What Not To Do in Mexico City: 19 Must-Know Tips

Last Updated on July 29, 2025

Mexico City has a rich history that blends ancient Aztec heritage with Spanish colonial influences, which you’ll notice in landmarks like the Templo Mayor and the Metropolitan Cathedral. 

Mexico City (CDMX) is also famous for its cultural scene, which includes a range of museums, delicious food, beautiful parks, and busy markets.

Knowing what not to do while in Mexico City will set you up for a smooth and memorable experience in this exciting city. 

Read on to find out what not to do in Mexico City, from what cultural norms you shouldn’t ignore, to what items you shouldn’t forget to bring, and the foods you should not miss!

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What Not To Do in Mexico City: 19 Important Tips To Know

1. Don’t Forget Your Visa, Essential Vaccines, and Medications

As of January 2025, Mexico’s visa requirements for travelers vary based on nationality, purpose, and duration of stay. Ahead of your trip to Mexico City, it’s important to check the visa requirements for Mexico, on your home country’s government website. 

As with traveling to any country, you’ll also want to make sure your passport isn’t damaged in any way, and that it has at least 6 months of validity left on it. 

There are specific vaccines that are recommended, and in some cases required, for visiting Mexico. However, the requirements may vary depending on your home country or where you are traveling to Mexico from.

Before your trip, schedule a visit with your family doctor or a travel clinic to discuss which vaccinations might be necessary or recommended.

2. Don’t Forget Cash and Don’t Carry Large Bills 

Mexico’s currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Mexican pesos come in various denominations. You will most commonly find 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 peso notes in circulation, as well as coins in smaller denominations.

While traveling in Mexico, you’ll find yourself wanting to buy little things here and there. Maybe some street food or a drink, or something to take home from the markets. You’ll also need to pay for meals, taxis, hotels, and more.

While credit cards are often accepted by hotels and tour agencies, many vendors, shops, and taxis will only accept cash.

It’s best to carry small bills while in Mexico. Most of your daily expenses won’t cost very much, and having small bills makes paying simpler because the vendor won’t need to find change for you.

3. Don’t Barter for Unfair Prices

It’s okay to be budget conscious while in Mexico City, as long as you don’t go overboard with your budgeting practices, and you follow best practices for responsible budget travel. 

In Mexico City, most shops and restaurants have prices listed on items. But bartering prices is a common practice in some settings – mainly in markets. 

What’s also common is the “tourist tax.” This is a colloquial term for when locals in a place charge higher prices when foreigners buy their goods versus other locals. For example, you might be quoted a higher price for an item in a market than a local would be.

Some travelers are upset by the tourist tax. But I think that it’s fair that locals maximize their income by setting prices based on what a buyer can afford. 

If a person has the means to travel, and is benefiting off of the strength of their home currency, paying a slightly higher price is reasonable.

If you can afford to travel, then you can afford to pay prices that are fair. And yes, that fair price may be more than what a local would pay. 

In practice, it is good to barter in Mexico City in the markets, but do so in a respectful and fair way. I recommend asking the initial price, and then barter down just once or twice from there. 

5. Don’t Photograph People Without Consent

What not to do in Mexico City? Photograph or take video of people without consent. It’s important to be intentional and respectful when taking photos, especially if you’re creating travel content for social media.

In Mexico City, always ask for permission before taking photos of people. If you plan to share a photo of someone on social media or any online platform, it’s important to have their explicit consent to do so.

When interacting with children, avoid the temptation to take photos of them. Young children cannot provide consent like adults, and it’s inappropriate to take their pictures without permission from a parent or guardian.

When capturing images of the busy streets, parks, or landmarks around Mexico City, be mindful of who might inadvertently end up in the frame. Take a moment to ensure people have moved out of the shot before taking the picture, if possible.

Also, consider the implications of the photos you take and share. Depicting poverty, children, or underprivileged communities for personal gratification can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and narratives. Always approach photography with cultural sensitivity and respect.

6. Don’t Disrespect Religious Sites

What not to do in Mexico City? Disrespect religious sites. Throughout Mexico City, you’ll have the opportunity to visit religious landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral in the Zócalo and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Catholicism.

