Mexico City is a sprawling and electrifying capital where ancient Aztec heritage meets contemporary culture — a city of world-class museums and remarkable street food that rewards every curious traveller with unforgettable experiences at every turn.
Mexico: Mexico City – Chapultepec Castle and Forest
🌿 Chapultepec — Mexico City’s Breathing Space
We had seen enough of Mexico City’s traffic to know that finding a large patch of green in the middle of it all felt nothing short of miraculous. Chapultepec — or to give it its full and considerably more manageable title, the Bosque de Chapultepec — is one of those places that makes you wonder how any city managed to hold onto it. At around 1,700 acres, it is one of the largest urban parks in the entire Western Hemisphere, which puts it well ahead of Central Park in New York and makes Hyde Park look like a municipal roundabout.
The name itself comes from Nahuatl, the language spoken by the Aztecs, and translates rather wonderfully as Hill of the Grasshopper — “chapul” meaning grasshopper and “tepec” meaning hill. Which is either charmingly poetic or slightly alarming depending on your feelings about large insects. The Aztecs, for the record, were not squeamish about such things. The site has been considered sacred and significant since at least the 9th century, when the Tepanec people settled around its spring waters, and by the time the Aztec empire was at its height in the 15th century, Chapultepec was already a royal retreat and ceremonial ground of considerable importance. It was where Aztec rulers came to relax, hunt and have their likenesses carved into the rock face — which is a slightly more permanent way of marking your holiday than a selfie, but each to their own.
The Spanish, naturally, arrived and reorganised everything. After the conquest of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán in 1521, the Spanish colonial authorities took a keen interest in the site, and by the 18th century a military academy had been established on the hill at its centre — the same building that would eventually become Chapultepec Castle. The castle itself has had a remarkable career, serving variously as a military college, an imperial residence under the ill-fated Emperor Maximilian I in the 1860s, and later as the official home of Mexican presidents well into the 20th century. It is now a national history museum, and if you have any interest at all in Mexican history, it is genuinely worth the climb up the hill to get there.
Today the park is divided into three sections and is enormously popular with both tourists and the people of Mexico City, who use it in the completely sensible way that people use large parks — walking, cycling, picnicking, and in this case navigating the large lake in swan-shaped pedalos, which we were delighted to discover is considered a perfectly normal and dignified activity for adults. We were not about to argue. Beyond the lake and the trees and the open spaces, Chapultepec is also home to several world-class museums, including the famous Museum of Anthropology — which houses one of the finest collections of pre-Columbian artefacts anywhere on earth — along with a zoo that has been open to the public since 1924 and remains one of the most visited in Latin America. Numerous monuments and statues are scattered throughout, most of them commemorating moments in Mexican history that we only dimly understood but admired nonetheless.
In short, it is a remarkable place. A genuine breathing space in one of the most densely populated cities on the planet, and a reminder that the people of Mexico City have the considerable good sense to hang onto it.
🚌 Getting to Chapultepec Park
Getting to the park turned out to be far simpler than navigating most of Mexico City, which, given the traffic situation that makes the M25 look like a country lane, was something of a relief.
If we were staying in the Condesa or Roma districts — and honestly, these are two of the nicest areas to base yourself — we simply walked. Both neighbourhoods sit right on the park’s doorstep, and on a good morning it took us no more than ten minutes on foot.
For those staying elsewhere in this vast, sprawling metropolis, the metro was the sensible option. Two stations serve the park directly: Metro Auditorio on Line 7, and Metro Chapultepec on Line 1. During off-peak hours it was perfectly manageable. During rush hour, however, it was somewhat wild — which is the polite way of saying it resembled a tin of sardines that had developed ambitions of becoming a mosh pit. If the metro didn’t appeal, Uber was always there. Mexico City is one of those places where Uber is genuinely cheap, reliable, and considerably less stressful than flagging down an unfamiliar taxi.
🏰 Chapultepec Castle — The Only Royal Residence in North America
Perched high on a dramatic rocky outcrop above the park’s forest canopy, Chapultepec Castle holds a distinction that is genuinely remarkable: it is the only castle in the whole of North America ever to have served as the actual home of a reigning sovereign.
