Mexico City
Your Complete 2026 World Cup Guide
At a Glance
- Location
- Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico
- Population
- 9.2 million
- Time Zone
- CST (UTC-6)
- Stadiums
- 1 venue
- Matches Hosted
- 5 matches
- Best Way to Get Around
- Mexico City Metro + Tren Ligero (Light Rail)
Last Updated: by KickoffAdventures Editorial Team
Overview
Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will host 5 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including Mexico vs South Africa on June 11 (Opening Match for Mexico!), Round of 32 (June 30), and Round of 16 (July 5). Estadio Azteca is the ONLY stadium to host TWO World Cup finals (1970 & 1986) - a legendary venue where Diego Maradona scored the 'Hand of God' goal!
CRITICAL ALTITUDE WARNING: Mexico City is at 7,349 feet (2,240 meters) above sea level - higher than Denver! You WILL feel short of breath. Hydrate constantly (3-4 liters/day), avoid alcohol first 24 hours, and take it easy first day. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, dizziness.
Mexico City is one of the LARGEST cities in the world (22 million metro population). It's defined by three things: ancient history (Aztec & colonial), world-class food (tacos, mole, mezcal), and chaotic energy (traffic, crowds, street vendors). The city is MASSIVE and spread out, but most tourists stay in Condesa, Roma Norte, or Polanco (safest and most walkable neighborhoods).
Weather Warning: June is RAINY SEASON. Expect afternoon thunderstorms EVERY DAY (usually 2-4pm). Bring rain jacket and umbrella. Mornings are sunny.
⚽World Cup Stadium
Getting Around
Mexico City is NOT walkable. The city is HUGE and spread out. Use Metro (12 lines, $0.25/ride) or Uber/Didi ($8-15 for most trips).
To Get Around: Metro is cheapest but VERY crowded during rush hour (7-9am, 6-8pm). Pickpocketing is common - watch your belongings. You MUST have 'Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada' card (no cash accepted at turnstiles). Uber/Didi is safer and more comfortable (very cheap by US/Europe standards). Avoid street taxis (scams and safety concerns).
To Estadio Azteca: Metro Line 2 (Blue) to Tasqueña + Tren Ligero (Light Rail) to Estadio Azteca (75 min, less than $0.50) OR Uber/Didi (60-90 min, $8-15 normally, $20-30 surge). Uber is MUCH easier on match days. CRITICAL: Leave 3-4 hours early on match days due to traffic gridlock.
Pro Tip: Buy 'Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada' card (15 MXN / $0.75 one-time fee) and load it with 100-200 MXN ($5-10). Metro is 5 MXN ($0.25), Light Rail is 3 MXN ($0.15). Staying in Condesa or Roma Norte puts you central to attractions and nightlife.
Where to Stay
Best Strategic Location: La Condesa. THE most popular neighborhood for tourists. Tree-lined streets, Art Deco buildings, Parque México, and tons of cafes/restaurants. Safe and walkable. Hotels $60-150/night.
Best for Foodies: Roma Norte. Best food scene in CDMX (Pujol, Contramar, Rosetta). Art galleries, boutique hotels, Mercado Roma. More upscale than Condesa. Hotels $70-180/night.
Best for Luxury: Polanco. Safest and most expensive neighborhood. Chapultepec Park walking distance. Luxury hotels (Four Seasons, St. Regis). Best shopping. Hotels $120-350/night.
Best for History: Centro Histórico (Zócalo). UNESCO World Heritage Site. Budget-friendly. Walking distance to Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, Templo Mayor. Can feel chaotic and sketchy at night. Hotels $40-120/night.
Best for Stadium Proximity: Coyoacán. Charming colonial neighborhood with Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul). More authentic and less touristy. Closer to Estadio Azteca (30-40 min Uber). Hotels $50-140/night.
