Mexico City, a sprawling metropolis brimming with history, culture, and culinary delights, consistently ranks as a top global destination. Its allure is undeniable, drawing in both national and international visitors year after year. From ancient landmarks to vibrant neighborhoods and a world-renowned food scene, Mexico City offers an unforgettable travel experience. My partner and I immersed ourselves in this incredible city for six nights, dedicating significant time to research beforehand, exploring countless blogs and travel vlogs. In this guide, I’ll share our insights, address common questions, and ease any anxieties you might have about planning a family trip to this captivating urban center.
A grey and red church in Mexico City, Mexico
Planning Your Mexico City Family Trip: Essential Questions Answered
Navigating a city as vast and dynamic as Mexico City can feel daunting, especially when traveling with family. However, with a bit of preparation, your family vacation to Mexico City can be smooth, enriching, and incredibly fun. Let’s address some key questions to help you plan your perfect family adventure.
What are the Must-See Family Attractions in Mexico City?
Mexico City is an exciting playground for families, offering a wealth of attractions to captivate all ages. Forget boredom – this city boasts over 150 museums alone, ranging from historical explorations to quirky and unique themes like the Tequila and Mezcal Museum (perhaps for the adults!). A true highlight for families is the National Museum of Anthropology, a vast complex showcasing Mexico’s rich and fascinating history through stunning artifacts. Art-loving families will adore the Frida Kahlo Museum, nestled in the iconic blue house where Mexico’s most celebrated artist lived and worked. In the Historic Center, step back in time amidst magnificent colonial-era architecture, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, and explore the ancient Aztec ruins of Templo Mayor, a powerful reminder of the city’s pre-colonial past.
Beyond museums and historical sites, Mexico City’s vibrant culture is best experienced through its food. While Mexican food is globally popular, experiencing it in Mexico City is a whole different level of deliciousness. Introduce your family to the authentic flavors of Mexico with countless dishes and regional specialties, many of which you might not find elsewhere. From incredible street food stalls offering tasty and affordable treats to world-class restaurants like Pujol, there’s something to satisfy every palate and budget. For evening family fun (perhaps with older children), explore the lively neighborhoods like Roma Norte, known for its fantastic atmosphere and delicious Mezcal-based drinks for the adults to enjoy responsibly after a day of sightseeing.
How Many Days in Mexico City is Ideal for a Family Trip?
While you could easily spend weeks, even months, exploring Mexico City and still uncover new treasures, most family vacations are limited in time. For a fulfilling family trip that covers the main tourist attractions and popular neighborhoods, I recommend a stay of 3 to 4 days. Our six-night stay allowed us to take a day trip to Teotihuacán (a definite highlight and highly recommended for families!), providing a deeper dive into Mexico’s ancient history. However, even with 3-4 days, you can create a memorable family itinerary. If you have more flexibility, extending your stay to five to seven days would allow for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to explore more of what Mexico City has to offer at a comfortable rhythm for everyone, especially with children.
When is the Best Time to Visit Mexico City with Kids?
The most pleasant time to plan your Mexico City family vacation is during the dry season, which runs from October to April. We visited in February and found it to be an excellent time. Days were generally warm and sunny, perfect for exploring outdoors, while evenings were cooler. Expect nighttime temperatures to drop to around 7-10°C (45-50°F) during the dry season, so packing layers, including jackets and hoodies, is a good idea for family members of all ages.
The rainy season extends from May to September, bringing warmer temperatures and, as the name suggests, rain. While rain might not be ideal for constant outdoor activities, it can also offer a different perspective and fewer crowds at some attractions.
For a truly unique cultural experience, consider visiting Mexico City at the beginning of November for the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) celebrations. The city comes alive with vibrant colors, decorations, and traditions, including a massive citywide parade held on the Saturday preceding the actual holiday. This is a visually stunning and culturally rich experience that can be very engaging for children, offering a respectful and fascinating introduction to Mexican traditions.
Remember to factor in Mexico City’s high altitude. Located at approximately 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level, the altitude can affect visitors, especially young children and those not accustomed to higher elevations. Altitude sickness can be a concern. Combined with potential traffic fumes and air pollution, it’s wise to build some flexibility into your family itinerary. Allow for rest days or slower-paced activities to help everyone acclimatize, especially during the first couple of days. Staying hydrated is also crucial for mitigating altitude sickness.
Is Mexico City Safe for Families?
Generally, yes, Mexico City is safe for families. Like any large city around the world, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take sensible precautions, but overall, tourist areas are well-policed and safe to explore with your family. While negative news stories about Mexico can sometimes create unwarranted fear, it’s essential to remember that Mexico welcomes millions of tourists each year, and the vast majority experience no issues. Tourism is a significant part of the Mexican economy, and the government invests heavily in ensuring visitor safety, particularly in popular tourist zones.
If you’ve traveled to other major cities with your family, the same common-sense safety practices apply in Mexico City. Being vigilant, trusting your instincts, and avoiding known unsafe areas, especially at night, will contribute significantly to a safe and enjoyable family trip. I am generally quite safety-conscious and never felt uneasy or unsafe during our time in Mexico City.
