Why visit
Mexico City is pre-Aztec, colonial, and cutting-edge at once. Zócalo, Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul, Teotihuacan ruins 40 minutes out, Roma Norte restaurants, and Xochimilco's canals.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Mexico City is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Mexico. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Mexico City, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Mexico better matches the trip style.
Mexico City at a glance
City population
9.2 million
Metro: 22.3 million
Elevation
2,240 m
7,349 ft
Time zone
UTC-6 (UTC-5 DST)
America/Mexico_City
Airport
MEX
Benito Juárez International
Founded
1325 (Tenochtitlan)
Getting around
Metro (12 lines), Metrobús, Cablebús (cable car), Ecobici bikeshare
Signature dish
Tacos al pastor, mole poblano, pozole, chilaquiles, pambazo
Neighborhoods for travelers
RomaCondesaCoyoacánPolancoCentro Histórico
Mexico at a glance
Country center
23.0°, -102.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
1,964,375 km²
758,449 mi²
Country population
128.5 million
65/km²
Subregion
North America
Currency
Mexican peso ($)
MXN
Dial
+52
Language
Spanish
Demonym
Mexican
Internet
.mx
UN
Member state
ISO code
MX / MEX
Where in the world
23.0° - -102.0°
Mexico
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Mexico City sits at 2,240 m altitude: expect shortness of breath for the first day.
- The city is built on a drained lake (Lake Texcoco) and is sinking up to 50 cm per year in places.
- The National Autonomous University has 350,000 students: one of the largest universities in the world.
- Mexico City is slowly sinking: up to 50 cm per year in some districts: because it was built on a drained lakebed.
- Mexico has 34 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: more than any other country in the Americas.
Bordering Mexico
Traveler notes
- CDMX altitude (2,250 m). Acclimatize for a day
- Museum of Anthropology is world-class
- Tacos al pastor, mole poblano, tlayudas
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Mexico City
What currency is used in Mexico City?
Mexico City uses the Mexican peso ($), ISO code MXN.
What languages are spoken in Mexico?
The primary language is Spanish.
What is the international calling code for Mexico?
The calling code is +52.
What airport serves Mexico City?
Benito Juárez International (IATA: MEX).
Is Mexico City at high altitude?
Yes, Mexico City sits at 2,240 m (7,349 ft). Give yourself a day or two to acclimatize.
Other North America destinations
Seattle
Seattle is Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Chihuly glass garden, ferry rides, and Mount Rainier + Olympic National Park 2 hours out.
Honolulu
Honolulu (Oahu) is Waikiki beach, Diamond Head crater, Pearl Harbor, North Shore surf, and a food culture that invented poke.
Vancouver
Vancouver is Stanley Park's seawall, Granville Island's market, Gastown's restored old streets, and the North Shore mountains + Whistler 2 hours away.
Montreal
Montreal is French-speaking Canada. Old Montreal's stone streets, Plateau Mont-Royal cafés, Mile End's bagels, and festivals every summer weekend.
Quebec City
Quebec City has North America's only walled Old Town. Château Frontenac, Petit Champlain, the Plains of Abraham, and winter Carnaval.
Toronto
Toronto is CN Tower, Kensington Market, Toronto Islands, St. Lawrence Market, and some of the most diverse ethnic food in North America across neighborhoods.