Mexico City is a sprawling, vibrant metropolis nestled in the Valley of Mexico at an altitude that might make your head spin — literally, if you’re not used to being up high.

It’s a city of contrasts: centuries-old architecture stands proudly beside sleek modern buildings, and quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa are just a short ride from the bustling chaos of the Centro Histórico.  

Having visited myself, I can say that CDMX (an abbreviation you’ll often see for Mexico City) is more than a destination; it’s an experience. Whether you’re biting into the most perfectly cooked huraches from a street vendor or marveling at Diego Rivera’s murals in the Palacio Nacional, there’s a rhythm to this city that pulls you in.  

It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to dive into the culture, but might feel the need for a nap after tackling one of its expansive markets. Is it for everyone? That depends on how much you love a city that pulses with life 24/7.  

To help you make the decision on whether it deserves a spot on your bucket list, we’ve scoured the JFC community and our go-to trusted sources for tips on Mexico City.

A quick note on the links in this guide: We’re not affiliated with any external sites we’ve chosen to include, so we’re not getting any kick-backs or commission. We’ve only included resources we think will genuinely be useful to help you make a decision on whether this destination is for you.

Here’s an idea of what we at JFC tend to see for flights to Mexico City.

From the USA:

• Expected average fare: $170s-$270s RT, depending on departure city and airline
• How many cheap flight alerts we’d expect in a year: 20
• Lowest price we’ve ever seen: $125 RT from San Antonio

From Canada:

• Expected average fare: $550 RT
• How many cheap flight alerts we’d expect in a year: 4
• Lowest price we’ve ever seen: We’re still waiting to be impressed

Note: Canada gets loads of trips to PVR, Cancun, Cabo, and more for under $400 RT

From the UK:

• Expected average fare: £460 rtn
• How many cheap flight alerts we’d expect in a year: 10
• Lowest price we’ve ever seen: £361 rtn from Birmingham

From Europe:

• Expected average fare: €450 rtn
• How many cheap flight alerts we’d expect in a year: 8
• Lowest price we’ve ever seen: €305 rtn from Amsterdam
  

For longer adventures, you can link up your Mexico City trip with flights to other spots around Latin America, like Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile, Bogotá, Lima, and São Paulo. If you’d rather stick to exploring every corner of Mexico, you can grab incredibly cheap domestic flights all over.

VivaAerobus is the country’s budget carrier, and we’ve seen one-way routes from Mexico City as low as $/£/€3 RT. No, that’s not a typo. 

Entry requirements

• Proof of onward travel: Sometimes, immigration officials will ask for proof that you’re leaving the country (a return ticket or a ticket to another destination). It doesn’t always happen, but it’s good to have just in case.
• Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry. 

Vaccines and medications

There are no vaccines required for entry to Mexico however many travelers are recommended vaccines for Typhoid, Tetanus and Hepatitis A. Talk to your doctor before travelling to see what’s right for you. 

Any medication and travel essentials can be found and bought for a reasonable price in Mexico City. 

Cash & Currency

Mexico uses pesos as their main currency, but in touristy areas, American dollars are widely accepted. The only exception is in smaller shops and tiendas, where you can expect to pay in pesos.

Prices in Mexico are displayed in MXN (Mexican pesos) and denoted with the $ symbol, so don’t panic if they seem high at first glance.

As a guideline, street tacos may be priced at 20 pesos, which is about $1 USD (or less than £1/€1) or a bottle of tequila 300–500 pesos, the equivalent of $/€15-$/€20  or £12-£16. 

Cash and Card Usage

In Mexico City, you can rely on using card, so carrying large amounts of cash isn’t necessary. However, in small shops, markets and smaller towns or rural areas, cash is king.

Internet and Cell Service

Mexico City has reliable internet and cell service, making it a great destination for digital nomads. SIM cards are easy to find at airports, Oxxo convenience stores, or official carrier stores (Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T Mexico are the main providers). Telcel has the best nationwide coverage.

Wi-Fi is widely available in cafés, coworking spaces (like WeWork, Selina, and Impact Hub), and most Airbnb rentals. Some public areas and metro stations also offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds can vary. For uninterrupted work, consider getting a local SIM with a data plan or a portable Wi-Fi hotspot.

Many digital nomads work from neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Polanco, where internet speeds are generally fast and cafés are laptop-friendly. If you need high-speed internet, check with your accommodation beforehand or opt for a coworking space.

Travel Style

Always evolving, buzzy doesn’t even begin to describe Mexico City. 

First, this place is HUMONGOUS, bigger than you might expect. The city’s energy is contagious, but for a first-time traveler or anyone who hasn’t been to many cities in Latin America, Mexico City might feel a bit overwhelming. Especially if you’re someone that struggles with sensory overload.

But with the right street-smarts and curiosity, it can be a hugely rewarding experience and locals are generally friendly and helpful, especially when you try to speak in Spanish. While some people do speak English, more so in touristy areas, being able to ask for directions or order food in Spanish will make your life easier — and your server’s! 

