My Whirlwind 5-Day Adventure in Mexico City
Fresh off a 10-day Mexican escapade, with 5 glorious days spent in Mexico City (CDMX), I'm eager to share some travel tips and unforgettable moments from my trip.
Getting There & Around
Flying was a breeze, especially coming from the US. Round trip tickets can be quite affordable – I snagged mine for around $150 each way! Airlines like Volaris and Vivaaerobus offer numerous flights to Mexico from various US cities. If you've got a US visa, you're in luck – no separate Mexican visa needed! Plus, the Mexican multi-entry visa allows for seamless travel between the US and Mexico.
Is Mexico City Safe?
Safety is often a concern when visiting Mexico City, but thankfully, my 5 days in CDMX were incident-free, even while frequently using public transport. There's a noticeable police presence, especially in tourist hotspots, which contributes to a sense of security. Of course, like any major city, there are areas best avoided, particularly late at night. A little common sense and travel savvy go a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Pro Tip: Exchange currency at the airport for the best rates. Currently, 1 USD is roughly 17-18 pesos. SIM cards are readily available at 7-Eleven stores – far easier to acquire than in places like Japan or India.
Stepping into Mexico from the US feels like entering a tax and tip-free paradise! Everything is significantly cheaper, a step above Vietnam (perhaps one and a half to two times the price).
Why I Fell in Love with CDMX
I adore Mexico City! Five days felt like barely scratching the surface, as if the entire treasure trove of Central American culture has been poured into this metropolis. CDMX boasts an astounding concentration of historical and cultural landmarks, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status back in 1986.
Must-Do Experiences in CDMX
-
Indulge in a Culinary Adventure
It's no accident that Mexico City consistently ranks among the world's top street food cities. If you're already a fan of Mexican food, prepare to be blown away by the sheer variety and authenticity on offer here. You could spend all day sampling different tacos alone. In Mexico, travelers can eat dozens kinds of Taco!
After tasting the real deal, Mexican food in the US just doesn't compare! 🥹
-
Explore the Museums
A museum tour is essential. CDMX is home to the world's largest anthropology museum, a museum dedicated to broken hearts, and a folk culture museum that feels like stepping into the movie Coco – plus countless other museums of all sizes. I particularly enjoyed the CDMX museums because they're engaging, diverse, and manageable to explore.
-
Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Embark on a journey to CDMX's UNESCO-recognized sites, from the ancient Aztec city of Teotihuacan to the "Venice" of Mexico, Xochimilco. You can reach Teotihuacan by local bus, but if you prefer a hassle-free experience, tours are available. I'd recommend going early to avoid the heat. Boat rides in Xochimilco are priced per boat, not per person, so it can be a bit pricier if you're traveling solo or as a couple. The advertised rate was around 600 pesos per hour, but I negotiated it down to 400 pesos/hour for just two of us. The boats are spacious, easily accommodating up to 10 people.
Navigating the City: Public Transportation
While Uber is an option in Mexico City, I'm a fan of using local public transport wherever I go. The Mexico City subway costs around 7k VND – incredibly affordable. The bus system is also widespread, though it can get crowded during peak hours. Be sure to have coins for the bus. Subway stations either have attendants selling tickets or require a pre-purchased card.
The people of Mexico are friendly and kind, though English proficiency isn't widespread. Having Google Translate handy is a lifesaver – often, I'd simply hand my phone over to locals so they could type in Spanish, allowing the app to translate. Thankfully, my limited Spanish skills were enough to get by during my time in Mexico.
