Ask anyone about Mexico City, and opinions will vary. Some say it’s chaotic, fast-paced, and dangerous, while others find it all that and exhilarating too! With around 22 million residents, this massive city offers a different experience for everyone.
For locals, daily life often includes grappling with poverty, pollution, crime, and kidnappings. In 2013, an estimated 76 people were abducted each day. For tourists mainly exploring the historical center, the dangers are significantly less.
Mexico City is a vibrant mix of culture, creativity, crime, and cuisine, creating an undeniable buzz. It’s a must-visit destination in Mexico. To fully enjoy your stay, pick a good neighborhood where you’re close to top sights and great restaurants but away from the noise at night. This neighborhood guide can help find the perfect spot.
Safety tips for visitors: be aware of pickpocketing and “snatch and grab” robberies, especially in busy markets or on the subway late at night. Stick to sightseeing and avoid illegal activities for a safe and enjoyable experience in this bustling city.
During our visit, we checked out a few museums. Not being huge fans of museums, we quickly got bored. However, the massive Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Anthropology Museum) left us in awe. This world-class museum can take days to explore, but we felt satisfied after a couple of hours.
Our time in Mexico City was relaxing as we wandered the busy streets, navigating past street vendors, performers, and enthusiastic restaurant promoters. We explored museums, churches, the Zocalo, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes, always keeping our cameras ready since every building seemed photo-worthy. The city’s energy was contagious, invigorating our stroll.
Walking down La Calle Francisco I. Madero, the main pedestrian shopping street, was a mix of excitement and exhaustion. At peak hours, it was shoulder-to-shoulder with people dodging each other. Street performers entertained with hoops, music, and dance, creating a lively atmosphere. The air was filled with the smells of coffee, grilled meats, and car exhaust, adding to the city’s urban charm.
At night, the historical center transformed under amber lights, highlighting the faded facades’ antique beauty. Buildings showed centuries of decay but retained their intricate details, making evening strolls unique. Despite the high-altitude chill, the constant activity kept everyone warm. The city’s vibrancy was palpable but not overwhelming.
Aside from strolling, we enjoyed a Market Food Tour with Eat Mexico and took a day trip outside the city. A short bus ride brought us to the enormous Mesoamerican pyramids of Teōtīhuacān, meaning “birthplace of the Gods.” It’s surprising we hadn’t heard of this place before. The Pyramid of the Sun, the world’s third-largest pyramid, stands impressively tall. The broad “Avenue Of The Dead” runs through the ancient city, once home to over 100,000 residents, making it the largest pre-Columbian city on the continent.
These pyramids felt surreal, with their pale grey bricks glowing in the sun. We climbed to the top of the Sun Pyramid, tired but rewarded with stunning views. It was a moment to thank the Aztec gods for such an incredible sight.
After five days in this colossal city, we were ready to leave. Our senses needed a break from the constant stimulation. We headed to the airport for a flight to Cancun, dreaming of white sands and warm climates.
Special thanks to AeroMexico for flying us comfortably on their Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the return flight on the Embraer 190. The airline staff were friendly, and even on a short flight, we got snacks—a pleasant surprise!
