Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and the most populous city in North America. Playing an influential role in the cultural and financial aspects of America, the city enjoys a dominant position on the map of North America.
The bustling metropolis has a dynamic lifestyle with a strong cultural foothold.
Here are the top 5 things to do in Mexico City:
- Visit the historic center: The historic center of Mexico City, also known as Centro Histórico, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the city’s most important landmarks, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and the Templo Mayor. It’s a great place to learn about Mexico’s history and culture.
- Explore the Frida Kahlo Museum: The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as Casa Azul, is the former home of the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The museum contains many of her works and personal belongings, as well as exhibits on her life and the art of her husband, Diego Rivera.
- Visit the National Museum of Anthropology: The National Museum of Anthropology is one of the largest and most important museums in Mexico, with exhibits covering the country’s pre-Columbian history and indigenous cultures. The museum’s collection includes the famous Aztec calendar stone and other archaeological treasures.
- Take a tour of the Xochimilco canals: Xochimilco is a network of canals and floating gardens located in the southern part of the city. Visitors can take a boat tour of the canals, enjoying the scenery and traditional music while snacking on Mexican street food.
- Try the street food: Mexico City is known for its delicious street food, from tacos al pastor to churros to elote (grilled corn on the cob). Some popular food markets to visit include Mercado de San Juan, Mercado de la Merced, and Mercado Roma. Just be sure to choose a reputable vendor and watch out for hygiene.
How To Get Around?
Mexico is a big city but has an efficient transportation system that can take you anywhere around the city. Subway offers great transportation and has an extensive network around the city. Metro Buses or the fast buses are another great option to get around the city. These have fixed routes. Normal buses generally called Peceros run in the city too. Cab services by Uber and Cabify are great for private transportation. Women travellers can opt for Laudrive which provides cab services exclusively to women. Taxis de sitio provide safer transportation than the normal taxis around the city. Ecobici stations provide bikes on rent.
Here are some must-have apps for visitors to Mexico City:
Getting Around:
- Metro CDMX: This is the official app for the Mexico City Metro system, a vast and efficient subway network. It provides an interactive map, real-time train arrival information, and route planning to help you navigate the city’s extensive underground system. Having this app downloaded beforehand is especially useful since it works offline.
- Waze: This GPS navigation app is a favorite among locals for getting around Mexico City. Waze provides real-time traffic updates and route suggestions to help you avoid congestion, important in a city known for heavy traffic.
- Uber or Didi: Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Didi are a convenient way to get around Mexico City, especially for late-night travel or if you’re unfamiliar with the public transportation system. Both apps allow you to request a ride, track your driver’s location, and see the estimated fare upfront.
Communication:
- WhatsApp: This messaging app is essential for communication in Mexico. It’s widely used by locals for texting, calling, and video chatting, and even some businesses use it for communication. Make sure to have WhatsApp downloaded before you go so you can stay connected with friends, family, or your hostel/hotel.
Exploring the City:
- Mexico City Travel Guide & Map: This app provides a comprehensive offline guide to Mexico City, including information on top attractions, museums, restaurants, nightlife, and cultural events. The app also has a built-in map to help you navigate the city.
- Time Out Mexico City: This app is a great resource for finding things to do in Mexico City, from trendy restaurants and bars to upcoming concerts and art exhibitions. The app also publishes articles and reviews on a variety of topics related to Mexico City.
- The Fork (El Tenedor): This app allows you to browse menus, make reservations, and even get discounts at some of Mexico City’s best restaurants. A great way to find and try delicious local cuisine!
Bonus:
- XE Currency: This currency exchange app will help you stay on top of exchange rates and convert between Mexican pesos and your home currency. Useful when shopping or paying for things in pesos.
By downloading these apps, you’ll be well on your way to having a smooth and enjoyable experience exploring Mexico City!
Best Time to Visit
The months of March, April and May are the best to plan a trip to Mexico City. Weather is pleasant during this time and crowd comparatively lower than July and August which is the holiday season in US. Still, Mexico is pretty much crowded during this time as the summers from May to October witness too much downpour and winters are quite chilly.