With a cultural heritage spanning from the Aztecs to lucha libre wrestling, abundant museums and some of the world’s best restaurants, Mexico City is shaking off its crime-and-grime image and moving on from its stopover status.
This sprawling megalopolis sits in a highland basin encircled by mountains, 2,250m above sea level. Its regenerated Centro Histórico, a rich mix of architectural styles, stands on top of the former Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán. The city has since survived colonisation, revolution, earthquakes and more, and Chilangos are fiercely proud of their home.
It’s now a blend of old and new, from ancient ruins to striking modern architecture, ramshackle markets to chic boutiques and street food to fusion restaurants. Indeed, banish thoughts of tasteless Tex Mex: Mexican cuisine has been granted Unesco ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ status.
This sprawling megalopolis sits in a highland basin encircled by mountains, 2,250m above sea level. Its regenerated Centro Histórico, a rich mix of architectural styles, stands on top of the former Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán. The city has since survived colonisation, revolution, earthquakes and more, and Chilangos are fiercely proud of their home.
It’s now a blend of old and new, from ancient ruins to striking modern architecture, ramshackle markets to chic boutiques and street food to fusion restaurants. Indeed, banish thoughts of tasteless Tex Mex: Mexican cuisine has been granted Unesco ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ status.
At the airport
Benito Juárez International Airport is 5km east of the city. It’s big, modern and efficient, with two terminals linked by a monorail. On arrival, you may need to apply for a tourist card: to get this, complete an immigration form (usually given out on the flight). Don’t lose the card, you need it to leave the country. In Arrivals there are information booths, currency exchanges and ATMs.
Getting into town
Authorised taxis are readily available; ignore the non-official taxi touts hanging around the terminal. Buy your pre-paid fare from a booth of the Transporte Terrestre and then join the line. Rates are set by zone and are per vehicle not per person, so don’t be pressured into taking a larger vehicle than you need.
Alternatively book a private transfer in advance with a company such as Mexico Airport Transfers (around £15pp) or through your hotel (usually more expensive).
Terminal Aérea Metro station is near Terminal 1. It’s on Line 5; you will probably need to change. Other ways to arrive Greyhound offers bus services across the US. In Mexico, first-class bus operators are UNO, running services to the south-east, and ETN (www.etn.com.mx), running services to north-central Mexico.
Alternatively book a private transfer in advance with a company such as Mexico Airport Transfers (around £15pp) or through your hotel (usually more expensive).
Terminal Aérea Metro station is near Terminal 1. It’s on Line 5; you will probably need to change. Other ways to arrive Greyhound offers bus services across the US. In Mexico, first-class bus operators are UNO, running services to the south-east, and ETN (www.etn.com.mx), running services to north-central Mexico.
The city has four main bus terminals: Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte connects to the north; Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente connects to the east; Terminal Central de Autobuses Sur, connects to the south; Terminal de Autobuses del Poniente connects to the west. No passenger trains link to Mexico City currently.