The castle’s story began in 1725, when Viceroy Bernardo de Gálvez — commander-in-chief of New Spain, Spain’s colonial territory covering most of modern-day Mexico — ordered its construction as a grand manor house. During Mexico’s War of Independence (1810–1821), it was abandoned and left to crumble, before being refurbished and pressed into service as a military academy. Hardly the glamorous future its builder had envisaged.
👑 Emperor Maximilian and a Very Short Reign
Everything changed with the Second Mexican Empire. In 1864, the castle became the official residence of Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota. Maximilian was, in fact, Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria — a Habsburg with precisely zero Mexican heritage — handed the Mexican throne by local monarchists who were puppets of Napoleon III of France. The whole thing had the air of something cooked up after a very long lunch.
To his credit, Maximilian took the job seriously, hiring multiple architects to redesign the castle in the neo-classical style fashionable at the time, giving it the elegant floor plan it retains today.
His reign lasted just four years. The French withdrew in 1867, and without their troops propping him up, Maximilian’s position collapsed. He was captured by Republican forces under President Benito Juárez, tried, and executed by firing squad on 19th June 1867. He was thirty-four years old. The castle fell back into disrepair.
Fortunately, someone eventually had the good sense to recognise what they had. Today it serves as the Museo Nacional de Historia — the National History Museum — where its extraordinary and frankly bonkers past is very much the exhibit. Which seems entirely appropriate.
🎟️ Tickets, Tequila and a Stiff Climb
It is well worth knowing that the ticket office sits at the bottom of the hill — because discovering this after hauling yourself all the way to the top would leave you in a considerably darker mood than the magnificent views deserve. The ticket office goes by the name of the “taquilla”, which we initially confused with an establishment serving Mexican alcoholic beverages. It is not. An easy mistake, though. Probably.
The climb itself is, to put it diplomatically, fairly stiff. There is no obvious accessible route for wheelchair users or anyone whose knees have been having a quiet word with them lately — and we say this as people who fall firmly into the latter category. It is simply a hill, and you go up it.
The path also doubles as a service road for the castle, which adds a certain frisson of excitement to proceedings. Vehicles race up and down with what can only be described as cheerful indifference to the existence of tourists. We found that pressing ourselves against the rock face whilst a truck thundered past was not quite the serene cultural experience we had anticipated, but there we are. Mexico keeps you on your toes. Sometimes literally.
🌆 Worth Every Wheeze
At the top, however, all is forgiven. The castle itself is genuinely majestic — an elegant, commanding building that sits atop its rocky perch with considerable self-assurance. The views across Mexico City are spectacular, stretching out across one of the largest urban landscapes on earth in every direction. On a clear day it is, quite simply, extraordinary.
Every step was worth it. Even the bit with the truck.
🖼️ Inside the Castle — History in Full Colour
As we stepped inside the main building, we were swept through a series of galleries taking us on a whistle-stop tour of post-colonial Mexican history. It was impressively laid out, though we did hit one rather significant snag almost immediately: the vast majority of the information panels were entirely in Spanish. Which would be fine, except our Spanish extends roughly as far as ordering a beer and asking where the toilet is. So a fair amount of the finer historical detail went somewhat over our heads.
That said, it didn’t actually matter as much as you might expect. The displays of period costumes and artefacts were vivid and engaging enough to tell their own story without needing much translation — uniforms, weapons, personal effects and ceremonial objects, all arranged with considerable care.
🎨 The Murals — Because Mexico
The undoubted highlight, however, were the murals. And here we should note that Mexicans absolutely love a mural. This is not a criticism — it is a statement of fact and, frankly, an admirable national characteristic. Mexico has produced some of the greatest muralists in history, most famously Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros, who between them decorated a quite astonishing number of public buildings during the early twentieth century with enormous, dramatic, politically charged paintings. The tradition is very much alive and well.
The murals here depicted scenes from the long and turbulent struggle for independence, painted with real energy and on a scale that rather demanded your attention. Even without reading a single information panel, you got the message: this was a country that had fought hard for its freedom and wasn’t about to let anyone forget it.
🌿 The Alcázar — Maximilian’s Rooftop World
From the main galleries, an elegantly proportioned staircase leads you up to the roof, and to what was once the most exclusive address in the whole of North America: the private apartments and gardens of Emperor Maximilian I, known as the Alcázar.
