How to plan a trip to Mexico City?

Mexico’s capital is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture and lively nightlife. But if you’re reading this post you probably already know that, and what you’re really interested in is finding out how to plan a trip to Mexico City. Right? Well, you’re in the right place because after our visit, we have a number of tips we’d like to share with you.

In this post we’ve set out to make your experience unforgettable, so we’ll accompany you through the first steps of organising your trip and help you make the most of your stay with the Passporter App, where you can keep your travel documents, tickets and hotel bookings in an organised way, as well as your detailed itinerary. Are you ready to start your adventure?

1. Prepare your travel documents for your trip to Mexico City

One of the first things you’ll need to consider when organising a trip to Mexico City is the required documentation to enter the country. Depending on where you’re travelling from, this can be more or less complex and will require more documents. We tell you about it:

• From Europe, the United States, Canada and some Latin American countries: Citizens of these countries do not need to apply for a visa and can stay in the country for up to 180 days with just their passport. Remember that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of travel, otherwise you will not be able to board the plane. You may also be asked for your return ticket, your hotel reservation or invitation, and proof of financial solvency.
• From other countries: All other citizens will have to apply for a visa in person during an interview at their country’s embassy. To process the application, you must submit an application form, your original passport and a copy of the page with your personal details, photograph and signature, as well as a passport-sized photograph (front, without glasses, colour, white background and recent). All documents in a language other than Spanish must be officially translated. The visa fee is $53 USD and is non-refundable, even if the visa is denied. It is advisable to check that the documentation is complete before submitting the application. After the interview, if all documents have been submitted correctly, the processing time is approximately 10 days. In some cases, for long stays, health tests may also be required.

Regardless of where you are travelling from, you need to fill out the Multiple Migration Form (FMM), a document available both online and at points of entry into the country. This form records the entry and stay of visitors and it is essential to keep and present the FMM when leaving Mexico to comply with immigration regulations.

If you’re planning to drive during your stay, keep in mind that you’ll need to apply for an international driver’s licence. And remember, if you’re travelling with the Passporter App you’ll be able to carry all your documents on your mobile.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Mexico City

The best time to visit Mexico City is between May and September, especially during spring, when temperatures are pleasant and the low season means there are fewer tourists and you can see the main sights without waiting in long queues. Prices are also more affordable. At this time of year you can also enjoy the Historic Center Festival, an event that celebrates culture with music, theatre and dance in the streets and squares of the city.

Although the weather is mild and pleasant, afternoons can bring sporadic rains. Also, as it’s low tourist season, some establishments may have reduced opening hours or limited services. Even so, these minor inconveniences are compensated by the smaller number of visitors and the possibility of exploring the city at a more leisurely pace. In the end, Mexico City is a great city where you’ll always find something to do.

3. Find out how to get to Mexico City

Mexico City is well connected both nationally and internationally, and you can choose from a variety of ways to get there depending on where you are. Wherever you’re travelling from, we recommend booking your tickets in advance to find the most affordable fares. Through the Passporter App you can book your tickets with Skyscanner and always have your tickets at hand.

• Car: There are several motorways connecting to the capital. However, we do not recommend this option as the city has a lot of traffic and parking is not easy.
• Bus: Several bus companies such as ADO, Primera Plus and ETN offer routes from numerous cities to the capital city.
• Airplane: is the most common way to travel to Mexico from abroad. Benito Juarez International Airport receives flights from all over the world, operated by airlines such as Aeromexico, Delta, and Air France.

To get from the airport to the city centre, you have these options:

• Metro: costs approximately 5 MXN. The nearest metro station is Terminal Aerea, on Line 5.
• Metrobus: Line 4 goes downtown for about 30 MXN. This bus operates Monday to Saturday from 4:30 to 00:00, and on Sundays from 5:00 to 00:00.
• Taxi: You can get to the centre for approximately 300 MXN. You will have to hire the taxi directly at the ticket office, where you will be assigned an official taxi.
• Uber: is a safe and economical option, and although the price can vary according to demand, you will be able to see it in advance.

During your stay you can move around the city by metro, a quick and inexpensive option that costs MXN5 per trip. You can also use the bus network, which has similar prices, or rent a bike. And if you want a more convenient option, your hotel can call a taxi to take you wherever you want to go.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Mexico City

Mexico City is a cosmopolitan destination where you’ll find everything from hostels to luxury flats to suit all tastes and budgets. We were surprised to find accommodation in the historic and more central areas in renovated old buildings, which are famous for their unique charm.

Before you start looking, we recommend that you find out about the neighbourhoods and how they are connected to the points of interest. Here are the best areas to stay in Mexico City:

• Historic Centre: is ideal for lovers of history and culture, and for its proximity to points of interest. Prices can be varied, from budget to luxury.
• Polanco: is famous for its exclusivity and luxury shopping and dining. It’s perfect for those looking for a high-end experience, although it’s one of the most expensive neighbourhoods.
• La Condesa: is popular with young people for its lively nightlife and bohemian style. Prices are mid-range and the area offers a relaxed atmosphere.
• Rome: is ideal for art lovers, with an excellent gastronomic and cultural offer. The nightlife is lively and the prices are moderate.
• Coyoacán: It offers a quieter atmosphere with a bohemian, artsy feel. It is less expensive compared to other neighbourhoods and is famous for its markets and cafes.

