybe you are not super into the hotel experience, check out these Airbnb vacation rentals in Mexico City.
The following list is a set of top-rated Airbnb rentals in Mexico City; book your stay in one of these homes today:
| Name of the Listing | Name of the Listing | Beds and Baths | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Loft Apartment with Roof Garden | 4 guests total, no infants, or pets | 1 bedroom and 1 bath | Under $50 per night |
| High-End Balconied Apartment in Exclusive Roma Norte/Condesa | 6 guests total, no pets | 2 bedrooms and 2 baths | $10 per night |
| Casa de Los Cactus, habitación privada | 3 guests, no one under 12 | 1 bedroom and 1.5 shared baths | $11 per night |
If you are not satisfied with these top options, Airbnb has over 300 rentals available in Mexico City, from renting the entire place to sharing a room!
Top Things to do in Mexico City
There are so many things to do in Mexico City that fall outside of the attractions we listed above. Any travel blog will tell you about all the history, but to experience it in a range of ways other than your traditional museums can be tough to navigate.
The following list gives you the three top things to do in Mexico City when you are on vacation:
- El Bosque de Chapultepec – A large green space with trails, ponds, a castle, and a zoo! It receives 15 million visitors a year.
- Frida Kahlo Museum – Also known as the Blue House, the museum captures the life and work of Frida Kahlo. It is an amazing site that highlights Mexican folk artists through artifacts, memorabilia, and photographs.
- Palacio de Bellas Artes – A cultural arts center that hosts different events from art exhibitions to music, theatre, and dance performances. In addition to hosting events, it serves as a museum with collections and traveling exhibits.
Coolest Airbnb Experiences in Mexico City
In addition to having some top-ranked Airbnb locales, there are some really hip and cool experiences you can find in the heart of Mexico City.
Airbnb has some amazing experiences you can explore in Mexico City:
- Take an art class – Paint Alebrijes, also known as spiritual protectors, a traditional handcraft of Mexico
- Bake some bread – Take a Mexican Bread Masterclass and learn how bread fits into the Mexican culture while making an iconic loaf from scratch
- Cook authentic tacos – Take an interactive cooking class to experience tacos al pastor with a professional chef. You will go to the market to source your ingredients and learn tips for the recipes along the way!
If you are still stumped on what to do in Mexico City, ask a local. The friendly and fast-paced city will welcome you!
In Summary: All You Need to Know About Mexico City
Mexico City is an amazing vacation destination with so much to offer a traveler. You can find fun and educational attractions. Traveling through the Mexico City airport and flying into a foreign country is straightforward with friendly and helpful natives if you end up disorganized.
The neighborhoods in Mexico City are diverse and safe, making any tourist, young or old feel comfortable. The places to stay are unmatched, and the things to do are never-ending. When you travel to Mexico City, you can find exactly what you want to do for fun and learn something new about the culture and history along the way.
