Is Mexico City Worth Visiting? My Thoughts on CDMX

Mexico City is easily one of my favorite cities I’ve ever visited. It’s incredibly cosmopolitan, with design-focused boutique hotels, some seriously good restaurants and bars, and leafy neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma that are made for wandering. There’s a creative, artsy feel to the city, but it’s also just really pretty, with tree-lined streets, beautiful architecture and plenty of parks and green spaces.

Mexico City had been on my travel list for a long time, but for some reason I could never convince any of my friends to go with me. Some were nervous about visiting Mexico, particularly after seeing stories in the news about cartel violence and shootings in popular resort areas.

Eventually, I decided I was going to go anyway. I’d read plenty of accounts from women who had traveled solo to Mexico City and felt comfortable there, so I booked a three-day trip to CDMX on my own.

Three days turned out to be nowhere near enough. I loved Mexico City almost immediately and actually tried to extend my trip once I was there, only to discover that my return ticket couldn’t be changed.

It’s a huge, energetic city with incredible food, beautiful architecture, fascinating museums and neighborhoods that all feel completely different from one another. There’s also far more to see and do than I’d expected before visiting.

So, what exactly is Mexico City known for, and is it worth visiting? Below I’ll cover some of the things the city is most famous for, along with a few drawbacks and practical things worth knowing before you book your trip.

Reasons Why Mexico City is Worth a Visit

Tons of Museums

First off, if you’re a museum aficionado or simply someone who delights in soaking up culture, Mexico City will feel like paradise. With an impressive array of museums – we’re talking over 150, ranging from the iconic Museo Nacional de Antropología to the enchanting Frida Kahlo Museum – your thirst for knowledge and appreciation for history will be more than satisfied.

I was shocked at how many museums there were in CDMX, and also frustrated that I didn’t plan my trip a bit better. It turns out the museums are closed on Mondays and you really need to buy Frida Kahlo Museum tickets about a month in advance. I left it till the day before to try to get mine, so I had no chance.

Here’s a quick list of some of the best museums to visit in Mexico City:

Museo Nacional de Antropología – This is the largest and most visited museum in Mexico, showcasing significant archaeological and anthropological artifacts from Mexico’s pre-Columbian heritage, including the Stone of the Sun.

Palacio de Bellas Artes – A stunning fine arts museum housed in an iconic building known for its impressive murals by famous Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros.

Museo Frida Kahlo (Casa Azul) – The Blue House, where the famed artist Frida Kahlo lived, worked, and ultimately passed away, now a museum dedicated to her life and art.

Museo de Arte Moderno – Offers a comprehensive collection of modern and contemporary art from Mexico and around the world, set in the scenic Chapultepec Park.

Museo Templo Mayor – An on-site museum dedicated to the Aztec temple, Templo Mayor, displaying artifacts found during the temple’s excavation alongside the ruins.

Museo Soumaya – A private museum owned by the Carlos Slim Foundation, the Soumaya boasts a vast art collection that spans from the Mesoamerican period to the European old masters.

Museo Jumex – Showcases contemporary artworks from the Colección Jumex, which is the largest private contemporary art collection in Latin America.

Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal (MUTEM) – A must-visit for spirit enthusiasts, this museum offers insights into the history and production of these iconic Mexican beverages.

Museo Dolores Olmedo – Set in a beautiful Hacienda, it hosts a vast collection of works by Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Angelina Beloff, as well as pre-Hispanic artifacts and peacocks roaming the gardens.

Museo de la Memoria y Tolerancia – Presents a stirring exploration of genocides and crimes against humanity throughout history, promoting an understanding of tolerance and diversity.

If you’re particularly interested in Mexican history, Teotihuacan is also well worth adding to your itinerary. While the ancient city isn’t technically a museum, it offers the chance to experience Mexico’s pre-Hispanic history firsthand and is a great option for a Monday, when many of Mexico City’s museums are closed. If you’re planning a visit, I’d recommend booking one of the Teotihuacan tours with Angela at Find Me Mexico. She and her team are certified guides, very friendly and offer a much more in-depth experience than exploring such a huge site on your own.

Architectural Wonderland

Mexico City has some seriously impressive architecture, and you’ll see a huge variety of styles as you explore. There are grand historic buildings, colorful colonial-era streets, Art Deco apartment buildings and plenty of bold contemporary architecture. Even just walking around neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa, there are beautiful buildings everywhere you look.

