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Mexico City

Mexico City travel guide

Capital and most populous city of Mexico

Things to do107 experiences
Best time to visitNovember to February
Nearest airportMEX · 7 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−6
Population9,209,944

About Mexico City

Mexico City is the capital and largest city of Mexico, as well as the most populous city in North America. It is one of the world's leading cultural and financial centers and, according to the Globalization and World Cities Research Network's 2024 ranking, is classified as an Alpha world city. Located in the Valley of Mexico on the high Mexican Central Plateau, the city sits at an altitude of 2,240 meters. It is divided into 16 boroughs, or alcaldías, which are further subdivided into neighborhoods, or colonias.

Places to visit in Mexico City

  1. Zocalo

    Zocalo

    Landmark · 5 mi from centre

    The huge main square of Mexico City, surrounded by the cathedral and National Palace. It often hosts festivals and events, so check what is on during your visit.

  2. Metropolitan Cathedral

    Metropolitan Cathedral

    Religious · 6 mi from centre

    The largest cathedral in Latin America, built over centuries on the north side of the Zocalo. Join a tour to climb the bell towers for views over the square.

  3. Templo Mayor

    Templo Mayor

    Historic · 5 mi from centre

    The ruins of the main Aztec temple in Tenochtitlan, uncovered in the center of the modern city. Visit the excellent site museum for the artifacts found during excavations.

  4. National Museum of Anthropology

    National Museum of Anthropology

    Museum · 6 mi from centre

    One of the world's great museums, covering Mexico's ancient civilizations, including the Aztec Sun Stone. Plan at least half a day, and start with the Mexica and Maya halls.

  5. Chapultepec Castle

    Chapultepec Castle

    Historic · 5 mi from centre

    A hilltop castle in Chapultepec Park that once housed Mexican emperors and presidents, now a history museum. Walk up the hill for views, and avoid Mondays when it is closed.

  6. Palacio de Bellas Artes

    Palacio de Bellas Artes

    Landmark · 6 mi from centre

    A grand arts center with an Art Nouveau exterior and murals by famous Mexican artists. See a performance of the Ballet Folklorico, or view it from the cafe across the street.

  7. Teotihuacan

    Teotihuacan

    Historic · 30 mi from centre

    An ancient city northeast of the capital with the massive Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Arrive at opening time to beat the heat and crowds, and bring water and sunscreen.

  8. Frida Kahlo Museum

    Frida Kahlo Museum

    Museum · 2 mi from centre

    The Blue House in Coyoacan where artist Frida Kahlo was born and lived. Book timed tickets online in advance, and explore the surrounding neighborhood afterward.

Things to do in Mexico City by type

107 tours, tickets and experiences across 10 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • Over 6 hours 40
  • 3-6 hours 14
  • 1-3 hours 4
  • Flexible 1
Good for
  • Families 19
  • Couples 18
  • Senior 17
  • Youth 17
  • Adult only 1
Ways to go
  • Small group 8
  • Private 8
  • Skip the line 2
Browse all things to do in Mexico City

Top experiences in Mexico City

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 107 available.

See all things to do in Mexico City

Where to stay in Mexico City

Popular hotels in Mexico City, out of 639 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Mexico City

Best time to visit Mexico City

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Mexico City is November to February, when average daytime highs are around 72–78°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 47° – 75° 1
Feb 49° – 78° 3
Mar 52° – 85° 1
Apr 55° – 85° 1
May 60° – 87° 9
Jun 58° – 78° 19
Jul 56° – 74° 24
Aug 56° – 74° 26
Sep 57° – 73° 28
Oct 53° – 73° 15
Nov 50° – 76° 2
Dec 49° – 72° 4

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Mexico City weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 73° 57° 47%
  • Thu 22 Oct 70° 57° 61%
  • Fri 23 Oct 71° 55° 20%
  • Sat 24 Oct 68° 53° 18%
  • Sun 25 Oct 59° 54° 32%
  • Mon 26 Oct 69° 53° 32%

Know before you go

Currency
Mexican peso (MXN)1 US dollar ≈ $18.4
Language
Spanish
Calling code
+52
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/Mexico_CityUTC−6

Upcoming public holidays in Mexico

  • Revolution DayDía de la Revolución
  • Christmas DayNavidad
  • New Year's DayAño Nuevo
  • Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
  • Benito Juárez's birthdayNatalicio de Benito Juárez
  • Labour DayDía del Trabajo

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Mexico City

These are the airports closest to central Mexico City. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • MEX Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez7 mi (11 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Mexico City

Mexico City is a huge place, but driving is definitely not a way to see it even if tourist attractions are scattered throughout the city. There are several public transport options.

By metro

The Sistema de Transporte Colectivo, known as the Metro.mw-parser-output .error-deadlink{color:red;background:yellow;display:none;white-space:nowrap}[dead link], is one of the largest and most patronized subway systems in the world, with 12 lines that measure more than 190 km (120 mi) and carry 4.4 million people every day. The metro is relatively quick and efficient, especially as an alternative to taxis during rush hours when the streets are essentially parking lots.

Fares

One trip with unlimited transfers within the metro system costs M$5 (Jan 2025).

Metro lines

Entire maps of the Metro system are posted around ticket booths and on platforms, but not always inside trains. Neighborhood maps around every station are also available near the ticket booths.

Mexico City travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Mexico City?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Mexico City is November to February, when average daytime highs are around 72–78°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.

What is the weather like in Mexico City?

May is usually the warmest month in Mexico City, with average highs of 87°F (31°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 49°F (9°C). The wettest month is typically September, with about 276 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Mexico City?

Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (MEX) is the closest airport, about 7 miles (11 km) from the centre of Mexico City.

What currency is used in Mexico City?

Mexico City uses the Mexican peso (MXN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $18.4.

What time zone is Mexico City in?

Mexico City uses the America/Mexico_City time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Mexico City?

Mexico City is a huge place, but driving is definitely not a way to see it even if tourist attractions are scattered throughout the city. There are several public transport options.

What are the best places to visit in Mexico City?

Top sights in Mexico City include Zocalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor and National Museum of Anthropology. The huge main square of Mexico City, surrounded by the cathedral and National Palace. It often hosts festivals and events, so check what is on during your visit.

What are the top things to do in Mexico City?

Popular experiences you can book in Mexico City include Xochimilco, Coyoacán and Frida Kahlo Museum, Teotihuacan Pyramids, Guadalupe Shrine and Tlatelolco Tour and Taxco and Cuernavaca Tour. Destina Holidays offers 107 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Mexico City?

The most popular types of experiences in Mexico City are day trips & excursions (44), art & culture (38), city tours (24) and gastronomy & nightlife (18). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Mexico City?

Popular areas for hotels in Mexico City include Downtown, DF Airport and North zone. Well-reviewed options include Fontan Reforma and Krystal Grand Suites Insurgentes.

How many hotels can I book in Mexico City?

Destina Holidays currently lists 639 properties in and around Mexico City, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.