If Mexico is a feast of electrifying culture, lavish history, and artistic flair, Mexico City is the centerpiece, weaving all 31 states into a dense collection of stories waiting to be discovered. You probably can't wait to hop on a plane, touch down and soak in the vivid blend of flavors, colors, and stories.
There’s just one thing. You’re still trying to find out if Mexico City is safe, when the best time to go is, and whether a Mexico City tour guide is right for you. Knowing what you need to know shouldn't be so hard. And now it isn't. Welcome to the ultimate tourism statistics guide, where top destinations, food favorites, and safety tips are all in one place. Let's go!
Mexico City: An Alpha City With Alpha Numbers
The City of Palaces has always been a point of envy, from the Aztecs that made it their capital to the Spanish colonizers who set their eyes on this high-altitude jewel. With over 22 million inhabitants in the Greater Metropolitan Area, Mexico is bigger than New York City. In fact, it’s the biggest city in North America.
So how many tourists go to Mexico City each year? In 2019, around 3.7 million tourists arrived in hotels across the city with a hotel occupancy rate of over 63%. That same year, 4.9 million international visitors touched down at Mexico City International Airport, and international tourism went up 14.5% within the first five months.
Though Mexico City was affected by the pandemic, with only 2.6 million international airport passengers in 2021, they are well on their way to bouncing back. So why is Mexico City a popular tourist destination? The answer lies in neighborhoods like Alameda Central, Xochimilco, Polanco, Zona Rosa, and Centro Historico, just to name a few. Each carries an unforgettable piece of Mexico's heritage. So let's take a closer look.
Exploring Mexico City: An Endless Experience
When I say you can spend months exploring all 16 boroughs, and still not fully know Mexico City, that's an understatement. There's just so much! So why is Mexico City a popular tourist destination? Globally significant historic sites, art-centered museums, and strangely satisfying encounters are just the beginning.
A Historian’s Heaven
We're talking over 1500 historic and artistic monuments and more museums than you could fill a day's itinerary with. These are a great start though.
- Palacio Nacional- When in Centro Historico (Mexico City's historic neighborhood), head to the president's office. The Palacio Nacional is huge, and it's a great way to soak up the political history of a country that's fought to be where they are today with Diego Rivera's murals as a visual aid.
- Museo Nacional De Antropologia- Welcome to the world's grandest collection of Mexican artifacts. Holding the nation's priceless history in one gigantic 20-acre, 23-exhibit room masterpiece, this architectural feat is an essential part of any Mexico City tour.
- Templo Mayor- Pay homage to the city’s roots by visiting this extensive museum that used to be the center of the Aztec empire, also known as Tenochtitlan. Minus the ancient ritual and ceremonies, of course.
Travel Q&A: Which city has the most tourism in Mexico? Cancun wins that title. You’d think it was Mexico City, with all of these attractions, but travelers can’t resist those white sandy beaches and clear waters.
Bizarre But Beautiful
When it comes to Mexico City, weird is good. These attractions might not be the most popular, but their quirky, creepy, and downright bizarre content is worthy of an adventurous traveler's time.
- The Museo De La Tortura: Yes, this museum is about torture. Located in Centro Historico, this ominous yet informative exhibit highlights European torture devices that rose in popularity from the 14th to 19th century. Nobody said history was pretty.
- La Isla De La Munecas: If you’re afraid of dolls, stay away. Stop by this island on a Xochimilco waterway tour, and you’ll find an interesting display of various dolls of different shapes and sizes. And they're not the cute kind either. With a dark origin story, it can be a hard pill to swallow for some, but others in search of something hauntingly beautiful will appreciate this.
An Art Lover’s Arcade
Mexico City's artistic soul speaks volumes through its stunning murals, sculptures, elegant displays, and street fairs. If you're into art, add this to your itinerary.
- The Mooni Gallery: To feel the pulse of Latin America’s bustling modern art scene, head to the Mooni Gallery where up-and-coming artists from across the Americas display enchanting works. If you see something you like, take a piece of the city back home with you.
- Museo Mural Diego Rivera: This is how you celebrate a man whose art is the lifeblood of Mexico's post-independence storytelling. For an equally immersive experience, head to Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo's childhood home, or embark on a Frida and Diego-themed tour.
