Great Ways To See Mexico City

Mexico City, Mexico's capital city, is a popular destination among those visiting the country for tourist reasons. It is far enough from the border to give guests an authentic taste of Mexico's culture, yet with all of the amenities of a big city readily available. Of course, another aspect of visiting a big city is dealing with big city traffic. These tips will make it easier to get around when you visit Mexico City.

First, take public transportation if you can. The Mexico City Metro is an efficient way to get around the city. It is also quite affordable. However, it is very crowded in rush hour, so keep that in mind if you are going to use this mode of transportation. Pickpockets are abundant, and they target tourists, so keep your eyes open. If you are traveling with children or a woman, use the special carriages at the front or the back of the train if you are traveling during busy hours. The Metro train system is complemented by green and white minibuses that take people from the train stations and to the rest of the town. If you are traveling somewhere that Metro does not service, see if there is a minibus that goes that direction.

You can also take a taxi within the city. Keep in mind that this is an expensive form of transportation. It is generally considered safer than the Metro, especially for women and children, when traveling during rush hour or after dark.


Some people choose to rent a car while they are in Mexico City. You may find this an expense that is not worthwhile. It takes a very long time to drive anywhere in this city. The traffic is regularly grid locked, and taking public transportation or simply walking may be faster. If you plan to travel outside of the city, such as to one of the many archaeological sites around its borders, you can rent a car for one day and use it to drive back and forth from your destination.

Keep in mind that a trip of just a few miles could take a very long time. Never assume that a drive within Mexico City will be short. Plan additional travel time. If you do not need it, you will simply arrive early at your destination. Planning extra time is particularly important when you are headed to the airport. Weekend mornings and holidays are about the only times when traffic will be light, so plan accordlingly.