Discover more when you visit the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix

Mexico's high-altitude capital city, the oldest capital city in the Americas and built on the ancient Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, offers a unique blend of history, modernity, and natural beauty.

From exploring ancient ruins and stunning museums, to enjoying lush parks and bustling neighbourhoods, Mexico City has something for everyone to enjoy.

Mexico City at a glance

Size: 1,485 sq km (approx.)
Population: 9.2 million (approx.)
Time Zone: UTC-6
Language: Spanish
Currency: Mexican peso (MXN)
First F1 race: 1963

1683085297 — Stone serpent head at Templo Mayor. Mexico City offers a fascinating blend of history, modernity, and natural beauty

Attractions

Mexico City boasts numerous must-visit breathtaking historical attractions, including the stunning Templo Mayor Aztec ruins, the Teotihuacan Pyramids, Chapultepec Castle, and the charming bohemian neighbourhood of Coyoacan. Visiting these sites offers a unique opportunity to connect with the city's rich cultural past.

There are also plenty of museums and art galleries within the city highlighting that heritage. The National Museum of Anthropology features artefacts from ancient civilisations, including the Aztec Sun Stone. Additionally, the Museo Soumaya is home to a vast collection of classic Latin American Art, whereas contemporary art lovers could visit the Museo Jumex.

If you’re wanting to escape the hustle and bustle, Mexico City is also home to one of the largest city parks in the world! Chapultepec Park contains lakes, a zoo, walking trails and museums – perfect for both exploring and relaxing! Additionally, the Xochimilco Canals offer peaceful boat rides where you can enjoy listening to mariachi bands, explore floating gardens, and enjoy a variety of street food options.

Mexico City is over 2km above sea level, but if that isn’t already high enough for you then take a hot air balloon ride over the Teotihuacan pyramids at sunrise. If you’d rather remain with your feet on the ground, then watch the rowdy spectacle of lucha libre wrestling! This traditional Mexican sport doubles as action-packed entertainment for all the family, with matches at the famous Arena Mexico.

1682993270 — Listen to mariachi bands, explore floating gardens, and enjoy a variety of street food options when you ride the Xochimilco Canals

Food and drink

One way to experience Mexico City at its finest, whilst also enjoying fantastic cuisine, is by venturing to one of the city’s many food markets. Mercado Roma with it’s artisanal food stalls, La Merced Market with its authentic street food and fresh produce, and the San Juan Market with its exotic and adventurous options... they're all fantastic options to have a truly unique dining and cultural experience.

If you’re looking to experience up-scale Mexican dining, then head to the Polanco neighbourhood. Home to world-renowned restaurants including Quintonil and Pujol, expect innovative takes on traditional Mexican cuisine. Ensure to book these dining experiences in advance, as they can become very busy during peak times!

494817276 — Lewis Hamilton did more than just watch Mexican lucha libre wrestling back in 2015!

Good to know

Book in advance!

Because the cultural attractions and dining experiences in Mexico City are flat-out incredible, these places can get booked up during busy periods – including over the Grand Prix weekend. Plan your itinerary and make sure to book any restaurants or attractions you’d like to visit in advance, as places may struggle to accommodate for walk-ins during busy periods.

Drink bottled water

Although fine to brush your teeth with, it is not advised to swallow tap water in the city. The water quality differs from borough to borough, so local residents tend to only drink filtered or bottled water, and restaurants serve filtered water to customers. It is also easier to become dehydrated at altitude, so make sure you stay hydrated!

Don’t drink alcohol in the streets

Mexico City has an array of fantastic bars and clubs to enjoy, but make sure that if you’re drinking alcohol you keep it inside the venue! It is illegal to drink alcohol in the streets of the city, and you are likely to face a hefty fine or even jail time if caught.

Prepare for the chance of earthquakes

Earthquakes are not uncommon in Mexico, but the city and its residents are prepared to handle them. The country has a seismic alarm system that gives a 60-second (approximately) warning before an earthquake hits. If you are in the city during an earthquake, stay calm and follow the locals’ lead to stay safe. Hotels, restaurants, government buildings, apartments, offices and schools follow a safety protocol.