Maximilian, it is fair to say, was not a man who did things by halves. Having been handed an empire, he apparently decided that the appropriate response was to spend a very great deal of money making himself comfortable. The living quarters he created for himself and Empress Carlota were lavish by any standard — all rich furnishings, ornate ceilings, and the sort of décor that whispers I may be ruling a bankrupt country but you’d never know it from in here.
But the real showstopper was the rooftop garden. Laid out with considerable care and no shortage of expense, it offered — and still offers today — some of the most breathtaking views across Mexico City imaginable. On a clear day you could see clean across the Valley of Mexico, with the snow-capped volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl lurking on the horizon like two enormous uninvited guests. Maximilian, never one to let a good view go to waste, added his own little viewing tower for good measure. Because when you’re emperor, a garden is simply not complete without one.
It is, when you think about it, a rather poignant place. All this beauty, all this effort — and the man who built it had just four years to enjoy it before events intervened in the most permanent fashion imaginable.
Planning Your Visit to Chapultepec Castle
📍 Location
Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec) stands atop Chapultepec Hill within the Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Forest), one of the largest urban parks in the world. The full address is:
Bosque de Chapultepec, Primera Sección, Col. San Miguel Chapultepec, C.P. 11580, Delegación Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México (Mexico City), Mexico.
The castle is perched at approximately 2,325 metres above sea level and commands sweeping panoramic views across Mexico City, including Paseo de la Reforma.
🚇 How to Get There
By Metro The nearest station is Chapultepec (Line 1 — Pink Line), which has direct access to the Bosque de Chapultepec. From the park entrance, allow 15 to 20 minutes for the uphill walk to the castle. Alternatively, Auditorio station (Line 7 — Orange Line) can be used; from there, take Metrobús Line 7 and alight at the Gandhi stop, then walk through the forest to the castle ramp.
By Tram A small tram service runs from the Puerta de los Leones (Gate of the Lions) entrance up to the castle. It operates Tuesday to Sunday during opening hours and costs approximately 15–20 MXN one way. This is ideal for visitors who prefer to avoid the steep incline.
By Car or Ride-Share The museum does not have parking available during regular opening hours. Using a ride-share service such as Uber is recommended. If using navigation, search specifically for “Castillo de Chapultepec” rather than simply “Chapultepec” to avoid confusion with the park or metro station.
🌐 Website
Tickets may also be purchased online in advance at: ventadeboletosenlinea.inah.gob.mx
📞 Contact Phone Numbers
Administrative and Educational Services: +52 55 5211 5066 Director’s Office: +52 55 5256 5464 General Enquiries: +52 55 4040 5260 Department of Educational Services: +52 55 4040 5215 / +52 55 4040 5212 Department of Cultural Promotion: +52 55 4040 5214 / +52 55 4040 5206
✉️ Email
General / Cultural Promotion: difusion.mnh@inah.gob.mx Educational Services: serv_edu.mnh@inah.gob.mx Library: biblioteca.mnh@inah.gob.mx Organised Groups (civil society / undergraduate): difusionmnh@yahoo.com.mx
🎟️ Entry Fees
General admission (foreign visitors): approximately 210 MXN General admission (domestic rate): approximately 100 MXN Entry includes full access to the National Museum of History (Museo Nacional de Historia), which is housed within the castle.
Free Admission On Sundays, admission is free for all Mexican nationals and foreign residents of Mexico with valid proof of residency. Note that Sundays are consequently the busiest day of the week.
Tickets may be purchased at the on-site ticket office, located at the base of the ramp leading up to the museum. Pre-booking online is recommended at weekends and during peak periods, as queues can be lengthy.
🕘 Opening Times
Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00 (last entry approximately 16:30) Closed: Monday (and certain public holidays — check the official website before visiting)
Library (in the adjacent building): Tuesday to Friday: 09:00 – 16:30
Getting Around Mexico City
Mexico City (CDMX) is one of the world’s great megacities — sprawling, vibrant, and surprisingly easy to navigate once you know what you’re doing. With over 21 million people in the greater metropolitan area, transport options are plentiful, ranging from one of the world’s busiest metro systems to app-based taxis and even cable cars. Here’s everything you need to know about getting in and getting around.
