What Travelers Say About Mexico City
Mexico City (CDMX) is one of the world’s great capitals — a sprawling, high-altitude megacity of over 21 million people, built atop the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán. It’s a place of staggering depth: ancient pyramids and colonial cathedrals, world-class museums and muralists, leafy bohemian neighbourhoods and one of the most exciting food scenes on the planet. Long underrated and misunderstood, it has become one of the most rewarding city destinations anywhere.
The historic centre (Centro Histórico) radiates from the vast Zócalo square, with the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Templo Mayor Aztec ruins and Diego Rivera’s murals in the Palacio Nacional. Beyond it lie the tree-lined elegance of Condesa and Roma, the colourful streets of Coyoacán with Frida Kahlo’s Blue House, and the canals of Xochimilco. An hour away rise the monumental pyramids of Teotihuacán. And everywhere, the food — from street-corner tacos al pastor to refined contemporary Mexican tasting menus.
Mexico City sits at 2,240 m, so take it easy on arrival as the altitude can leave you breathless. It’s safer than its reputation in the central and tourist neighbourhoods, but petty theft and express kidnappings exist — use registered taxis or apps (Uber/DiDi) rather than hailing on the street, keep valuables low-key, and stick to well-trodden areas at night. Drink bottled water, and don’t skip the markets and street food, which are central to the experience.