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.

Mexico City is a must-visit destination, filled with history, culture, and some of the best food you’ll find anywhere in Mexico. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another adventure, here’s your ultimate guide for travel to Mexico City—complete with must-see sites, insider tips, and a handy packing list.

Where to Stay and What to Do in Mexico City

We stayed in the historic downtown district, which I highly recommend. It’s within walking distance of popular landmarks like Palacio de Bellas Artes and El Zócalo, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. Mexico City is vast, but getting around is easy. We used the Metro, Uber, and the local ride-sharing service, Didi, to navigate the city.

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!

During our trip, we also visited the Museo Nacional de Antropología, which was my first time there, and spent time in the enormous Chapultepec Park nearby. Another must-do activity in Mexico City is a boat ride through the vibrant canals of Xochimilco. You can bring your own snacks or buy food and drinks on the boats. Last year, the cost was around 600 pesos for a one-hour ride, which is perfect for groups.

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.

Mexico City’s Food Scene

Mexico City is famous for its food, and we certainly indulged in the city’s culinary delights. We enjoyed street tacos, pan dulce, and churros from one of the city’s iconic churro shops. For a special occasion, we celebrated Chris’s birthday at Azul Histórico, a top spot for gourmet Mexican cuisine. And don’t forget to try the breakfast tamales—they’re a classic dish that will keep you full for hours!

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.

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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.