✈️ Arriving: Know Your Airport
Mexico City is served by two international airports, and confusing them is a surprisingly common — and costly — mistake.
Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX/AICM) is the main hub, located just 13 km east of the historic centre. The vast majority of international flights land here. It has two terminals — Terminal 1 (older, busier) and Terminal 2 (more modern) — connected by a free shuttle and the Metro.
Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU/AIFA) is the newer, secondary airport, situated around 45 km north of the city centre in the State of Mexico. It primarily handles budget domestic carriers such as Volaris and VivaAerobus, along with some regional international routes. Always double-check your airport code before travelling — MEX and NLU are on opposite sides of the city and a transfer between them takes upwards of 90 minutes.
🚇 From MEX Airport into the City
By Metro: The cheapest option by far. Terminal 1 is directly connected to the Metro system (Line 5, Hangares station). A single ride costs around 5 pesos (roughly 20p). However, it’s not recommended if you’re travelling with large luggage or during rush hour — the carriages get extremely crowded.
By Metrobús: Line 4 connects both terminals to the city centre. It’s more comfortable than the Metro with luggage and costs 6 pesos per journey using a travel card.
By Uber or DiDi: The most practical option for most visitors. Download the app before you travel, and request your ride once you’re in the arrivals hall. Fares into central neighbourhoods such as Roma, Condesa, or Polanco typically range from 150–300 pesos (£6–£12), depending on traffic. Avoid accepting offers from drivers who approach you inside the terminal.
By Official Airport Taxi: Pre-paid taxi desks are located in the arrivals area of both terminals. Purchase your ticket at the booth before proceeding to the taxi rank. Fares are fixed by zone. This is safe and straightforward, though slightly pricier than app-based rides. Do not accept a ride from anyone who approaches you without a pre-paid ticket.
🚌 From AIFA Airport into the City
AIFA’s location makes it a longer journey into the city centre, so plan your time accordingly.
By Train (Tren Felipe Ángeles): Launched in April 2026, this new commuter rail service connects AIFA directly to Buenavista station in the north of Mexico City. The journey takes around 40–50 minutes, and from Buenavista you can connect to the Metro and Metrobús network. A promotional fare of 45 pesos applies for the airport leg. This is now the quickest and most reliable public transport option from AIFA.
By Bus (Aerofaro Shuttle): A shuttle service runs from AIFA arrivals to Buenavista station, from where you can connect to the wider Metro network. Budget approximately 90–120 minutes total travel time to central areas.
By Uber or DiDi: Available from AIFA, but journey times into the city centre can be 60–90 minutes or more depending on traffic. Expect fares of 400–600 pesos (£16–£24).
🚇 The Metro (Sistema de Transporte Colectivo)
The Metro is the backbone of public transport in Mexico City — one of the largest metro systems in the Americas with 12 lines and 195 stations spanning over 200 kilometres. It’s fast, efficient, and extraordinarily affordable at just 5 pesos (roughly 20p) per journey, regardless of distance.
Most major tourist attractions — the Zócalo, Chapultepec Park, Coyoacán, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes — are easily reachable by Metro. The system uses a combination of numbers and colour-coded lines, and each station has its own distinctive icon (helpful if you’re still finding your feet with Spanish).
Tips for visitors:
- Avoid rush hour (7:00–9:00 and 17:00–19:00) — carriages become extremely crowded and pickpocketing risk increases
- Keep valuables secure and avoid using your phone openly
- Look out for carriages reserved for women and children, marked with pink signs — these are particularly in force during peak hours
- Purchase a Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada (MI Card) for 15 pesos; this rechargeable card works across the Metro, Metrobús, Cablebús, light rail, and trolleybus networks
🚌 Metrobús
The Metrobús is a network of articulated buses that run in dedicated lanes, making them faster than standard city buses. There are several lines covering key corridors, including the famous Avenida Insurgentes (Line 1 — one of the longest bus rapid transit routes in the world) and Avenida Reforma. A journey costs 6 pesos and requires a travel card to board.
The Metrobús is particularly useful for travelling along the main north–south and east–west axes of the city, and connects conveniently with the Metro at many interchange points. Line 4 also serves both terminals at Benito Juárez Airport.
