How to Reach Mexico City
Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) is one of Latin America's busiest hubs with direct connections from across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Mexico City's Metro — one of the world's largest and cheapest — connects the airport to the city center.
Mexico City's altitude (2,240m) can cause headaches for the first day or two. Take it easy, avoid alcohol initially, and drink plenty of water before acclimatizing.
Top Things to See & Do
1. Teotihuacan
The ancient city of the gods — 50km from downtown — whose Pyramid of the Sun is one of the largest structures ever built in the pre-Columbian Americas. Climbing to the summit at sunrise is genuinely one of the world's great experiences.
2. Centro Histórico
The historic center built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan — the enormous Zócalo plaza, Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor where Aztec ruins are visible beneath the colonial city.
3. Frida Kahlo Museum
The cobalt blue house in Coyoacán where Frida Kahlo was born and died has been preserved as a shrine to one of the 20th century's greatest artists.
4. National Museum of Anthropology
The world's finest pre-Columbian art museum — the Aztec Sun Stone, Maya stelae, and treasures from every major Mesoamerican civilization. Allow a full day.
5. Roma & Condesa
Mexico City's most fashionable neighborhoods — art deco buildings, outstanding restaurants, and the creative energy that has made CDMX one of the world's most exciting cities for food and culture.
What to Eat in Mexico City
- Tacos al pastor — marinated pork shaved from a vertical spit with pineapple on a corn tortilla
- Tamales — masa dough stuffed with meat or cheese and steamed in corn husks
- Mole — the extraordinary complex sauce of 30+ ingredients including chocolate and chilli
- Mezcal — smoky agave spirit, best drunk neat with orange and sal de gusano
Best Time to Visit
March to May is the warm dry season — ideal weather. October to February is cooler and also excellent. June to September brings brief afternoon rain showers.
