Mexico City, Mexico
With nearly 20 million people in the greater Mexico City population, you can spend a day exploring 1-2 neighborhoods. It is particularly fun to be there during the national holiday of Dia De Los Muertos (the first days of November).
- More about your Oliver Guide: Monica Coakley
- Trip type: Adult, City
- Activity level: moderate
- Ideal length of trip: 2-3 DAYS
to & from
United has a direct flight from SFO to MEX, as well as AeroMexico. Taxis are reliable from the airport and the fare needs to be purchased ahead of time. After your initial taxi ride, Uber is very reliable and unbelievably inexpensive (i.e., 1 hour ride for $7USD). No need to rent a car, as the traffic is horrible and Uber/taxi is such a deal.
Where to Stay
Where to Eat and Drink
El Balcon del Zocalo (great place to have brunch before/after viewing the Cathedral and Zocalo Square)
What to Do
Lucha Libre (Mexico Wrestling)
Chapultepec Park
Inside Scoop
Get tickets in advance (online) for all museums. The Frida Kahlo museum is worthwhile it’s in her home but is very popular.
Sundays Mexican familes congregate in indoor markets to have lunch and shop. Buy a Mexican bottled Coca Cola and walk around the market, a great way to get a feel for the culture.
Sunday is a great DAY to explore the city because traffic is much better, so driving to/from different areas will take 1/2 the time then during the week.
Sunday PM’s most restaurants close by 5:00pm- so consider having a late lunch and if hungry later, eat at your hotel.
Don’t drink the water. Always drink bottled water. Most of the hotels are safe, but you can never be too careful.
Take ubers and always account for traffic. It can take 60-80 minutes to drive across the city depending on traffic, which is one of the most congested city’s in the world.
Take out pesos. While most places accept credit cards, it’s much easier and more accepted to pay in cash.