Introduction
Mexico City is one of the world's great cities: a historic centre built on the Aztec capital, leafy neighbourhoods such as Roma and Condesa, major museums, and a food scene from street stalls to celebrated restaurants. At about 2,240 m above sea level, it has mild days year-round, and the pyramids of Teotihuacan are an easy day trip.
Travel highlights
- The Historic Centre and Xochimilco, together a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec
- Walkable, tree-lined Roma and Condesa
- Day trips to the pyramids of Teotihuacan
Local experiences
Museum of Anthropology
Mexico's pre-Hispanic history in one of the world's great museums.
Teotihuacan
The Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, roughly an hour northeast of the city.
Food markets and street food
Tacos, tamales, and market stalls across the city's neighbourhoods.
Xochimilco canals
Colourful boats on the canals in the south of the city.
Where to stay in Mexico City
Roma and Condesa
Leafy, walkable neighbourhoods full of cafés, restaurants, and boutique hotels.
Centro Histórico
Close to the Zócalo, museums, and historic buildings; very busy by day, quieter at night.
Polanco
Upscale area near Chapultepec Park and major museums, with large hotels and fine dining.
Coyoacán
Colonial-era streets and plazas further south; calmer, with a village feel.
Good to know before you go
- The altitude can make you tired or short of breath at first.
- It's huge — traffic and distances shape your days, so choose a base carefully.
- No beach: it suits culture and food trips rather than resort holidays.
