Welcome to Mexico City: La Ciudad de los Palacios
Mexico City, or CDMX, is the sprawling capital of Mexico and one of the largest metropolitan areas in North America—home to about 9.2 million in the city and over 22.7 million across the metro area as of 2025. Once infamous, it now dazzles with colonial palaces, modern skyscrapers, leafy parks, and a multicultural vibe that hums louder than any traffic jam.
Local Vibe & People
Chilangos—the locals—are equal parts proud, resilient, and deliciously irreverent. Their city is a masterclass in transformation: from Aztec roots to Spanish rebuilds, to modern chaos and creativity. You’ll see it in the street art, the food scene, and the endless festivals.
Must‑See Attractions
Start in Centro Histórico at the Zócalo, home to the massive cathedral and the National Palace. Then stroll along Paseo de la Reforma—look out for the Angel of Independence—and duck into top-tier museums like the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Wander Coyoacán’s cobbled streets and step into Frida Kahlo’s Blue House. If you're in town Sunday morning, don’t miss Muévete en Bici, a 55 km open-streets ride that fills the city with cyclists.
Chapultepec Park is massive—it houses falcon shows, lakes, the castle, and world-class museums. The neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa offer tree-lined streets and boutique cafés. For after-dark, Zona Rosa brings bohemian flair, lively bars, and a hint of LGBT energy.
Getting Around & Daily Life
The metro, buses, and Metrobús are cheap and efficient—just be strategic in rush hours. Ecobici bike-sharing and periodic street closures ease traffic and let the city breathe.
Scams & Street Smarts
Petty crime happens—phone snatches, pickpockets in crowds, phone-card switch tricks, and sob stories common scams include:
- Fake taxis: Unlicensed or cloned cars overcharge—or worse; always use registered taxi stands or Uber.
- Corrupt/fake police: Posing officers demand street “fines”—ask for badges, paperwork, refuse bribes.
- ATM skimming / card fraud: Use ATMs inside banks, shield your PIN—big organized skimming rings have hit tourists before .
- Fake souvenirs: Knock-off jewelry or booze at tourist stalls—sample first, buy smart.
- Sob stories: Actors playing lost kids or couples; your pity can drain your wallet—walk away.
- Fake tours / timeshares: Too-good-to-be-true “deals” pitched at airports or malls—steer clear.
Pro tips: carry small bills, avoid flashing your phone, stay out of Tepito at night, and never accept "help" with your cash.
Serious Security Notes
Though violent crime has declined since 2023, cartel influence still punches above its weight. Recent high-profile assassinations have shaken confidence. Kidnappings tied to online dating have also spiked—US embassy advice: meet in public, always tell a friend where you are.
Final Take
Mexico City delivers a sensory feast: art, tacos, centuries-in-a-block, and parks stretching to the horizon. It’s big-city living—with brash beauty and hidden dangers. Master the transit, trust your instincts over hospitality, and you're in for an epic stay.