When I booked my trip to Mexico City, it was a last-minute, not-very-well-planned, thing. I didn’t know much about it or what was there, but I assumed I’d at least get some good food and the opportunity to practice my Spanish a bit. And of course, Southwest Airlines – my airline of choice – flies there as one of their few international destinations. It cost me 15,000 points + $100 round-trip. Not a bad deal.
I spent five days in Ciudad de Mexico (CDMX, as you’ll see it abbreviated) as a solo female traveler. And I felt very safe the entire time, by the way. In the days since I’ve returned home, I haven’t been able to stop recommending it to my friends and family.
Here are a few things everyone should know about visiting Mexico City.
1. It’s the most affordable place I’ve ever visited
I went to Cambodia in the fall, and I never thought I’d go anywhere that I could get a full meal for a lower price. The exchange rate from $USD to $MEX (pesos) is about $1 USD = $18 MEX. At first, it was startling to see that a bus ticket from the airport to the city was $30… until I realized that was $30 MEX, or less than $2 USD. A ride on the subway was $10 MEX, sweet bread from a street vendor was $4.50 MEX, and entry to the famous Anthropology Museum was $70 MEX. When I travel, I usually make a decent-sized withdrawal of local currency from the ATM immediately upon arrival. This was the first place where I ever had money left over… almost half of what I’d taken out!
2. Mexico City is big in every way
Here’s a fun little comparison.
New York City, USA
Population (2016): 8.5 million
Metro population: 19.8 milion
Area: 305 mi²
Mexico City, Mexico
Population (2016): 8.9 million
Metro population: 21.2 million
Area: 573 mi²
I had no idea CDMX was bigger, population-wise, than New York City. It’s the most populous city in the Western Hemisphere. Also, it’s almost twice as big as NYC geographically! As my flight prepared for landing and I looked out the window, I was struck by how dense, yet sprawling, the city seemed to be. And after five days, I’m pretty sure I only saw a very, very small piece. Even though my phone tells me I walked 36 miles, which I now know is nothing, given the size. So bring your walking shoes and get ready for some cardio.
3. Knowing basic Spanish will really help you
Yes, I was a Spanish major in college, but I also haven’t used it regularly in nearly three years. Despite being a bit rusty, I tried my best when ordering food, asking for directions, and reading placards at museums. I got the impression that many of the people I interacted with – like Uber drivers and street vendors – are not comfortable speaking English. They spoke to me only in Spanish, even when it became apparent I was not a native speaker. Of course, anyone in the tourism industry will have a good level of English, but it’s not as widespread as in other places I have visited. You’ll have an easier time if you know some basics en español.
Okay, now who’s ready for un viaje to Mexico City? What else do you want to know? Leave me a comment!
-Cathy
Originally Published on April 22, 2018.
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