🚡 Cablebús (Cable Car)
One of Mexico City’s most distinctive and photogenic forms of transport, the Cablebús is a network of cable car lines operating in the hillier outskirts of the city. There are currently three lines, primarily serving working-class neighbourhoods in the east and south that have limited Metro access.
While not a practical daily commuter option for most visitors staying in central neighbourhoods, taking a ride on the Cablebús — particularly Line 1 in Iztapalapa — offers spectacular panoramic views across the city and a glimpse of everyday life beyond the tourist trail. Fares are 7 pesos with a travel card.
📱 Ride-Hailing Apps: Uber, DiDi & Cabify
For many visitors, app-based rides represent the sweet spot between safety, convenience, and value. Uber is the most widely used and reliable, with a large fleet and consistent pricing. DiDi (a Chinese-owned competitor) often undercuts Uber on price and is widely available. Cabify is another reputable option, particularly favoured for longer journeys.
All three apps show you the route, the fare, and the driver’s details before you confirm — a significant safety advantage over hailing a taxi on the street. You’ll need mobile data, so consider purchasing a local SIM card or setting up an eSIM before or upon arrival.
App-based rides are especially recommended for: journeys after dark, trips to and from bus terminals or the airport with luggage, and any destination not conveniently served by the Metro.
🌐 uber.com | didiglobal.com | cabify.com
🚕 Taxis
Mexico City has one of the largest taxi fleets in the world, and the iconic pink-and-white cabs are a familiar sight on every street. However, visitors should exercise caution.
Do not hail taxis from the street. Unofficial taxis — known colloquially as “piratas” — can pose safety risks and overcharge passengers.
Sitio taxis (taxis from authorised stands) are the recommended on-street option. They are registered, carry fixed fares, and can be found at airports, hotels, shopping centres, and major tourist sites. You can also ask your hotel or restaurant to call a registered taxi for you.
For most practical purposes, using Uber or DiDi is safer and simpler than locating a trustworthy sitio taxi.
🚲 Ecobici (Bike Share)
For visitors staying in central neighbourhoods — Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Juárez, or Centro Histórico — Ecobici is a genuinely excellent way to cover short distances without sitting in traffic. The network has over 689 stations and nearly 10,000 bikes, making it one of the most extensive bike-share systems in the Americas.
Rides of up to 45 minutes are included in the subscription fee, and you can return the bike to any station. Day passes start at around $5 USD (approximately £4), with three-day and weekly options also available. Registration is done via the app or website — no passport or lengthy paperwork required at modern stations, just a credit card. The MI Card also links to your Ecobici account.
Sundays are a particularly good day to cycle — Avenida Reforma is closed to traffic and given over entirely to cyclists and pedestrians.
🚌 Long-Distance Buses (for Day Trips & Onward Travel)
If you’re planning to visit nearby cities — Puebla, Oaxaca, Guadalajara, or Teotihuacán — Mexico City’s long-distance bus network is excellent. The main terminals are:
- TAPO (Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente) — east of the city, served by Metro Line 1 (San Lázaro station). Good for Puebla, Oaxaca, and the Gulf Coast.
- Terminal Central del Norte — north of the city, reached via Metro Line 5. Good for Guadalajara, Querétaro, and the northern states.
- Terminal Poniente — west of the city (Metro Line 1, Observatorio station). Good for Toluca and western destinations.
ADO is the premier intercity bus operator, offering comfortable, air-conditioned coaches with allocated seating. Booking online in advance is recommended for popular routes.
🚶 Walking
Do not overlook the simplest option. Several of Mexico City’s best neighbourhoods reward leisurely exploration on foot. Roma Norte and Roma Sur, Condesa, Centro Histórico, Coyoacán, Polanco, and San Ángel are all walkable districts with plenty to see at street level. The altitude (2,240 metres above sea level) may leave you slightly breathless at first — take it steadily on your first day or two.
