Plan a Trip to Mexico City in 2026: What You Need to Know

Last updated on February 22, 2026

Need help as you plan a trip to Mexico City? This Mexico City travel guide shares everything you need to know–from safety, where to stay, what to do, foods to try, and where to eat, updated for 2026!

Mexico City has become one of the world’s top travel destinations. It’s easy to see why. It has an incredible (and affordable) food scene, is home to world-class museums and art galleries, has charming tree-lined streets with walkable neighborhoods, and unique cultural activities to experience.

However, given that it’s the eighth-largest city in the world and home to more than 23 million people, you may feel overwhelmed as you prepare to plan a trip to Mexico City.

That’s why I wrote this post. After traveling in Mexico for more than a year and a half and visiting Mexico City three times, I’m sharing everything you need to know to plan a trip to Mexico City.

Helpful Things to Know about Mexico City

Below are helpful things to know before you plan a trip to Mexico City. I’ll talk a bit more about some of the items later in this Mexico City travel guide.

🗺️ Location: Mexico City is the capital of the United States of Mexico and one of Mexico’s 32 states.
🇲🇽 Nickname: CDMX, which stands for Ciudad de Mexico.
🚨Visas: Visas are not typically required for most visitors coming to Mexico City. However, you should have an FMM (tourist permit) approved upon entry and returned upon exit. This is done at the airport.
🛂 Stay Limits: Maximum tourist permit stays are 180 days, roughly 6 months. However, it is up to the officer’s discretion how much time is permitted on your tourist permit.
🧑‍🧒 Population: The eighth largest city in the world, home to roughly 23 million people as of 2024.
🗣️ Language: Spanish is the official language, but many people speak English.
🧾 Tipping: Tipping is customary in restaurants or tour experiences in Mexico. 10% is the standard. However, street carts and casual spots do not expect tips.
💳 Money: The Mexican peso is the official currency. Most places in Mexico City will accept debit or credit cards, but bring ~$2,000 to $3,000 MXP with you for tipping, cash-only spots like street food, and tours.
📱Cell Phone: Most North American cell phone providers include data, phone calls, and texts while in Mexico. If you have a foreign service (EU plan, for example), you will likely be charged roaming fees. Check with your provider before arriving. If needed, get an eSim card once you arrive for data, phone, and text while in Mexico.
💧 Tap Water: It is not safe to drink tap water in Mexico City. You can purchase water bottles from convenience or grocery stores (like Oxxo or 7-11) for cheap. You CAN drink water and have drinks with ice at restaurants. They are purified and come from a 5-gallon water jug.
⏰ Time Zone: Central Standard Time (with no daylight saving).
🔌 Electricity: Runs on 127 volts (USA runs on 110 volts). No adapter is needed if traveling from North America.

Plan a Trip to Mexico City: Quick Guide

2026 Mexico Entry Requirements

Tourists visiting Mexico need to apply for an FFM, Forma Migratoria Múltiple. This tourist permit allows you to stay in the country for up to 180 consecutive days, or roughly 6 months. However, it’s up to the officer’s discretion how much time they grant on the FMM. Most will accommodate the time requested for any booked stays.

The permit can be completed online before arriving and is typically provided by the airline as part of your pre-boarding check-in. The form will be officially approved once you pass through immigration at the Mexico City airport.

When you leave the country, return the FMM with your airline at the airport. Most will have a box as you scan your passport to board to place the FMM form.

Everything you need to know to plan a trip to Mexico City

Below are 13 things you need to know to plan a trip to Mexico City. From drinking water to booking accommodations, getting around, and planning your itinerary, this guide shares helpful and important things to know to plan the perfect trip to Mexico City.

Restrooms in Mexico City

It’s common to have to pay $5 to $10 Mexican Pesos to use the public restroom in Mexico City. Most bathrooms will have an attendant who will provide you with toilet paper after you’ve paid. Always have pesos on hand in case you need to use the restroom, and I always have some tissues or extra toilet paper on hand just in case they are out.

🚽🚨 It’s also important to note that toilet paper cannot always go in the toilets. Look for signs indicating whether they want you to throw the toilet paper in the trash can or not. Many places in Mexico City will specifically ask you not to throw anything in the toilet!

Ice and tap water in Mexico

Tap water is unsafe to drink throughout Mexico. You can use it to brush your teeth, wash your hands, wash dishes, and take showers. However, you should avoid cooking and/or drinking it.

With that being said, there’s a huge misconception that you can only drink bottled water and should avoid drinks with ice. It’s simply not true! You can get drinks with ice, and you can ask for agua natural served in a cup (not bottled).

