First time visit to Mexico City

For transportation, I recommend using DiDi, Mexico’s equivalent of Uber. It’s often more affordable, offers a cash payment option, and has a strong reputation for safety. In fact, DiDi introduced features such as ride recording and enhanced safety tools before Uber adopted similar options. It’s also my preferred way to get to and from the airport, helping you avoid the overpriced taxi services that often target tourists.

Mexico is generally a safe destination, but it’s always wise to use common sense. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or expensive designer clothing that may draw unwanted attention. Bring a comfortable backpack, as you’ll likely do a lot of walking and it comes in handy for carrying purchases and daily essentials.

If this is your first trip to Mexico, your body may need some time to adjust to unfamiliar food, water, and bacteria. Mild digestive issues, including diarrhea, are fairly common among travelers. If that happens, don’t panic—local pharmacies are usually very helpful and can recommend appropriate medications to relieve symptoms and treat the underlying cause when necessary. (An antibiotic mixed with an anti-diarrhea is what they sold me)

Overall, Mexico is a wonderful place to visit, and most travelers have no issues. Trust your instincts while exploring. If a location or situation feels uncomfortable or unsafe, listen to that feeling and head elsewhere. A little awareness and good judgment go a long way toward having an enjoyable trip.

Mi Compa Chava in Roma Norte serves excellent seafood, your pescatarian friend will have a great time there.

Go see some lucha libre matches at Arena México! It’s so fun.

We did an airbnb guided tour of the historic city center (Zócalo) with an anthropologist and it was really fantastic and informative. The guide’s name was Jose Miguel.

If you’re interested in architecture, Casa Barragán is a very cool place to visit. It’s timed entry with limited openings, so buy tickets early.

Here is a list of Michelin star restaurants in Mexico City. Some require a reservation. The ones I’ve gone to were not super expensive. One thing about Mexico is you won’t go hungry. Food is everywhere and cheap.

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/ciudad-de-mexico/restaurants

I really enjoyed using CDMX's subway system, gondala lifts, walking around different neighborhoods like Polanco, Granada, Roma, etc.

Mexico City has a lot of different variety of neighborhoods. There are some poorer neighborhoods, but a lot of the crime in the city is mobile so you do need to be aware of your surroundings. If you do that and don't go to random places without doing a little bit of research first then you should be perfectly fine.

The best and cheapest food has to be tacos de suadero. There's this one food truck Taquerias Cholula that will give you like 5 full tacos with beef brisket and a bunch of limes and it cost like 15mxn ($0.86) for everything. It's really crazy and so good 🤤

There should be no shortage of vegetarian adjacent food in the tourist areas and even sometimes beyond as people are becoming more health conscious. But most traditional restaurants "menú del día" will be a protein like pork or chicken with some other good stuff.

I've never been, but Mexico City is built on top of the former Aztec capital. So, I'd check out the ruins if you can