Teotihuacan
Ancient pyramids 50km northeast of the city
On this page
About Mexico City
Mexico City is a dynamic megalopolis that blends thousands of years of history with state-of-the-art contemporary culture. Home to over 150 world-class museums, the city's neighborhoods each offer distinct personalities — from the colonial grandeur of the Historic Center to the bohemian streets of Coyoacán and the sleek galleries of Polanco. The city's culinary scene has earned global recognition, with dozens of restaurants featuring on the World's 50 Best list.
- Capital
- Mexico City
- Largest city
- Mexico City
- Population
- 9.2 million (21 million metro area)
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currency
- Mexican Peso
- Time zone
- America/Mexico_City (UTC-6, CST)
Explore Mexico City by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Mexico City
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Chapultepec Castle
Historic castle with panoramic city views
Frida Kahlo Museum
The iconic Blue House where Frida lived
National Museum of Anthropology
World's finest collection of Mesoamerican artifacts
Zócalo
The massive main plaza at the heart of the Historic Center
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Mexico City Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Mexico City, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Mexico City
- Days 1-2Mexico City city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Mexico City
- Days 1-3Mexico City comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Mexico City, departure
Where to stay in Mexico City
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $600 MXN ($35 USD)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $1,500 MXN ($87 USD)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $5,000+ MXN ($290+ USD)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
St. Regis Mexico City
One of Mexico City's most iconic luxury hotels, the St. Regis towers above Paseo de la Reforma with 189 rooms and suites offering sweeping city views. Famous for its personalized butler service, the legendary St. Regis Bar (birthplace of the Bloody Mary), and the luxurious Remède Spa. The rooftop pool and Diana Bar are city highlights.
Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City
Situated along the iconic Paseo de la Reforma, the Four Seasons Mexico City is set around a spectacular inner courtyard garden. The 240-room hotel features the renowned Fifty Mils bar, excellent El Restaurante, a full spa, and a tranquil outdoor pool. Consistently rated one of the best hotels in Latin America.
Camino Real Polanco Mexico
A Mexico City institution since 1968, the Camino Real Polanco was designed by Ricardo Legorreta and features his signature bold use of color — vibrant pinks and purples. Located at the entrance to Chapultepec Park, the hotel has 714 rooms, multiple restaurants including Azur, a large outdoor pool, tennis courts, and excellent spa facilities.
Hyatt Regency Mexico City
A 755-room luxury hotel in the heart of Polanco, steps from the city's best restaurants, galleries, and museums. The Hyatt Regency features a rooftop pool with stunning city views, the Regency Club lounge, an excellent fitness center, and multiple dining options including the popular Lago restaurant. Ideal for business travelers and those wanting Polanco access.
Where to eat in Mexico City
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Pujol
Chef Enrique Olvera's flagship restaurant, consistently ranked among the world's 50 best restaurants. Pujol elevated Mexican cuisine to global recognition with boundary-pushing dishes like the legendary 'mole madre' aged over 1,500 days and a celebrated taco omakase featuring eight courses with rare ingredients like abalone and wagyu.
Quintonil
Chef Jorge Vallejo's acclaimed restaurant ranked #3 on the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list. Quintonil focuses on indigenous Mexican ingredients prepared with modern techniques, exploring forgotten and underused herbs, vegetables, and proteins. The restaurant offers both tasting menus and à la carte options.
Biko
The creative collaboration of Basque chefs Bruno Oteiza and Mikel Alonso blends Mexican ingredients with Basque culinary techniques. Consistently rated among Mexico's best restaurants, Biko offers sophisticated tasting menus that respect both culinary traditions. The wine cellar is exceptional.
Sud 777
Chef Edgar Núñez's acclaimed restaurant in the south of Mexico City, consistently featured among Latin America's best. Sud 777 showcases hyper-seasonal Mexican ingredients with French and global influences. The garden setting adds a magical quality to dining experiences.
Rosetta
Chef Elena Reygadas's gorgeous restaurant in a converted 19th-century Roma Norte mansion. Rosetta blends Italian and Mexican culinary traditions with seasonal local ingredients. Famous for its handmade pastas, exceptional bread (sold in the adjacent Panadería Rosetta), and light-filled interior courtyard.
Dulce Patria
Chef Martha Ortiz's theatrical restaurant in the Las Alcobas hotel lobby, celebrating Mexico's culinary heritage with dramatic presentations and bold flavors. Dulce Patria is known for its striking visual aesthetic, incorporating folk art and tradition into every aspect of the dining experience.
Getting around Mexico City
Mexico City has one of the most extensive urban public transport networks in the Western Hemisphere. The Metro system alone carries over 4 million passengers daily and reaches virtually every corner of the city. Complemented by Metrobús BRT, Trolebús, and ride-sharing apps, getting around CDMX is cheap and generally efficient. Visitors are strongly advised to use Uber or DiDi rather than hailing taxis off the street.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in MXN, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $250 MXN | $800 MXN | $2,500 MXN |
| Food (per day) | $150 MXN | $400 MXN | $1,500 MXN |
| Transportation | $50 MXN | $100 MXN | $400 MXN |
| Activities | $150 MXN | $200 MXN | $600 MXN |
| Daily total | $600 MXN ($35 USD) | $1,500 MXN ($87 USD) | $5,000+ MXN ($290+ USD) |
Best time to visit Mexico City
Essential travel tips
- Mexico City sits at 2,240m altitude — take it easy your first day
- The Metro is very cheap and efficient but can be crowded at rush hour
- Book popular restaurants weeks in advance
- Sunday is free museum day at many institutions
Safety information
Use Uber or DiDi instead of hailing taxis on the street
Keep valuables out of sight in crowded Metro stations
Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night
Be aware of your surroundings in the Historic Center
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Mexico City?
Entry requirements follow Mexico rules. Most nationalities including US, Canada, EU citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 180 days. A tourist card (FMM) is issued on arrival. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Mexico City?
The currency in Mexico City is the Mexican Peso (MXN). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Mexico City?
The main language(s) spoken in Mexico City: Spanish. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.