The entire country relies on water purification plants to receive its water, which is distributed in garafones, or 5-gallon jugs. Ice will also come from a purification plant. Some larger establishments, or fancier homes, and hotels, will have built-in water filtration systems, allowing them to use water from their tap.

You can pick up drinking water for your hotel room in one, three, or five-gallon jugs and refill your reusable water bottle. That way, you have water on the go and reduce plastic waste.

Earthquakes are fairly common in Mexico City

Earthquakes are not uncommon in Mexico City. The 2017 earthquake caused major devastation to the city, with over 40 buildings collapsing and roughly 6,000 people getting injured. The last major earthquake before that, which was over a 7 on the Richter scale, was in the 1980s. Most modern buildings are made to withstand earthquakes, but older buildings aren’t as well-reinforced.

You’ll notice large green arrows painted on sidewalks and inside buildings with a large central circle. This is a recommended meeting point in the event of an earthquake and should be mentally noted whenever you’re exploring.

Below are some of the unique cultural experiences you can book as you plan a trip to Mexico City.

Mexico City is sinking, rapidly

Another fact that often surprises people as they plan a trip to Mexico City is that the city is sinking, and sinking rapidly. Mexico City was originally called Tenochtitlan, built by the Aztecs in the 1300s in the center of Lake Texcoco. The city expanded with a series of man-made islands, called chinampas, which still remain the core foundation of the world’s eighth-largest city.

Its lakebed foundation has resulted in excessive sinking. It’s estimated that the city can sink up to 20 inches annually, around 250 times faster than Venice, Italy. Walking around the city, particularly this historic center, you’ll notice buildings sagging and leaning in every direction.

Safety concerns in Mexico City

Safety is one of the biggest concerns for people as they plan a trip to Mexico City. U.S. media outlets and travel advisories don’t paint Mexico in the best light for safety, but generally speaking, it is a safe destination to visit.

Like any big city, there are areas to avoid and others that are safe to explore. Stick to the main tourist areas like La Condessa, parts of Centro Historico, Roma, Polanco, Coyoacán, and Juarez. Tourists should avoid wandering around the Iztapalapa, Tepito, Neza, Ecatepec, and Doctores neighborhoods.

Most people visit Mexico City without any safety issues, but know that things can happen (as they could anywhere). Always be aware of your surroundings. Limit drinking if you’ll be walking the streets, don’t wear super flashy jewelry, or make yourself an easy target for theft.

We carried around our professional vlogging camera in most parts of the city and felt very safe. However, we knew to put it out of sight in certain neighborhoods.

Mexico City is at a high altitude

The altitude in Mexico City often surprises people as they plan a trip to Mexico City. The city sits 7,349 feet (2240 meters) above sea level. That’s higher than Denver, Colorado, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Banff, Canada. Professional sports teams often practice in Mexico City to acclimate to high elevations.

If you are prone to altitude sickness, drink extra water after arriving and build in time for a nap. Most will acclimate quickly, but I had some fatigue and a minor headache after arriving. It’s a dry, high-elevation climate. So, bring lotion and have tissues on hand if you aren’t coming from a similar environment.

The best time to visit Mexico City

There really is no bad time to visit Mexico City. Its high elevation and southern location give it a temperate climate year-round. Most days are warm with the evenings dropping into the 50s. Rather than having cold and hot seasons, Mexico City has a dry and rainy season.

The best time to visit Mexico City is in the spring, when the jacaranda trees are blooming. The weather is warm, sunny, and dry with cooler evenings. The worst time to visit Mexico City is during the rainy season, which begins in July and lasts until early October. Check out the average weather below to decide what month might be best for you to visit.

Month	Avg. High	Avg. Low	Avg. Perciptation
January	71°F (21°C)	44°F (6.6°C)	0.3″
February	74°F (23.3°C)	46°F (7.7°C)	0.2″
March	77°F (25°C)	49°F (9.4°C)	0.2″
April	79°F (26.11°C)	53°F (11.6°C)	0.5″
May	80°F (26.6°C)	56°F (13.8°C)	1.5″
June	77°F (25°C)	57°F (13.8°C)	4.5″
July	74°F (23.3°C)	56°F (13.3°C)	4.9″
August	74°F (23.3°C)	56°F (13.3°C)	4.7″
September	73°F (22.7°C)	56°F (13.3°C)	4.6″
October	73°F (22.7°C)	52°F (11.1°C)	2.0″
November	72°F (22.2°C)	47°F (8.3°C)	0.4″
December	71°F (21.6°C)	44°F (6.6°C)	0.1″

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Choosing where to stay is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as you plan your trip to Mexico City. You want to find an accommodation that is good value for your money, in a safe area, and close to the attractions you plan to explore on your vacation.

