
Hello there! If you follow me, you know that I have recently spent a week in Mexico City. And if you don’t, I am going to tell you that this was not my first time in Mexico. I got married and lived there for some time, and now I go back and forth from time to time. Today I decided to share some facts I discovered about Mexico City during the last 5 years.
Welcome to Mexico City…. wait in line.
Depending on the day of the week and season, the timing you spend in Immigration and Customs in the airport varies. And yet, it’s relatively slow, especially if you are a tourist. That being said, I wouldn’t recommend ordering a cab or making any plans while you are in line – you never know how much time it’s gonna take. So, if you see people almost running out of the plane – join them!
You’ve got to know somebody in Mexico City
It doesn’t mean that you cannot do it on your own, but I would totally recommend making friends in Mexico. And it’s not only because you will be introduced to the best things the city has to offer; it’s the best way to stay safe. Usually, locals know the good/bad timing for getting around the city, districts you have to visit/avoid and can take you to places where it’s not recommended to go by yourself like La Merced Market.
It’s dangerous until it’s not
True story: the first time I saw a gun with my own eyes was in Mexico City, the first time I heard the shooting was in Dallas, TX. What am I trying to say here? Mexico City can be dangerous, but it doesn’t mean that something bad will necessarily happen to you. As I mentioned before, having a friend who lives in Mexico City is your biggest advantage. My husband knows most dangerous districts, so we avoid them when visiting. I would also suggest keeping your belongings close to you: the big city has its own rules.
World’s Largest Revolving Restaurant
It may be surprising to find out that Mexico’s restaurant called “Bellini” holds the Guinness World Record for the largest revolving restaurant in the world. It is located on the 45th floor of Mexico City’s World Trade Center and serves Mexican and International cuisine. I am not sure if there is a better place for a date night in Mexico City, as the view is spectacular. We have been there several times, and I think that dinner is the best time to come: the sunset and the view are so worth it. How often can you see a plane flying by while you enjoy your meal?
Street food vs food prepared on the street
Mexico City is famous for its variety of delicious street food. People from all over the world come to try the authentic flavors brought by locals from all over the country. However, here is the deal: I would avoid vendors that, for example, chop their veggies on the street instead of bringing them in containers. After all, you never know how much dust will get in your food.
Bigger than Central Park
Mexico City is among 10 cities with the biggest parks in the world. And I would like to bring your attention to the largest park in Mexico and America – Chapultepec Park. It is 1695 acres, has a forest, a lake, a zoo, three museums, an ecological site, and large open green spaces.
Rush Hour
It’s been over 5 years since my first trip to Mexico City, and yet the rush hour freaks me out. There is no way I would use metro one more time in early mornings and from 5 to 7 p.m. It’s always crowded there, but rush hour is terrifying. If you decide to take a cab, be ready for an hour or two wait until you get to your destination. During our last trip, it took us 55 minutes to arrive to the place that was 7 miles away.
Food and Craft Markets
I could write a whole post about the markets in Mexico City. And, if you follow me on Instagram, you can tell that I adore both food and craft markets. I never shop at Walmart in Mexico if I need fresh produce, and I recommend visiting “Mercado de Artesanías de San Juan” if you are looking for good gifts to buy.
I wouldn’t dare to drive a car in Mexico City.
When you meet people that visit Mexico City, all of them will tell you that driving is something that deserves a separate post. No exceptions. You may be the best driver in the world, but drivers in Mexico City follow their own rules that are not to be found anywhere in the USA or Europe.
5 pesos metro in Mexico City
While Uber is by far the best option to get around the city, and the cab is the most expensive one, metro in Mexico City is still the fastest option out there. It costs one 5 pesos for unlimited rides any time of the day, while one-way ticket, for example, in Berlin, costs €3.40.
More about metro here
American Food Chains in Mexico City
Cheesecake Factory, Olive Garden, Applebee’s, Red Lobster, Chilly’s, Dunkin Donuts, T.G.I. Friday’s, Krispy Kreme and many other American Food Chains can be found in Mexico City. I had to mention this as I see so many people get surprised when I say that we sipped $3 Margaritas at Chilly’s and had delicious cheesecake at Cheesecake Factory in Mexico City. You can also read about the difference between all American restaurants in Mexico and USA here.
Thanks for stopping by!
XX,
Gena.
Amazing post, thanks for sharing your experience. I hope I’ll get to go to Mexico one day!!
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I love that is sounds like a total adventure! I want to eat my way through Mexico City!
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Thanks girl! Ah I also wanna eat my way through Mexico City every time I plan the trip hahaha
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So much valuable information about Mexico City! I have never been, but if I were to go I feel I would be a better informed tourist thanks to your post. Thank you!
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You are the sweetest! Thank you for your kind words, I am glad you find the post to be useful!!
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I want to go JUST to eat! I think speaking the language helps considerably, but making a genuine attempt is great.
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hahaha and I don’t blame you! It takes me some time to come back to the food in the USA after everything I have there
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Thanks for sharing! One of my friends with her boyfriend and had such a great time despite not knowing anyone there. Will have to consider it!
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I am sure they did! I just wrote that tip for everyone who thinks that Mexico City is crazy dangerous lol
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Mexico city sounds like an awesome adventure! I think I may ne adding this destination to my traveling bucket list 😍
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It’s really worth visiting! There are so many museums and beautiful churches to visit and the food is really good! 🙂
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Oh I am dying to visit Mexico city and eat all of that incredible street food. Hopefully I will be able to find some contacts so that hubs and I can do it safely.
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It is gonna be so much fun!! And if you don’t, just send me a message and I will be able to help and answer all the question. We travel there pretty often 😊
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I had no idea there was a revolving restaurant, much less the largest in the world! What a cool thing and great reason to plan a visit 🙂
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I hope you’ll have a chance to visit it soon! It’s such a unique experience! And the food is good too 💋
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What helpful info you share here about Mexico City! I’ve never been myself but would love to visit one day.
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Thank you so much for your feedback! That really means a lot 😉
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You’re so welcome! 😀
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I’d appreciate making friends while in Mexico city. It’s always nice when you can be shown around. And also, the revolving restaurant would be one place I’d actually want to go to while in Mexico! It made it to the Guiness World Book Record? Yay!
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Yes, it did! Thanks for stopping by girl 🙂
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Awesome post! Thanks for sharing and Mexico City is on my travel bucket list. It’s true, any city can be dangerous, but being aware of your surroundings and knowing which areas to avoid is important.
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thanks you for your sweet comments 🙂
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Wow, that’s awesome! I’ve never been (yet)!
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Thank you!
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I’ve always considered a trip to Mexico City because I’ve heard wonderful things, but I’ve always felt like I didn’t know enough. THIS post is amazing! So much good information and tips. I had no idea that they had a park that big either! I bet it’s absolutely beautiful. Saving this for later. 🙂
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Thank you so much Katherine! I hope you will have a chnace to visit Meixoc City soon and then I will get to hear about your great experience 😉
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Saving your tips for my first trip to Mexico City. Thanks!
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Thanks Jazz! I can’t wait for you to visit Mexico City!
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The picture with all the fruit speaks for itself! I love a good, fresh produce market- especially one where you can find delicious, exotic ingredients. That + yummy street food = a foodie paradise 😀
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I couldn’t agree more! Foodie paradise indeed 🙂
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