Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and one of North America's most populous cities. It was built on top of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan: at the Templo Mayor excavation beside the Zócalo, the foundations of the Aztec temple lie exposed, and the largest cathedral in Latin America stands on the north side of the square. The city sits at 2,240 metres, so it is worth moving slowly on the first day. The pyramids of Teotihuacan to the northeast belong to a separate civilisation that predates the Aztecs by centuries.
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See flights to Mexico City →When to visit Mexico City
March to May is the warmest and driest stretch, and November to February is also dry with days around 20C. June to September is the rainy season, though the downpours are usually short and fall in the afternoon. Because of the altitude the nights stay cool all year.
Things to do in Mexico City
Zócalo and the Metropolitan Cathedral
The Zócalo, among the largest city squares in the world, lies over the ceremonial centre of the Aztec capital. The cathedral on its north side was begun in 1573 and took two and a half centuries to finish, making it the largest in Latin America.
Teotihuacan
The ancient city about 50 kilometres northeast was inscribed by UNESCO in 1987. The Avenue of the Dead linking the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon runs for more than two kilometres.
National Museum of Anthropology
The museum in Chapultepec Park gathers the country's pre-Columbian heritage, including the Aztec calendar stone and Maya finds. The giant umbrella fountain in its courtyard is the building's emblem.
Frida Kahlo Museum
The Blue House in Coyoacán is where Frida Kahlo was born and died. Her studio, diaries and personal belongings are preserved, and it should not be visited without a ticket booked ahead.
Chapultepec Castle
The castle on the hill inside the park was the palace of Mexico's short lived empire and now houses the National History Museum. Its terraces look down the length of Reforma Avenue.
Xochimilco canals
The canals in the south are the last remnant of the Aztec floating garden system and were inscribed by UNESCO in 1987. They are toured on the flat colourful boats called trajineras.
Flights from Turkey to Mexico City
The outbound flight from Istanbul to Mexico City is nonstop and takes about 14 hours 15 minutes, with Turkish Airlines operating five services a week. The RETURN is not the same: the flight from Mexico City to Istanbul stops at Cancún to refuel, so the route runs as a triangle (Istanbul to Mexico City, Mexico City to Cancún, Cancún to Istanbul). Allow for that stop when planning the return.
Mexico City FAQ
How many days do you need in Mexico City?
Three days cover the centre, the museums and Coyoacán. Adding Teotihuacan and Xochimilco makes five days a balanced programme.
How far is the airport from the city centre?
Benito Juárez International Airport is about 10 kilometres from the centre. Depending on traffic the taxi takes between 30 and 60 minutes, and a metro line also serves the airport.
Is the altitude a problem?
The city sits at 2,240 metres and shortness of breath or quick tiredness can be felt on the first day. Keeping the first day light, drinking plenty of water and limiting alcohol is usually enough.
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