Travel to Mexico City with travel insurance from Essential Travel

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Information on Mexico City with travel insurance from Essential Travel

Travel to Mexico City

The gateway to Mexico for many international travellers is Mexico City, located in the Valle de Mexico. It is an exciting destination boasting Aztec, colonial and modern architecture, with plenty of parks, gardens and canals.

Getting there

Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juarez is six kilometres from the Centro Historico, and several airlines from Europe and the USA offer direct flights here. FNM and Mexican National Railways are the two main rail services and run a few times week between Mexico City and Querataro, San Miguel de Allende, San Luis Potosi and Saltillo. There are four bus terminals in the city. Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte is the largest and serves most buses coming from the US-Mexico border. Driving in the city can be hectic and is not recommended; highways 95, 57, 15 and 150 are among the routes into the city.

Key Attractions

Ancient ruins are the highlight of any trip to Mexico, and you’ll find plenty to view in this city. The Templo Mayor (Great Temple) was the most important religious structure in the Aztec capital and the Museo del Templo is filled with artefacts.

Alameda Central is a beautiful park in the centre of town and offers a great place to get away from the bustle of the city. At the eastern end, the Palacio de Bellas Artes contains a selection of Mexicos greatest art works. Paseo de la Reforma is where you can find a zoo, lakes and museums. Museo Nacional de Antropología is considered one of the top museums in the world and offers a fine introduction to the culture of Mexico.

Out and about

Teotihuacán is just 48kms northeast of Mexico City and is home to the most remarkable ruins in Mexico – among the most important ruins in the world. The ancient city was the heart of ancient Mesoamerica. It is thought that occupation of the area began around 500 BC, with the construction of the Pyramid of the Sun dating from around 100 BC. Taxco, on the road between Acapulco and Mexico City, is renowned for its museums, and, of course, the silver shops which have made it famous.

Leisure options

Mexico City is an enormous place and there are endless possibilities for night-time activities in Mexico City, from mariachis, reggae and opera to folkloric dance, classical ballet and dinner shows. The hottest spots for dance clubs are the Condesa and Roma neighbourhoods. The Zona Rosa remains highly popular and continues to be the most comfortable place for tourists.

Safety

There is a high rate of crime at night and you should leave valuables, especially watches and jewellery, at your hotel and carry limited amounts of cash. Take only authorised ‘sitio’ taxis or hire a private taxi by the hour. Plaza de Garibaldi is populated by thieves preying on tourists and you should remain especially alert in this area. We recommend you take out travel insurance before visiting Mexico City.

Weather

Mexico City’s relatively mild climate is controlled by its high altitude, well over 7000 feet. Afternoon rains are sporadic throughout the summer months, with the driest months, and the best time to visit, being from February to May

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