For most visitors, that will be in the La Condessa or Roma Norte neighborhoods. However, you can also stay in Polanco, Juarez, or the Reforma area. Those neighborhoods are equally safe and slightly more affordable.

🏩 Browse accommodations in Mexico City below.

No matter where you stay, it’s important to be a mindful traveler. Mexico City is facing significant impacts from gentrification and a lack of affordable housing. For that reason, we recommend not booking a short-term rental but instead choosing a hotel or a Kindred home swap.

Kindred home swap is a free, invite-only platform that allows renters and homeowners to share their space while they’re away. They charge a small cleaning and booking fee for hundreds of stays across the globe. We stayed in someone’s home while they were away for an extremely affordable rate for the week. It’s free to join, but you can get EXTRA credits to book more stays with code ELI.BRU5.

Our top 3 hotels in Mexico City

• Condesa: Nido Parque Mexico ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 8.9 rating
• Roma Norte: Boutique Hotel Durange 219 ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 8.9 rating
• Reforma/Cuauhtémoc: Reforma Guest House ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.0 rating
  Explore all Mexico City hotels >

Getting Around Mexico City

Mexico City is massive. Most places will require a bus, metro, or car to get to. If you’re staying in a central location such as the Juarez, Roma Norte, or Condessa neighborhood, you should be able to walk to most restaurants, bars, shops, or sites nearby. However, places like Centro Historico or trips to Teotihuacan or Xochimilco will require a car.

Mexico City’s public transportation is extremely affordable. However, we found they are packed with locals. Rather than strain the system further, we took Uber to most places. Uber is inexpensive for most foreigners visiting Mexico City, costing as little as $2 USD per ride, up to $25 for further distances or during peak demand (rush hour).

We also rented bikes to get around the city. Download the Ecobici app and purchase a day, three-day, weeklong, or month pass. The prices are super affordable, around $6 USD for a day or $15 for three days, and you can ride as much as you want or need in up to 45-minute increments.

There are stations for docking the bicycles all around town, making it a convenient way to get around Mexico City.

🚫 DO NOT rent a car in Mexico City. Mexico City has strict rules about which vehicles can drive on specific days to reduce emissions. Not to mention, driving in Mexico City is complete chaos. Save yourself the hassle and use Uber, public transportation, or bikes to get around.

What to Do in Mexico City

Below are a few of the top things to do to help you plan a trip to Mexico City aligned with your interests. If you’re here for a short trip, check out this 3-day Mexico City itinerary. We take all the guesswork out of what to do and where to eat each day.

• Go to a Lucha Libre wrestling match on Friday or Saturday night.
• Visit one of the three bars voted in the top 20 best bars in the world.
• Eat lots of street food or go to one of the many Michelin-recommended restaurants.
• Explore the Centro Histórico, the oldest area of Mexico City. Visit the Zocalo, the massive main square. Walk around the Templo Mayor, and visit Palacio Nacional to see Diego Rivera’s murals.
• Go on a guided tour of La Merced and Sonora markets. Do not do this on your own!
• Explore Roma Norte and La Condesa. There are so many amazing shops, restaurants, bars, parks, and art galleries to enjoy here.
• Take a stroll or have a picnic lunch in Chapultapec Forest, the largest park in Mexico City, which is two times the size of Central Park in New York City!
• Take a boat ride through the Chinampas in Xochimilco.
• Visit the Anthropology Museum, the Modern Art Museum, take a boat ride in the park, go to the Zoo, or explore Chapultapec Castle, all inside Bosque de Chapultapec.
• Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, in the original home of Mexico’s most famous artist.
• Take a day trip to Teotihuacan Pyramids.

Things to know when planning your itinerary

Most museums in Mexico City are closed on Mondays. On Sundays, all Mexican nationals and residents get free access to museums, so they are often very busy. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan to visit the museums Tuesday through Saturday.

Tours in Mexico City Book

If there is only one thing you learn before you plan a trip to Mexico City, it should be to book your tours early! Popular tours, such as the hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacan Pyramids, will sell out. We recommend booking your activities at least two to four weeks in advance. Here are some of our favorites I’m highlighting for this Mexico City travel guide:

• Hot Air Balloon ride over Teotihuacan Pyramids (optional Pyramid tour)
• La Merced and Sonora market food tour (do not do this without a tour guide)
• Lucha Libre tacos + tequila tour (this was so much fun)
• History tour of Tenochtitlan and Templo Mayor
• Xochimilco boat tour

Foods to Try in Mexico City

Mexico City is a multicultural hub home to global cuisines. You’ll notice Korean, Sushi, Japanese, Italian, Thai, and countless others as you walk the streets. However, the chances are you want to eat Mexican food on your trip to Mexico City. After all, this is one of the best places to try the diversity of Mexican cuisine.

