Mexico City’s distinctive charm has made it a white-hot destination in recent years. But in a city this large and turbulent, social decorum and long-standing customs help make daily maneuvering more manageable. Tourists should know that there are many unspoken rules here. Learning a few words in Spanish and being a cognizant traveler are not only helpful to you as a traveler, but helpful to those who call the destination home. Especially as gentrification and the arrival of long-stay visitors continues to reshape this city.
I’m the chef and co-owner of Cicatriz, an all-day-cafe/bar in Colonia Juarez, Mexico City, and a permanent Mexico City resident who has lived here for a decade—so I’m still learning the guiding principles that define the metropolis, but I have also made it a priority to follow the lead of locals, and the unwritten rules they live by. These are my tips for thoughtfully visiting Mexico City—the largest city in North America, and one I feel lucky to call home.
Read our complete Mexico City travel guide here, which includes:
Bring an umbrella
In this mountainous valley, at 7,350 feet above sea level, weather is unpredictable and can shift at a clip. Visitors may be surprised to learn that it rains more in Mexico City than in London, and the summer period, June through September, brings torrential rainstorms (2025 has already broken multiple rain records). Carry an umbrella and wear layers.
Be mindful when crossing the street, whether you’re on foot or bicycle.
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Pedestrians beware
Be extremely careful when crossing the street or riding the bikeshare Ecobici. Cars rarely cede passage to pedestrians (even when it is the walker’s right of way) and frequently ignore traffic lights and signals. Look both ways and opposite directions when crossing a street. If you bike, know that bike lanes are often inhabited by any mix of the following: bicycles going the contrary direction, packs of teenagers smoking, and motorcycles cutting through traffic.
Tip 20%
If you customarily tip 20% in restaurants back home, then why not extend the courtesy here? While peso-earning locals may tip 10 to 15%, those making American dollars and Euros with a favorable exchange rate should strongly consider tipping what you would at home—the act goes even further here. I promise the service staff will greatly appreciate it. And hey, you’ll likely be spending less going out to eat than you do at home anyways. Make the gesture.
Don’t assume that people speak English
Mexico is in North America, of course, but most of the population does not speak English. Do not expect them to. Learning a few simple courtesies, like “gracias”, “por favor”, and “buenas tardes” is respectful and kind. Translation apps on your phone like Google Translate or Apple Translate makes easy work of it.
How Gentrification Continues to Change Mexico City—and What Comes Next
In early July, protests escalated tensions that have been swirling around the city for years, with locals demanding to know: What does the government plan to do about it?
Carry cash
While most formal restaurants take debit and credit cards, with the mango vender, tamale seller, and anyone else you see on the street, cash will be necessary. Additionally, keep a stash of 5 and 10 peso coins in your pocket. It is common—and kind—to hand out a coin or two to the person bagging your groceries, street musicians, and children selling candy.
Go beyond Roma and Condesa
The tourist corridor of Roma and Condesa draws in foreigners and tourists like moths to a flame, and for good reason—these neighborhoods are chock full of green parks, restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels, and they ooze an idyllic charm. These neighborhoods, however, are just a speck in a city of almost 600 square miles with dozens of unique ‘hoods and are two that are strained by upscaling and overtourism. Go elsewhere if you want a more realistic representation of what life is like for the 22 million people who call Mexico City home. Narvarte, with two large, criss-crossing avenues, is home to many excellent taquerias; Parque Hundido, in Extremadura Insurgentes, is a great place to stroll; and all four quadrants of Centro are historically and culturally significant.
