How can you describe Mexico City in just a few words? It’s absolutely enormous, with more than 22 million inhabitants. It’s incredibly old, founded by the Aztec-Mexica people in 1325. And it’s endlessly interesting: there are 350 distinctive neighborhoods, or colonias, far more than anyone can explore in just one visit. You’ll fall in love with CDMX’s colorful markets, historic architecture, and lively streetscapes.

Wondering where to begin planning your trip to Mexico City? Right here, with this quick-read destination guide!

3 reasons you should always buy travel insurance for Mexico

1. Travel insurance is a must if you get sick or injured. While high-quality medical care is widely available in Mexico City, most providers require payment upfront. U.S. health insurance is generally not accepted.¹ Fortunately, travel insurance with emergency medical and emergency transportation benefits can cover eligible costs.
2. You need protection for travel and baggage delays. If your suitcase goes missing or your flight home gets delayed, travel insurance can ease the pain by reimbursing necessary expenses. Plans with SmartBenefits^® can automatically pay you $100 per insured person, per day if you experience a covered travel delay or baggage delay (up to the maximum no-receipts limit). No receipts are required — just proof of the delay.
3. Crime in Mexico City can be a concern for travelers. Is Mexico City safe? In general, yes — as long as you’re aware of your surroundings, secure your valuables, and adopt common-sense practices.² “Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely,” the State Department advises.³ But petty theft and violent crime do occur. If you’re the victim of a crime, travel insurance can help replace travel documents, reimburse you for stolen items, and provide other assistance.

What’s the best travel insurance plan for Mexico? OneTrip Prime is our most popular plan for international vacations. If you’re planning a few different getaways this year, your best choice may be an AllTrips annual travel insurance plan.

Before you go, get the Allyz^® TravelSmart app. Access your policy on the go, track flights, get travel alerts, and contact 24-hour assistance.

3 of the best things to do in Mexico City

1. Travel through millennia of Mexican history. The Museo Nacional de Antropologia holds an immense array of pre-Columbian artifacts, including the 24-ton Aztec Piedra de Sol that was unearthed in Mexico City in 1790 and a colossal Olmec head sculpture.
2. Catch a lucha libre This theatrical style of wrestling, known for elaborate masks and costumes, is especially beloved in Mexico City. Cheer on the good-guy técnicos as they take on the evil rudos (or vice versa)! Arena México, known as the cathedral of lucha libre, hosts bouts every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
3. Cruise the canals of The remnants of Aztec canals have given this historic community the nickname “the Venice of Mexico.” Book a cruise on a colorful trajinera, admire the famous floating gardens, and buy a cup of pulque from a floating vendor.

3 of the best boutique hotels in Mexico City

The true charm of the city is found in its neighborhoods, and the best place to feel at home is in one of Mexico City’s intimate boutique hotels.

The Agata Hotel Boutique and Spa offers a delightful, laid-back stay in the bohemian community of Coyoacán. Sip wine on the terrace, surrounded by jacaranda trees. Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, snacks and breakfast. Grab a book from the library, or relax in the oversized bathtubs.

Those who appreciate exquisite interior design will swoon for the Ignacia Guest House in the hip Roma Norte neighborhood. Behind the doors of a century-old casona lie five modern suites in brilliant colors, each inspired by the nature and culture of Guerrero. The entire boutique hotel is an homage to a woman named Ignacia, who was the property’s housekeeper for over 70 years.

Searching for a boutique hotel in Mexico City that’s welcoming and affordable? Check into El Patio 77, an 1890 mansion turned B&B. this hotel offers bright and spacious rooms, intimate courtyards and terraces, and a serious commitment to sustainability. It’s located in Colonia San Rafael, a district of elegantly decayed mansions and historic theaters.

3 of the best places to eat in Mexico City

Trying to name three of the best restaurants in Mexico City is a nearly impossible task; it would be easier to list the best 300. Nevertheless, here are three memorable spots at different price points.

Pujol, the creation of chef Enrique Olvera, is considered by some to be the very best Mexican restaurant in the world. Diners choose between a more formal tasting menu or the taco omakase, a selection of small tacos, antojitos and snacks. Olvera is famous for his mole madre: a mole sauce that is made with the remnants of the previous week’s mole, meaning the current mole madre can trace its lineage back several years.⁴

Expendio de Maiz sin Nombre is something different: a restaurant that’s more like a home kitchen than anything else. There are no reservations and no menu. Wait for a table, then sit down and enjoy what you’re served. Servers will keep bringing food until you say, “no más, por favor.”

For the best street tacos in Mexico City, restaurateur and CDMX native Santiago Pérez recommends Rincón Tarasco, near Polanco. “I love a place that specializes in one specific thing and does it really well,” he tells Bon Appetit, and in this case that’s Michoacán-style carnitas: pork cooked for hours in lard, served on fresh tortillas with onions and cilantro.”

Already planning your trip? Don’t forget to protect yourself with travel insurance — the sooner, the better! Find the best Allianz Travel Insurance plan for you.

What Do I Need to Travel to Mexico?

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