Mexico
Mexico City
Mexico City for groups who want more than tacos — restaurants, neighborhoods, and the day trips we'd actually take.
Currency
MXN
Language
Spanish
Best months
March, April, October, November
Mid-range budget
$
110
/ day
Mexico City is the rare destination that rewards both the planner and the wanderer. The Aztec ruins under the cathedral, the Diego Rivera murals in the Palacio Nacional, and the late-night taquerías in Narvarte are all working at full volume — and they're all within twenty minutes of each other. Pick a neighborhood (Roma Norte, Condesa, or Polanco) and let the city happen to you.
What separates CDMX from other capitals isn't just the food, though the food is real. It's the way 700 years of history sits flat on the same sidewalks as the new — a contemporary gallery in a colonial mansion, a 1950s cantina holding its ground next to a third-wave coffee shop. Bring four to six friends and three weeks of patience. You'll need the friends for the table at Contramar and the patience to let the city's afternoon rhythm replace your own.
Practical Stuff
Tipping
10-15% standard at sit-down restaurants. Bills sometimes include 'propina sugerida' (suggested tip) — don't double-tip if it's there. Round up for taxis/Uber. 50 pesos per bag for hotel porters.
Safety
Generally safe in the tourist neighborhoods (Roma Norte, Condesa, Polanco, Centro Histórico during the day). Take Uber over street taxis — it's the local norm. Avoid carrying obvious valuables. Most issues happen far from where you'll be spending time.
SIM card
eSIMs from Airalo or Holafly work the moment you land. Telcel has the best in-country coverage if you need a physical SIM. T-Mobile US plans include Mexico data at no extra cost.