Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?

Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is one of the largest cities in the world and known for its culture, art, and food.

There is so much to do in this bustling city including visiting the iconic colorful neighborhoods across Mexico city, visiting museums, historical sites, and markets, and enjoying the many parks the city has to offer.

Some of the most popular attractions include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Zocalo, the Chapultepec Castle, the Frida Kahlo Museum, the Teotihuacan Pyramids, and the Xochimilco canals.

However, if you are planning your next euro trip, you might ask, is Mexico City worth visiting?

This city is culturally important in Mexico as it has a huge street food scene and you can find vendors and stalls all across the city with some of the best Mexican food you have ever tasted!

It’s also an extremely lively and colorful city with a vibrant nightlife scene.

If you are considering visiting Mexico City, you are probably wondering what are some things to know before going and questioning if Mexico City is worth visiting.

Here are a few things to know before visiting this beautiful Mexican capital.

Are you heading to Mexico soon? Read our guide to learn how to buy a Mexico SIM card.

Reasons To Visit Mexico City: The Pros

Mexico City is known for its cool, arty, and vibrant neighborhoods and the incredible food you can enjoy here.

Here we will go into detail about some of the pros of visiting Mexico City.

Delicious Food Scene

Perhaps the top reason you should visit Mexico City is the delicious food scene. This city is truly a paradise for any foodie and in particular, fans of Mexican food.

In Mexico City, you will find a huge mix of street food stalls, restaurants, and markets serving some of the best food Mexico has to offer.

Some of the most popular dishes you will find include tacos, tortas, pambazo, and tlacoyos.

One of the most popular dishes you will find here includes Tacos Al Pastor. It is a slow-roasted pork taco dish and it is simply delicious.

This is an iconic dish that you must try when in Mexico City and which you will find being sold by many street food vendors. 

For dessert, you need to get some delicious churros and chocolate which you will find at every street food market and on the menu in most restaurants.

The food scene in Mexico City is not only delicious but very diverse and affordable for everyone to enjoy.

Rich Culture And History

The rich culture and history are something that makes Mexico City a fascinating tourist destination.

It has such an interesting and vibrant history that is shaped by the indigenous people of the area and the Spanish conquest which gives it a unique and colorful culture today.

To learn the details of this city’s past, you can visit some of the many museums, historic sites, and art galleries across the city.

Some of these include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Aztec ruins of Teotihuacan, and the Palace of Fine arts. Perhaps the most popular spot to visit in Mexico City is the Frida Kahlo museum.

Through visiting these cultural and historical institutions, you can learn about the Mesoamerican civilizations, the colonial times, and the revolution in Mexico City.

You will also get a glimpse into the modern art scene of the city today.

Mexico City also hosts several festivals throughout the year, the most iconic of these being a huge celebration for the Day of the Dead.

Architecture And Urban Design

Something that really makes Mexico City stand out as a tourist destination has to be the stunning architecture and urban design of the city.

This is a city of huge contrasts with colonial mansions, art deco buildings, and skyscrapers all existing alongside each other.

The architecture and urban design give the city its own unique identity that reflects the history and social dynamics of Mexico City.

Some of the areas that really showcase this identity include the Torre Lationamericana, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the Angel of Independence.

Just strolling through some neighborhoods in Mexico city will give you a glimpse into the character of the city. Some of the most stunning neighborhoods include the colorful Xochimilco, Coyoacan, and Condesa.

In these areas, you can stroll around, admire the beauty of the buildings and take some incredible pictures.

Nightlife And Entertainment

The nightlife is like no other here in Mexico city and it is truly a city that comes alive after dark.

There is an energetic nightlife scene that has a bit of everything so any visitors to Mexico City can have their perfect night out.

If you like to dance, you can enjoy the salsa music and dance halls across the city or you can go to a live dancing performance.

If you prefer a more low-key night, you can head to a rooftop bar and have some cocktails overlooking the lights of the city.

Some parts of the city that are known for their great nightlife include the Condesa, the Zona Rosa, and the Roma.

Here you will find a vast array of clubs, bars, and restaurants for you to have some entertainment and a great night out.

Natural Beauty And Recreation

Although Mexico City is a large urban area, it is also surrounded by some gorgeous natural landscapes.

This means that there are lots of opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation during a trip to Mexico City.

If you are the outdoorsy type, you can enjoy some hiking in the nearby mountains of Ajusco. There are several different trails throughout the mountains with something for every level hiker.

You can enjoy being surrounded by nature here with a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Another great outdoor activity is renting a bike and taking a leisurely cycle along Reforma Avenue. This is a huge avenue running through the city center all the way to the beautiful Chapultepec Park.

If you are looking for something different, you can also take a boat trip along the canals in the Xochimilco area.

This is a unique and relaxing experience with stunning views and a peaceful way to spend an afternoon.

Reasons To Visit Mexico City: The Cons

Although the pros may seem to outweigh the cons, there are a couple of things to know when traveling to Mexico City, as these particular cons may influence your Mexican travel plans.

Traffic And Pollution

As is the case with a lot of densely populated cities, Mexico city has problems with traffic and pollution.

Traffic congestion can become a serious issue around rush hour as this is a growing city with a growing population.

Even if you are not driving, the public transport system here can also be slow and unreliable making getting around the city frustrating especially at certain times of the day.

The city also has a significant problem with the air pollution because of its location with mountains surrounding it.

If you have respiratory problems, you may experience some discomfort doing outdoor activities during the summer months when there is high pollution. Be sure to check the air quality before you travel to Mexico City.

Safety Concerns

If you are traveling to Mexico City, you should be aware that there are some safety concerns for certain neighborhoods here.

Petty crimes often happen in crowded areas of the city such as pickpocketing and purse snatching. This has also been known to happen on public transportation sometimes.

There are also a small number of more serious crimes against tourists such as mugging or robberies which you need to be aware of.

It is advised not to walk alone at night and take extra care when walking around with valuables on you.

Be sure to use only official taxis or ask your accommodation to book your taxis for you when traveling in Mexico City.

The Final Verdict: So Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?

So is Mexico City nice, and is Mexico City worth visiting? Absolutely!

Mexico City is not on many travelers’ radars. However, it definitely should be. It is a city filled with art, architecture, and history and surrounded by natural beauty.

Imagine waking up and taking a stroll through the colorful neighborhoods of Mexico City before heading out on a boat through the Xochimilco canals and ending the day at a bar with salsa music and dancing and some delicious Mexican food.

Doesn’t that sound just perfect?

So is Mexico City worth visiting? Yes indeed.

It is the perfect spot for a 2-3 day vacation to relax, explore and enjoy everything that Mexico—has to offer—all within a decent budget.

Visiting Mexico soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• How many days in Mexico City
• How many days in Oaxaca
• How many days in Cancun