While Mexico is popular with travelers for its endless coasts, perfect weather and sandy beaches, the interior of the country is also well worth exploring. The bustling capital, Mexico City, with its hectic urban lifestyle, artistic neighborhoods and historic buildings, has long been neglected by summer vacationers, but is now being discovered by curious city trippers.
Opening hours are usually 9h - 20h. Big department stores or shopping centers might stay open until 21h.
The vibrant national capital of Mexico is not only the political center but also the cultural hub of the country, whose name dates back to the old Aztecs who called themselves "Mexica." The city holds sights dating back to the beginnings of the high civilization of the 14th century, and is home to one of the oldest Universities on the continent, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, established in 1553.
With 8.9 million inhabitants, Mexico City is among the largest cities in the world by population. It is divided into several boroughs, each one holding a wide range of restaurants and sights for visitors.
Located 2,200 meters above sea level and framed by high mountains and volcanoes such as the Ajusco, the Popocatepetl and the Ixtaccihuatl, the city is a place for adventure-seekers, city breakers and party-people alike. Apart from an impressive amount of typical Mexican cantinas (where one can try traditional local drinks and food), there are many different ethnic groups that have added their cuisines and shops to the urban landscape. With Cuban, American, Japanese, Chilean, Korean or Lebanese communities, Mexico City has got one truly multicultural identity.
With its 16 delegaciones (boroughs) divided into several hundred colonies (neighborhoods), there is always something new to explore around Mexico City. While the historic center of the city with the National Palace, the Mexico City Cathedral and the Palace of Fine Arts is a magnet for tourists, opportunities to have a good time abound both here and beyond. Climb the Teotihuacán Pyramid of the Sun, one of the largest of its kind, browse through amazing creations at craft markets or relax in the Viveros de Coyoacán public park.
Mexico's cuisine is without a doubt one of the country's biggest draws. Its typical flavors are beloved around the world, but there is so much more to try beyond the staples we all know. Keep an eye out for chilaquiles for breakfast or enchiladas for lunch, and enjoy the rich flavors of the incredibly varied local cuisine. Beans, corn and meat are staples. By the way, get ready to put your taste buds to the test with some authentic Mexican hot sauce.
Mexico City's numerous coffee houses are popular social hangouts for the young and old. Here you'll meet self-employed creatives discussing business over laptops and espressos as well as seniors engaging in the usual coffee chit-chat. While sightseeing and museums might give you an impression of Mexico City, this is where you can truly experience local culture.
It's fair to say that Mexico City is a place that never sleeps. Bars, clubs and music pubs can be found on every corner, and jazz lovers can experience live gigs every day of the week. Adapt to the relaxed Mexican lifestyle, grab a drink and enjoy a musical evening.
While big department stores and shopping centers have settled in Mexico City, there is also a large number of small craft shops, art galleries, curious markets and beautiful souvenir shops to be found in the city center. Along the big streets you can find many lovely places ideal for a spontaneous shopping spree.
If you're looking for pleasant weather and don't mind the hotel prices and lots of tourists, then you should visit the city between March and May. Winter daytime temperatures can also be pleasant, it tends to cool down overnight. Summers are known for being rainy, so remember to pack an umbrella with you. Low season in Mexico starts after Easter until a few days before Christmas. The city comes alive from September to November, when major festivals such as Día de la Independencia, Día de Los Muertos and Día de la Revolución take place. Be aware that Mexico City is situated about 7,382 feet above sea level, so remember to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen.
The Benito Juarez International Airport is located east of Mexico City and it has two terminals connected by a bus and light rail system. International airlines fly here from larger cities around the globe.
You can reach the airport or city center by taxi, metro or bus.
There are several airport taxis recognizable as white and yellow (with black logos of an airplane) that transport you to and from the city. You can buy tickets inside the airport and cars are available at Terminals 1 and 2.
While the metro might not be the best option if you are travelling with heavy luggage, it provides a much cheaper way of getting to and from the airport. The stop "Terminal Aérea" on line 5 can be found next to airport Terminal 1. Line 1, 5, 9 and A are within walking distance from Terminal 2, and the stop is called "Pantitlán". You can buy tickets at the metro station or purchase a rechargeable metro card.
Alternatively, the Metrobus operates between city center and the airport, and stops at Puerta 7 at Terminal 1 and Puerta 2 at Terminal 2.
Another option for lower fares is the rideshare company Uber.
This airport is located in Toluca, approximately 50 km from Mexico City. It has recently been transformed into an international airport and it is not as easily accessible as Mexico City International Airport.
If you arrive at or depart form Licenciado Adolfo López Mateos International Airport you best hire a car or take a taxi to the city center.
Officially called Sistema de Transporte Colectivo or STC, the Metro is a cheap way of transportation and will take you almost everywhere in Mexico City. The 12 lines operate Monday to Friday 5h to midnight, Saturday 6h to midnight, and Sunday 7h to midnight. At rush hour, the first cars of each train are reserved for women and children (7h30 -10h & 15h - 20h).
STC Metro tickets are among the cheapest in the world. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines in every station, or you can get a rechargeable Metrocard.
Along with the STC, the local bus system is a fast and easy means of transportation in the city. Tourist-frequented streets, attractions as well as multiple points of interest usually have at least one bus stop nearby, and one ticket costs very little (price is fixed regardless of distance traveled). Payment is made in cash when boarding the bus. Peseros (mini buses) are operated by multiple private firms and run alongside official RTP buses.
In addition, there is the Metrobus which take you not only to and from the Airport, but also operate on their own routes throughout the city. For these buses you will need a rechargeable smartcard (may be purchased at vending machines).
While hailing a cab off the street can be risky, taxis can be a convenient means of transport in Mexico City. Your best bet is calling an official provider, especially if you don't speak Spanish.
For lower fares you can always order a cab through the Uber app.
The Palacio de Correos de México (or Correo Mayor) is not only Mexico City's main Post Office, but also a historical building dating back to the 20th century. After an earthquake struck Mexico in 1985 much of the Palacio was destroyed, only to be restored in 1990.
Post boxes are red in color.
In Mexico the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 127 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.