5 Things I Think You Should Know Before Visiting Mexico City (and 3 More That Will Save You)

Hand to God, I've never met someone who didn't enjoy their trip to Mexico City. It's truly a city that has it all- award-winning dining, museums perfect for wandering, and an array of experiences fit for any kind of traveler.

But before you head off, read through this list so you'll be far more prepared than I was.

1. The Altitude May Humble You

Mexico City sits at about 7,200 feet above sea level and I’m not going to lie… I felt it.

If you’re even a little bit sensitive to altitude, plan your first day accordingly. This is not the time to schedule a packed itinerary or try to do everything at once.

Take it slow, drink a lot of water, and give your body a second to adjust. Even just walking around felt a little more tiring than usual for me.

2. Check The Weather

I went in early August thinking it would just be hot the whole time. It was not.

During the day it was sunny and warm, but almost every afternoon it rained, and by nighttime it actually got a little chilly.

So just pack layers. Something light for the day, and then a jacket or sweater for later. You don’t want to be that person freezing at dinner because you assumed it would stay warm.

3. The Traffic Is Actually Wild

Mexico City traffic is not something to play with.

Distances might look short on a map, but the time it takes to get somewhere can be very different. If you have a reservation, a tour, or especially a flight, give yourself extra time.

4. Transportation Is Easier Than You Think

There are a ton of transportation options. Subways, buses, city bikes. You can definitely use them.

But personally, I kept it simple. I either walked or took an Uber most of the time.

Uber is affordable, easy, and just one less thing to think about when you’re navigating a new city.

5. Knowing a Little Spanish Makes a Big Difference

I would really recommend brushing up on some Spanish before you go, or at least downloading a translator app.I ended up speaking Spanish about 90 percent of the time I was there. It just made everything smoother. Ordering food, asking questions, getting around.

You don’t need to be fluent, but even the basics go a long way.

3 More Things That Will Make Your Trip Better

Because there are always a few things you don’t realize until you’re actually there.

6. Have Pesos on You

Most places take cards, but not everywhere.

If you’re grabbing street food, buying something small, or at a market, cash is just easier. You don’t want to be the person who has to walk away because you only have a card.

Make sure you have Mexican pesos on you.

7. Make Reservations If You Really Care About the Spot

If there’s a restaurant you really want to try, go ahead and make a reservation.

But also, a lot of places just operate on a wait system. So don’t be surprised if you show up and have to put your name down and wait a bit.

That’s just part of the experience, and honestly some of my best meals came from places I just walked into.

8. You Don’t Need to Overplan Everything

You really don’t need to book every single thing in advance.

I found a lot of tours and experiences that were available the same day or the day before, which gave me a lot more flexibility.

It made the trip feel way less rigid and a lot more fun.

Final Thoughts

Mexico City is one of those places that gives you a little bit of everything.

As long as you go in prepared, give yourself some flexibility, and don’t try to do too much too fast, you’re going to have an amazing time.

And drink your water. I’m serious about that part.