Some of the city’s most famous landmarks are worth visiting for the architecture alone. The Palacio de Bellas Artes is one of the most recognizable, with its ornate exterior and distinctive orange-and-yellow tiled dome, while the futuristic Museo Soumaya is completely different with its curved, silver façade. You’ll also find striking works by some of Mexico’s best-known architects, including Luis Barragán, throughout the city.

Beautiful Design Hotels

I love a good boutique hotel, and I was spoilt for choice in Mexico City. The city has some seriously beautiful places to stay, with stylish interiors, thoughtful details and plenty of hotels that draw inspiration from Mexican art, architecture and design.

My main criteria for choosing a hotel in Mexico City was that I wanted it to have a pool so that I could do my sightseeing in the morning and then top up my tan by the pool in the afternoon.

I ended up opting for the lovely Circulo Mexicano, which is one of the most beautifully thought out hotels I’ve ever stayed in. When I go back to Mexico City, I’ll definitely be booking this hotel again.

Here are some of my favorite hotels that I had my eye on in Mexico City:

Círculo Mexicano: Located in Downtown Mexico City, this minimalist-design hotel is built in a late 19th-century building. Every detail of the hotel, from the bedframes to the dining tables, tells a story of handmade craftsmanship and immaculate functionality.

Mondrian Condesa: This upcoming hotel draws inspiration from the carefree lifestyle of Mexico City’s Condesa district. Featuring a rooftop pool and bar, and an exterior that complements the historic architecture of the area, it offers a fresh take on luxury hospitality.

Casa Luciana: Nestled in the Condesa neighborhood, Casa Luciana exudes regal yet understated elegance. Equipped with modern amenities, the hotel’s design bridges the gap between traditional Mexican aesthetics and contemporary comfort.

Downtown Mexico City Hotel: This boutique hotel, housed in a 17th-century palace, seamlessly merges colonial grandeur with industrial edge. An on-site rooftop pool, bar, and shops offer unforgettable experiences.

The Wild Oscar: This exclusive boutique hotel in Polanco district showcases a blend of British eccentricity and Mexican charm. Its unique design elements, including a hidden garden and individually styled rooms, set it apart in a class of its own.

Culinary Adventures and Chic Rooftops

I was very impressed with the quality of food in Mexico City. You’ll find everything from street tacos and churros to tasting menus at some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants. You could plan an entire trip around eating here and barely scratch the surface.

There are also plenty of trendy restaurants, cocktail bars and rooftops to discover, particularly around neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa. Whether you’re grabbing tacos from a street stand, trying traditional Mexican dishes or heading somewhere more upscale for dinner, the food was easily one of the highlights of my trip.

There are tons of fantastic restaurants in the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods, but these were a few of my favorites:

Hugo: Situated in a beautifully restored early 20th century home in Condesa. Hugo presents contemporary Mexican cuisine in an intimate and stylish setting. Chef Hugo Duran’s innovative menu combines traditional Mexican ingredients with modern flavors.

Contramar: Famous for its exemplary seafood, Contramar has been a fixture in Mexico City’s gastronomy scene for over 20 years. Their “Tuna Tostadas” and “Grilled Fish a la Tall” are legendary.

Em: From minimalist décor to an inventive tasting menu, Em blends tradition with culinary innovation. Located in Polanco, it is the brainchild of Chef Lucho Martínez who is renowned for his mastery in French techniques.

Meroma: This chic spot in Roma Norte serves up locally-sourced, globally-inspired fare. The menu, spread over two levels of design delight, changes seasonally but maintains a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication.

Restaurante Rosetta: Housed in a romantic, European-style townhouse in Roma, Chef Elena Reygadas’ Rosetta offers an Italian-influenced menu with a nod to Mexican ingredients, making it one of the most beloved dining spots in the city.

Cuina: Cuina is without a doubt one of the prettiest eateries in Roma – there’s a legit tree growing inside the restaurant and plenty of greenery. It’s a great spot for brunch and has a bakery attached to it.

Oh and don’t forget to try the churros at the famous Churreria el Moro!

Roma and Condesa: Green, Serene, and Oh-So-Trendy

Roma and Condesa were two of my favorite neighborhoods in Mexico City. Both are incredibly leafy and walkable, with tree-lined streets, beautiful architecture, independent boutiques, cafés, restaurants and bars. They have a relaxed, creative feel and are great neighborhoods to explore on foot when you want to get away from the busier parts of the city.