- Palacio De Bellas Artes- From passionate performing arts displays to literature collectives and elaborate art exhibits, the Palace of Fine Arts is never without a colorful event that will keep you there all day.
Travel tip: Strolling down the Barrio Alameda is like walking through an open-air art deco museum. It's the perfect place for a picnic.
F is for Festivals
Mexico City is a place of year-round celebrations. If you’re lucky enough to attend one of these, the memories will be unforgettable.
- Dia De Muertos- Did you know that an official parade for this holiday didn't exist until 2016, after that infamous James Bond Casino royale scene? Today you can watch the colorful floats as participants march to celebrate the lives of those that have passed. It takes place from November 1st-2nd.
- Mexico City Independent Film Fest- Celebrate the city’s greatest filmmakers with some international features sprinkled in. It’s a great way to get a feel of what film means to different people. Every June-July.
- Festival de México en el Centro Histórico- This 2-week-long celebration of Mexican art, history, cruising, culture, and self-expression is unlike anything you've experienced before. Dancers line the streets, music blares from stereos and performers tell stories of a city born to rise. Every March.
What To Eat: Mexico City’s Culinary Heritage
There’s a reason why Mexico’s food is a cultural heritage of humanity. From sizzling street tacos that dance on your palate to fragrant sauces, a bite of these beloved foods is an unmatched culinary marvel.
Culinary Must Haves
- Tacos- Tacos and Mexico are synonymous, and there's no better place to sample the country’s massive collection than its capital city with each region well represented.
- Tequila and Mezcal- Welcome to the home of the agave plant, and its end result, mezcal, and tequila. Both have their own flavor and aroma, so feel free to taste and discover which one works for your palette.
- Flautas- Known to Americans as Taquitos, these tightly rolled tortillas often feature soft shreds of beef, pork, or chicken, and warm, gooey cheese. For extra crunch, each flauta is deep-fried.
- Tacos Al Pastor- This is Mexico City's national anthem in food form. Marinated pork is roasted and thinly sliced before it's placed in a corn tortilla and doused in salsa verde. Simply delicious.
- Chilaquiles- Start your morning off right with these saucy, hearty corn tortillas. The toppings are up to you, but typical ones include avocados, freshly chopped onions, and of course, eggs.
Ready to awaken your taste buds to something new? Start with a Mexico City restaurant tour, and don’t be afraid to try the unusual! For a full menu of activities, check out our local Mexico City private guides.
For The Adventurous Eater
Cautious eaters, look away. These dishes might sound unfamiliar, but the taste more than makes up for it.
- Escamoles(Ant Egg Sacs)- Well, they may be ant egg sacs, but they're tasty ant egg sacs. Warmly fried and bursting with flavor, these delicacies are reminiscent of a buttered nut or textured sweet corn.
- Tacos De Cachete(Cow Cheek Taco)- If the idea of a cow's head boiled for six hours doesn't sound appetizing, just think about the tender meat wrapped in a corn tortilla and covered in salsa verde and you'll be just fine. It's that good.
- Taos de Ojos (Cow Eye Taco)- You can put almost anything in a taco, including an eyeball. Often mixed with other meat from a cow’s head, you'll be stunned when instead of a slimy sensation, you’re left with a tender, slightly spicy mouthful of savory goodness.
Let's Get Real: What To Expect In Ciudad de Mexico
Alright, so we know the good stuff, but it’s time to take a look at Mexico City from a practical lens. Here’s what a typical touring day in the city will look like.
Transport Talk: Getting Around A Mega City
- The Metro Rail- The Metro is faster than a car and can be a great way to get around during rush hour traffic. there’s a bit of a learning curve, so if you’re not used to underground subway systems, you might feel lost at first. Is the subway safe in Mexico City? Yes, but you should stay aware of your surroundings and keep from flashing valuable items around.
- Metro Bus- Unlike other bus systems, the Metro bus has the privilege of having its own lane, so it is a faster method of transportation than other road vehicles. To travel easily, it’s advised that you get a Metrocard.
- Private Car- For the sheer comfort and convenience factor, a private car is a great option for day trips around the city. You can arrange hotel pickups and drop-offs if you add a private car to your guided tour package.