When visiting churches and religious sites in Mexico City, it’s important to follow these cultural norms to show respect:

• Dress Modestly: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. This shows respect for the sanctity of the space.
• Keep Quiet: Maintain a quiet demeanor, especially during services or when others are praying.
• Remove Hats: You should remove hats before entering a church as a sign of respect.
• Avoid Disruptive Photography: Always ask permission before taking photos and avoid using flash. Refrain from taking selfies or posing irreverently.
• Mind Your Behavior: Avoid eating, drinking, or using loud devices inside the church.

Respect for these norms not only honors the traditions of the religious space, and ensures you’re being a responsible tourist. 

7. Don’t Drink Tap Water in Mexico City

It’s best to drink filtered or bottled water while traveling in Mexico. You don’t want to risk a stomach bug that could impact your trip.

When dining at food stalls or restaurants, opt for bottled water or bring your own filtered water. A great option is to travel with a filtering water bottle while in Mexico.

Filtering your own water is a sustainable tourism practice, as it helps reduce plastic waste. There are many filtration systems available to suit different needs, but they all serve the same purpose: removing contaminants from water to make it safe for drinking.

Whenever I travel, I exclusively use my filtering bottle so that I never need to buy bottled. I’ve used both Grayl and Lifestraw, and they’re both great choices! 

8. Don’t Skip Eating Mexican Food

The food in Mexico City will not disappoint. Mexico City’s food scene is diverse, ranging from $1 street tacos to Michelin star restaurants. So while in Mexico City, try as many local foods as possible!

If you’d like to eat upscale, there are many notable restaurants to choose from:

Pujol – Renowned chef Enrique Olvera’s Pujol is a mainstay of Mexico City’s fine dining scene. Pujol is famous for its tasting menu, which includes the signature Mole Madre and street food-inspired taco omakase. Everything at Pujol is made using local ingredients.

Quintonil – Led by chef Jorge Vallejo, this is the place to go for contemporary Mexican flavors. Similar to Pujol, you’ll find at Quintonil a tasting menu that features dishes like cactus ceviche and charcoal-grilled avocado. And, Quintonil is dedicated to using sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.

Rosetta – Rosetta blends Italian and Mexican influences under the guidance of chef Elena Reygadas. Located in the neighborhood Roma, the seasonal menu uses artisanal techniques, with dishes like homemade pastas and innovative Mexican-inspired creations.

While there are lots of upscale options in Mexico City, I find that it’s rarely a miss to go to a busy street food vendor or small family restaurant. The 1$ tacos in Mexico City I’ve had are the best I’ve had in my life!

As with anywhere, if you’re going for street food, stick to the vendors that are busy. Check that meat is freshly cooked and not sitting out.

Dishes to try in Mexico City

• Tacos el pastor, gorditas, enchiladas – these are common dishes that you’ll find available on the street and in most restaurants. Tacos el pastor are my personal favourite, but be sure to try these all when eating in Mexico City! 
• El Moro churros and chocolate – El Moro is actually a famous churro chain in Mexico. The first opened in Centro Historico in 1935. There are a couple locations in Mexico City, but the original location in Centro Historico is still operating. It tends to have a lineup but it’s well worth the wait – truly the best churros I’ve ever had! 

9. Don’t Skip Learning Some Spanish

I’ve found that communication is rarely an issue when interacting with locals in Mexico City. Through a mixture of our basic Spanish, some English, and translation apps, you can always figure it out. 

The official language of Mexico is Spanish, and languages of the Aztecs, Mayans, and other tribes are still spoken throughout the country as well. In tourist areas, English is commonly understood, and sometimes spoken. 

Learning a few basic Spanish phrases can go a long way in showing respect and connecting with people who may not be fluent in English. It’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to speak the local language!

10. Don’t Skip Getting Mobile Data

What not to do in Mexico City? Get stranded without mobile data!

Most hotels in Mexico City have free WiFi, but having mobile data available is convenient for when you’re out for the day and don’t have WiFi access.

You have two good options for getting mobile data while in Mexico. Your first option is to purchase a physical SIM card. 

To do this, you have to find a vendor selling prepaid local SIM cards, and then go through the process of purchasing and enabling the SIM. You can find plenty of SIM cards at Mexico City’s international airport, Airport Benito Juarez (MEX).

Walk into a 7-Eleven, MOBO, or OXXO and they will set you up. The options are generally AT&T or Telcel, both of which work well in Mexico City.

