Mexico

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Mexico City

Aztec roots, colonial grandeur, endless energy

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Mexico City Plan a trip around Mexico

Best time to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
Currency: MXN
Time zone: UTC-6
Country: Mexico

Photo: B.jars, CC BY-SA 4.0

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and North America's largest city, built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. Visitors come for its world-class museums, colonial architecture, vibrant food scene and nearby archaeological sites.

Largest cities

Mexico City
Guadalajara
Monterrey
Puebla
Tijuana

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Mexico
Capital: Mexico City
City population: 9.2M
Population of Mexico: 132.3M
Country area: 1,972,550 km²
Official language: Spanish
Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN) · 1 USD ≈ 18.41 MXN
Time zone: UTC-6
Calling code: +52
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 2,230 m
Plugs: A / B · 127V
Emergency numbers: 911
Best time to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	23°	25°	28°	28°	28°	25°	23°	23°	23°	23°	24°	22°
Low	8°	8°	11°	12°	14°	14°	13°	13°	13°	11°	10°	8°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$35
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$87
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$235

Plan a trip to Mexico City

Top things to do

Free
Zócalo and Metropolitan Cathedral
Walk across Mexico City's vast main square and visit the cathedral; go early to avoid crowds and heat.
- Half day
- Centro Histórico
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $5
Templo Mayor Museum
See the excavated ruins of the Aztec main temple and its museum; closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
- Half day
- Centro Histórico
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Closed: Sunday
Free
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Admire the marble palace and its murals; check for evening performances and temporary exhibitions.
- Half day
- Centro Histórico
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Good in the evening
- Closed: Sunday
≈ $12
Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)
Visit the artist's former home and see her personal belongings; buy tickets online in advance to skip the queue.
- Half day
- Coyoacán
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Closed: Sunday
Free
Coyoacán Market and Plaza
Browse the market for local snacks and crafts, then relax in the central plaza; try a tostada or fresh juice.
- Half day
- Coyoacán
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $5
Chapultepec Castle
Tour the former imperial residence with city views; closed on Mondays, so plan another day.
- Half day
- Chapultepec
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Closed: Monday
≈ $20
Xochimilco Boat Tour
Ride a colorful trajinera through the canals; go on a weekday for a quieter experience and bring cash for food and drinks.
- Full day
- Xochimilco
- Good for kids
≈ $15
Teotihuacan Pyramids Day Trip
Climb the Pyramid of the Sun and walk the Avenue of the Dead; go early to avoid crowds and bring sun protection.
- Full day
- Centro Histórico
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

British citizens and many other nationalities can visit Mexico as tourists without a visa, receiving a stamp on arrival that states the allowed length of stay. You may be asked to show a return ticket, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds. Entry rules depend on nationality; check the official Mexican immigration site or your nearest Mexican embassy before travel.

Official website

From the airport

Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) is the main gateway, about 6 km from the historic centre. A taxi or ride-hailing service into the centre takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic; the Metro also connects the airport to the city.

Getting around

The Metro is cheap and extensive, but for comfort and safety, use ride-hailing apps or official taxis, especially at night.

Local tips

The altitude is 2,240 m (7,350 ft), so take it easy on the first day and drink plenty of water.
Carry small change and small bills for markets, taxis and tips; cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants.
The rainy season runs June to September, so pack a light rain jacket or umbrella if visiting then.
Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and on public transport; use reputable taxis or ride-hailing apps at night.

Areas worth knowing

Polanco
Coyoacán
Xochimilco
Chapultepec
Centro Histórico

Official travel advice

The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on October 9, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.

Read the advice on GOV.UK