Mexico City City Guide

Food ranges from street stalls to fine dining with many vegetarian and vegan options. Must-try tacos al pastor, mole, tamales. International cuisine is widely available. Street food runs late into the night.

Nightlife is vibrant with cantinas, cocktail bars, nightclubs, and jazz clubs. Key areas include Roma Norte, Condesa, Polanco, Zona Rosa, and Centro Histórico.

Strong coffee scene with many third-wave cafes and roasters.

Tipping is expected in restaurants (10-15%, more for excellent service). Taxi tip not required but appreciated. Small tips common for service workers.

SIM cards are available at the airport, convenience stores, and provider shops. Telcel has the best coverage, followed by AT&T and Movistar. Passport ID is required for registration.

Cleanliness varies by area; central zones are generally kept tidy, less so on outskirts.

Many pharmacies, minimarts (OXXO, 7-Eleven), and some hospital emergency rooms open 24/7. Street food available late.

Supermarkets like Walmart, Soriana, and Chedraui carry many products including international items. Traditional markets offer fresh local produce. Stores generally open 7 AM to 10 PM, with most open Sundays.

Cards work in big places like supermarkets and many restaurants. Cash is still needed for small shops, markets, and public transit.

ATMs are common, with lower fees at Inbursa, BanBajio, Banca Mifel, and Banamex. Avoid BBVA due to high fees. Use ATMs inside banks for security and withdraw local currency only.

Several international schools teach mainly in English, including American School Foundation and Greengates School. Admissions can be competitive; apply early.

Active nomad network with meetups and co-living spaces. Many cafes and coworking spaces serve as hubs.

Excellent parks with shaded paths and running areas, including Chapultepec and Parque México.

Parks like Chapultepec and Parque México offer running routes. Air quality can be poor during dry season; run in daylight.

Many gyms from budget to premium are available, plus boutique fitness studios.

Tennis courts available at sports clubs; memberships and coaching common.

Padel courts available with membership; coaching available.

Many yoga studios especially in Roma Norte and Polanco, with English-speaking instructors and a variety of styles.

Wide range of martial arts schools including BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Lucha Libre.

No skiing near Mexico City.

Limited mostly to boat rides in Xochimilco; other water sports require travel.

No surfing spots nearby; closest are far on the coasts.

No diving spots nearby; coastal options require travel.

Private hospitals offer good care with English-speaking staff, including Hospital Ángeles and ABC Medical Center. Public healthcare is less consistent. Pharmacies are common and usually have a doctor on-site.

Tap water is not safe to drink due to aging pipes. Use bottled or purified water.

Parks like Chapultepec offer playgrounds and museums for kids. Family-friendly cafes are common, especially in Condesa and Roma Norte.

Very LGBTQ+ friendly city with inclusive neighborhoods, legal protections, and events like Pride.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods and parks; good veterinary care and supply stores.