Mexico City is a vibrant and exciting destination. It’s become a popular tourist spot. If you’re planning a trip to Mexico City, you may be wondering a few things. Such as what’s the best time of year to visit, must-see attractions, and safety concerns.
What is the best time of year to visit Mexico City?
The best time to visit Mexico City is during the dry season. Which runs from March to May and from September to November. The weather is mild and there is less rain during these months, making it an ideal time to explore the city. If you visit during the Christmas season you will find non-stop festivities. There are many activities to enjoy and the city decked out in decorations for the holidays.
Is Mexico City safe for tourists?
When it comes to safety in Mexico City, taking precautions is important. The city is generally safe for tourists. Some neighborhoods in Mexico City are safer than others. So it’s important to do your research and arrive prepared.
Here are a few tourist friendly neighborhoods:
- Polanco
- Condesa
- Roma
- Juarez
- Coyoacán
Here are some tips for staying safe in Mexico City:
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Keep your valuables close
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- Be careful when using ATMs and taxis
- Trust your instinct
By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your trip to Mexico City is a safe and enjoyable one.
How long should you stay in Mexico City?
A general recommendation would be to stay at least 3-4 days. This gives you time to explore the main attractions and get a feel for the city’s vibrant culture and history. I’ve always had a full agenda on quick weekend trips. Since there is so much to see and do throughout the city.
You can easily spend a week or more if you want to really explore the city. If you decide to stay longer you can even take a day trip to the following places:
- Puebla is a colonial city known for its beautiful architecture, delicious food, and vibrant culture.
- Cuernavaca is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” because of its mild climate. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
- Taxco is a silver mining town known for its beautiful colonial architecture and its many silver shops. It’s a great place to do some shopping or wander around and admire the scenery.
What are the must-see attractions in Mexico City?
As for must-see attractions, there are plenty of things to see and do in Mexico City – more than you can fit into one trip. These are some good starting points to incorporate into your trip.
- Take a walk through Chapultepec Park, which is one of the largest city parks in the world. The Chapultepec Castle gives you an amazing view of the city and it has a museum inside. I spent a few hours admiring the paintings and antique furniture inside. You can also do a paddle boat ride in the lake.
- Explore El Zócalo, the central square in Mexico City. The square is made up of many important historical buildings. Like the Palacio Nacional and the Cathedral Metropolitana de México. You can also find retail chains such as Zara and H&M a few blocks away if you want to do some shopping.
- Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, la Casa Azul, is a museum dedicated to the life and work of the famous Mexican artist. Located in her former home, it showcases a mix of her paintings and personal belongings.
- Take a cooking class! There are some great ones listed on Airbnb Experiences and it’s a great way to dive into the culture.
- Visit the Teotihuacan ruins, an ancient city that was once one of the largest cities in the world. The ruins are about an hour from Mexico City. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the city. This is also where you can do spectacular hot air balloon rides.
How to get around Mexico City
There are many ways to get around Mexico City. It all depends on where you’re starting and where you want to go.
- Walking is a great way to explore Mexico City’s neighborhoods. Take a stroll through Condesa or Roma Norte to enjoy the beautiful architecture.
- The metro is the cheapest and most efficient way to get around Mexico City. I tell people to use this with caution as the metro system is extensive. It can be complicated if you are not accustomed to taking large city metros. It also gets extremely crowded during rush hour. But, if you are ok with this, the metro is the best way to explore the city and get to places quickly.
- The bus is also a great option and like the metro, just above ground.
- Taxi or Uber is also a quick and easy option. If you do a taxi make sure you know the cost before you agree to a ride. As for Uber’s, they are great but they are not available from the airport, so plan on taking a taxi to your hotel.