7 Essential Travel Tips for My First Week in Mexico City
By Jedediah Watkins
Reading time - 10 minutes
Ah, Mexico City—a vibrant hub of culture, color, and culinary delights. When you step off that plane at Benito Juárez International Airport, make sure you’ve got some cold, hard cash in your pocket. Why? Because plastic doesn’t always cut it down here.
Picture this: You’re strolling through the historic El Zócalo, the sun kissing your face, and suddenly, you spot a taco stand. The aroma of al pastor fills the air, and your stomach growls in anticipation. But wait! The vendor gives you that apologetic look—the one that says, “Cash only.” And there you are, caught without a peso to your name. You’ll end up paying those high conversion rates at the nearest ATM, plus those pesky transaction fees. So, heed my advice: stash some pesos before you arrive. Your taste buds and your pocket will thank you.
2. Bring Soft Flask Water Bottles
Now, let’s talk hydration. Mexico City’s altitude—over 7,000 feet above sea level—can leave you feeling like a parched tumbleweed. And while the city’s bustling streets offer plenty of agua options, water filters aren’t exactly as common as street art here. So, what’s a thirsty traveler to do?
Enter the soft flask water bottle. These squishy companions are your hydration heroes. They collapse when empty, fit snugly in your backpack, and won’t weigh you down. Plus, they’re eco-friendly—no more single-use plastic bottles cluttering up the sidewalk. Find a reliable water filter (your hostel or Airbnb host might have one), fill up those flasks, and sip away. Trust me, you’ll be savoring every drop as you explore Chapultepec Park or wander the cobbled streets of Coyoacán.
3. Learn the Language (as much as you can)
Listen up, Mexico City thrives on connection. It’s a symphony of voices—vendors hawking tamales, friends gossiping on park benches, bands serenading lovers under jacaranda trees. And guess what? They’re all speaking Spanish. So, dust off that Duolingo app, find a tutor, or immerse yourself in the language before even leaving, amigo. Learn phrases, practice your “por favor” and “gracias,” and watch the magic unfold. Take it further, find out how to ask how people are doing, where they are going and how you can help. Don't just be a visitor, be a part of something, you never know what stories will unfold.
Why? Because language opens doors. When you order your morning café de olla, throw in a friendly “Buenos dÃas.” Chat with the taxi driver about the best churros joint in town. You’ll find yourself invited to impromptu dance nights, sharing stories with locals over mango juice, and maybe even mastering the art of bargaining at the Mercado de la Merced. So, embrace the vocal culture. The more you learn, the deeper your connection to this pulsating metropolis.
4. Try as Much Food as You Can
Hold onto your sombrero (that's Spanish for 'hat'), because we’re diving into the heart of Mexico City’s culinary universe. Yes, the tacos and quesadillas are otherworldly—corn tortillas cradling juicy al pastor, sprinkled with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. But friends, that’s just the appetizer.
Venture beyond the obvious. Seek out the hidden gems—the sushi joints tucked away in Condesa, the streetside burger stands in Roma, and the dulcerÃas selling sweet and salty lollipops. This city is a flavor explosion: tlayudas, churros and mole slathered in mayo and chili powder. Your taste buds will salsa, cha-cha, and mambo their way through the menu. So, whether you’re sipping Jugo de Coco in a Plaza or nibbling on churros at Xochimilco, remember: Mexico City is a feast waiting to be devoured. ¡Buen provecho!
5. Walk as Much as You Can
Move, my fellow wanderer,
Mexico City was made for movement. Its sprawling avenues and tree-lined streets
beckon you to explore on foot. Lace up those sneakers, adjust your hat, and hit
the pavement. Here’s why:
- Parks and Plazas: From Chapultepec to Alameda Central, the city’s green spaces are your oases. Stretch your legs, people-watch, and maybe catch a street performance or two. Who knows? You might stumble upon a hidden sculpture garden or a lively dance circle.
- Street Dancing: Speaking of dancing, Mexico City pulses with rhythm. Salsa, break dance, or even a spontaneous danzón—join in! Let the cobblestones be your dance floor, and the tunes your soundtrack. The people will appreciate your moves, and who knows? You might just make a new friend or two.
- Hidden Gems: Walking reveals the city’s secrets. Duck into a nondescript doorway, climb a narrow staircase, and suddenly, you’re in a mezcaleria adorned with neon skulls. Or wander the streets of Roma Norte, where murals come alive, and coffee shops hide behind bougainvillea-covered walls. Keep your eyes open. The best experiences often hide in plain sight.
Picture this: You’re
standing in the Centro of Mexico City, ready to Instagram your churro conquest
or WhatsApp your family back home. But alas, your phone is as silent as a
desert at midnight. Fear not! The solution lies in those ubiquitous Oxxo
convenience stores—the cornerstores dedicated to your convenience.
Travel SIM
cards await you there. They’re like little
digital passports, granting you access to the virtual world. For a
pocket-friendly price, you’ll get a month’s worth of connectivity: unlimited
social media (cue envy-inducing pics), calls, and texts. And the pièce de
résistance? Your very own +55 Mexican phone number. Imagine the intrigue when
your friends receive a call from a completely new number. So, pop that SIM card
in, and let the data flow.
7. Sunscreen: Your Shield Against the Fiery Orb
Slather on the sunscreen, my friend. SPF 50 or higher, because this isn’t a rerun of Coronation street or ER —you don’t want dramatic sunburns. Protect your skin, your freckles, and that adventurous spirit of yours. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the streetside or dancing under the moon, let sunscreen be your armor. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
And there you have it, friends. Seven tips to navigate Mexico City like a seasoned veteran. Soak in the colors, dance to the rhythms, and let this sprawling, chaotic, enchanting city weave its magic around you. ¡Vámonos!
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