By searching in advance you can compare more options and find cheaper options. And with the Passporter App you can book your accommodation directly through Booking and always have the information at hand.

5. Where and what to eat in Mexico City?

Mexico City’s cuisine is a mosaic of flavours that reflects the country’s cultural diversity. You’ll find a thousand places to eat, from fine dining restaurants to local taquerias and street stalls. If you’re a foodie, Mexico City is the best place to try Mexican cuisine, one of the most famous in the world.

Here are some of the city’s most famous dishes:

• Tacos al Pastor: marinated meat, grilled on a spinning top and served in corn tortillas, typically accompanied by pineapple, onion and cilantro.
• Enchiladas: Corn tortillas stuffed with meat or cheese, dipped in red or green sauce and topped with cheese.
• Chiles en Nogada: poblano stuffed with picadillo, covered with a walnut sauce and garnished with pomegranate, representative of Mexican gastronomy.
• Tamales: Corn dough stuffed with meats, sauces or sweets, wrapped in corn or banana leaves and steamed.
• Pozole: hearty corn soup with pork or chicken, served with radishes, lettuce, onion, lime and chilli powder.

In the city you can also try Pulque, a viscous drink made from fermented maguey. It has a unique flavour that is sure to surprise you.

6. Choose the activities you want to do in Mexico City

Exploring Mexico City can take several days due to the wide range of cultural activities on offer. It is therefore recommended to spend at least four days, although even a week may not be enough to take in all that this capital has to offer.

Here are the must-see sights you can’t miss on your trip to Mexico City – start planning your itinerary with Passporter today!

• Zócalo (Constitution Square): in the centre of Mexico City, the square is surrounded by historical monuments such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace.
• Frida Kahlo Museum: located in Coyoacan, this museum dedicated to the life and work of Frida Kahlo is housed in the famous ‘Casa Azul’ where she lived. Approximate price: 250 MXN.
• Palacio de Bellas Artes: an impressive marble building that houses important murals by Mexican artists and folkloric ballet performances. Entry fee: 70 MXN, shows from 650 MXN.
• Teotihuacan: located about 50km from the city, this archaeological site is famous for its huge pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. Entrance fee: 80 MXN.
• Chapultepec: one of the largest urban parks in the world. It houses Chapultepec Castle and the National Museum of Anthropology. Admission to the castle: 85 MXN, museum: 85 MXN.
• Xochimilco: a famous working-class neighbourhood noted for its canals where you can ride in decorated ‘trajineras’ (a type of a canoe). Trajinera ride: from 500 MXN per hour.
• Basilica of Guadalupe: the largest Catholic pilgrimage centre in the Americas, located in the north of the city. Free admission.
• Museum of Popular Art: is a colourful museum showcasing folk art and crafts from all over Mexico. Entry fee: 60 MXN.
• La Merced Market: one of the largest markets in the city, ideal for exploring Mexican cuisine and buying local produce.
• Paseo de la Reforma: one of Mexico City’s most important and beautiful avenues, lined with monuments, museums and modern buildings.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Mexico City

Travelling with friends, besides being an unforgettable experience, is a unique opportunity to share accommodation, transport, expenses and enrich the itinerary of the trip with the interests of each member of the group, which will lead you to discover places you did not expect. However, we are also aware that travelling in a group can also present certain inconveniences due to the differences between the group in terms of interests or the way of travelling of each one.

To travel in a group it is best to use tools such as the Passporter App, which will facilitate coordination and organisation, allowing all members of the group to plan together. Get inspiration from the experiences of others and share their own experiences through photos. In this post you can read more about group travel: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Mexico City

• The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso.
• The country’s official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken.
• The plugs are type A and B, which are the same as those used in the United States and Canada. These plugs have two or three flat pins. The standard voltage in Mexico is 127V with a frequency of 60Hz.
• Before you travel, do your research on Mexico City. In addition to the most popular attractions, look for lesser-known activities that can give you a more authentic view of the country, such as popular fiestas or festivals.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date and always carry all other necessary travel documentation with you.
• If you do not like spicy food, you can ask restaurants to adjust the spiciness.
• Always remember to drink bottled water and avoid ice
• Protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re going to be outdoors for long periods of time. A hat and sunglasses are also a must to protect yourself from the sun’s intense radiation.
• Although tourist areas are generally safe, it is always wise to take basic precautions such as not displaying valuables and keeping an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places.
• Using apps like Passporter to plan your trip to Mexico City is free and helps you get inspiration from other travellers, as well as organising your itinerary efficiently.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as Mondo.
• Respect the environment. When visiting natural areas, always follow conservation rules to protect the environment around you.
• Check if you need an international driver’s licence if you plan to hire a car.
• Buy an eSIM card for mobile internet access. Our favourite company is Holafly as they offer cards for Mexico with unlimited data.
• Book your flights and accommodation in advance, especially in high season or for popular destinations.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Mexico City

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Mexico City.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Mexico City