🗺️ Useful Apps for Getting Around
- Google Maps — reliable for Metro, Metrobús, and walking directions
- Moovit — excellent for real-time public transport updates and route planning
- Metro CDMX — detailed Metro map, station information, and journey times
- Uber / DiDi / Cabify — essential for ride-hailing
- Ecobici — for bike-share planning and unlocking bikes
💳 The MI Card (Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada)
If you plan to use public transport more than once or twice, the MI Card is well worth picking up. It costs just 15 pesos and can be topped up with credit to use across the Metro, Metrobús, Cablebús, light rail, and trolleybus networks. It also links to the Ecobici bike-share system. Cards are available at Metro stations and Metrobús stops throughout the city. There is a maximum balance of 500 pesos on the card at any one time.
Mexico City’s transport network is, in truth, one of its great assets — vast, affordable, and remarkably well-connected for a city of its size. With a little planning and the right apps on your phone, getting around is far less daunting than the map might initially suggest.
The best time to visit Mexico City
🌸 Spring – Dry Season (March to May)
Spring is widely regarded as the finest time to visit Mexico City. The rainy season has not yet arrived, temperatures are pleasantly warm, and the city buzzes with cultural energy. Daytime highs hover between 22°C and 26°C, with cool evenings that rarely dip below 10°C. Skies are predominantly clear, making it ideal for exploring open-air sites such as Teotihuacán, the Zócalo, and Chapultepec Park.
March and April bring Semana Santa (Holy Week), one of Mexico’s most important religious observances, when the city fills with processions and festivities. Crowds are noticeable but not overwhelming outside of the Easter weekend peak. May sees temperatures climbing and the humidity building ahead of the summer rains — visit early in the month for the best of the season.
What to pack: Lightweight layers, a light jacket for evenings, breathable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. A compact umbrella is useful from late April.
⛈️ Summer – Wet Season (June to August)
Summer brings the rainy season, though this need not be a deterrent. Rain typically falls in concentrated afternoon and evening downpours lasting one to two hours, leaving mornings largely clear and pleasant. Temperatures remain mild — generally 18°C to 24°C — and the city’s parks and surrounding valleys turn a vivid green. Hotel rates are often lower, and the city’s cultural calendar remains full, with exhibitions, concerts, and street festivals running throughout the season.
The main inconvenience is the afternoon rain, which can cause traffic disruption and occasional flooding in low-lying areas. Planning outdoor activities for the morning is the sensible approach. July and August also coincide with school holidays in Mexico, so family-orientated attractions tend to be busier.
What to pack: A compact waterproof jacket or poncho, quick-dry clothing, waterproof footwear or sandals, light layers, insect repellent, and a small daypack with a dry bag for electronics.
🍂 Autumn – Transition Season (September to November)
Autumn is one of the most atmospheric and culturally rewarding times to visit. September marks the beginning of the end of the rainy season, with rainfall gradually tapering through October and drying considerably by November. Temperatures settle between 15°C and 22°C — cooler than summer but still comfortable during the day.
November is the undoubted highlight of the autumn season. Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), celebrated on 1 and 2 November, transforms Mexico City into a spectacle of marigold-draped altars, candlelit processions, and vibrant public gatherings. The Zócalo and Mixquic are especially dramatic. Tourist numbers are rising but the city retains a more relaxed atmosphere compared with peak winter months.
What to pack: A warm layer or light wool jumper, a waterproof jacket for early September, comfortable walking shoes, festival-appropriate clothing for Día de Muertos, and a camera or smartphone with ample storage.
❄️ Winter – Dry Season (December to February)
Winter is the driest period in Mexico City and brings some of the clearest skies of the year, making it excellent for photography and open-air excursions. Daytime temperatures range from around 18°C to 20°C, though cold fronts known as nortes can push overnight temperatures close to or below 5°C, particularly in January and February.
December is the busiest and most festive month, centred on Las Posadas (16–24 December), Christmas, and New Year. The city is richly decorated, markets are in full swing, and the atmosphere is convivial. January and February are considerably quieter, representing something of a hidden gem — dry, clear, and calm, without the holiday crowds.
What to pack: A medium-weight coat or insulated jacket, warm layers for evenings and early mornings, a scarf, comfortable smart-casual clothing for festive events, and good walking shoes or boots.
