Let's cut to the chase: Mexico City overwhelms first-timers. After living here three years and hosting dozens of friends, I've learned what actually works versus what looks good on Instagram. Forget generic lists – this guide focuses on authentic experiences with crucial logistics. Seriously, skip that taco tour and read this first.
Ancient Wonders That Won't Disappoint
Look, some ruins feel like rubble. Not these.
Teotihuacan Pyramids
Climbing the Sun Pyramid at dawn? Chills. But logistics matter:
| Info | Details | My Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Location | San Juan Teotihuacán (1.5hrs northeast of CDMX) | Take Autobuses del Norte Terminal bus (MXN$52/$3 USD) – taxis scam tourists |
| Hours | 9am-5pm daily (gate closes 3pm for entry) | Arrive by 7:30am to beat crowds/heat. Sundays free for Mexicans = chaos |
| Cost | MXN$90 ($5.50 USD) | Skip "official" guides outside gates – hire inside for MXN$600 ($36 USD)/group |
Personal take: Worth every peso. But wear trainers – stones are uneven. Bring water (vendors charge triple).
Honest rant: The onsite museum? Underwhelming. Rush through it for AC break only.
Templo Mayor
Right beside the Zócalo, this Aztec site stunned me. You'll stare at sacrificial alters beneath modern buildings.
- Address: Seminario 8, Centro Histórico (Metro Zócalo)
- Hours: Tue-Sun 9am-5pm
- Tickets: MXN$90 ($5.50 USD) – includes museum
Pro move: Visit Templo Mayor THEN Cathedral – the contrast of civilizations hits harder.
Museums That Don't Bore You to Tears
Anthropology Museum (MNA)
Even museum-haters gasp at the Aztec Sun Stone room. But it's massive:
| Section | Don't Miss | Skip If Short |
|---|---|---|
| Maya Hall | Replica of Pakal's tomb | Pre-classic pottery (yawn) |
| Aztec Hall | Monolith of Tlaloc | Ethnographic textiles upstairs |
| Oaxaca Hall | Mixtec gold jewelry | Northern Mexico exhibits |
- Cost: MXN$90 ($5.50 USD), free Sundays for locals
- Hours: Tue-Sun 9am-7pm
- Time needed: 3hrs MINIMUM. Feet will hurt.
Secret: Cafe inside has decent coffee and quiet seats when overwhelmed.
Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)
Yes, it's crowded. Yes, book weeks ahead online. Still essential? Absolutely.
- Booking: museofridakahlo.org.mx – MXN$270 ($16 USD)
- Slot: First entry (10am) = fewer people
- Transport: Uber to Coyoacán neighborhood (30mins from Centro)
My take: The garden alone justifies it. But avoid weekends – you'll be herded like sheep.
Food Experiences Worth Your Peso
Street tacos > fancy restaurants. Fight me.
Mercado de San Juan (Foodie Heaven)
Where chefs shop. Giant crickets, Oaxaca cheese, carnitas – try it all.
- Address: Ernesto Pugibet 21, Centro (Metro San Juan de Letrán)
- Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-5:30pm
- Must-try: Tacos de cabeza at "Tacos Manolo" (MXN$15/$0.90 USD each)
Warning: Don't eat pre-cut fruit – stomachs protest.
Breakfast at Panadería Rosetta
Best conchas (sweet bread) in Roma Norte. Prepare to queue.
- Location: Colima 179, Roma Norte
- Hours: 7:30am-9pm (breakfast rush 9-11am)
- Damage: MXN$250 ($15 USD) for coffee + pastry + eggs
Unexpected Gems Most Blogs Miss
Lucha Libre at Arena México
Wrestlers in sequined masks backflipping off ropes? Pure chaos. Buy tickets direct:
| Day | Shows | Ticket Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 8:30pm | MXN$200-600 ($12-$36 USD) |
| Sunday | 5pm | MXN$150-500 ($9-$30 USD) |
Uber there – Colonia Doctores gets sketchy at night. Beer costs MXN$35 ($2 USD). Cheer for "rudos" (villains) – more fun.
Xochimilco Canals (Skip the Tourist Boats)
Most tours hit crowded routes. Here's how locals do it:
- Go EARLY: 10am at Embarcadero Cuemanco
- Cost: MXN$500 ($30 USD)/boat/hour (split with 8 people)
- Bring: Beer, snacks, Bluetooth speaker (boats sell overpriced junk)
Confession: Mariachi bands charge MXN$100 ($6 USD)/song. Worth one song for the photo op.
