How to Explore Mexico City on Your Own/如何独自探索墨西哥城
Unveiling Mexico City: A Solo Travel Guide Based on My Personal Experience/墨西哥城：我亲身经历的独自旅行指南
Mexico City, the largest city and capital of Mexico, attracts backpackers and digital nomads from Europe and the United States. This year, I visited there for the second time, and I’d like to share some personal advice as a solo male traveler and digital nomad.
Getting There:
You have two main options to reach Mexico City: take a long-distance bus or hop on a plane.
The easiest and most common way is by flying into Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), the primary airport serving Mexico City.
If you’re in a neighboring city or country, long-distance buses are an option. Mexico City has several bus terminals serving different regions, like TAPO, Observatorio, and others. So, make sure you know which one you’ll be in.
Accommodation:
Most online research suggests areas like Roma, Condesa, or Polanco for a vibrant atmosphere, good dining options, and cultural attractions.
However, I have a cooler option — Coyoacán, a suburb in the southern part of Mexico City, is a charming and historic neighborhood known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic ambiance. It’s safe, convenient to live in, and easy to commute from. So, I’d recommend finding an apartment here if possible.
However, I have to point out that when staying in Mexico City, travelers can expect to pay a tax rate of approximately 19%, making accommodation significantly more expensive than in other Latin American countries.
Food:
Mexico City is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse and flavorful culinary experience.
One highlight is its vibrant street food culture, featuring tacos, tamales, elote (grilled corn), and churros. You can find a wide array of delicious and affordable options while exploring the streets.
Mexico City also has a thriving café culture and a diverse range of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Explore neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, and Polanco for trendy and eclectic culinary experiences.
Whether you’re a fan of street food adventures, traditional Mexican dishes, or contemporary culinary creations, Mexico City has something to satisfy every palate.
Influenced by the USA, there is a strong tipping culture, so be prepared to give around 10% as tips.
Transportation:
I recommend using the metro, one of the most efficient ways to get around Mexico City. It’s a cost-effective (5 pesos as of 2023) and quick option for avoiding traffic.
Apps like Uber and Didi operate in Mexico City, providing a reliable and often more secure alternative to traditional taxis. They are widely used and can be convenient for getting around.
Electronic Payments:
It’s not quite common or impressive. Surely, supermarkets and fancy restaurants accept cards, but most small vendors accept cash only or ask for a very high percentage of commission extra, making it necessary to carry cash with you.
Fortunately, a Union Pay debit card works for Chinese visitors. I checked several banks and ATMs, finding out that Santander banks offer the cheapest transactions of around 30 pesos, regardless of how much you withdraw.
Safety:
Like all big cities in the world, crimes are not uncommon. But if you stay wise and in the right suburb, the risk will be much lower.
I’ve never been robbed or physically attacked, though I was scammed once many years ago.
Shared Workspace:
I didn’t find many free spots to work with high-speed internet in Mexico City. Though I tried some cafes in Roma and Condesa, they have a co-working vibe, but the cost is pricey considering that you have to order something and pay the tips.
However, when I was traveling and met more Mexicanos, one of them told me you can always look for a biblioteca in every city to go there for free internet, and Biblioteca Vasconcelos is one of them.
Sightseeing:
While Mexico City is famous for its numerous museums and many other attractions and vibrant nightlife, smartly arranging your schedule is very important:
For a Tight Schedule and Budget:
- Explore Chapultepec Park: It’s massive, with a castle, museums, and beautiful green spaces. Free to enter.
- Check out the National Museum of Anthropology: Learn about Mexico’s rich history and culture.
Entrance fee: 90 pesos as of 2023.
- Paseo de la Reforma: Take a stroll along this iconic avenue, lined with monuments, shops, and cafes.
- Condesa and Roma Neighborhoods: Enjoy the trendy vibes, hip cafes, and stylish boutiques in these fashionable areas.
- Roam around Zocalo: The historic heart of the city with its grand square and cathedral.
Here you can see:
Museo Nacional de las Culturas (free to enter).
