Mexico City

Mexico City, Mexico

While Mexico is popular with travelers for its endless coasts, perfect weather and sandy beaches, the interior of the country is also well worth exploring. The bustling capital, Mexico City, with its hectic urban lifestyle, artistic neighborhoods and historic buildings, has long been neglected by summer vacationers, but is now being discovered by curious city trippers.

Population:

8.9 million

Currency:

1 Mexican Peso (Mex$) = 100 Centavos

Emergency Numbers:

911

Opening Hours:

Opening hours are usually 9h - 20h. Big department stores or shopping centers might stay open until 21h.

Newspapers:

La Jornada
Milenio
El Universal
El Sol de México

The City

The vibrant national capital of Mexico is not only the political center but also the cultural hub of the country, whose name dates back to the old Aztecs who called themselves “Mexica.” The city holds sights dating back to the beginnings of the high civilization of the 14th century, and is home to one of the oldest Universities on the continent, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, established in 1553.

With 8.9 million inhabitants, Mexico City is among the largest cities in the world by population. It is divided into several boroughs, each one holding a wide range of restaurants and sights for visitors.

Located 2,200 meters above sea level and framed by high mountains and volcanoes such as the Ajusco, the Popocatepetl and the Ixtaccihuatl, the city is a place for adventure-seekers, city breakers and party-people alike. Apart from an impressive amount of typical Mexican cantinas (where one can try traditional local drinks and food), there are many different ethnic groups that have added their cuisines and shops to the urban landscape. With Cuban, American, Japanese, Chilean, Korean or Lebanese communities, Mexico City has got one truly multicultural identity.

Do & See

With its 16 delegaciones (boroughs) divided into several hundred colonies (neighborhoods), there is always something new to explore around Mexico City. While the historic center of the city with the National Palace, the Mexico City Cathedral and the Palace of Fine Arts is a magnet for tourists, opportunities to have a good time abound both here and beyond. Climb the Teotihuacán Pyramid of the Sun, one of the largest of its kind, browse through amazing creations at craft markets or relax in the Viveros de Coyoacán public park.

Dining

Mexico's cuisine is without a doubt one of the country's biggest draws. Its typical flavors are beloved around the world, but there is so much more to try beyond the staples we all know. Keep an eye out for chilaquiles for breakfast or enchiladas for lunch, and enjoy the rich flavors of the incredibly varied local cuisine. Beans, corn and meat are staples. By the way, get ready to put your taste buds to the test with some authentic Mexican hot sauce.

Cafes

Mexico City's numerous coffee houses are popular social hangouts for the young and old. Here you'll meet self-employed creatives discussing business over laptops and espressos as well as seniors engaging in the usual coffee chit-chat. While sightseeing and museums might give you an impression of Mexico City, this is where you can truly experience local culture.