When using public transportation, particularly in crowded areas, be mindful of your belongings and potential pickpockets. Wearing backpacks on your chest with straps securely over your shoulders is a good preventative measure. For handbags, keep them zipped and close to your body, ideally with your hand over the fastening. Avoid keeping valuables in easily accessible front or back pockets. If you prefer less crowded travel, consider avoiding rush hour on public transport (typically 7 am-9 am and 5 pm-7 pm).
For families with female members, Mexico City’s metro and buses offer women-only sections. On the metro, these are usually the front carriages, and on buses, they are clearly designated sections at the front or back. These spaces are exclusively for women and children, providing an added layer of comfort and security, especially for solo female travelers or mothers with children.
It’s also worth being aware of reports about occasional corrupt police encounters. While extortion is not widespread, it’s wise to be informed. Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations, and be mindful of actions that might be considered illegal in Mexico but not in your home country (e.g., public drinking in certain areas). If stopped by police, assess the situation carefully and use your best judgment on how to proceed. Some travelers choose to pay a small sum to avoid lengthy arguments, while others insist on proper procedures. Staying calm and polite is always advisable.
Getting Around Mexico City with Family: Transportation Tips
Mexico City boasts an excellent and affordable public transportation system, making it easy to navigate the city with your family. The extensive network of buses and metro lines is efficient and user-friendly. The metro system, with 12 color-coded and numbered lines, is remarkably clear and well-organized compared to many other major cities. Lines 1, 2, 3, and 8 are particularly useful for reaching the historic center and popular neighborhoods like Roma Norte, Roma Sud, and La Condesa. You can easily find a metro map online or at stations.
Metro journeys are incredibly inexpensive, costing only 5 pesos per ride, while buses are just 6 pesos. If you plan to use public transport frequently as a family, purchasing a rechargeable Mexico City Metro Card is highly recommended. This eliminates the need to buy individual tickets each time. Metro Cards cost 15 pesos and can be easily topped up with credit at any metro or metrobús station. Some authorized retailers around the city also offer card recharging services.
In addition to regular buses, Metrobuses are a special type of bus that run at street level, often mirroring metro lines. Metrobuses offer the advantage of direct routes across the city, potentially saving travel time. Metrobús rides also cost 6 pesos and are payable with your Metro Card.
Is There Uber in the City?
Yes, Uber is readily available and very affordable in Mexico City. Many residents and tourists use Uber extensively, day and night, as a convenient and often preferred alternative to driving or solely relying on public transport, especially when traveling with family. Using Uber at night is particularly recommended for families, offering a safer and more comfortable transportation option, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area or traveling with children. Ubers are generally considered safer than regular taxis, as they are tracked and drivers are registered, although it’s always prudent to confirm the driver and car details before getting in.
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Mexico City: Where to Stay
Mexico City offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and appeal, making choosing family accommodation a key part of planning. Consider the atmosphere you desire, proximity to attractions, and transportation links when deciding where to stay with your family. While dozens of neighborhoods exist, here are some of the most popular and family-friendly options:
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Centro Histórico (Historic Center): Staying here places you in the heart of the action, within walking distance of many major tourist attractions. Excellent public transport connections and a wide array of accommodation, restaurants, and street food options make it convenient for families. However, it can be noisy and crowded, which might not be ideal if you prefer a quiet retreat after a day of sightseeing with children.
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Roma Norte: Known for its picturesque streets, beautiful architecture, and a relaxed, bohemian vibe, Roma Norte is a charming family-friendly choice. It boasts fantastic restaurants, cute cafes, and proximity to large green spaces like Chapultepec Park and Parque Mexico. It’s a walkable and generally safe neighborhood, perfect for families who enjoy exploring on foot and prefer a chilled atmosphere.
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La Condesa: Similar to Roma Norte but slightly more lively, La Condesa retains a family-friendly atmosphere while offering a bit more buzz, especially in the evenings. It’s home to some of Mexico City’s best nightlife spots (more for parents, perhaps!), alongside beautiful parks like Parque Mexico and Parque España, offering green escapes for families.
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Coyoacán: Considered Mexico City’s “colorful neighborhood,” Coyoacán exudes a safe, family-friendly, artistic, and bohemian atmosphere. It features contemporary art galleries, museums, and popular markets. However, it’s located about 40 minutes south of the historic center, so relying on Uber or public transport will be necessary to reach other parts of the city.
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Polanco: For families seeking a luxurious experience, Polanco is Mexico City’s poshest neighborhood. Expect upscale hotels, pristine parks, high-end restaurants, swanky cocktail bars, and designer shopping. Avenida Masaryk, its main shopping street, is nicknamed the “Rodeo Drive of Mexico City.” Polanco is noticeably more expensive than other areas, but offers a high-end family travel experience.