Templo Mayor: Explore the ruins of the ancient Aztec temple in the heart of the city. Entrance fee: 90 pesos as of 2023.
Palacio de Bellas Artes: Admire the stunning architecture and catch a cultural performance. Free to enter and look around; tickets needed for events/shows.
La Ciudadela: Shop for authentic Mexican crafts and souvenirs in this vibrant market. Accessible by metro Bellas Artes, and a 10-minute walk.
- Visit Teotihuacan: Explore the ancient pyramids and feel the history. Note: Climbing the pyramids is not allowed.
- Go to Xochimilco: Float along the canals in colorful boats and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
- Museo Soumaya: Explore a diverse collection of art, including works by European masters and Mexican artists. Free to enter. Nearby Museo Jumex is also free to get in.
After that, you can explore a bit of Polanco, a completely different world.
- Wander in Coyoacan: A charming neighborhood with colorful streets and markets. If you have money, you can visit the Frida Kahlo Museum or try Mercado Roma nearby for the amazing food experience.
When You Have More Time and Money:
- Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum: Get to know the life and art of the iconic painter. Entrance fee: 250 pesos, book in advance as of 2023.
- Mercado Roma: Dive into the food scene at this trendy market with a variety of delicious options. There are now 2 Mercado Romas, respectively in Coyoacán and Roma.
- National Palace: Visit this historic building in the Zocalo, known for its murals depicting Mexican history. Free entry with a real ID/passport. Highly recommended for exploring the gardens and museum on the second level.
- Experience Lucha Libre: Catch a wrestling match for a fun and unique cultural experience.
如何独自畅游墨西哥城
墨西哥城秘境：我亲身经历的独自游指南
墨西哥城，墨西哥最大的城市和首都，吸引着来自欧洲和美国的背包客以及数字游牧民。今年，我第二次造访这座城市，想和大家分享一些作为独自旅行的男性和数字游牧民的个人建议。
抵达方式：
要到达墨西哥城，你有两个主要选择：乘坐长途巴士或搭乘飞机。
最简单也是最常见的方式是飞往为墨西哥城提供服务的主要机场 — — 本尼托·胡亚雷斯国际机场（MEX）。
如果你在附近的城市或国家，长途巴士也是一个不错的选择。墨西哥城有几个巴士站，服务不同的地区，如TAPO、Observatorio等。所以，在上车前确保你知道你要到哪个站。