Neighborhood Breakdown
La Condesa
Best For
First-time visitors, walkability, cafes, nightlife, central location
Distance to Stadium
12 miles
Travel Time
45-60 min Metro + Light Rail or 60-90 min Uber (heavy traffic)
Pros
- •THE most popular neighborhood for tourists (tree-lined streets, Art Deco buildings)
- •Parque México and Parque España (green spaces for jogging/picnics)
- •Best cafe culture in CDMX (hundreds of coffee shops, brunch spots)
- •Walking distance to Roma Norte and Polanco
- •Safe, walkable, tons of restaurants and bars
- •Metro station nearby (Chapultepec on Line 1)
Cons
- •Tourist-heavy (higher prices, crowded on weekends)
- •Far from Estadio Azteca (45-60 min Metro + Light Rail)
- •Can feel 'gentrified' (less authentic Mexican vibe)
- •Parking is difficult and expensive
Roma Norte
Best For
Foodies, art lovers, boutique hotels, hipster vibe
Distance to Stadium
12 miles
Travel Time
45-60 min Metro + Light Rail or 60-90 min Uber (heavy traffic)
Pros
- •Best food scene in CDMX (Pujol, Contramar, Rosetta - world-class restaurants)
- •Art galleries, indie bookstores, vintage shops
- •La Roma neighborhood vibe (bohemian, creative, trendy)
- •Close to La Condesa and Polanco (walkable)
- •Mercado Roma (food hall with local vendors)
- •Safe and walkable with tree-lined streets
Cons
- •More expensive than La Condesa
- •Far from Estadio Azteca (45-60 min Metro + Light Rail)
- •Gentrified (some locals feel it's lost authenticity)
- •Noisy on weekends (bars and clubs)
Polanco
Best For
Luxury travelers, upscale dining, safety, high-end shopping
Distance to Stadium
13 miles
Travel Time
45-60 min Metro + Uber or 60-90 min Uber
Pros
- •THE safest neighborhood in CDMX (wealthy, quiet, tree-lined streets)
- •Chapultepec Park walking distance (castle, museums, zoo)
- •Luxury hotels (Four Seasons, St. Regis, W Hotel)
- •Best shopping (Avenida Presidente Masaryk - 'Mexico's Rodeo Drive')
- •Upscale restaurants and international cuisine
- •Close to Anthropology Museum (world-class)
Cons
- •VERY expensive (most expensive neighborhood)
- •Far from Estadio Azteca (45-60 min Metro + Uber)
- •Feels sterile (less authentic Mexican culture)
- •Touristy and corporate (embassies, luxury brands)
Centro Histórico (Zócalo)
Best For
History lovers, budget travelers, UNESCO sites, cultural immersion
Distance to Stadium
14 miles
Travel Time
60-75 min Metro + Light Rail
Pros
- •THE most historic neighborhood (Zócalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace)
- •UNESCO World Heritage Site (colonial architecture, Aztec ruins)
- •Budget-friendly hotels and street food
- •Walking distance to Templo Mayor, Palacio de Bellas Artes
- •Metro hub (multiple lines intersect)
- •Most affordable neighborhood for accommodations
Cons
- •Can feel chaotic (crowded, street vendors, traffic)
- •Safety concerns at night (some blocks sketchy)
- •Far from Estadio Azteca (60-75 min Metro + Light Rail)
- •Noisy (traffic, street performers, construction)
- •Less trendy/modern than Condesa or Roma
Coyoacán
Best For
Culture lovers, Frida Kahlo fans, charming plazas, STADIUM PROXIMITY
Distance to Stadium
6 miles
Travel Time
30-40 min Uber or 40-50 min Metro + Light Rail
Pros
- •Charming colonial neighborhood (cobblestone streets, plazas)
- •Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul - most popular attraction in CDMX)
- •More authentic and less touristy than Condesa/Roma
- •Mercado Coyoacán (local food market)
- •Safe and family-friendly
- •Closer to Estadio Azteca than Condesa (30-40 min Uber)
Cons
- •Far from Downtown and Condesa (30-40 min Metro)
- •Limited nightlife (quieter than Roma/Condesa)
- •Fewer international restaurant options
- •Frida Kahlo Museum requires advance tickets (often sold out)
Top Things to Do
Iconic Mexico City Landmarks (Non-Negotiable):
1. Teotihuacan Pyramids - Ancient city with Pyramid of the Sun (3rd largest in world) and Pyramid of the Moon. CLIMBING IS NO LONGER PERMITTED for preservation (banned since pandemic). Walking the 'Avenue of the Dead' offers incredible views. Go early (7-9am). $5 entrance + transport. 30 miles north (1 hour drive).
