Flights to Mexico City

 

Mexico City has an extraordinarily rich history. It was founded in 1325 by the Aztecs under the name Tenochtitlan and became known as Mexico City in 1585 after the Spanish conquest. Mexico gained autonomy from Spain in 1824 and has been independent ever since. The centuries upon centuries of history have made Mexico City an exciting and vital place that is at once historic and modern.

One of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City is full-to-bursting with opportunities for the adventurous traveler. The sprawling capital was long written off as intense and daunting for the casual traveler, but recently tourists have ignored the rumors and found an array of pleasant surprises (from stellar design to brilliant restaurants) around every corner.

Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) serves Greater Mexico City and it’s the second-busiest airport in Latin America by passenger traffic. The airport is located about 3 miles east of downtown Mexico City in the borough of Benustiano Carranza. The airport has a number of retail shopping locations, from duty-free goods to clothing and souvenirs. It also features numerous fast and sit-down restaurant options, VIP lounges and currency exchange.

Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX)

  • Taxis are a quick and convenient way to get from the airport to the downtown area, but you’ll want to ensure the service you use is authorized. Before planning your trip, be sure to check the Benito Juárez International Airport’s website for a list of taxi services that operate from the international and domestic terminals.
  • Bus and Metrobus service into Mexico City and surrounding areas is available 24 hours a day from the airport. Check the airport’s site for timetables and prices.
  • The Metro, Mexico City’s subway system, also operates from the airport into downtown. The closest station to the airport is Terminal Aérea Station, Line 5.
  • Car rentals are also available at the airport. Rental agencies are located at the national and international walkway of Terminal 1 and the international arrivals area near the banks of Terminal 2.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Mexico City is carved into neighborhoods, each with its own cultural identity. The Centro Historico (or the Historic Center) neighborhood is home to a massive plaza called the Zócalo, the National Palace, and numerous cathedrals and endless museums. The Polanco neighborhood provides high-end shopping and dining to the delight of many a traveler. Chapultepec serves as a solid home base for tourists, with multiple hotels, monuments and attractions along the Avenida Reforma, reminiscent of Paris's Champs-Elysées, while Leafy Condesa touts cafés and an artsy, bohemian vibe.

ARCHAEOLOGY

The most well-known archaeological jaunt from Mexico City is to the ancient Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacan, located about 25 miles northeast. Established around 100 B.C., the city was once home to 125,000. Today the site, which covers some 32 square miles, draws thousands who come to marvel at its still-standing pyramids and avenues. Numerous tour companies also offer transportation, guided tours with archaeologists and even hot air balloon rides over the site.

RESTAURANTS

Mexico City is having a major food moment these days. With its vibrant and eclectic culture, the city is a magnet for chefs and foodies alike. And its culinary game runs the gamut: from one of the best street-food scenes in the world to high-end dining courtesy of celebrity chefs. You’ll find native dishes like tamales, chicarrónes, tacos, tortas and elotes abound, but you’ll also find restaurants infused with Mediterranean, Spanish and Baja, California influences.

Mexico City is in a tropical location at a high elevation, which means that the temperatures and precipitation in its boroughs depend on how high they are in the mountains. On average though, its annual temperatures vary from around 54-61°F. Temperatures rarely dip below 37°F or rise above 86°F. Most of the rainfall the city sees comes in the summer months, from June through September or October.