📊 Season at a Glance
✅ Overall Best Time to Visit
The optimum time to visit Mexico City is from late October through to early May, taking in the tail end of autumn and the full dry season. Within that window, November stands out for its extraordinary cultural richness — Día de Muertos is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — whilst March and April offer the finest combination of weather, manageable crowds, and vibrant street life. Travellers seeking quieter streets and crisp clear skies will find January and February particularly rewarding. Mexico City rewards visits at almost any time of year given its altitude, which moderates temperatures year-round, but avoiding the peak of the wet season in June and July will make outdoor exploration considerably more enjoyable.
Vegan Dining in Mexico City
Mexico City has transformed into one of Latin America’s most exciting destinations for plant-based eating. From buzzing street-food carts in Roma Norte to cosy neighbourhood cafés, the city offers an extraordinary range of fully vegan options that rival — and often surpass — their meat-based counterparts.
🌮 Por Siempre Vegana Taquería — Food Cart & Restaurant
One of the most famous names in Mexico City’s vegan scene, Por Siempre Vegana has built a devoted following for its authentic Mexican street tacos made entirely from plants. The menu is extensive, featuring classics such as al pastor, barbacoa, chicharrón, suadero, and bistek — all crafted from soya, seitan, or wheat protein. Sweet treats like cupcakes and doughnuts round off the offering. The original food cart operates on a pavement in Roma Norte and gets very busy at peak times, with queues sometimes stretching to 30 minutes. A sit-down taquería location on Coahuila opened subsequently.
- Location: Food cart: Calle Manzanillo 18, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, 06700 CDMX. Taquería: Coahuila 169, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, 06700 CDMX
- Website: porsiempreveganataqueria.com (best reached via Instagram: @porsiempreveganataqueria)
- Phone: +52 55 6116 6266
- Opening hours:
- Food cart: Mon–Sat 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Taquería: Mon–Sat 2:00 pm – midnight; Sun closed
🌸 La Pitahaya Vegana — Restaurant
La Pitahaya Vegana is instantly recognisable for its iconic pink tortillas, tinted with beetroot and chard, which have made it something of a social media sensation. The menu goes far beyond aesthetics, however — dishes such as Baja tacos, mole mixteco, enfrijoladas, enchiladas, and a pink tofu burger are all prepared with fresh organic ingredients and a genuine commitment to sustainability (the kitchen composts organic waste and recycles inorganics). The bilingual menu and friendly, English-speaking staff make it welcoming to international visitors, and delivery across Mexico City is available. The restaurant is small, so arrive early to secure a seat.
- Location: Calle Querétaro 90, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, 06700 CDMX (second location: Miguel A. de Quevedo 353, Mercado Roma Coyoacán)
- Website: lapitahayavegana.mx
- Phone: +52 55 3902 7792
- Opening hours (Roma Norte):
- Mon, Wed–Fri: 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Sat–Sun: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Closed Tuesday
🍔 Forever Vegano — Restaurant
Forever Vegano (also known simply as “Forever”) is a well-established all-vegan restaurant in Roma Norte with a boho, psychedelic-chic aesthetic that makes it popular for brunch, dates, and casual dinners alike. The menu takes a creative, plant-based approach to Mexican and fusion cooking — standout dishes include the Forever burger made from beans, raw coastal ceviche with coconut, mushroom aguachile, tacos al pastor with marinated mushrooms, and vegan pizza. Cocktails and craft beverages complement the food nicely. A second branch is located in the Polanco neighbourhood. The restaurant is dog-friendly and offers outdoor dining.
- Location: Calle Guanajuato 54, esquina Mérida, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, 06700 CDMX
- Website: forevervegano.com
- Phone: +52 55 6726 0975
- Opening hours:
- Mon–Sat: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Sun: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
☕ Café Vegetal — Café
Café Vegetal is a much-loved, fully vegan café with a warm, cosy atmosphere perfect for a slow breakfast or a working lunch. Its menu spans sweet and savoury ground — expect pancakes, chilaquiles, scrambled tofu, molletes, cinnamon rolls, a wide selection of cakes, and a thoughtfully curated drinks list featuring organic coffee, matcha, almond smoothies, and kombucha. The interiors — wooden furniture, lush greenery — create an inviting neighbourhood feel. Two locations serve the city: one in Narvarte Poniente and one in Coyoacán, not far from the Frida Kahlo Museum. The café is pet-friendly and offers outdoor seating.
