Travel Tips

Mexico City

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to get in touch with either Elli or Michael on WhatsApp, or send us an email at hola@orsonrodriguez.com.

The altitude

At 2,240m above sea level, Mexico City is one of the highest cities in the world. Not everyone is affected by the altitude, but just in case, relax during the first couple of days, avoid physical exertion, and stay hydrated.

Moving around

Uber (ideally) or metro. Mexico City taxis are best avoided if you don't want to be ripped off. If using taxis in Tepoztlán, confirm the price before your journey.

Food and water safety

Always drink bottled water. If you eat street food, judge the restaurant by the number of customers. Additionally, avoid fresh coriander (cilantro) as it may not be disinfected. Thoroughly wash all fresh fruit and veg. Also, be warned, a lot of the food is spicy.

Safety

Mexico isn’t as it’s portrayed by Hollywood. In general, it’s more Coco than Sicario. Behave as you would in Paris, London, or any major city. If you’re going walking at night, stick to the tourist spots, and don’t go advertising expensive jewellery.

Tipping

In Mexico, tipping is standard and should be between 10-15%. It’s best to tip in cash to ensure the waiters get all of the tips. For this reason, keep some cash with you.

Currency and cash

The currency is the Mexican Peso ($). You can’t use any other currency. However, cards are accepted almost everywhere. Just like any major city, don’t go around flashing wads of cash.

Things to do in Mexico City

Teotihuacán

Teotihuacán is an ancient Mesoamerican city located 50km northeast of Mexico City. It was settled in around 400 B.C. and became the most powerful and influential city in the region by 400 A.D. The Aztecs discovered the city in the 15th century, naming it Teotihuacán (“the place where the gods were created”). Its origins, history, and culture remain largely a mystery.

Xochimilco

“Xochimilco” is a combination of the Nahuatl words "xochitl" and "milli" and means “where the flowers grow.” Built on the site of a prehispanic town, Xochimilco is famous for its chinampas (floating gardens). Local agriculturalists constructed branch and reed rafts on the lake to cultivate fruits and vegetables for sale in the city. Over time, these rafts took root and became islands.

Coyoacán

Coyoacán is a vibrant historic neighbourhood in the south of Mexico City. Originally a prehispanic village on the southern shore of Lake Texcoco, it was later used as a headquarters for the Spanish during their conquest. In 1521, it became the first capital of New Spain.

Museo Frida Kahlo

The museum, also known as "Casa Azul" for its bright exterior, is where Frida Khalo was born and raised. She lived (and eventually died) in the home, which she shared with her fellow artist/husband, Diego Rivera. While the collection of Kahlo’s artwork is small, what's more impressive is the couple’s own collection of folk art and prehispanic artefacts.

Museo Nacional de Antropología

The National Anthropology Museum is the largest and most visited in Mexico. Located in the area between Paseo de la Reforma and Mahatma Gandhi Street within Chapultepec Park, the museum contains significant archaeological and anthropological artefacts from Mexico's pre-Columbian heritage, such as the Stone of the Sun (the Aztec calendar stone) and the Aztec Xochipilli statue.

Centro Histórico

The historic centre of Mexico City is the central neighbourhood surrounding the Zócalo (or main plaza) and extending in all directions for a number of blocks. The Zócalo is the largest plaza in Latin America with a capacity for 100,000 people. Most of these historic buildings were constructed between the 16th and 20th centuries.

Castillo de Chapultepec

Chapultepec is the only castle in North America that actually served as a residence for royalty; Mexican Emperor Maximilian I lived there with Empress Carlota from 1864 until he was executed three years later. During their period of residence, the Castle was known as Castillo de Miravalle.

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Roma: Comfortable and well-connected

Roma is a mix of Mexican culture with modern European flare. It’s almost like a Latin Paris. It is well connected by public transport and is only a short Uber ride to Reforma and Centro Histórico. The neighbourhood is very walkable during the day, with excellent taco stands in between comfy cafes and street patios where buskers and mariachis entertain diners.

Condesa: Trendy and lively

Condesa is the centre of the city’s up-and-coming culinary scene in wonderfully green, overgrown surroundings. Named for the countess who used to own the land, Condesa is a little more lively than Roma with more food and drink hotspots to choose from and it’s a little more affordable.

Polanco: Posh (and priced accordingly)

Coyoacán: Great for families

Coyoacán is one of the oldest areas of Mexico City and was independent until the 1920s. These days it is a popular spot where locals flock on the weekends. It is located farther south from the city centre and can take up to an hour to reach by car or transit depending on traffic.

Polanco is a bit like plucking Beverly Hills out of California and dropping it in the middle of Mexico City. This part of the city is known for being very international and very luxurious. Accommodation options in Polanco are mostly high-end boutique hotels but offer stunning architecture and interior design.