State · Cidade do México

Cidade do México

The capital of Mexico, at 2,240 meters altitude: the historic center and the Zócalo, the National Museum of Anthropology, Coyoacán, Xochimilco and the Teotihuacan pyramids nearby.

In the photo: Xochimilco

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The state

Get to know Cidade do México

Mexico City is the country’s capital and one of the largest urban areas in the world, located in a valley surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, at 2,240 meters altitude. It was built on top of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, which stood on an island in Lake Texcoco. Today it is its own federative entity, with the same status as a state.

The historic center, a World Heritage Site, revolves around the Zócalo, one of the largest squares in the world, with the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace and Diego Rivera’s murals, and the ruins of the Templo Mayor. A few blocks away is the Palacio de Bellas Artes, next to the Alameda Central.

Chapultepec Park houses the National Museum of Anthropology, with the Sun Stone and galleries for each people of ancient Mexico, and the castle on the hilltop. Coyoacán has the Casa Azul, where Frida Kahlo lived, and San Ángel contains her and Diego Rivera’s houses and studios. To the south, the canals of Xochimilco are navigated in colorful boats, the trajineras, and the University City, with its murals, is also a World Heritage Site.

Neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa gather tree-lined squares and early-20th-century houses. Street food is part of the experience: tacos al pastor, quesadillas, tamales and chilaquiles. About 50 km away, in the State of Mexico, are the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon at Teotihuacan, visited from the capital. Day of the Dead, from October 31 to November 2, fills the city with altars and cempasúchil flowers.

When to go

From October to April there is little rain and days are usually sunny; from December to February mornings and nights are cold because of the altitude. From May to September it rains almost every late afternoon, in short, heavy showers. The city is 3 hours behind Brasília.

Getting there

Mexico City International Airport (MEX) is the main gateway to the country and is about 10 km from the center. Connections with Brazil may be direct flights or with a stopover, depending on the season and the airline. Confirm before booking. The metro, Metrobús buses, authorized taxis and ride‑hailing apps connect the airport with the city. The capital is also the hub for highways and long‑distance buses to Puebla, Querétaro, Morelos and the rest of the country.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Cidade do México

How many days to stay in Mexico City?

Three to four days allow you to see the historic center, the National Museum of Anthropology, Coyoacán and Xochimilco, and to reserve a day for Teotihuacan.

Does Mexico City’s altitude make a difference?

The city is at 2,240 meters, and in the first days some people feel tired and short of breath when climbing stairs. Drinking water and taking it easy on the first day usually helps.

How to go from Mexico City to Teotihuacan?

By bus, which departs from Terminal Norte, by car or on tours departing from the capital. The trip takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic.

When to visit the National Museum of Anthropology?

It is open Tuesday through Sunday. The collection is large, and half a day is the minimum for the main galleries; check opening days and hours before you go.

What is Day of the Dead like in Mexico City?

Between October 31 and November 2 the city sets up altars with photos, candles and cempasúchil flowers in squares, museums and homes, and there is often a parade in the center. Cemeteries and the Xochimilco area also host many families.

Tap a state to see its destinations. Limites: INEGI / geoBoundaries (CC BY 3.0 IGO). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.