The Ultimate Travel Guide to Mexico City: Top Sites, Tips, and Packing List

Mexico City Travel Guide blog cover, Destined for Adventure

Written by Lupita

October 30, 2024

About a year ago, I had the chance to reconnect with my college friends, Chris and Alison, during their trip to Mexico City. They found cheap flights and were excited for a week of exploring. Since I live in Monterrey, it was easy to meet up with them. We hadn’t seen each other in a while, so it was the perfect opportunity to catch up. We had an amazing time exploring the city’s sites and enjoying its rich culture. Although it wasn’t my first time traveling to Mexico City, it felt like a fresh adventure after so many years.

Hannah with Chris and Alison at a breakfast table in Mexico City
Breakfast with Chris and Alison.
Ornate clock tower lit up at night in downtown Mexico City
The historic center after dark.
Marble facade of the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City
Palacio de Bellas Artes.

One of the highlights was visiting Teotihuacan, the ancient city with the famous Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. We opted to take an Uber to the site, which was affordable and stress-free for our group. You can also take a bus to save money or book a guided tour for a more immersive experience. The site is expansive, so be sure to bring sunscreen, water, and sunglasses—you’ll need them!

Pyramid of the Sun with visitors at Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan, one of the highlights. We took an Uber to the site.
Umbrella fountain in the courtyard of the Museo Nacional de Antropología
The Museo Nacional de Antropología.
Friends posing with the big CDMX letters in Chapultepec Park
Chapultepec Park.
Hannah taking a selfie with colorful trajinera boats in Xochimilco
Trajineras in Xochimilco cost around 600 pesos for a one-hour ride.

Day Trip: Grutas de Tolantongo

If you’re up for a day trip outside the city, I highly recommend Grutas de Tolantongo. It’s known for its beautiful hot springs nestled in the mountains of Hidalgo. While it can get crowded on weekends, it’s worth the visit for the incredible scenery and relaxing hot pools.

Turquoise river running through a green canyon at Grutas de Tolantongo
Day trip to Grutas de Tolantongo.
Blue and white tiled colonial facade in the historic center of Mexico City
The historic center.
Churros and a cup of hot chocolate on a marble table
Churros and hot chocolate.
Tacos al pastor with onions and cilantro in Mexico City
Tacos al pastor.

Packing List for Travel to Mexico City

Packing for travel to Mexico City can be straightforward if you know what to expect. Here’s what I recommend:

  • Comfortable walking shoes – You’ll be walking a lot in this huge city.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat – The sun can be intense, especially at outdoor sites like Teotihuacan.
  • Portable charger – You’ll want to capture all the sites, and this keeps your phone powered up.
  • Reusable water bottle – Staying hydrated is important, especially at higher altitudes.
  • Light layers – The weather can change quickly throughout the day, so be ready with layers you can add or remove.

Local Tips for Traveling to Mexico City

When you travel to Mexico City, be prepared for the city’s high altitude—it can affect you if you’re not used to it, so take it slow the first few days. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases is helpful and appreciated by the locals. Public transportation is reliable, but be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.

Don’t Miss the Video on YouTube

Mexico City offers endless possibilities for adventure, from its historic sites to its unbeatable food. Ready to explore? Sign up for my newsletter to get insider travel tips and inspiration for your next trip. Or, let me help you plan your dream adventure with my travel concierge services—tailored just for you!

For more information, check out Wikipedia’s page on Mexico City for additional insights into the city’s history, or visit Mexico’s official tourism site for travel planning resources.

You can find more trips in other states of Mexico, don’t miss my most recent blog Tamaulipas beach road trip, a very nice place in Mexico.

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