Leafy neighbourhoods, ancient pyramids, colourful markets and a restaurant scene that has put the Mexican capital on every foodie's list.
Rosetta
Rosetta, in a beautiful old house in the Roma neighbourhood, is one of the most celebrated restaurants in Mexico City.
Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world, built on the site of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. Start in the historic centre around the Zócalo, with the cathedral and the ruins of the Templo Mayor, then visit the National Museum of Anthropology, one of the finest museums in the Americas.
Spend an afternoon among the boats and flower stalls of Xochimilco, visit Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul in Coyoacán and take a day trip to the pyramids of Teotihuacan.
Cosy settings
Many of the city's best restaurants are found in old houses and courtyards in Roma and Condesa.
The neighbourhoods of Roma and Condesa are leafy, walkable and full of cafés, bars, galleries and restaurants. They are the most popular areas for visitors to stay, along with Polanco, which is more upmarket.
Mexico City's food scene ranges from street tacos and tamales to tasting menus. Meet Elena Reygadas, who has been named the world's best female chef, and book a table at her restaurant Rosetta.
Mexican ingredients
Corn, chillies, herbs and fresh produce are at the heart of Mexican cooking.
Try tacos al pastor, quesadillas from a street stall, tamales for breakfast and churros with hot chocolate. Visit a mercado such as Mercado de Coyoacán or Mercado Roma, and taste mezcal at one of the city's many mezcalerías.
For more destinations in the country, read our Mexico holidays guide.
Thanks to its altitude of more than 2,000 metres, Mexico City has a mild climate all year. The dry season, from November to April, is the most pleasant time to visit, with sunny days and cool evenings. Spring is warm, and March and April are particularly lovely.
The rainy season runs from about June to September, with short afternoon showers. Around Day of the Dead, at the end of October and the start of November, the city is full of colour and celebrations.
Four to five days is a good length to see the historic centre, the museums, Coyoacán, Xochimilco and Teotihuacan, and to eat your way through Roma and Condesa. Many travellers combine Mexico City with Oaxaca or the Yucatán.
The main tourist areas, such as Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacán and the historic centre, are busy and popular with visitors. Take normal precautions, use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps at night and check your government's travel advice before travelling.
Mexico City lies at more than 2,000 metres above sea level, and some visitors feel tired, short of breath or get headaches on their first days. Drink plenty of water, take it easy with alcohol and allow a day or two to adjust.
Elena Reygadas is a Mexican chef and the owner of Rosetta in Mexico City. In 2023 she was named the World's Best Female Chef by The World's 50 Best Restaurants, for her cooking based on Mexican ingredients and traditions.
Stay in Roma or Condesa for leafy streets, cafés and some of the city’s best restaurants, or in Polanco for luxury hotels, museums and Chapultepec Park. The Centro Histórico puts the Zócalo and the cathedral at your door but is quieter at night. Ride-hailing apps make it easy to move between neighbourhoods. Read about Elena Reygadas, the world’s best female chef.
Food & Wine
Here, the Mexican chef talks about what cooking is really about, her commitment to gender equality, her top three ingredients, and the honour of being named "the world's best female chef".
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