Mexico City is the most rewarding city in the Americas for eating and for museums, and it is far calmer than its reputation suggests if you stay in the right neighbourhoods. Give it five days minimum; the altitude alone means you will move slower than you expect.
Why go
Aztec ruins sit under the cathedral in the Centro. The Anthropology Museum is among the best in the world. Roma and Condesa are leafy, art deco and full of small restaurants. Street food is cheap, excellent and safe if you pick busy stalls. Add Frida Kahlo''s house, the canals of Xochimilco and the pyramids of Teotihuacan an hour away.
Best time to visit
- March to May — warm, dry, jacaranda in bloom. Best overall.
- June to September — daily afternoon rain, green city, low season prices.
- Late October to early November — Day of the Dead. Extraordinary, and booked out early.
- December to February — dry, cool nights, clear mornings.
Getting there from Australia
There is no direct flight. Practical routings are via Los Angeles, Dallas or Houston on a partner carrier, or via Santiago with LATAM and Qantas. Expect 22 to 27 hours total. Note the altitude on arrival: the city sits at 2,240 metres, so take the first day easy and drink more water than usual.
Where to stay
- Roma Norte — the default first choice: cafes, restaurants, walkable, safe.
- Condesa — quieter, parks, art deco apartments.
- Polanco — upscale, museums, fine dining.
- Centro Historico — best for sightseeing, thin at night.
What it costs
| Item | Typical cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Mid-range hotel, per night | 120 - 200 |
| Taco at a street stall | 2 - 4 |
| Lunch comida corrida | 10 - 15 |
| Dinner at a good restaurant | 40 - 80 |
| Metro ride | 0.50 |
| Uber across town | 8 - 15 |
| Teotihuacan day trip | 60 - 110 |
Getting around
Use Uber or Didi; both are cheap, tracked and the local norm. The metro is fast and very cheap but crowded, and best avoided with luggage. Roma, Condesa and Polanco are pleasant to walk. Do not hail street taxis.
Food to plan around
Tacos al pastor after dark, barbacoa on a Sunday morning, a proper mole in Coyoacan, churros at El Moro, mezcal in Roma. Book Pujol, Quintonil or Contramar weeks in advance if fine dining matters to you; everything else is walk-in.
Safety and practicalities
| Need | Detail |
|---|---|
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Currency | Mexican peso (MXN) |
| Power | Type A, 127V |
| Tap water | Do not drink; use bottled or filtered |
| Altitude | 2,240 m — pace the first 48 hours |
| Visa (Australians) | No visa for tourism up to 180 days; complete the entry form |
| Main risk | Opportunistic theft, unlicensed taxis |
Stick to the well-travelled neighbourhoods, use ride apps rather than street taxis, avoid displaying phones and jewellery on the metro, and keep an eye on drinks in bars. Check your government''s current travel advice before you book.
Common questions
Is Mexico City safe for tourists?
The tourist neighbourhoods — Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacan and the Centro by day — are comparable to any large city. Use ride-hailing apps, avoid quiet streets late at night, and check current official travel advice before travelling.
How many days do you need in Mexico City?
Five days for the city, six or seven if you want Teotihuacan and Xochimilco without rushing.
Do Australians need a visa for Mexico?
No visa is required for tourist stays up to 180 days. You must complete the immigration entry form on arrival.
Can you drink the tap water in Mexico City?
No. Use bottled or filtered water, including for brushing teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.
Does the altitude affect visitors?
Often, mildly. Expect shortness of breath on stairs for two days, drink more water, and go easy on alcohol on the first night.