Historical Centre and Alameda

This is the heart of the city, with the city's main square, Zocalo, at its centre. It's full of old Aztec and colonial buildings like the Presidential Palace and Templo Major. There are also masses of good value places to stay and eat in the area.

5 Hostel Amigo

2 Moneda Hostel

Zona Rosa

This is Mexico City's upmarket restaurant, shopping and nightlife district. It's conveniently located between two of the city's highlights - 3 km to the West of the Historical centre, and just to the East of el Bosque de Chapultepec park.

About Mexico City

Known as simply Mexico, or sometimes 'el D.F.' to Mexicans, Mexico City is the starting point of many travellers' trips through Central America. Many of them find it a shocking introduction. The city, known as both the biggest (with 20 million inhabitants) and most polluted in the world, can be overwhelming. However, if you take time to adjust to the frantic pace of life, you can start to enjoy yourself, and at the same time, learn a lot about Mexican society and national identity. Aztec pyramids, colonial palaces, beautiful parks, famous works of art, and entertainment options to suit all budgets - Mexico City has all this mixed in with its less desirable parts. You can't fall in love with Mexico without first getting to know and love its capital city.

Getting There

Mexico City's international airport, Benito Juarez, is 6 km East of the city centre.

The best way to get into the city is by official 'Transportacion Terrestre' taxi. They operate on a fixed price system. You buy a ticket before getting into the taxi from one of the kiosks in the Arrival Halls. The price you pay depends on the zone of the city to which you are going. One ticket is valid for up to 4 people in one taxi. Sample fare: Airport to Zocalo - US $ 9.  

The Metro also runs to the airport. It is cheaper than taking a taxi, but much more complicated because you need to change trains twice. You are not supposed to travel on it with luggage bigger than a shoulder bag, but during quieter times you can often get away with carrying larger items. The nearest station is 200 m from the exit to Arrival Hall A. Cost: $ 0.20.

Getting Around

While individual areas of Mexico City are best explored on foot, you will need to use public transport to travel between them.

The Metro is the quickest and cheapest way to get around, but it can get unbearably crowded. Avoid rush hours if you can. Buy tickets from the booths at each station. All journeys cost $ 0.20.

Taxis are also plentiful. There are two types. The cheapest are the ones that cruise the streets to pick up business. They are often green, and have license plates starting with 'L'. These cabs should have meters, but sometimes don't, so it's best to agree your price before getting in. From the Zocalo to the Zona Rosa should cost about $ 2. Be careful when using these types of taxis - there have been many reports of their drivers committing crimes on passengers. The second type are 'Transportacion Terrestre' taxis (whose licence plates start with 'S'), which you pick up from taxi stands. These may be 3 times more expensive but they are much safer.

Buses and minibuses also operate all over the city.

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