I’ve highlighted the importance of keeping your wits about you. Here are some top tips on staying safe:

Pickpocketing: This is the most common issue in crowded places, like the metro or busy markets. Keep your valuables out of sight, split your money between pockets, and maybe even invest in a money belt.

Neighborhood Awareness: Some areas of Mexico City are super safe, like Roma, Condesa, and Polanco, but others, especially at night, might be worth avoiding (e.g., Tepito, and certain parts of downtown after dark). Always ask locals or your accommodation about which areas are worth skipping. 

Scams: Watch out for overly friendly people offering "too good to be true" deals, and stay sharp if someone asks you for directions or strikes up an odd conversation. 

LGBTQ+

As the very first major city in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage, Mexico City has lots to offer LGBTQ travelers seeking vibrant nightlife, art, and culture. That being said, we’ve sadly still seen reports of homophobic hate crimes in certain areas. 

The heart of LGBTQ nightlife lies in the area known as Zona Rosa, where you’ll find lively bars, clubs, and pride events. But the neighborhoods of Roma, Condesa, and Coyoacan are also home to a growing number of inclusive spaces.

Solo Female Travelers

As a solo female traveler in Mexico City, you can definitely have a fantastic time. I’ve visited Mexico City a handful of times solo, and here are my best tips: 

• Stay in neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Napoles, Coyacan. I wouldn’t recommend staying in Zocalo, since it can be a bit dodgy at night. 
• Don’t wear flashy, expensive jewelry. I’ve had some weird experiences while on the metro, almost having a family heirloom grabbed from my neck. Thankfully, a kind stranger anticipated what was going to happen and stepped in. 
• Use Uber or Didi instead of grabbing random taxis, and avoid walking alone late at night. 
• Catcalls can happen, but just ignore them and keep moving. If someone seems too persistent or makes you uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to duck into a shop or café for a bit. If a man stops and asks you for directions, it’s usually better to be cautious. It could be harmless, but it could also be a distraction tactic. Just politely say you don’t know and keep walking. If you ever feel uncomfortable and need to get out of a situation, try to find another woman nearby, especially someone who looks older or has a child with her. Approaching someone like that can help you feel safer and might discourage any unwanted attention. Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.
• Stay at well-rated hotels, guest houses, or hostels, and trust your gut when dealing with people. 

There’s a solid community of solo female travelers out there, including Facebook groups and apps. 

Seasonality

March–May: Ideal for Sunseekers

This is the start of the city's most idyllic weather, with highs around 26°C/78°F. Be sure to secure your travel plans early, as this is one of the most popular times of year to visit.

June–August, December–February: Best for budget breaks

The summer months of June to August are Mexico's rainy season. The weather still hits highs of around 26°C/78°F during the day, but downpours appear nearly every afternoon. 

Because it's a slower season, some hotels offer discounted rates. Visitors during these months can breathe easy as the rain clears up some of Mexico City's notoriously bad air pollution. Weather forecasts and pollution indexes are regularly updated here. 

September–November: Best time to experience Mexican festivals

Fall visits offer the opportunity to experience some of the city's most popular events and cultural activities, like Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). 

Although Día de los Muertos takes place at the beginning of November, celebrations kick off at the end of October — this is an incredibly special time to visit Mexico. 

Getting Around 

Getting around Mexico City will be the least of your worries. There’s a sprawling metro system used by millions of people every day. It can get pretty packed during peak times (7am-9am, 5pm-7:30pm) — no joke, I once even lost a shoe trying to get off at my stop! 

Remember to keep a close eye on your belongings and to not wear flashy jewelry, as pick-pocketing can occur, especially during rush-hour when everybody is packed in a subway car like sardines. To avoid overcrowding, passengers are discouraged from bringing large backpacks or suitcases. 

It’s worth noting that the first three carriages of the metro are reserved for women and children only. 

Renting a car

I’d advise against renting a car here, as it’s one of the world’s most congested cities. It’s best to avoid travelling by car or taxi during rush hour in particular, unless you want to spend your vacation in a grid-lock.  

Rideshare and taxis

There are official taxis operating across the city, but for extra safety, I always recommend using Uber or DiDi. 

Check out this helpful guide from Lonely Planet for more information about transportation in Mexico City.

Bus

If you’re travelling around Mexico, it’s likely that you’ll take a long-distance bus at some point. As the capital city, you can grab an intercity bus to Mexico City from almost anywhere else in the country. 

There are a couple of important things to know about coach travel in Mexico. Firstly, you should pay attention to the class of the ticket you buy — unsurprisingly, executive and deluxe services will be more comfortable, and generally speedier, than 1st class journeys, which again will be more pleasant than 2nd class. Familiarize yourself with the differences here before booking. 

Secondly, different companies operate in different parts of the country. In the south, ADO are one of the better options, while Primera Plus is a good choice in central Mexico.

ETN run connections between major cities along the Pacific, in the north, in the east, and some spots in the south. They’re considered pretty luxurious, so while you’ll pay a little more, it’s worth it for those long journeys.

This blog is an excellent guide to the different routes and companies available, and how to plan for bus travel to and from Mexico City and other destinations around the country. Certain companies offer 10% discount if you book online in advance.