2. Zócalo - Heart of Mexico City. Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace (Diego Rivera murals - FREE with ID), Templo Mayor (Aztec ruins). Best at sunset.
3. Chapultepec Park & Castle - Massive urban park (bigger than Central Park). Castle has panoramic views ($5). Also has Anthropology Museum (BEST museum in Mexico - $5).
4. Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) - Frida's birthplace in Coyoacán. MUST book tickets weeks in advance (often sold out). $16 entrance for foreigners.
5. National Museum of Anthropology - THE BEST museum in Mexico. Aztec Sun Stone, pre-Columbian artifacts. Allow 3-4 hours. $5 entrance.
6. Lucha Libre at Arena México - Mexican wrestling! High-flying masked luchadores. Buy masks outside, grab michelada. Tuesday/Friday nights. $10-25 tickets.
Food Experiences:
- Tacos al Pastor - Pork tacos with pineapple (invented in Mexico City). Best at El Huequito or El Vilsito. $1-2 per taco.
- Street Food in Condesa - Quesadillas, tlacoyos, tamales. Cheap and delicious ($1-3 per item).
- Mercado de San Juan - Gourmet food market. Exotic meats (iguana, crocodile), cheeses, wines.
- Pujol - Ranked #13 best restaurant in world. Tasting menu $150-200 USD. Book months in advance.
Day Trips:
- Puebla (2 hours) - Colonial city with colorful Talavera tiles. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Xochimilco Floating Gardens (1 hour) - Take a trajinera (colorful boat) through canals. Mariachi bands play on boats.
- Valle de Bravo (2 hours) - Mountain lake town. Hiking, hang gliding, waterfalls.
Must-See Attractions
Teotihuacan Pyramids (Pyramids of the Sun & Moon)
The MOST iconic attraction near Mexico City. Ancient Mesoamerican city (built around 100 BCE) with two massive pyramids: Pyramid of the Sun (3rd largest in world) and Pyramid of the Moon. **IMPORTANT: Climbing the pyramids is NO LONGER PERMITTED** for preservation reasons (banned since pandemic). Walking the 'Avenue of the Dead' and viewing from the base offers incredible perspectives. Go early (7-9am) to avoid crowds and heat. Pro Tip: Hire a guide ($30-50 USD) to explain history. Located 30 miles north of CDMX.
Cost
95 MXN (~$5 USD) entrance + transport
Time Needed
4-6 hours (including 1 hour drive each way)
Best Time
Early morning (7-9am) to avoid crowds and heat
How to Get There
Bus from Terminal del Norte (1 hour, ~$2 USD) or private tour
Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)
The HEART of Mexico City and one of the largest public squares in the world. Surrounded by Metropolitan Cathedral (largest in Americas), National Palace (Diego Rivera murals), and Templo Mayor (Aztec ruins). Free to walk around. National Palace is FREE but requires ID/passport. Best at sunset when Cathedral is lit up. Pro Tip: Avoid midday (very hot and crowded).
Cost
FREE to walk around, National Palace FREE (ID required)
Time Needed
2-3 hours
Best Time
Morning (9-11am) or late afternoon (4-6pm)
How to Get There
Metro Zócalo station (Line 2 - Blue)
Chapultepec Park & Castle
One of the LARGEST urban parks in the world (1,695 acres - bigger than Central Park). Chapultepec Castle sits on hilltop with panoramic views of CDMX. Castle is former Imperial residence and now a museum. Park also has National Anthropology Museum (best museum in Mexico), zoo (FREE), and lakes for paddleboating. Pro Tip: Combine Castle + Anthropology Museum in one day.
Cost
Park FREE, Castle 95 MXN (~$5 USD), Anthropology Museum 95 MXN (~$5 USD)
Time Needed
Half day (4-5 hours)
Best Time
Morning (9am-12pm) to avoid heat
How to Get There
Metro Chapultepec station (Line 1 - Pink)
Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)
Frida Kahlo's birthplace and former home in Coyoacán. The 'Blue House' is CDMX's most visited museum. Displays Frida's paintings, personal items, and the studio where she painted. MUST book tickets online weeks in advance (often sold out). **Price for foreigners is 320 MXN (~$16 USD).** Located in charming Coyoacán neighborhood with cobblestone streets and plazas. Pro Tip: Combine with Coyoacán market and plaza visit.
