Mexico City
Mexico
Estadio Azteca
Getting There
Metro is extensive and very cheap. Line 2 goes to Estadio Azteca station. Uber widely available.
Weather & What to Pack
Rainy season with afternoon showers. High altitude (7,350 ft) - take it easy first few days.
Where to Stay
Roma/Condesa
$$$Trendy areas with cafes and nightlife
Polanco
$$$$Upscale shopping and restaurants
Centro HistĂłrico
$$Historic center, ZĂłcalo
Coyoacán
$$Near stadium, Frida Kahlo museum
Local Soccer Culture
Insider Tips
- 1
The altitude is REAL. At 7,350 feet, you will feel it. Take it easy your first 2 days. Drink lots of water. No heavy drinking day 1.
- 2
Estadio Azteca has hosted 2 World Cup finals (1970, 1986) and is arguably the most legendary stadium in football history. Soak it in.
- 3
This is the Opening Ceremony city. Book early - it will be absolutely packed.
- 4
Mexican fans don't just watch - they LIVE the game. The atmosphere in the stadium will be unlike anything you've experienced.
- 5
The Grito - when Mexico scores, everyone screams. It's deafening. Join in.
- 6
Street food is safe if it's busy. The busier the stall, the safer and better the food. Lines = freshness.
- 7
Uber is reliable and cheap. Skip official taxis unless you're at a taxi stand (sitio). Never hail from street.
Bars & Restaurants
SalĂłn Corona
Classic cantina since 1928, cheap beer, tortas
Pujol
World's #5 restaurant, modern Mexican fine dining
El Huequito
Tacos al pastor since 1959 - inventors of the Mexico City style
Contramar
Seafood, famous red and green tuna tostadas
La Casa de Toño
Pozole that locals swear by, open late
Cantina La No. 20
Telenovela-famous cantina, botanas with every drink
El Vilsito
Auto shop by day, legendary taco stand by night
Los Panchos
Best carnitas in the city, proper cantina atmosphere
Pre-Game Spots
Coyoacán
3 milesBohemian neighborhood near the stadium with plazas, cafes, and Frida Kahlo's house. Perfect pre-match wandering.
Estadio Azteca Metro Station area
AdjacentStreet vendors, food stalls, and fan gathering spots outside the stadium. The atmosphere builds hours before kickoff.
Plaza de la ConstituciĂłn (ZĂłcalo)
8 milesMain square will likely have massive screens and fan zones for World Cup. Historic heart of the city.
Must-Try Local Food
Tacos al Pastor
Pork on a spit, sliced with pineapple. Mexico City's signature taco - not to be confused with any other city's version.
Torta de Pierna
Leg of pork sandwich with avocado, chipotle. Proper Mexico City lunch.
Pozole
Hominy soup with pork or chicken, served with radish, oregano, lime. Post-match recovery food.
Quesadilla (without cheese)
Yes, in CDMX quesadillas don't always have cheese. Specify "con queso" or accept this local quirk.
Churros con Chocolate
Fresh churros dipped in thick hot chocolate. Breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Fan FAQs
Is Mexico City safe?
Like any major city - use common sense. Tourist areas (Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Centro HistĂłrico) are well-patrolled. Don't flash expensive items, use Uber at night, stay aware. Millions of tourists visit safely every year.
Will the altitude affect me?
Probably. At 7,350 feet, you may feel tired, headaches, shortness of breath. Take it easy day 1-2, drink lots of water, avoid heavy alcohol initially. Most people adjust within 48 hours.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
In tourist areas and Ubers, basic English is common. Learning basic Spanish phrases is appreciated and will enhance your experience. "Una cerveza, por favor" goes a long way.
What about the food and water?
Don't drink tap water. Bottled water everywhere. Street food is safe if the stall is busy (high turnover = fresh). Avoid raw lettuce/salads from street vendors. Cooked food from busy vendors is generally fine.
How crazy will the Opening Ceremony be?
Insane. Mexico takes the World Cup more seriously than almost any country. Expect packed streets, citywide celebrations, and once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere.
Budget Tips
- The Metro costs 5 pesos ($0.25) per ride. It's extensive, clean, and efficient. Buy a rechargeable card at any station.
- Street tacos are $1-2 each and often better than restaurant tacos. Find a busy vendor.
- Cantinas serve free botanas (snacks) with every drink. Your beer comes with free food - pace yourself.
- Uber is cheap - a 30 minute ride is often $5-8. Use it at night instead of metro.
- Museums are free on Sundays. Including the incredible Museo Nacional de AntropologĂa.
- Avoid airport money exchange - terrible rates. Use ATMs in the city for best exchange.
Hidden Gems
- Biblioteca Vasconcelos - one of the most stunning modern libraries in the world. Free. Instagram heaven.
- Floating Gardens of Xochimilco - rent a trajinera (colorful boat), bring beer and snacks, float through ancient canals.
- Lucha Libre at Arena MĂ©xico - Mexican wrestling on Friday nights. Masks, drama, and cerveza.
- Mercado de Sonora - the "witchcraft market" with herbs, potions, and folklore items. Weird and wonderful.
- Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo Museum) in Coyoacán - buy tickets online WAY in advance. Sells out weeks ahead.
- Sunday on Paseo de la Reforma - the main avenue closes to cars and becomes a massive bike/pedestrian route.
Local Lingo
Local Voices
Insider tips from the fans who know Mexico City best
La Rebel de América
@larebel_oficialClub América Ultras
“El Azteca is sacred ground. Two World Cup finals. Maradona's Hand of God. When you walk in, feel the history. Arrive early, touch the grass if you can, and remember where you are.”
Ara y Fer
@arayfermxSoccer Content Twin Sisters
“Roma and Condesa are the trendy neighborhoods but Coyoacán near the stadium has more soul. Visit Frida Kahlo's house, eat at Mercado de Coyoacán, then walk to Azteca. That's the real Mexico City experience.”
Diego Dreyfus
@diegodreyfusSports Mental Coach & Commentator
“The altitude will hit foreign fans hard - 7,300 feet is no joke. Give yourself 2-3 days to acclimate before the match. Stay hydrated, skip the tequila your first night, and you'll be fine.”
Norma Palafox
@normapalafoxLiga MX Femenil Star
“Women's football in Mexico is exploding - come watch Liga MX Femenil while you're here. The energy is incredible and tickets are cheap. We're building something special.”
Plan Your Mexico City Trip
Mid-range: hotel, food, transport, activities
Highlights
- Only stadium to host 2 World Cup finals (1970, 1986)
- Maradona Hand of God and Goal of the Century
- Largest city in North America
- Opening ceremony venue
Accounts to Follow
Stadium Location
19.3028, -99.1505
Nearby Cities
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Planning a multi-city trip? These cities are easy to reach from Mexico City.
Rich culture, incredible food - 3 cities, multiple matches