General Safety Tips

Mexico City is generally safe, but like any major city, it’s important to take reasonable precautions. Crime tends to be concentrated in specific areas, and the neighborhoods recommended in this guide (Polanco, Roma, Condesa) are among the safest in the city. For the nerds out there who want detailed crime statistics and maps, check Hoyodecrimen and Elcri.men.

• Wallets & Passports: Do not carry them unless necessary. Hotel safes are generally secure, but use your own judgment. Only bring what you need.
• At the Airport: Book a taxi from the official airport taxi stands inside the terminal. These cost more but are very safe.
• In Crowded Spaces: Keep your backpack securely closed and wear it in front of you (especially on the metro).
• Cash: Carry some cash (not too much, just what’s necessary). Some smaller establishments do not accept cards.
• Transportation: Use Uber instead of independent taxis—it’s safer. Avoid the metro if possible. Never hail a taxi from the street.

Tipping Culture

• Credit Cards: Never let restaurant staff take your card away. Always ask: “¿Me puedes traer la terminal?” or “Terminal por favor” (to request the card reader be brought to your table).
• Tipping: 15% is standard. Most servers will ask how much you’d like to tip (rather than having you write it on the receipt, as in the US) and input it into the card reader. You can give a percentage (“el quince”) or a peso amount (“100 pesos”).

Where to Stay

Most visitors stay in one of these three neighborhoods. All three are safe and walkable. Both Airbnb and hotels work well in Mexico City.

• Polanco - Upscale residential area with luxury hotels, high-end shopping, and excellent restaurants; tree-lined streets close to Chapultepec Park and museums; best for visitors who want comfort and convenience and don’t mind higher prices

• Roma - Trendy neighborhood with art deco architecture, independent boutiques, and hip cafes; mix of old-world charm and modern culture; lively nightlife scene with bars and restaurants; best for younger travelers who want a vibrant, artistic atmosphere

• Condesa - Bohemian neighborhood with European-style parks, sidewalk cafes, and Art Nouveau buildings; more relaxed and residential feel than Roma; popular for its parks (Parque México and Parque España), brunch spots, and proximity to nightlife; best for visitors who want a laid-back, neighborhood feel with easy access to restaurants and bars

What to See & Do

1. Turibus Tours

The Turibus (a hop-on-hop-off bus with different routes throughout the city) is a nice way to get to know the city.

• There are 4 tours; we recommend the Historic Center circuit.
• Tickets cost approximately $9 USD, and you can transfer between routes at designated stops.

For day trips, there are Turibus tours to Pirámides de Teotihuacán (which include transportation and food).

2. Historic Center (El Zócalo)

Must-see spots all in the same area, walkable from each other:

• El Zócalo - One of the largest public squares in the world and the heart of Mexico City
• Palacio Nacional - Home to Diego Rivera’s famous murals depicting Mexican history (free entry)
• Catedral Metropolitana - The largest cathedral in Latin America with stunning architecture
• Hotel de México - One of the oldest hotels in the Americas with beautiful colonial interiors and a nice buffet
• Templo Mayor - Ruins of the main Aztec temple with an excellent museum
• Palacio de Bellas Artes - Art Nouveau/Art Deco palace with famous murals and cultural performances
• Correo Mayor - Historic colonial building with beautiful Baroque architecture

3. Museums

Museums in Mexico City are generally cheap and quite nice. In order of importance:

• Museo de Antropología e Historia - World-class collection of prehispanic artifacts and Mexican indigenous cultures
• MUNAL - National Art Museum showcasing Mexican art from the 16th century to mid-20th century
• Museo Frida Kahlo - The Blue House where Frida Kahlo was born and lived (book tickets in advance)
• Museo Soumaya - Striking modern building with diverse art collection from Rodin to Rivera (free entry)

4. Other Attractions

• Castillo de Chapultepec - Historic hilltop castle with impressive city views, former imperial residence and now a history museum
• Bosque de Chapultepec - One of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere with lakes, museums, and walking paths
• Coyoacán - Charming bohemian neighborhood with colorful streets, artisan markets, cafes, and colonial architecture
• Polanco & Presidente Masaryk - Upscale district with designer shopping, art galleries, and excellent dining
• Lucha Libre - Experience Mexico’s iconic wrestling spectacle at Arena México

Where to Eat

Overall, we have found the Michelin Bib Gourmand / Selected Restaurants list to be quite a good approximation to good food. Here are a few more targeted recommendations.

1. Tacos

You must have tacos at least once! Highly recommended: tacos al pastor, tacos de lengua, chicharrón de queso, and gringas. We do not recommend visiting random taco stands unless recommended by a local (as it may be too much for some people’s stomachs).

Most of these are taco franchises with plenty of locations:

• El Tizoncito - Claims to have invented tacos al pastor; reliable chain with consistent quality
• El Farolito - Popular late-night spot known for generous portions and flavorful meats
• El Califa - Upscale taco experience with premium ingredients and creative preparations
• Taquearte - Modern take on traditional tacos with trendy atmosphere and craft beer selection
• Los Gitanos - Our favorite taqueria when we used to live in Mexico City; opens late and always has a long line

2. Upscale Restaurants

Most require reservations. These tend to be pricey (think US prices for a fancy restaurant). Many of these consistently rank among the best restaurants in Latin America. Note that this list is slightly outdated, and some new restaurants have appeared in the last few years.

• Azul Histórico or Azul Condesa - Elevated traditional Mexican cuisine with beautiful presentation; Historic Center location has stunning colonial courtyard setting

• Pujol - Innovative Mexican cuisine with Chef Enrique Olvera’s famous mole tasting menu

• Quintonil - Contemporary Mexican restaurant focusing on indigenous ingredients and seasonal produce from local farmers

• MeroToro - Creative seafood-focused restaurant with exceptional tasting menu; intimate setting with inventive preparations

• Los Danzantes - Southern Mexican cuisine specializing in Oaxacan dishes and mezcal; atmospheric setting in historic Coyoacán

3. Mercados (Food Markets)

A very Mexican experience! Mercados are food markets where people buy groceries, but the concept has been revamped in recent years where mercados are now essentially hipster food halls with everything from seafood to meat to desserts. Useful when going with a group of people who cannot decide what to eat. Here are a few examples:

• Mercado Roma - Modern hipster food hall with international cuisine, craft beer, and trendy atmosphere
• Mercado del Carmen - Traditional neighborhood market in Coyoacán with authentic local food stands
• Mercado de San Juan - Gourmet market famous for exotic ingredients, cheeses, and specialty foods
• Mercado Independencia - Renovated market in city center with modern food stalls
• Mercado de Coyoacán (ESPECIALLY FOR TOSTADAS!) - Traditional market with the city’s most famous tostada stand Important note: There are multiple tostada stands, but one is extremely popular and always crowded. Make sure to go to that one and not the others!

4. Coffee / Quick Bites

• Cielito Querido Café - Mexican cafeteria (think Starbucks but with Mexican desserts and drinks). Multiple locations. Perfect for a quick bite during your trip.
• Peltre Loncheria - Traditional Mexican comfort food from our favorite chef; known for tortas, chilaquiles, and classic breakfast dishes; casual setting with authentic flavors; multiple locations across the city.