住宿：
大部分在线研究建议在罗马（Roma）、孔德萨（Condesa）或波兰科（Polanco）等地区寻找，那里有充满活力的氛围、美味的餐饮和文化景点。
然而，我有一个更酷的选择 — — 科约阿坎（Coyoacán），这是墨西哥城南部的一片迷人而富有历史的社区，以其丰富的文化遗产和艺术氛围而闻名。这里安全，居住便利，而且交通便捷。所以，如果可能的话，我建议在这里找一间公寓。
然而，我必须指出，从2023年起，在墨西哥城逗留期间，游客需要支付约19%的税，这使得住宿费用比其他拉丁美洲国家要高得多。
美食：
墨西哥城是美食爱好者的天堂，提供丰富多样且美味的烹饪体验。
其中一亮点是充满活力的街头美食文化，包括玉米卷饼（tacos）、玉米糍（tamales）、烤玉米（elote）和炸面圈（churros）。在街头漫步时，你可以找到各种美味且价格实惠的选择。
墨西哥城还拥有蓬勃的咖啡文化和各种餐饮选择，从休闲餐厅到高档餐厅不一而足。探索罗马、孔德萨和波兰科（Roma, Condesa, and Polanco）等地区，品味时尚而别致的烹饪体验。
无论你是街头美食的粉丝，热爱传统墨西哥菜肴，还是钟情于现代烹饪的创意，墨西哥城都能满足各种口味。
受美国文化的影响，这里有浓厚的小费文化，所以准备好给小费，大约是10%。
交通：
我推荐使用地铁，这是在墨西哥城出行的最高效方式之一。这是一种经济实惠（2023年费用为5比索）且快速避免交通拥堵的选择。
类似Uber和Didi的应用在墨西哥城运营，提供可靠且通常更安全的替代传统出租车。它们得到广泛使用，对于出行非常方便。
电子支付：
这在墨西哥城并不那么常见或引人注目。当然，超市和高档餐厅接受信用卡，但大多数小摊贩只接受现金，或者要求支付很高比例的佣金，所以随身携带现金是必要的。
幸运的是，银联借记卡适用于中国游客。我查了几家银行和ATM，发现桑坦德银行提供的交易费用最便宜，无论你取多少，都约为30比索。
安全：
像世界上所有大城市一样，犯罪并不鲜见。但如果你保持警觉并选择适当的社区，风险就会大大降低。
我在这里从未被抢劫过或受到实际攻击，尽管很多年前曾被骗过一次。
共享工作空间：
尝试巴斯孔塞洛斯图书馆（Biblioteca Vasconcelos）。
我在墨西哥城没有找到太多免费的高速互联网工作场所。尽管我尝试了一些罗马和孔德萨的咖啡馆，它们有一种共享办公的氛围，但考虑到你必须点餐并支付小费，这种成本有点高。
然而，在旅行途中，我遇到了更多的墨西哥朋友，其中一位告诉我，你可以在每个城市找到一个图书馆，去那里可以免费上网，巴斯孔塞洛斯图书馆（Biblioteca Vasconcelos）就是其中之一。
观光：
墨西哥城以其众多博物馆、其他景点和充满活力的夜生活而闻名，所以明智地安排你的行程非常重要：
对于时间紧张和预算有限的游客：
- 探索查普尔特佩克公园：它巨大，有一座城堡、博物馆和美丽的绿地。免费入场。
- 参观人类学国家博物馆：了解墨西哥丰富的历史和文化。入场费：截至2023年为90比索。
- 漫步改革大道：沿着这条标志性大道漫步，两旁有纪念碑、商店和咖啡馆。
- 在孔德萨和罗马（Condesa and Roma）社区感受时尚氛围，品味时髦咖啡馆和时尚精品店。
- 在索卡洛Zocalo游荡：这是城市的历史中心，有宏伟的广场和大教堂。在这里，你可以看到：
国家文化博物馆（免费入场）。
大神庙：探索城市中心古代阿兹特克神庙的遗址。入场费：截至2023年为90比索。
贝拉斯艺术宫：欣赏令人惊叹的建筑，观看文化演出。免费入场，可四处参观；活动/演出需要门票。
西翠戴拉市场：在这个充满活力的市场购买真正的墨西哥手工艺品和纪念品。可通过贝拉斯艺术宫地铁站到达，步行10分钟。
- 参观特奥蒂瓦坎：探索古老的金字塔，感受历史。
注意：现在禁止攀爬金字塔。
- 前往索奇米尔科Xochimilco：在色彩斑斓的船上漂流，享受热闹的氛围。
- 苏迈亚Soumaya博物馆：探索欧洲大师和墨西哥艺术家的多样化艺术收藏。免费入场。附近的胡梅克斯博物馆也是免费入场的。之后，你可以探索一下波兰科，一个完全不同的世界。
- 在科约阿坎漫步：一个迷人的社区，有色彩斑斓的街道和市场。如果有钱，你可以参观弗里达·卡罗博物馆，或者在附近的罗马市场尝试美味的食物。
当你有更多的时间和预算时：
- 参观弗里达·卡罗博物馆：了解这位标志性画家的生活和艺术。入场费：截至2023年为250比索，建议提前一周预订。
- 在罗马市场中体验美食：在这个时尚的市场中品尝各种美味。现在有两个罗马市场，分别位于科约阿坎和罗马。
- 国家宫殿：参观位于索卡洛的这座历史悠久的建筑，以其描绘墨西哥历史的壁画而闻名。持真实身份证/护照免费入场。强烈建议探索二楼的花园和博物馆。
- 体验自由摔跤：欣赏一场有趣且独特的文化体验。
