Living in Mexico City, Mexico:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

I couldn’t let this occasion pass without sharing a few insights to help you get the most out of your Mexican adventure.

1. Exploring Culture and History:
Mexico City is steeped in rich history, and one of the best ways to immerse yourself is through its numerous museums and historical sites. Don’t miss the National Museum of Anthropology, the Frida Kahlo Museum, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Chapultepec Castle, with its stunning views and expansive park, is also a must-visit.

2. Food & Drink:
Culinary exploration should be high on your list. The city offers a wide range of choices, from street food like tacos al pastor and tamales to high-end dining experiences. Try Mercado de San Juan for a variety of fresh produce and culinary delights. Pujol and Quintonil are two acclaimed gourmet restaurants to put on your list for a special occasion.

3. Neighborhoods:
Each neighborhood, or ‘colonia’, has its unique charm and vibe. Condesa and Roma are popular for their bohemian atmosphere, boutiques, and trendy eateries. Polanco offers a more upscale experience with its luxury stores and restaurants, while Coyoacán, Frida Kahlo’s neighborhood, has a more traditional, relaxed feel.

4. Language:
While many people in Mexico City speak English, especially in tourist areas, I would recommend learning some basic Spanish phrases. It will make navigating the city easier and it’s a great way to show respect for the local culture.

5. Safety:
Like any major city, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-lit areas, especially at night, and keep an eye on your belongings. Uber and other ride-sharing apps are generally safe and affordable means of transportation.

6. Outdoor Activities:
Mexico City is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. Hiking in the Desierto de los Leones National Park or rowing a boat in the tranquil waters of Xochimilco canals are great ways to escape the city’s bustle.

7. Cost of Living:
The cost of living is generally lower than in many U.S. or European cities. However, this can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood and your lifestyle choices.

8. Embrace the Unexpected:
One of the most exciting aspects of living in Mexico City is the unexpected. It’s full of surprises, whether it’s a spontaneous fiesta, a hidden courtyard café, or a street art masterpiece around a corner.

Remember, moving to a new city, especially one as diverse and bustling as Mexico City, can be a thrilling but daunting experience. Take your time to settle in, embrace the local customs, and enjoy the vibrant Mexican culture.

Learn Spanish or just some of the basics so it’s easier for you to move around and get things done. It’s better if you get a place where you have groceries and everything you need close by so you can walk there, there’s always too much traffic and it helps the environment.

Mexico City is one of the 32 states in Mexico, located in the center of the country. Mexico City is the biggest city in Mexico, it has many touristy places showing the history and culture. Mexico City is one of the cities with the most museums giving the opportunity to tourists and their own people to get to know the story of Mexico until now. The city and country are very unique because of the diversity of religions, people, food, culture and many other things.

Mexico City has many museums where you can get more knowledge of Mexico and many important things that happened here. An example is the museum of Frida Kahlo, who is a famous artist in Mexico because of her art and her tragic story. In Mexico art is important because the culture is based on many artists that create paintings, dance, music and many other art forms.

Mexico City is a safe and friendly state because of how the people treat each other. It is natural to give a hug when you get to know someone, making it a little more intimate than giving a hand shake. It is very usual that when you get to know a person twenty minutes later it seems that you know them your whole life. The feeling in the country is more like a family: Even if you do not know someone they will help you. In Mexico, family is important. It is very usual that you know your grandparents, cousins, second cousins and many others that aren’t really close.

Know the crime rate in certain areas so they can avoid them, and the working hours of public transportation. Also, an important thing to know would be that stores don’t sell alcohol past midnight, which is a complete bummer for certain people. The city is not as dangerous as it is advertised.

The street food in Mexico City is incredible. Everywhere you go, there are stands selling tacos, quesadillas and things that you didn’t even know you could eat (crickets come to mind). The chances of one getting sick are quite high though. You must be careful and see whether the locals eat there. That’s your best indication of whether you should try their food or not.