Top 10 in Mexico City
Sprawling capital basin of neighborhoods, museums, markets, and an ever-expanding metro system.
Quick facts
Stats from public records. Verify before travel. Last reviewed 2026.
See all facts
| Population | approximately 9 million (2020 census, Ciudad de México) (2020, census) |
|---|---|
| Area | approximately 1,500 km² (580 sq mi) (federal entity land) |
| Elevation | approximately 2,200 m (high plateau) |
| Founded / established | Aztec Tenochtitlan heritage; Spanish colonial replanning |
| Time zone | CST (UTC−6) |
| Nearest airport | Mexico City International Airport (MEX) |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Nicknames | CDMX |
Explore categories in Mexico City
Top places, ranked lists, and details by category.
Restaurants & Food
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Hotels & Accommodation
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Tourist Attractions
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Coffee & Cafés
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Entertainment & Nightlife
10 listings
Shopping
10 listings
Best Neighborhoods
10 listings
Family & Kids
10 listings
Free Things to Do
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Photo Spots & Viewpoints
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Healthcare
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Transportation
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Education
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Top Employers & Careers
10 listings
Last updated: March 2026
Weather & best time to visit
- Peak season
- March – May (dry, warm), October – November
- Off-peak
- August (rainy), December – February (cooler)
- Rainy season
- June – September (afternoon showers)
- Pack tip
- Layers—mornings can be cool at altitude. Sunscreen. Light rain jacket in rainy season. Comfortable walking shoes.
Cost of living snapshot
CDMX offers good value. Street tacos and mercado comedores are cheap; Polanco and fine dining cost more. Metro and Metrobús are very affordable.
- Rent (1 bed): MXN 12,000 – MXN 25,000/mo (Roma, Condesa, or Polanco)
- Meal (mid-range): MXN 150 – MXN 400 (mid-range meal; street tacos much cheaper)
- Transport pass: MXN 200 – MXN 800 (Metro, Metrobús, Uber)
- Grocery index: Moderate; markets like San Juan and La Merced affordable
Dishes to try
- Tacos al pastor
Spit-roasted pork with pineapple, cilantro, and onion. CDMX staple from taquerías.
- Mole
Complex sauce with chilies, chocolate, and spices. Pujol's mole madre is legendary.
- Chilaquiles
Fried tortilla chips in salsa, with egg and crema. Classic breakfast.
- Tostadas
Crisp tortilla with seafood, ceviche, or toppings. Contramar's tuna is iconic.
- Elote and esquites
Grilled corn or cup of corn kernels with lime, mayo, and cheese. Street food.
Day Trips & Nearby Destinations
- Teotihuacán
Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. 1–1.5 hours by bus or tour. Essential day trip.
- Xochimilco
Floating gardens and colorful boats. South of the city. Half-day.
- Puebla
Colonial city, mole poblano, and Talavera. 2 hours by bus.
- Taxco
Silver town and colonial architecture. 2.5–3 hours by bus.
Safety & Travel Tips
Mexico City is generally safe for tourists in main areas. Petty theft and scams occur; use common sense and avoid flashing valuables.
- Use official taxis or Uber; avoid hailing cabs on the street.
- Don't drink tap water; stick to bottled water.
- Roma, Condesa, and Polanco are generally safe; be cautious in less touristy areas at night.
- Altitude can cause fatigue; take it easy the first day. Air quality can be poor.
Emergency: Emergency: 911. Tourist assistance: 078.