MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Mexico City is MASSIVE—9 million in the city, 22 million in the metro area (5th largest in the world). It’s ancient Aztec ruins under modern skyscrapers, street tacos next to Michelin-star restaurants, mariachi bands in plazas, and museums that rival Europe. This is the cultural heart of Mexico—art, history, food, and chaos all colliding at 7,200 feet above sea level. The altitude affects you (catch your breath climbing stairs), the traffic is legendary, and the energy is electric.
June Weather: 60-75°F, pleasant and dry (dry season). Mornings are cool, afternoons warm. You’re in the mountains, so it cools down at night. Bring layers.
Fan-Friendly Spots
Zona Rosa (Pink Zone) is the nightlife district with bars, clubs, and LGBTQ+-friendly venues. It’s touristy but fun and walkable.
Roma and Condesa are hip neighborhoods with sidewalk cafes, craft beer bars, and tree-lined streets. Young, artsy crowd. Perfect for pre-match drinks.
Centro Histórico (historic center) is the heart of the city—Zócalo plaza, Palacio de Bellas Artes, markets, street food. It’s beautiful, chaotic, and essential.
What to Actually Do
Teotihuacán pyramids (30 miles north) are MUST-SEE. Climb the Pyramid of the Sun (200+ steps at altitude—you’ll feel it). Go early (7am) before crowds and heat. Half-day trip.
Museo Nacional de Antropología is one of the world’s great museums—Aztec, Maya, and other pre-Columbian cultures. Give it 3-4 hours minimum.
Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) requires advance tickets (sells out days ahead). Her blue house is intimate and powerful. 90 minutes.
Xochimilco floating gardens—rent a colorful trajinera boat, bring food and drinks, float through canals while mariachi bands serenade you. Super touristy, super fun.
Where Fans Eat & Drink
Mexico City has some of the world’s best food at insanely cheap prices. Street tacos for $0.50, world-class dining for $50.
Must-Try:
- Tacos al pastor: Spit-roasted pork with pineapple, cilantro, onion. El Huequito or El Vilsito
- Tacos de canasta: “Basket tacos” sold on street corners, super cheap
- Tamales: Corn dough stuffed with meat/cheese, steamed in corn husks
- Churros: Fried dough with chocolate, El Moro (24 hours)
- Pulque: Fermented agave drink (acquired taste)
- Mezcal: Smoky agave spirit, better than tequila
Mercados (markets)
- Mercado de San Juan—exotic meats, insects (chapulines/crickets)
- Mercado Roma—upscale food hall
For watching other matches: Sports bars in Zona Rosa or Roma neighborhoods.
Where NOT to Go: Tepito market has cheap stuff but high crime. Avoid after dark. Some suburbs are sketchy—stick to tourist areas.
Getting Around Mexico City
Metro: 12 lines, 195 stations, dirt cheap (5 pesos = $0.30). Covers most of the city. Trains run 5am-midnight weekdays, 6am-midnight weekends.
Rush hour (7-10am, 5-8pm) is BRUTAL—packed like sardines. Women-only cars available during rush hour (pink signs).
Metrobús: Bus rapid transit, cleaner and less crowded than Metro. 6 pesos ($0.35).
Uber is cheap and safe. $3-10 for most trips within the city. Use it freely, especially at night.
Centro, Roma, Condesa, Coyoacán are walkable. But the city is HUGE—you’ll need transit.
From Airport:
Metro: Line 5 (yellow) connects to the system ($0.30)
Uber: $8-15 to Centro/Roma (30-60 min with traffic)
Authorized taxis: Fixed rates, safer than random cabs
Safety
Mexico city is generally safe for tourists. Tourist areas (Centro, Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Coyoacán) are well-policed and safe during the day.
Watch Out For:
- Pickpockets: On Metro, in markets, in crowds
- Taxis: Use Uber instead of street taxis (scams common)
- Drinks: Don’t leave drinks unattended (spiking happens)
- ATMs: Use machines inside banks, not on streets
After dark, stick to well-lit, populated areas. Zona Rosa, Roma, Condesa stay lively. Avoid empty streets. Drink LOTS of water to avoid altitude sickness. Avoid alcohol on the first day. Take it slow climbing stairs. Headaches are common—bring ibuprofen. DON’T drink tap water. Bottled only. Ice in nice restaurants is usually fine.
Insider Knowledge
Arrive 2-3 days early if possible. The 7,200-foot altitude affects everyone. Hydrate constantly. English is spoken in tourist areas, but Spanish goes a long way. Learn basics: “gracias,” “por favor,” “cuánto cuesta?” Tipping is 10-15% at restaurants (less than US). Round up for taxis/Uber. Bargaining is expected at markets. Offer 50-70% of the asking price, negotiate from there. “Provecho” is often said when passing someone eating, like “enjoy your meal.”
Lucha Libre: Mexican wrestling at Arena México (Tuesday/Friday/Sunday nights). Touristy but genuinely fun.
The currency is Mexican Peso (MXN). $1 USD ≈ 17-18 pesos. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for street food/markets.
Safety Number: Tourist police: 911