Make sure you take a walk along Avenida Amsterdam, a tree-lined avenue that loops around Parque México in Condesa. The park itself is gorgeous, with tropical plants, fountains and winding paths surrounded by greenery. It was honestly one of the most beautiful city parks I’ve ever seen!

Getting Around: Convenience at Your Fingertips

Worried about navigating this vast city? Don’t be. Mexico City’s international airport is conveniently close to the city center, making your arrival and departure a breeze. As long as there’s no traffic, you can reach downtown CDMX from the airport in under 30 minutes.

And when it comes to exploring, Uber and other ride-sharing services offer a safe, reliable, and affordable way to get around. No need to tackle the public transport system unless you want to dive into the local way of life! I found Uber to be really cheap and affordable, costing just a few dollars for each trip.

If you’re visiting Mexico City for just a short trip, it’s a really easy place to get around.

Drawbacks of Mexico City

Now, let’s talk drawbacks. Yes, Mexico City can get chilly at night (and yes, it can rain), so packing a jacket is wise. The daytime can get pretty hot, but once the sun goes down the temperature drops pretty suddenly. On my trip to CDMX, I experienced sun, clouds and then torrential rain, all in the space of one day.

Therefore, you’ll need to pack a variety of clothes to prepare for varying temperatures.

The best time to visit Mexico City is during the spring between March and May. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm during the day with average highs in the mid- to high 70s degrees Fahrenheit (approx 21-26°C), and it cools down in the evening. This period typically sees less rainfall, though occasional rain towards the end of the season is possible. Additionally, this time of year provides the chance to witness the beautiful blossoming of the city’s purple jacaranda trees.

Too Much To Do

I’m not sure if I can really call this a drawback, but there’s actually too much to do in CDMX. It’s impossible to see everything in just a couple of days, so you will need around 5 days to a week in Mexico City if you want to tour all the museums and attractions.

You’ll need a full day if you want to see the archeological site of Teotihuacan or visit the Venice-like canals of Xochimilco. So if you’re only able to get a weekend off work, you’ll struggle to see everything in Mexico City.

It’s Spread Out and Traffic Can Be a Pain

Mexico City’s grand scale and sprawling urban landscape make it a metropolis of endless exploration and discovery. However, this vastness comes with its own set of challenges, with traffic being a primary concern for both residents and visitors alike.

The city’s roads are often congested, turning what should be short commutes into lengthy journeys nearly any time of day, but especially during morning and evening rush hours.

Make sure you allow extra time for travel within the city. If you’re staying in Zocalo then you’ll be able to walk to most of the major attractions on foot, but if you plan to travel further afield to say, Polanco or the Freda Kahlo Museum, then you’ll need to allow time for that.

Concerns About Safety

Safety is one of the biggest concerns people have before visiting Mexico City, and it was something I thought about before traveling there solo. While the city does have problems with crime, the main things tourists need to be aware of are petty theft, pickpocketing and robbery, particularly in crowded areas and at night.

Personally, I felt safe during my time in Mexico City, particularly in neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa and Polanco. There was also a noticeable police presence in busy tourist areas, especially around the Zócalo in the historic center.

That said, Mexico City is a huge city and safety can vary considerably from one neighborhood to another. I’d take the same precautions you would in any major city: keep an eye on your belongings, avoid wandering around unfamiliar areas alone at night and use Uber or an authorized taxi rather than hailing a cab from the street.

I traveled to Mexico City alone and never personally encountered any problems, so I wouldn’t let safety concerns put you off visiting – just do your research beforehand and stay aware of your surroundings.

Landlocked

Mexico City is landlocked in the middle of the country, so you won’t find any beaches here. If you crave the feeling of sand between your toes, I’d suggest visiting the Riviera Maya, or booking a flight from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido.

If you want to take advantage of the Mexico City sunshine, try to book a hotel with an outdoor pool so you can cool off after a morning of sightseeing.

Final Verdict: Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?

Yes, definitely. Mexico City is one of those places I went into with fairly high expectations and still ended up liking far more than I thought I would. In fact, my biggest regret was only booking three days there.

The food, museums, architecture and neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma give you so much to explore that you could easily spend a week in Mexico City and still have plenty left to do. I also loved how cosmopolitan and creative it felt, while still having so much history and Mexican culture everywhere you look.

Mexico City does have its downsides, and it’s definitely the kind of place where it pays to do a little research before you go. But none of those things would put me off visiting again.

I’d go back to Mexico City in a heartbeat – and next time, I’d stay longer.