Mexico City

Orientation

The national capital of Mexico, Mexico City, is an exciting city with a rich history, a fascinating present and a promising future. With its massive urban settlement, the city is a melting pot of colours, people, business and entertainment.

City Facts

• Mexico City Population: 18,131,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Mexico Population: 98,881,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Currency: Mexican New Peso (MXP)
• Time Zone: GMT -6 hours (GMT -5 from first Sunday of April to last Sunday of October)
• Language : Spanish
  

Weather

Weather Forecast

Climate

Temperatures do not vary greatly from season to season, but the temperatures differ greatly between day and night. Mexico City's rainy season is between June and September, while the dry months are December and January.

Travel Tips

Arts and Events

The three-week “Festival del Centro Historico” is Mexico City's largest cultural event in March every year. The massive celebration of classical music, popular music, dance, art and theatre, etc. takes over all available plazas, palaces, halls and theatres in the city.

Dining

Mexico City has a long tradition as Mexico's culinary capital. The local cuisines have a unique Mexican flavour, which is enhanced by Spanish and French influences. Famous dishes include “Chiles en Nogada”, a large poblano chilli stuffed with pork, raisins, onion, olives and almonds topped with a creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds; and “Sopa Azteca”, a hearty soup of avocado and tortilla. The city has over 15,000 restaurants, offering a huge variety of local and international menus.

Tipping Advice

Tipping is usually expected, as Mexico is not a rich country. Restaurant waiters should be tipped around 10-15% of the bill, taxi drivers about 4 to 8MXP, while hotel bell boys expect a tip of approximately 7MXP, and maids about 3MXP per night.

Transportation

The Mexican inter-city bus system is convenient and inexpensive. There are two grades of buses available – First Class, which has air-conditioning and stewardess service; and Second Class, which is the no frills option. Fare difference between the two is only little, and visitors are urged to travel First Class.

Train travel is more comfortable and considerably safer, but also more expensive. Again, the highest class of travel, the Primera Especial class, is recommended for day-trip travellers, and the Pullman service for overnight travel.

Arriving by Air

Mexico City International Airport serves the capital with international and domestic flights.

Getting Around Mexico City

Visitors planning on getting around Mexico City by driving must observe “Dia Sin Auto”, one of the city's air pollution control measures. For one day each week, cars with the selected number as the last digit of the vehicle's license plate are not permitted on Mexico City roads. Visitors should check their cars' day by checking the official list at tourist offices or road signs.

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