Your second option is to purchase an eSIM. An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that you can load into your device. 

With an eSIM, there’s no need for a physical SIM. Esims work exactly like traditional SIM cards, enabling your phone to connect to cellular networks and access mobile data. And eSIMs come with many benefits!

Unlike physical SIMs, eSIMs can be remotely activated, allowing you to easily switch between mobile carriers or plans.

You don’t need to visit a storefront to buy an eSIM, you can purchase them online. The information needed to activate your eSIM is then sent to you over email or via an app.

You can get online easily with a quick-to-install eSIM through Airalo. What I appreciate most about Airalo’s eSIM is its simplicity.

You can quickly select and activate an Airalo eSIM for Toronto. Selecting, downloading, and activating your eSIM takes less than 5 minutes, and it’s easy to top up your eSIM if you run out of data.

You can get started with an Airalo eSIM, right here.

11. Don’t Forget to Pack the Right Clothes

Most people think of Mexico as having a hot climate. While this is true for much of Mexico, like Puerto Vallarta for example, it’s important to know that Mexico City is at a pretty high elevation, which makes it cooler. 

Mexico City is at an altitude of about 7,350 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level, which gives it a mild, temperate climate. The high elevation makes for cooler temperatures and lower humidity, with pleasant year-round weather. 

The popular consensus is that the best time to visit Mexico City is between March and May. It’s a busy time of year, but you get to experience beautiful weather. It’s sunny, dry, and the temperature is warm. May is the warmest month, with some days reaching highs of 80°F (27°C) and lows of 51°F (10°C).

The rainy season in Mexico City is from June until November. While it sounds like a bad time to visit, I can say from personal experience that it isn’t at all. 

The rain typically arrives in the afternoon or evenings, which means there’s still plenty of time in the morning to explore outside. The rainy months are less busy with tourists, which makes it a nice time to go if you’d like to avoid lines, crowds, and the impacts of overtourism.

Given the altitude of Mexico City, you’ll want to pack layers for your trip, particularly if you’re going between June and November. Be prepared with long sleeve shirts, long pants, a sweater and a rain jacket for cooler days and evenings. 

Tip: Don’t dress for the beach or the jungle while in Mexico City. It’s a cosmopolitan city where beachwear or hiking gear will look out of place.

12. Don’t Overlook Cultural Norms, Customs, and Laws

Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may find that the culture and traditions in Mexico City differ from what you’re used to at home. What not to do in Mexico City? Overlook the norms and traditions that are common there. 

Take the time to learn about Mexico’s customs and traditions, and be respectful of them. For example, in Mexico, greetings are important, and it’s customary to greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, especially among close acquaintances.

Tipping is also customary in Mexico – it’s considered to be a way to show appreciation for service. With 10% to 20% being the standard in restaurants, even small tips in more casual settings, such as with street vendors or musicians, are seen as gestures of gratitude.

And lastly, be conscious of local laws. For example, drinking in public areas is illegal in Mexico. It’s okay to enjoy alcohol at a bar or restaurant, but if the local police (Policia Federal) catch you staggering down a street with an open drink, you face the risk of arrest or a fine.

13. Don’t Overlook Mexico City’s Public Transport System

Mexico City has an excellent public transport system, with a comprehensive network of buses, the metro, and taxis making it easy to get around the city. The metro, in particular, is an affordable and reliable way to travel, with extensive coverage across the city.

The metro system spans the entire city and is fast and affordable. Each trip costs only a couple pesos, and there’s free WiFi! It can become crowded on some lines, so be sure to keep your eye on your belongings.

All subway trains have a designated women’s car. It is always at the front of the train. The women’s cars tend to be far less crowded, so if you’re a woman, take advantage! 

Buses in Mexico City are also an affordable and widely used mode of transportation, with extensive routes that connect various neighborhoods and surrounding areas.

Taxis and Uber are widely available in Mexico City, but it’s generally recommended to use ride-hailing apps like Uber, DiDi, or Cabify for safety and convenience. While street taxis are common, it’s generally better to use a ride-hailing app. This is because it’s important to ensure a taxi is authorized – which can be tough to do as a tourist.

Through a mixture of walking and public transport, you can easily get around Mexico City. And when needed, it’s easy enough to call an Uber!

