Mexico City
World-class food capital at your doorstep
Why Visit
Mexico City is the most underrated major city accessible from the East Coast. It has more museums than any city in the Americas, a food scene that rivals Tokyo or Paris, and a cost of living that makes it possible to eat at world-class restaurants without flinching at the bill.
The scale is staggering: 21 million people, pre-Columbian ruins beneath colonial churches beneath modern skyscrapers. Chapultepec Park is twice the size of Central Park. The National Museum of Anthropology is one of the best museums in the world, period.
What surprises most first-time visitors is the sophistication. Roma Norte and Condesa feel like the best neighborhoods in Barcelona or Buenos Aires, with tree-lined streets, independent bookshops, and restaurants where a four-course tasting menu costs $35.
Best Time to Go
March through May is the dry season with warm temperatures (70-80 F) and clear skies. The jacaranda trees bloom purple across the city in March, turning every boulevard into a photo opportunity.
October through November is the second window. Day of the Dead celebrations in late October/early November are extraordinary. Temperatures are comfortable and rain has tapered off.
June through September is rainy season. It does not rain all day. The pattern is usually clear mornings with afternoon thunderstorms that clear by evening. Prices drop and crowds thin.
Avoid December-February if you want the cheapest flights, as holiday travel and snowbird season drive prices up.
Getting There from the East Coast
Mexico City (MEX) is shockingly close and cheap from the East Coast:
- Direct flights: JetBlue, Delta, United, American, and Aeromexico all offer nonstops from JFK, Newark, Dulles, and Philadelphia. Flight time is 4.5-5 hours.
- Price: Round trips regularly hit $200-300. During sales, sub-$200 fares appear.
- No passport hassle: Mexico allows visa-free entry for U.S. citizens for up to 180 days.
The short flight time and low fares make Mexico City viable as a long weekend destination, not just a week-long trip.
Where to Stay
Roma Norte is the most popular neighborhood for visitors and for good reason. Tree-lined streets, walkable, excellent restaurants and cafes on every block. Hotels run $50-80.
Condesa is adjacent to Roma and slightly quieter. Parque Mexico is the green heart of the neighborhood. Hotels run $55-85.
Centro Historico puts you next to the Zocalo, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the best street food in the city. Grittier than Roma/Condesa but more authentic. Hotels run $35-60.
Coyoacan is the bohemian southern neighborhood (Frida Kahlo’s house is here). More residential, excellent weekend markets. Hotels and Airbnbs run $40-65.
Search hotels in Mexico City on Booking.com
Estimated Trip Cost
| Category | Budget (5 nights) |
|---|---|
| Flights (East Coast) | $200-350 |
| Hotels | $250-400 |
| Food & drink | $100-175 |
| Activities | $30-50 |
| Transit (metro, Uber) | $15-25 |
| Total | $595-1,000 |
A five-night trip to one of the world’s great cities for under $1,000. For shorter trips, a long weekend (3 nights) can be done for $400-600 including flights.
Travel Hack Tip
Virtual interlining through MEX: Mexico City is a natural hub for connecting to Central America, South America, and the Caribbean on low-cost carriers like Volaris and VivaAerobus. Instead of booking an expensive one-stop from the East Coast to, say, Oaxaca or Cancun, book two separate tickets: East Coast to MEX on a U.S. carrier, then MEX onward on a Mexican low-cost carrier. The total is often 40-60% cheaper than a single itinerary. Just leave 3+ hours between flights since you will need to clear customs, collect bags, and re-check.