- Taxi- Honestly, unless you're in a pinch, we don't recommend using taxis in the city as it’s hard to verify their legitimacy. Unless it’s an Uber, taxis can be expensive and sometimes unsafe. Is Uber safe in Mexico City? Absolutely. It's a legitimate way to get around and creates accountability for drivers.
- Bicycle- This is an amazing way to get around areas like the Centro Historico or Condesa. There are over 600 bike rental facilities spread across the city, so when you see one, take advantage!
When To Go: Mexico City By The Seasons
Timing is everything, and as a city with an altitude of 2,240 meters, weather and travel timelines are worth considering. Which weather combination is ideal for you? Let’s find out.
Perfect Timing: The Weather
Mexico City experiences moderate weather most of the year with warm to hot summers and mild winters. For a comfortable stay, carry some sunscreen and consider these numbers.
- May- Mexico City’s hottest month carries average temperatures of 18°C (64°F) with average highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C.
- December- Mexico City’s coldest month carries average temperatures of 12.5°C (55°F) and a strong evening chill. Average highs rest at 20°C and average lows dip to a chilly 5°C. Carry a jacket if you plan on traveling at this time.
- September-Mexico City's rainiest month sees an average rainfall of 90 mm. January, February, and December are the driest months with 3-5 days of rainfall overall.
Perfect Timing: Travel Timelines
What is the biggest tourism season in Mexico City? March to May is the busiest time for Mexico City because of the beautiful weather, but it can get crowded. Each season has a highlight and a trade-off, so let’s take a closer look.
- High Season: December to May- When should you go to Mexico City? The high season of December to May is great for anyone looking to catch festivals, savor warm days, and tour without much rain or weather interruptions. The trade-off? Large crowds.
- Low Seasons: May to June & September to November- Smaller crowds mean less tour traffic at popular sites. It's also a great time to score on hotel and venue discounts. The trade-off? Consistent rains, especially in September.
- Somewhere in the Middle: July to August- This is a travel sweet spot for those looking for moderate crowds. The trade-off? There are fewer events to attend, and the rains can catch you by surprise in July.
Do This, Not That: Mexico City Edition
Is Mexico City friendly to tourists? Yes. The city’s hospitality has grown tremendously as they open up their countless treasures to the global stage. With that said, the city comes with a unique lifestyle, so these tips should help keep your trip pleasant.
Staying Safe: The Mexico City Edition
Okay, Mexico City is great, but we've got to take safety into account whenever travel is involved, so these answers should ease any worries and keep you safe as you enjoy the City of Palaces.
- Is it safe to travel to Mexico City in 2023? Yes, Mexico City has come a long way in terms of cracking down on rampant drug cartel activity. With a current crime index of 68.08, it’s moderately safe, but some neighborhoods are still risky and you will always have to exercise caution with your valuable items and travel patterns. Luckily, Mexico City's greatest attractions are also in its safest areas.
- Is Mexico City Safe to Travel for U.S Citizens? Absolutely. The US Embassy released a travel advisory for Spring Break that promotes situational awareness, and the Mexico Travel Advisory highlights states that tourists should avoid, though tourists are rarely involved in violent crime while touring the city.
- Is Mexico City Safe for solo female travelers? If you take precautions such as keeping valuables hidden, steering clear of high-alert neighborhoods like Itzapalapa, and remaining situationally aware, you'll be able to safely enjoy your trip. For transport, plan on taking the Metro Buses as Mexico City has women-only buses, introduced in 2008 to create stronger security.
Travel Fact: What is the safest city in Mexico? Merida, a city in the Yucatan state, is the safest city in Mexico with a crime index of 25.45 and a safety index of 74.55, so it’s safer than Paris or New York City.
In the end, Mexico City can't be beaten. Its resilience, passion, and vibrancy deserve exploration, and the only thing standing in your way now is a confusing tour planning process. Or maybe not.
Instead of the frantic planning route, take it easy and let a Mexico City Tour guide take the lead. With a personalized itinerary, your interests come first. So let's plan the perfect trip together!
P.S. Looking to travel with companions? The more, the merrier! Share this post with your friends and get them as excited about touring Mexico City as you are.