When booking accommodation, we often use Airbnb for stays longer than three or four nights, appreciating the space and family-friendly amenities. For hotels and hostels, we compare options on Booking.com, Hostelworld, and Agoda, paying close attention to price, location, and reading recent reviews for any potential issues, such as noise or lack of hot water.
What are the Parts of Mexico City to Avoid with Family?
Based on research and local advice, it’s generally recommended to avoid neighborhoods like Tepito, Doctores, Iztapalapa, and Ciudad Neza, especially when traveling with family. These areas are reported to have higher crime rates compared to other parts of the city. As a tourist, especially with children, it’s unlikely you would have reason to visit these neighborhoods anyway. Sticking to the well-known tourist areas and recommended family-friendly neighborhoods will ensure a safer and more comfortable experience.
Mexico City on a Family Budget: Is it Affordable?
Mexico City is a fantastic destination for family travel on various budgets. It truly caters to all spending styles. For budget-conscious families, it’s entirely possible to manage on around €30 per person per day. This could include staying in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels or very basic hotels (family rooms might be available), utilizing the affordable metro and bus system, and enjoying delicious and cheap street food – tacos can be found for as little as 12 pesos each! Sightseeing is also budget-friendly, with many museums offering entry for around €5 euros.
Our spending averaged around €90 per day (for two people, including accommodation). We opted for a comfortable Airbnb apartment, enjoyed meals at a mix of mid-range and higher-end restaurants (along with street food), went to bars, engaged in plenty of sightseeing activities, and used Ubers for convenience. For a balanced family trip, budgeting around €40-€60 per person per day (including accommodation) is a reasonable estimate, depending on your accommodation choices and activity levels. Adjust this based on your family’s needs and preferences.
Staying Connected: Wifi and SIM Cards for Families in Mexico City
Free public wifi is not widely available in Mexico City, so relying solely on it is not practical, especially for families needing to navigate, communicate, and perhaps keep children entertained with online content. Purchasing a cheap Mexican SIM card with data is highly recommended for families. This ensures you always have access to maps, translation apps, can easily call an Uber, and stay connected. You can buy SIM cards at the airport or at Oxxo convenience stores throughout the city (Mexico’s equivalent to 7-Eleven). Airport prices are typically about 25% higher, so consider purchasing one after settling into your accommodation if you want to save a little.
Telcel is the largest and most reputable mobile service provider in Mexico, offering the best network coverage. For around 200 pesos (€10/$11 USD), you can get a prepaid SIM card with 3 Gigabytes of data valid for 30 days. Telcel prepaid plans usually include unlimited calls and texts within Mexico, as well as unlimited social media usage (Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter) which doesn’t count against your data allowance – perfect for sharing family photos and staying in touch! Topping up your data (recarga) is easy at any Oxxo or Telcel store if needed.
Food and Drink Safety for Families in Mexico City
Tap water in Mexico City is not safe for drinking, which is crucial to remember for family health. Consider these options for safe drinking water:
- Check if your accommodation provides filtered water. Many hotels and Airbnbs offer filtered water dispensers for guest use.
- Invest in reusable water bottles with built-in filters, such as Lifestraw or Water-To-Go bottles. These are excellent for travel and environmentally friendly.
- Purchase large bottles of bottled water to keep in your Airbnb or hotel room. Oxxo stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets sell large 20-liter containers for around €2-3, which can last a family for several days.
Will My Family Get Food Poisoning?
Unfortunately, stomach upsets are common for visitors to Mexico, often due to different bacteria in the food and water. It’s so prevalent it’s even nicknamed “Moctezuma’s revenge.” This is often associated with street food and uncooked vegetables. While street food is a delicious part of the Mexico City experience, exercising some caution is wise, especially with children. Opt for stalls that appear busy and clean, and ensure food is cooked fresh and hot. Bringing anti-diarrhea medication is a good precaution, particularly if you have long travel days planned.
Tipping in Mexico City: A Family Travel Guide
For good service in restaurants and bars, a 10% tip is standard. For exceptional service, 15% or even 20% is appreciated. Tipping for street food is not customary but would be kindly received. Service charges are generally not included in bills, so tipping is expected for good service. While tipping is customary, you are ultimately under no obligation if you are unsatisfied with the service.
Language in Mexico City: Will We Be Able to Communicate as a Family?
In tourist areas of Mexico City, you’ll find that around 50% of service staff (waiters, bartenders, shop vendors) speak some English. However, making an effort to learn basic Spanish phrases is highly recommended and greatly appreciated by locals. It enhances your family’s travel experience and shows respect for the local culture. Learning key phrases like “hola” (hello), “gracias” (thank you), “por favor” (please), and “cuánto cuesta?” (how much does it cost?) will go a long way. Using free language learning apps like Duolingo or watching beginner Spanish videos on YouTube can be a fun and helpful family activity before your trip.
I hope this family-friendly guide has been useful in planning your Mexico City adventure! Looking for more Mexico travel inspiration? Explore my 4-week itinerary for Mexico for more ideas on where to explore beyond Mexico City. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask them in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to assist you.
Ciao for now,
Izzie, the Curious Sparrow