Here are some foods you should save as you plan a trip to Mexico City:

• Tacos Pastor: You can find every type of taco imaginable (there are at least 30+ varieties), but tacos pastor are a Mexico City original. Spiced (not spicy) meat cooked on a pit, served with pineapple and cilantro.
• Tamales: Tamales are loved across the country and are an easy breakfast treat. Masa is filled with meat and sauce before being steamed in plantain leaves or corn husks. Commonly sold as street food.
• Tortas: Tortas are Mexican sandwiches. Stuffed with a variety of ingredients, it’s a great on-the-go meal.
• Mole: Mole is a blend of spices (can be as many as 40 – 70 spices) cooked with broth to make a rich sauce. There are dozens of different types hailing from different regions of Mexico. But you can try fantastic versions of most moles in CDMX.
• Quesadillas: Popular for breakfast or lunch, quesadillas are traditionally served in blue corn tortillas, with quesilla (Oaxacan cheese) and a filling of your choice. We love it with Chicharron or huitlacoche, a fungus that grows on the corn and is a delicacy in Mexico.
• Other items to try: Gorditas, chilaquiles, tostadas, huaraches, enmoladas, sopes, and flautas.

Where to Eat in Mexico City

Now that we’ve covered what to eat, let’s discuss where to eat. Below are a few of our favorite places I’m sharing in this Mexico City travel guide. However, feel free to check out this post, where I share the 25 must-visit places to eat in Mexico City!

• Taquería Orinoco
• El Tizoncito
• Tacos Jaime
• Los Cocuyos
• Pujol
• Contramar
• Esquina Comun
• Maizajo
• Comal Oculto

What to Bring on a Mexico City Trip

To finish off this travel guide and help you plan your trip to Mexico City, let’s talk about what you should bring.

• 🎒 Zippable backpack with straps or fanny pack: Pickpocketing can be an issue here. So, make sure you have a secure way to hold your belongings. I recommend a backpack with a zipper, not an open top or drawstring. We always kept our phones and wallets in our backpacks in the interior zipper.

• 🩻 Travel Insurance: We always recommend having travel insurance to cover the “what-ifs”. While we feel Mexico City is safe to visit, it’s nice to know you would be covered if there were any major medical emergencies or trip interruptions. Our go-to travel insurance is Safety Wing. You can get a free quote for coverage by clicking here.
  
  
• 💃🏻 Cute outfits: Mexico City is a big, trendy, chic city. The fashion is on point. I love leveling up my travel wardrobe with Nuuly for trips like these. I can rent 6 pieces of clothing from some of the top designers for a low fixed-rate fee. Try Nuuly here.
  
  
• 🧴 Sunscreen and sun protection: Mexico City is incredibly shaded with gorgeous tree-lined streets in virtually every neighborhood. However, certain areas, including Centro Historico and Teotihuacan, have very little shade. We spent a day exploring each area and came back completely sunburnt. Bring a hat, umbrella (for shade), or sunscreen with you to keep you protected. We love this EWG-approved sunscreen and this packable sun hat.
  
  
• 👟Comfortable shoes. You’re going to walk a ton on your trip to Mexico City. Dennis explored in his Earth Runners (his shoes of choice), and I never travel without my Vessis. They are waterproof, so I don’t have to worry about a rainy day, and they are incredibly comfortable and cute. Grab a pair here!
  
  
• 💳 Travel credit card with no international fees: Most places in Barcelona will accept credit and debit cards. But before swiping, check your bank or credit card company’s international fee policy.

FAQ to Help Plan a Trip to Mexico City

Hopefully, this Mexico City travel guide has helped you plan a trip to Mexico City with confidence. It truly is a bucket list destination, and you’re sure to have a good time if you use these helpful tips in this guide.

Want more? Check out our other Mexico City blog posts.

• Teotihuacan Pyramids: Must-Do Day Trip From Mexico City
• 3 Days in Mexico City: The Best First-Time Itinerary
• The Chinampas of Xochimilco: Mexico City’s Floating Gardens
• Traveling to Mexico: 27 Things You Need to Know
• Where to Eat in Mexico City: 20 Restaurants You Can’t Miss