14. Don’t Skip Visiting Mexico City’s Parks

Mexico City has many parks thanks to its long history of urban planning, and a cultural emphasis on creating green spaces for recreation and community gathering. 

Visiting at least one of Mexico City’s parks gives you a chance to escape the bustling city, enjoy some nature, and experience local life through activities like art exhibitions, food vendors, and family-friendly events.

Here are some of the must-visit parks in Mexico City:

• Park Espana in La Condesa is known as the dog park – And the name is fitting. The park is a favourite spot for Mexico City’s dog walkers. If you are a dog lover, this park is a must-see because you’re almost guaranteed to run into big groups of well-behaved dogs there.
• Parque Mexico is also in Condesa, walking distance from Park Espana. It is lined by coffee shops, quaint restaurants, and art deco buildings. It’s filled with quirky street signs and comfy benches to relax on for an afternoon.
• The Bosque de Chapultepec is considered the lungs of Mexico City. The park is massive, and home to the Chapultepec Castle. A visit to this park and the castle will take a solid half day!
• Parque Almeda in Centro Historico is an urban park with smooth walkways and fountains. Being centrally located, it’s fun to explore at dusk when families and roller skaters bring the park alive with energy. 

15. Don’t Forget to Visit a Museum

Mexico City is home to over 150 institutions showcasing art, archaeology, history, and science. Here are four interesting museums that you should consider checking out while in Mexico City:

Museo Frida Kahlo

This museum is also known as the Blue House. The museum is dedicated to the life and work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, and is the home in which she was born, grew up, and lived her adult life. The museum contains a collection of artwork by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and other artists.

This is Mexico City’s largest and most visited museum. It is an anthropological museum that houses collections that cover all pre-Columbian civilizations located on the current territory of Mexico as well as in former Mexican territory in what is today the southwestern United States.

Museo Nacional de Historia

This is a national museum of Mexico, located inside Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. The museum is dedicated to the fascinating history of Mexico, and therefore is an essential starting point for delving into Mexican history. 

Museo del Objeto del Objeto 

This museum is unique! It’s Mexico City’s first museum dedicated to design and communications. It houses a collection of commercial packaging, advertising, graphic arts, common devices and many other objects dating back to 1810. 

16. Don’t Skip Visiting a Mexico City Market

In Mexico City’s markets, you’ll find an array of foods, crafts, vintage and antique goods, and local goods. Visiting these markets, such as Mercado de la Merced, is a chance to shop for unique souvenirs! 

Here two Mexico City markets that are worth visiting:

La Merced Market

The La Merced Market is a traditional public market found east of the historic center. La Merced is the largest traditional food market in the entire city – it takes up several blocks!  

The market is split into seven different zones, each offering specific products or foods. La Merced is a popular spot for street antojitos, or snacks. Just make sure that the food stand you buy from is busy – that usually means it’s good.

We explored the market on our own with no problems (keep an eye on your things) but it is actually possible to hire a guide that can bring you to the best food stands, and inform you of the market’s history. La Merced is arguably one of the best food markets in Mexico City, and a truly essential Mexico City market. 

La Lagunilla Market

If you’re in Mexico City on a Sunday, visit La Lagunilla Market. The market is an antiques flea market that only happens on Sundays, and I love it for its interesting wares and fun energy. 

Vendors sell ornate micheladas (a drink made with beer, lime juice, assorted sauces, spices, tomato juice, and chili peppers) that you can enjoy as you wander the market admiring old trinkets, clothing, antiques, dishwares, and handicrafts.

This market is hands down the best place to go on a Sunday – and the best place to grab some souvenirs. Just be sure to shop for your souvenirs responsibly. We picked up some unique patches, and I bought two vintage sweaters (costing less than $10!) 

La Lagunilla Market can be a bit tricky to find because it is surrounded by other Mexico City markets – so when heading to it, enter “Mercado Antiguedades Lagunilla” into Google Maps.

17. Don’t Miss Going on a Day Trip

What not to do in Mexico City? Stay in the city the whole time! Mexico City is massive, so there’s plenty to do within the city itself. But it’s well worth venturing outside of the centre while in the area. 

