Mexico City Traveler Essentials
- Safety rating
- 6.8/10
- Best time to visit
- March–May for warm, dry weather. The rainy season (June–September) brings afternoon showers. November's Día de Muertos is spectacular.
- Population
- 9.2M
Overview
Mexico City is a vast, vibrant metropolis where Aztec ruins sit beside colonial cathedrals and cutting-edge restaurants. One of the world's great cultural capitals, it offers world-class museums, leafy neighbourhoods, and legendary street food.
Getting around
The metro is cheap and extensive but crowded at peak times. Metrobús and rideshare (Uber, DiDi) are reliable. Avoid hailing street taxis.
Local etiquette
Chilangos are warm and polite — greet with a handshake or a cheek kiss and use courteous 'por favor' and 'gracias'. Tip 10–15% in restaurants and small amounts to baggers and attendants. Dress neatly, be respectful at churches and historic sites, and avoid discussing crime stereotypes; punctuality is relaxed socially.
Safety
Tourist areas like Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and Centro are generally safe by day. Use authorized taxis or rideshare (not street hails), stay alert on the metro, and avoid displaying valuables.