A traveler's guide to Mexico City
Eat on purpose. The city will meet you. Do not schedule a hike on the day you land. The air is thinner than it feels.
Mexico City is one of the great eating cities on earth, spread across a valley of neighborhoods that do not resemble each other. The historic center is a morning. Roma, Condesa, and Coyoacán are why you add days. Take the altitude seriously on the first afternoon.
When to go
The dry season from November into May is easiest. Spring is warm and clear. The summer rains arrive in the afternoon and can flood a street. Winter evenings are cool. The altitude is the same in every month.
Neighborhoods
Centro Histórico for the cathedral, the square, and one museum. Roma Norte and Condesa for walking and dinner. Juárez and the Reforma museums if art is the point. Coyoacán for Frida and a slower plaza. Santa Fe is offices.
Eating
Tacos of every kind, a proper comida, moles if you are in the right room, and street snacks from busy stalls. Lunch is the prestige meal. Dinner can be lighter and later. The hotel breakfast is the meal to skip.
If you only remember this
- Drink bottled or filtered water.
- Uber and the metro both work. The metro is crowded at rush.
- Sunday many museums are free and busy.
- A light layer at night, even after a hot day.