- Location:
- Narvarte: Enrique Rébsamen 364, Narvarte Poniente, Benito Juárez, 03020 CDMX
- Coyoacán: Av. Río Churubusco 310, local C, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 CDMX
- Website: cafevegetal.com
- Phone: Not publicly listed — contact via Instagram @cafevegetalmx
- Opening hours:
- Tue–Sun: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Closed Monday
🐟 Paxil – Plant Based Seafood — Food Cart
Paxil is one of the most talked-about and original vegan food stalls in Mexico City, drawing visitors from around the world for its entirely plant-based take on Mexican coastal seafood cuisine. The owner has developed remarkable techniques to recreate the flavours and textures of the sea — tomato becomes raw tuna, various mushrooms stand in for fish, and the results are genuinely astonishing. The menu includes fish tacos, tostadas with “vegatún,” the signature Paxil taco, the Takeshi (a sushi-inspired dish with nori, rice and tamarind sauce), zarandeado, ceviche, and vegan fish and chips. The bright blue and white stall is hard to miss, and queues form quickly at weekends.
- Location: Orizaba 83 (4th stall), Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, 06700 CDMX
- Website: Instagram: @paxil.plantbasedseafood (no standalone website)
- Phone: +52 55 3035 5144
- Opening hours:
- Mon, Wed–Sun: 1:30 pm – 7:00 pm
- Closed Tuesday
🌯 María Bonita Veganos — Food Cart
María Bonita Veganos is a beloved vegan street-food stall in Roma Norte, celebrated for its hearty, affordable, and deeply flavourful food. The menu is a highlight reel of Mexican street classics — massive burritos, tortas (particularly the crispy milanesa torta, a firm favourite), gringas, tacos, hamburgers, and hot dogs, all made with alt-meat substitutes. Daily rotating lunch specials offer a soup, main, salad, and drink at very reasonable prices. The portions are generous, the staff are friendly, and there is a small counter where you can eat on the spot, or you can take your food to nearby Plaza Río de Janeiro.
- Location: Calle Durango 65, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, 06700 CDMX
- Website: Instagram: @mariabonita.veganos (no standalone website)
- Phone: +52 55 8863 5880
- Opening hours:
- Daily: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm (hours may vary — check Instagram for upd
Where to stay in Mexico City
1. City Centro Cuidad de Mexico
City Centro by Marriott Ciudad de México sits in the historic heart of Mexico City, on Republica de Uruguay in the Centro district. The building has real heritage credentials — it was designed by the Mariscal brothers, the same architects behind the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the original ceilings, floors and one of the city’s oldest lifts are still in place. The hotel has 44 rooms, an outdoor rooftop pool, a gym, a restaurant and a bar. Madero Street and the Torre Latinoamericana are a short walk away, and Benito Juárez International Airport is around ten minutes by car. It is a solid, characterful mid-range option for travellers who want to be close to the main sights without staying in a bland business hotel.
2. Hotel Villa Condesa
Hotel Villa Condesa is a small boutique hotel with 15 rooms, set in a converted mansion in Roma Norte, one of Mexico City’s most liveable neighbourhoods. The area is walkable, lined with tree-shaded streets, independent restaurants and cafés, and is well connected by metro. Rooms are individually decorated with classic touches — wooden floors, sash windows — and the better ones include balconies overlooking the interior courtyard. Breakfast is included and well regarded by guests. There is an on-site restaurant serving Mexican and international dishes, a rooftop terrace, a garden, and bike rental for those who want to explore the city under their own steam. Staff consistently receive strong reviews for being attentive and helpful. Chapultepec Park and Paseo de la Reforma are both within easy reach on foot.
3. Hotel MX Roma
Hotel MX Roma sits on Calle Mérida 81 in Roma Norte, one of Mexico City’s most appealing neighbourhoods for eating, drinking, and general wandering. Part of the Wyndham Trademark Collection, it is a four-star, smoke-free property with 46 air-conditioned rooms, a rooftop terrace, a gym, and a squash court. Free breakfast and Wi-Fi are included, and there is paid parking on site. The location earns consistently high marks from guests — Insurgentes metro station is a short walk away, and the restaurant Rosetta is practically on the doorstep. It is not a large or lavish hotel, but as a well-priced, well-placed base for exploring the city, it does the job reliably well..
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