Mexico City, the second-largest city in the world behind Tokyo, has more than 20 million inhabitants. You will have countless opportunities to spend your pesos during your visit, but here are some smart ways to see this fascinating city and stay within your budget.
When to Visit:
At over 7,000 feet above sea level, Mexico City enjoys a warm climate, with little variation in temperature throughout the year. Evenings are generally cool, but the average year-round high is 76 degrees. From May to September, skies can be cloudy, with showers almost daily; October to March is the dry season, when air pollution can be a problem. July and August, when Mexicans vacation, are the busiest months for tourism. Find flights to Mexico City
Where to Eat:
You can find almost any kind of international cuisine in this melting-pot behemoth, but it would be a shame to come to Mexico City and miss out on its rich culinary traditions. If you're after good, fast and cheap meals, do as the locals do and sample the delicious street food. Taco stands are ubiquitous; the famous filled tortillas come in numerous varieties. If you're concerned about hygiene, look for street stands that are already busy serving locals. You can also get classic local and regional dishes for reasonable prices at traditional cafes. Keep in mind that lunch starts late (from 1 pm to 2 pm), can last a couple of hours and is often the biggest meal of the day.
Where to Stay:
You will have little trouble finding comfortable, well-managed, and strategically located hotels in Mexico City that are also reasonably priced. You can even get a good deal in one of the more upscale business hotels by booking for weekends, when rates are slashed to fill rooms.
Getting Around:
The public transportation system (subway and buses) in Mexico City is a workhorse, serving some 22 million passengers daily. If you want to get around the city with speed and efficiency, the subway can't be beat; plus, it's cheap to use. Keep in mind, however, that subway trains and buses can be crowded, especially during rush hours, and pick-pockets are not uncommon. The close contact can get so uncomfortable that the city recently designated women-only buses to help stem harassment complaints and prevent unwanted advances. Taxis are an inexpensive, reliable means of getting around, but visitors should only take licensed "sitio" from regulated taxi stands or radio taxis. Luxury sedans, known as "turismo taxis," can be arranged by your hotel concierge at prenegotiated rates. Avoid unlicensed, unauthorized taxis. Due to a spate of recent, violent robberies, the U.S. State Department has cautioned American travelers against them. A simple rule of thumb is to never hail a cab off the street, especially at night.
Mexico City Sights and Attractions:
Unlike many other major cities around the world, the prices for attractions and museums are downright cheap. Fees generally range from $1 to $3 (many even have "free admission" days), and entry to churches is free. The historic downtown area (Centro Historico) is a good place to start. The Plaza de la Constitución (El Zócalo) is the largest square in the city and is surrounded by sights such as the Palacio Nacional, built on the site of Montezuma's residence and now the seat of the national government. Powerful murals by the Mexican artist Diego Rivera are displayed inside. Also situated around the Zócalo is the oldest cathedral in the Americas, Metropolitan Cathedral, which was begun in 1573 and finally finished in 1813. To the right of the cathedral, you will find the ongoing excavation of the Templo Mayor, twin pyramids that served as the center of Aztec religious life; and an attached museum containing fascinating relics that have been unearthed since the ruins were discovered in 1978.
More Mexico City Tips:
- Don't drink the tap water. A number of hotels provide sterilized tap water for guests to drink. Otherwise, stick to bottled water during your stay and avoid ice cubes in drinks.
- Getting safely into town. Visitors arriving by plane should take only airport taxis (white vehicles marked with a yellow stripe and a black airplane symbol), for which the fare is prepaid in exchange for a ticket.
- Dress up a little. Nothing formal, mind you, just a little more conservative and a little less "American casual." Few men wear shorts in Mexico City, and in some restaurants they are required to wear long pants, a jacket, and tie. Many nightclubs have dress codes forbidding tennis shoes and shorts. Before you go sightseeing, check dress codes for entering churches; some require that women have their shoulders and legs covered.
