Is the tap water safe?

No. Only drink bottled or filtered water. Even for brushing teeth, it is safer to use bottled water.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

You can get by in tourist areas with English, but learning basic phrases like 'La cuenta, por favor' goes a long way.

Is it safe to walk at night?

Stick to well-lit, populated areas in Roma, Condesa, and Juárez. Use Uber after dark.

5 Days in Mexico City: A Practical Itinerary

Spend your five days balancing historic city center exploration with the lush neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa. Allocate two half-days for museums and leave enough time for street food tours to avoid burnout in the high altitude.

Secure your base. Book accommodation in Roma Norte or Condesa. These areas are walkable, safe, and centralized for Uber usage, which is your primary way to get around.
Manage the altitude. Mexico City is at 7,350 feet. Drink double the water you usually do and avoid heavy alcohol intake for the first 48 hours to prevent headaches.
Use ride-sharing. Download Uber or Didi. Never hail a cab on the street. It is safer, priced upfront, and reliable for avoiding language barriers.
Cash is king. Carry 500-1000 pesos in small denominations daily for street tacos, markets, and bathroom tips. Many small vendors do not accept cards.

Is the tap water safe?: No. Only drink bottled or filtered water. Even for brushing teeth, it is safer to use bottled water.
Do I need to speak Spanish?: You can get by in tourist areas with English, but learning basic phrases like 'La cuenta, por favor' goes a long way.
Is it safe to walk at night?: Stick to well-lit, populated areas in Roma, Condesa, and Juárez. Use Uber after dark.