Neighborhood Wanderings
Getting lost > rigid itineraries.
Roma Norte & Condesa
Think Paris meets tropical vibes. Just stroll:
- People-watch at Parque México (dog paradise)
- Find hidden galleries on Colima Street
- Eat sushi-tacos at Contramar (yes, really)
Airbnb alert: Noise levels high – pack earplugs.
Coyoacán Beyond Frida
After Casa Azul:
- Jardín Centenario: Grab nieves (sorbet) at "La Siberia"
- Mercado de Coyoacán: Try huitlacoche quesadillas
- Casa León Trotsky: Creepy bullet holes still visible (MXN$60/$3.50 USD entry)
Safety note: Stick to main plazas after dark.
Top Things to Do in Mexico City: Your Burning Questions
Is Mexico City safe for tourists?
Lived here years, zero issues. But:
- Keep phones hidden in Centro Histórico
- Uber > street taxis after midnight
- Roma/Condesa/Polanco = safest zones
Bigger risk? Spicy salsa. Tread carefully.
What's the best time to visit?
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Nov-Apr (dry) | Sunny days (72°F avg) | Highest prices/crowds |
| May-Jun (shoulder) | Cheaper, lush greenery | Afternoon thunderstorms |
| Jul-Oct (rainy) | Lowest hotel rates | Daily heavy downpours |
My pick? Late October – fewer people, cheaper flights, drier than August.
How many days do I need?
- 3 days: Teotihuacan, Centro Histórico, one museum (choose: Frida OR Anthropology)
- 5 days: Add Xochimilco, Roma/Condesa, lucha libre
- 7+ days: Day trips (Puebla, Taxco), mercados, multiple museums
Truth? You'll wish you stayed longer. I came for 2 weeks... still here.
Can I drink tap water?
No. Absolutely not. Even locals avoid it.
- Buy bottled water (MXN$10/$0.60 USD/liter)
- Use bottled water when brushing teeth
- Ice in reputable restaurants? Usually fine
Got "Moctezuma's Revenge"? Pharmacies sell anti-diarrheal pills (ask for "Treda").
Getting Around Without Losing Your Mind
Traffic is apocalyptic. Plan strategically.
| Option | Cost | Best For | My Warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | MXN$5 ($0.30 USD) | Centro routes | Rush hour = human sardine tin |
| Uber/Didi | ~MXN$100 ($6 USD)/30min | Nighttime, groups | Surge pricing during rain |
| Ecobici Bike | MXN$490 ($29 USD)/week | Roma/Condesa/Reforma | Helmets not provided (bring your own) |
Airport tip: Official taxi kiosks inside Terminal 1 charge ~MXN$300 ($18 USD) to Centro. Uber cheaper but pickup chaotic.
Money-Saving Hacks Only Locals Know
- Museum Sundays: Most free for locals – but packed. Foreigners still pay unless married to Mexican.
- Lunch "Comida Corrida": Set menus (soup, main, drink) for MXN$100-150 ($6-$9 USD) at local fondas
- Oxxo Convenience Stores: SIM cards, bottled water, snacks at non-tourist prices
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs (Banamex/Santander) – avoid Euronet (crazy fees)
Seriously? Skip the fancy rooftop bars. Grab micheladas at a mercado instead.
Essential Spanish Phrases
English works in tourist zones. But try these:
| Phrase | Pronunciation | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | Kwan-to kwes-ta | Asking prices at markets |
| La cuenta, por favor | La kwen-ta por fa-vor | Asking for restaurant bill |
| ¿Dónde está el baño? | Don-de es-ta el ban-yo | Emergency toilet hunt |
| No picante | No pee-kan-te | Begging for no spice |
Effort = instant smiles. Tip extra for effort.
Final Reality Check
CDMX isn't "perfect." Smog exists. Sirens wail. Sidewalks crumble. But find me another city where pyramids tower beside colonial palaces while taco stands serve life-changing al pastor at 2am. Exactly.
Focus on top things to do in Mexico City that resonate with you. Skip insta-bait. Eat street food fearlessly. Let the chaos embrace you. That's when the magic hits.
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