Mexico · October 2025
Overview
Mexico City (CDMX) is one of the biggest cities in the world, and one of the most exciting. In one day you can see Aztec ruins under a colonial cathedral, eat the best tacos of your life for 20 pesos, walk through leafy Roma and Condesa and ride a colourful boat in Xochimilco. Keep in mind that it is at 2,240 m, so you may feel the altitude the first day, and it gets cold at night.
The Mexica (Aztecs) founded Tenochtitlan in 1325 on an island in Lake Texcoco. When the Spanish arrived in 1519 it was one of the largest cities in the world, with about 200,000 people. Hernán Cortés conquered it in 1521, and the Spanish built their capital on top of the ruins, drying the lake over the centuries. That is why the city is slowly sinking and buildings lean. It has been the capital of independent Mexico since 1821. Big earthquakes in 1985 and on 19 September 2017 shaped the modern city. Mexico City hosted the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match at Estadio Azteca.
How long to stay: 4 to 5 days, including a day for Teotihuacán.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick Facts
Location
In the Valley of Mexico in the centre of the country, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes (Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl are visible on clear days). Puebla is 2 hours east, Oaxaca about 6.5 hours south by bus.
Budget
Per person, per day.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed | MXN 350–600 ($19–33) | MXN 1,500–2,800 ($83–155) | MXN 4,500+ ($250+) |
| Food | MXN 300–500 ($17–28) | MXN 800–1,300 ($44–72) | MXN 2,000+ ($110+) |
| Getting around | MXN 30–60 | MXN 200–400 (Uber) | MXN 800+ |
| Daily total | MXN 700–1,200 ($39–66) | MXN 2,500–4,500 ($139–250) | MXN 7,300+ ($405+) |
Tacos de pastor cost about MXN 18–30 each; a menu del día (set lunch) MXN 100–180.
Things to Do
CDMX is one of the world's great capitals and it rewards curiosity. The historic Centro is stacked with Aztec ruins at Templo Mayor, the Baroque cathedral on the Zocalo, and Diego Rivera murals inside the Palacio Nacional and Bellas Artes.
Chapultepec Park is bigger than Central Park and holds the world-class National Museum of Anthropology, the Castle, and the mirror-tiled Museo Soumaya. Give the park a full day.
In Coyoacan, visit Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul, then eat at a market. Time a visit for the Mexican Grand Prix at Foro Sol if you love F1; the noise off Grandstand 4 is unforgettable.
The Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) is one of the largest squares in the world, built over the heart of Tenochtitlan. On its north side, the Metropolitan Cathedral took almost 250 years to build (1573 to 1813), mixing Renaissance, baroque and neoclassical styles. Look at how it leans because of the soft ground.
Price: free; bell tower tours small fee · Tip: watch the flag ceremony at 8:00 or 18:00.
The main temple of the Aztecs, dedicated to the gods Huitzilopochtli and Tláloc. It was buried under colonial buildings until 1978, when electricity workers found a giant stone disc of the goddess Coyolxauhqui. The ruins and museum are next to the cathedral.
Price: about MXN 100–200 (INAH, higher for foreigners since 2026) · Hours: closed Monday · Time needed: 2 hours.
The seat of government on the Zócalo has Diego Rivera's huge murals (1929 to 1951) telling the history of Mexico from the Aztecs to the 20th century.
Price: free with ID · Tip: it is sometimes closed for official events; bring your passport.
A white marble palace finished in 1934, Art Nouveau outside and Art Deco inside, with murals by Rivera, Orozco and Siqueiros and a Tiffany glass curtain in the theatre. The Ballet Folklórico performs here.
Price: museum about MXN 90–100 · Tip: see it from the café on the top floor of the Sears building across the street.
One of the best museums in the world, opened in 1964 in Chapultepec Park. It holds the Aztec Sun Stone, the giant Olmec heads and a replica of the tomb of the Maya king Pakal.
Price: MXN 210 for foreigners in 2026 · Hours: closed Monday · Time needed: at least 3 hours.
A huge park, twice the size of Central Park. On the hill, Chapultepec Castle was the home of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota in the 1860s and is now the National History Museum, with great views of Paseo de la Reforma.
Price: castle about MXN 100–210 · Hours: closed Monday.
The blue house where Frida Kahlo was born in 1907 and died in 1954, with her studio, clothes, corsets and garden. Afterwards, walk around Coyoacán's plazas and market.
Price: about MXN 300–400 for foreigners · Tip: tickets are only sold online and sell out days ahead.
The last remains of the Aztec canals and floating gardens (chinampas), a UNESCO site. You ride a colourful wooden boat (trajinera) while mariachi and food boats come alongside.
Price: about MXN 600 per hour per boat (official rate), shared between your group · Tip: go with a group of friends on a weekend for the party atmosphere.
Two leafy neighbourhoods with Art Deco buildings, parks, cafés, restaurants and bars. The best area to walk and eat.
Price: free.
Mexican wrestling with masks, flying jumps and a very loud crowd, on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
Price: about MXN 150–800 depending on seats.
The "City of the Gods", built long before the Aztecs, peaking around 450 AD with up to 125,000 people. Walk the Avenue of the Dead to the Pyramid of the Sun (one of the largest in the world) and the Pyramid of the Moon. UNESCO site since 1987.
Price: MXN 210 for foreigners · Getting there: bus from Terminal del Norte, about 1 hour · Tip: arrive at 8:00 opening, and bring sun protection; there is no shade. A sunrise balloon ride is a popular extra.
Transit Tips
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From AICM: Uber and DiDi have pickup zones (follow the app); official airport taxis are paid at kiosks inside the terminal. Metrobús Line 4 goes to the centre for a few dozen pesos.
By bus: ADO from Puebla (2 hours), Oaxaca (6.5 hours) and many other cities to the four main bus terminals.
Metro: MXN 5 a ride, very cheap and fast but very crowded at rush hour.
Uber and DiDi: safe, cheap and the best option at night.
Walking: the Centro, Roma and Condesa are great on foot; Ecobici bikes too.
Keep in mind that street taxis are not recommended for visitors. Use Uber, DiDi or an official "sitio" taxi.
Helpful Words
A few basics in Spanish can make everyday conversations much easier.
Where to Stay
Plan & Book
Explore accommodation options and open hotel details directly from the map.
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