Unfortunately, for most Americans, Mexico City doesn’t register as the world-class destination it is. Do you like history? Well, this was the capital of the Aztec Empire, remains of which can be seen. What about art? The museums here are among the best in the world, and the street art is next-level. Food? I don’t even need to tell you about how terrific and diverse Mexican cuisine is.

The city gets a bad reputation for safety, but that is mainly the remnant of decades long past. For visitors, the areas you’ll be spending your time exploring are largely very safe, as safe as any major American city.

Mexico City is easily one of my favorite places in the world, and now after two week-long trips since beginning The Royal Tour, this guide will attempt to distill my love into actual useful information for you to plan your perfect getaway to this unbelievable destination.

For more of our Ultimate Guides from cities all over the world, click here. And don’t forget to click the links throughout this article for more detailed views into specific aspects of Mexico City.

I love the street art in Mexico City!

Getting There

Customs is reasonably quick, but the airport is very spread out. You might have to walk what seems like miles. Be prepared for that. The airport is only a few miles from the Historical Center, but the route and traffic make it a 45-minute or so drive. Use an authorized taxi service or an Uber. They have booths in the terminal, and you will get a receipt to take outside to a porter who will get you into the right car. Uber will be cheaper but go with your gut.

Direct flights are available from a TON of American cities, so finding reasonably affordable options tends not to be too difficult.

Getting Around

If walking isn’t an option, you can go for cabs or Uber. Uber is reasonably priced, even for long rides, but it can take a while to get a ride to you given traffic, especially when leaving a crowded event. If using a taxi, make sure it is authorized. Have your hotel call one for you, or the restaurant you are eating at.

Traffic is a thing here, and I say that as someone from Los Angeles. Plan ahead, give yourself plenty of time, and be grateful you aren’t doing the driving.

What to Do

With a full week in Mexico City, you’ll barely scratch the surface, so don’t worry if you can’t see everything on your list. After all, this city has more museums than any city in the world outside of London! And that’s only museums. So let’s go over the things that I personally believe should be the priorities.

We begin in Mexico City’s Centro Historico, at the Zocalo, or central square. Here are two of my personal favorite sights: Templo Mayor and the Palacio Nacional. Templo Mayor is the ruin of the Aztec capital’s central temple site, and between the ruins themselves and the attached museum, the best chance to learn about the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. (Click here to learn more about the Aztecs.) The Palacio Nacional is the seat of the Mexican government, but you’ll visit for the massive murals of the artist Diego Rivera. Visitation is strict, and you can click here to both read about the experience and the rules. It is worth it to visit.

Inside Templo Mayor

The Zocalo is also where you’ll find the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, and you may as well stop in while you’re here. Plus take some time to just see the square itself and experience whatever is happening inside of it.

Let’s talk museums for a moment. Top of the list is the National Museum of Anthropology, one of the world’s greatest collections of historical artifacts, with the focus obviously on the cultures of pre-Colombian Mexico. You need half a day here, and a guide helps. If you like art, the Bellas Artes (fine arts) museum is a masterpiece. This is also where the spectacular Ballet Folklorico happens at night. (Click here to read about that.)

You might also really want to delve into the art of Diego Rivera or Frida Kahlo, both of whom can be experienced all over the city. I’ll link again to the same article that talked about the governmental palace murals, as it speaks to the artists at length. Frida’s house, Casa Azul, sits in the beautiful neighborhood of Coyoacan, and you can click here to read about that area.

If you like green spaces, Chapultepec Park is incredible, topped with the castle that was home to Mexico’s brief Habsburg emperor. (Click here for a guide I wrote to the park and surrounds from my first trip in the earliest days of the website.)

While I found the experience overrated, many visitors want to see the canals of Xochimilco. It can take over an hour each way from the middle of the city, but if you have time and the inclination to drink and listen to music, it can be fun.

The final must-see is a couple hours outside of Mexico City. The ancient city of Teotihuacan with its massive pre-Aztec pyramids is one of the gems of the ancient world. Find a tour option that is right for you. (Click here to read more about it.)

Teotihuacan from a hot air balloon

Where to Stay

The main area with nice hotels is Polanco, just north of Chapultepec Park. However, I wanted to stay in the Historical Center, and I am glad I did.

The interior of my hotel, the Hampton Inn Centro Historico.

Centro isn’t quite as safe as Polanco or Roma Norte, but has a different energy with its street vendors and foot traffic. If you only have a couple days, its proximity to the Zocalo and those sights is also worth it.

What to Eat

From street tacos to Michelin stars, Mexico City is a true foodie destination. Explore, try things, be open. If you want to visit Pujol, the top restaurant in the city, prices will run about $250-300 or so per person with drinks, and reservations are 100% necessary well in advance. I think it’s worth it, unlike the trendy Contramar, which I’ve also eaten at.

My favorite food tends to be tacos from small shops like Tacos Los Cocuyas in Centro, but ask at your hotel for good options. You also can’t go wrong with most of the rooftops over the Zocalo, though you pay a premium for the view.

Tacos Los Cocuyos

Other Useful Information

A moment about safety. Mexico City is enormous, it is busy, and it is hectic. Use common sense with your basic surroundings and belongings, and stick to the major tourist or nicer areas. You’ll be fine.

Mondays are rough for tourist sights with little open. If you are here on a Monday, perhaps consider taking that day to see Teotihuacan or Xochimilco, since museums will mainly be closed.

We have to speak once more about traffic. It is bad enough that it can affect plans. If you need to get across the city to see two things in very different areas, plan accordingly and leave a lot of time, or consider separating your trip geographically. Several miles in an Uber can take over an hour during rush hour.

While American politics infests every destination, the Mexican people are largely wonderful, warm, and welcoming. Just don’t be a jerk.

The Centro Historico gets pretty crowded.

Conclusion

Mexico City is one of the top destinations in the world. Everyone I know who has been has loved the place and determined to return. It is a city I would happily visit annually if scheduling allowed, and one I feel happy when exploring. You will too!