Here are two day trips from Mexico City that are worth going on if you can fit them in:

Visit Xochimilco’s Floating Gardens

A day trip to the Xochimilco Floating Gardens is a must. The canals of Xochimilco, about an hour south of the Centro Historico of Mexico City, are a UNESCO world heritage site dating back to the Aztecs. Nowadays the canals and boats (called “trajineras”) are mostly used for tourism.

A ride on the trajineras is tons of fun! There are beautiful views, and along the way vendors selling everything you could possibly want, from hats and jewelry to empanadas and fresh beer. And an added bonus are the mariachi bands that hop from boat to boat – all throughout the canal system you can hear their vibrant music!

To ride the trajineras of Xochimilco, take the metro from the Centro Historico to Tasqueña Station and then switch to the TL-1 train to Xochimilco – this costs 8 pesos. 

From Xochimilco station you can walk to “Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas” which is where you’ll catch the boat. As of November 2019, it’s 500 pesos per hour, per boat – so the more people, the more economical!

You also have the option of going by tour. This Xochimilco Boat Tour with Meal and Drinks includes pick up and drop off from Mexico City, a tour through the canals of Xochimilco aboard a typical colorful gondola boat. 

Lunch is included with this Xochimilco Boat Tour, and you get to learn how to make a Mexican michelada cocktail! For an easy day trip, I recommend booking Xochimilco Boat Tour with Meal and Drinks.  

Day Trip to Teotihuacan from Mexico City

Another day trip worth doing from Mexico City is the ancient pyramids at Teotihuacan. It is an archaeological complex northeast of Mexico City, known for its ancient pyramids.

The site is connected by the Avenue of the Dead, which links the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun. On site there is also the Museum of Teotihuacan Culture, which houses artifacts and shares information to contextualize visiting the site.

Visiting Teotihuacan without a tour is simple to do by using public transit. Alternatively, you can book this Teotihuacan Tour without Tourist Traps. This is a 5-hour tour that starts with pickup from central points in Mexico City in the early. 

You’ll be taken to Teotihuacan in an air-conditioned bus, and arrive at Teotihuacan in the morning before the heat of the day. Teotihuacan Tour without Tourist Traps includes a 3-hour guided tour of the site before dropping you back off in the city. For a simple day trip, book the Teotihuacan Tour without Tourist Traps.

18. Don’t Culturally Appropriate

Cultural appropriation is when a person adopts elements of a culture that is not their own. It becomes controversial when members of a dominant culture appropriate from disadvantaged minority cultures.

Examples of cultural appropriation include when white people wear dreadlocks, or non-Indigenous people wear Indigenous dress as a halloween costume.

Cultural appropriation is a complex issue with lots of gray areas. And since much of travel revolves around experiencing and learning about other cultures, it can be tough to figure out what is and isn’t cultural appropriation while abroad.

But it isn’t impossible. When in Mexico City, consider the following to figure out if you are appreciating local culture, or appropriating it. 

• Consider whether you’re participating in a tradition, or wearing traditional clothing, out of honor or imitation.
• Consider whether you are aware of the significance, meaning, and history of the tradition or clothing. 

• Consider the situation: are you participating in a cultural tradition or wearing cultural clothing? Being invited to participate is key. 
• Think about whether you are participating to learn about a culture, or to perpetuate a stereotype.

Thinking about whether your actions in Mexico City are respectful, and considering the context you’re in, as well as your overall motivations, are all important when thinking about whether you are culturally appropriating. Considering this is especially important if you’re planning to visit Mexico City during the Day of the Dead celebrations.

19. Don’t Travel to Mexico City Without Insurance

Travel insurance is essential to pack for every trip. Travel insurance coverage provides support, compensation, and medical care when things go wrong while traveling.

Policies vary, but they can provide support and compensation if your luggage is lost, if you slip and break a limb, or if you need to return home early due to an emergency in the family. Basically, travel insurance is a financial safety net for your valuables and for emergencies. 

Final Thoughts: What Not To Do In CDMX

I’ve included along with these practical Mexico City tips several mindful travel tips, because I truly believe that being an informed tourist is the best way to be a responsible tourist. Responsible travel is all about traveling in a way that supports the communities you’re visiting, and tapping into more of the pros versus cons of tourism. 

I hope these tips for what not to do in Mexico City will help you plan a worry-free, memorable trip to this awesome city, which is often called “CDMX.”

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