Cost
320 MXN (~$16 USD) for foreigners
Time Needed
2 hours
Best Time
Weekday mornings (less crowded)
How to Get There
Metro Coyoacán station (Line 3 - Green) + 15 min walk or Uber
National Museum of Anthropology
THE BEST museum in Mexico and one of the best in the world. Massive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts (Aztec, Maya, Olmec). The Aztec Sun Stone (Stone of the Sun) is the centerpiece. Allow at least 3-4 hours (it's HUGE). Located in Chapultepec Park. Pro Tip: Hire a guide ($30-50 USD) to explain the history. English audio guides available.
Cost
95 MXN (~$5 USD)
Time Needed
3-4 hours minimum
Best Time
Morning (9am-12pm) before crowds
How to Get There
Metro Auditorio station (Line 7 - Orange)
Lucha Libre at Arena México
Mexican professional wrestling - a cultural MUST-DO! High-flying, colorful, comedic, and chaotic. Masked luchadores battle in front of screaming crowds. Buy masks outside, grab a giant michelada (beer with spices), and cheer along. Matches are Tuesday/Friday/Sunday nights. Arena México is the largest lucha libre venue in world. Pro Tip: Book tickets online in advance (often sell out).
Cost
200-500 MXN (~$10-25 USD)
Time Needed
3 hours
Best Time
Tuesday or Friday nights (main events)
How to Get There
Uber (neighborhood is gritty at night, do not walk far from arena)
Weather & When to Visit
High
75°F
(24°C)
Low
52°F
(11°C)
Rain
15-17 days/month
Humidity
76%
June Weather in Mexico City:
- Temperature: 75°F (24°C) highs, 52°F (11°C) lows
- Rain: RAINY SEASON. Afternoon thunderstorms EVERY DAY (usually 2-4pm, heavy downpours for 1-2 hours). Mornings sunny, evenings cool.
- Humidity: 76% (feels humid after rain)
- Altitude: 7,349 feet (2,240 meters) - you WILL feel short of breath!
What to Pack:
- Rain jacket and umbrella (afternoon rain guaranteed)
- Layers (mornings warm, evenings cool)
- Sunscreen (sun is STRONG at high altitude)
- Comfortable walking shoes (lots of walking/stairs)
- Water bottle (hydrate constantly for altitude)
Altitude Tips:
- Drink 3-4 liters of water/day (dehydration makes altitude worse)
- Avoid alcohol first 24 hours (makes altitude sickness worse)
- Take it easy first day (no strenuous activity)
- Eat light meals (digestion is harder at altitude)
- If severe symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness), see doctor
Pro Tip: June is rainy season but mornings are usually sunny. Schedule outdoor activities (Teotihuacan, Chapultepec) in morning. Afternoon rain usually clears by 5-6pm.
Money-Saving Tips
- Metro/Light Rail to stadium is less than $0.50 USD total (Metro 5 MXN + Light Rail 3 MXN)
- Street food is delicious and safe ($1-3 per meal)
- Stay in Condesa or Roma Norte for best value ($60-150/night)
- Most museums are $5 USD (Anthropology, Chapultepec Castle). National Palace FREE.
- Teotihuacan entrance is ~$5 USD (climbing is banned, so no need for expensive 'skip the line' climbing tours)
- Take public bus to Teotihuacan ($2 each way) instead of tour ($50-80)
- Free attractions: Zócalo, National Palace murals, Chapultepec Park, Coyoacán plazas
- Eat comida corrida (daily lunch special) at local restaurants ($5-8 for 3 courses)
- Buy water at OXXO convenience stores ($0.25-0.50) vs hotels ($2-3)
- Happy hour specials in Roma/Condesa (2-for-1 drinks, cheap appetizers)
- Lucha Libre at Arena México cheaper than tours ($10-25 vs $50+ tour packages)
- Frida Kahlo Museum $16 USD for foreigners (book weeks in advance online)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Population
22 million (metro)
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Currency
Mexican Peso (MXN)
Language
Spanish
Emergency
911
Major Airports
MEX - 7 mi