5 Most Common Questions Travellers Ask Before Visiting Mexico City (And Expert Answers for Food Lovers)
Planning a trip to Mexico City? Get answers to the top questions on safety, tap water, transportation, altitude, and budgeting—plus chef-approved tips for enjoying CDMX’s world-class street food and culinary scene.
Introduction
Mexico City (CDMX) is a vibrant foodie paradise bursting with incredible flavours, from bustling street tacos to high-end molecular gastronomy. As passionate explorers of global cuisines, we at Chef Tours hear the same questions from travellers every week. Whether you’re coming for our Mexico City Street Food Tour or a private chef-led culinary adventure, here are the top 5 questions first-time visitors ask, along with practical, up-to-date answers to help you eat, explore, and enjoy worry-free.
1. Is Mexico City Safe?
Safety is the #1 concern for travelers heading to any major metropolis. Mexico City has its challenges with petty theft in crowded areas, but millions of tourists visit safely every year by using common sense.
Pro tips:
- Use Uber for reliable rides (often safer and more transparent than street taxis).
- Avoid flashing valuables and wandering alone late at night in less-touristy zones.
For foodies, safety pairs perfectly with great eating. Our guided Chef Tours in Mexico City include local experts who know the safest, tastiest spots.
External resource: Current U.S. State Department Mexico Travel Advisory (check your own government’s site).
2. Can You Drink the Tap Water? Food Safety Tips for Foodies
This question comes up constantly, especially among those excited to dive into street food.
Short answer: NO!!!!! Don’t drink tap water. Stick to bottled or purified water (even for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach).
Chef-approved food advice:
- Eat street food that’s hot and freshly prepared in front of you.
- Choose busy stalls with high turnover.
- Peel fruits yourself and skip ice in drinks from unknown vendors.
Mexico City’s street food scene is legendary and generally safe when approached intelligently. Join our daytime Food Crawl, where we’ve vetted every stop for both flavour and hygiene.
3. How Do You Get Around Mexico City?
With over 20 million people in the metro area, traffic can be intense.
Best options:
- Uber — affordable, safe, and easy.
- Metro and Metrobús for budget travel (buy a rechargeable card). We use the metro all the time and it makes the NYC subway look third world.
- Walking in compact, vibrant neighborhoods.
Avoid renting a car unless you love chaos. Our tours include comfortable transportation, so you can focus on the mole and mezcal instead of navigation.
4. What About Altitude and Weather in CDMX?
At roughly 7,350 feet (2,240 meters), Mexico City’s elevation can surprise visitors. Fatigue on the first day or two are common stay hydrated and take it easy.
Weather note: Pleasant year-round with a rainy season (June–September). Pack layers and a light waterproof jacket.
Pro chef tip: Altitude can intensify the effects of alcohol and spice; pace yourself during tastings!
External link: Lonely Planet’s Things to Know Before Traveling to Mexico City
5. How Much Does It Cost? Tipping, Budgeting & Etiquette
Mexico City offers excellent value. Expect mid-range daily costs of $80–250 USD per person (accommodation, food, transport, attractions).
Tipping culture: 10–15% at restaurants is standard. Small tips for hotel staff, tour guides, and drivers are appreciated.
Currency: Use pesos; carry some cash for markets and street vendors while relying on cards/ATMs elsewhere. Basic Spanish goes a long way, but English is common in tourist areas.
Save with Chef Tours: Our expertly curated experiences deliver insider access and better value than exploring alone.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Taste Mexico City?
Mexico City rewards curious travelers with unforgettable food, culture, and warmth. By preparing for these common questions, you’ll spend less time worrying and more time savoring.
Book your Chef Tours experience today and let our local chefs and guides show you the real CDMX.
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Last updated: July 2026