Mexico City is no different from any other major city in the world. There are neighborhoods where you feel completely at ease and others you try to avoid if possible. We have kept this top of mind when planning the formal events (including vendor selection), choosing hotels, and providing recommendations for restaurants, bars, markets, and attractions. That is not an invitation to be careless. Again, like any major city in the world, you should remain alert and aware of your surroundings.
We love your children but want you to have this time off! We kindly request our wedding and associated events be adults only.
Yes, there will be shuttles to take you to and from the docks for the Xochimilco experience as well as all wedding day events. These will depart from the Hyatt Regency hotel in Polanco. More details to come.
If you're too far to walk, Uber is your answer. They're everywhere. They're safe. They're very inexpensive, even for long distances. We recommend having the app downloaded and ready to go upon your arrival.
Take the amount in Mexican pesos and divide it by 20. That gives you the price in US dollars. Smile.
We recommend always having some cash on hand, particularly if you're at a market or are hunting down some street food. Most brick and mortar establishments accept credit cards.
You can expect the average high to be about 75 degrees and the average low to be about 50 degrees.
Yes. 10% should be the floor for good service. 15% - 20% is encouraged.
English is not as commonly spoken in Mexico City compared to your classic tourist destinations like Cancun. However, while it's possible you may find yourself in a situation or two where there's a communication barrier that simply cannot be overcome, you will be able to get by an overwhelming majority of the time. If you do find yourself in one of these situations, stay patient and calm - it will work out. Here is a link to some basic Spanish phrases which should more than cover the bases during your stay: https://storylearning.com/learn/spanish/spanish-tips/spanish-travel-phrases. A couple other notes, inspired by our past mistakes: 1. Iced coffee is "cafe frio". We were unknowingly ordering ice cream prior to learning this. 2. When using the restroom, the letter M is for women, mujeres, and the letter H is for men, hombres.
YES
Taco: Fried, soft-folded tortilla filled with various veggies, meats, and spices Tostada: See taco but with a crunchy, flat shell instead of a soft tortilla Torta: Sandwich made with a crusty bread roll served hot or cold. Basically, a Mexican sub. Flautas: See taco but the tortilla fully wraps around the fillings with the exception of the ends. Think taquitos but actually good. Sope: Fried masa base with savory toppings. Masa is dough made from corn flour Tamale: Seasoned meat and or vegetables and spices wrapped in cornmeal dough and steamed or baked in corn husks Chilaquiles: Fried tortilla strips topped with runny red or green salsas. A bit like Mexican style shakshuka Al pastor: Usually a filling for one of the items listed above, it's thinly sliced shawarma style pork. Often has pineapple mixed in Pollo: Chicken Suadero: Usually beef, a bit fatty. Can take on a pork belly-esque texture Carnitas: Slow roasted pork Barbacoa: Slow roasted shredded sheep, goat, or beef. Birria: Slow roasted, tender beef Bistec: Basic steak Arrachera: Flank steak Guisados: Popular breakfast tacos, sometimes with eggs, onions, chilis, different meats Chorizo: Pork sausage Campechano: Usually combination of steak and chorizo Cochinita Pibil: Slow roasted pork in sauce made from chilipaste and oranges Mole: Sauce that seems simple but, in actuality, is incredibly intricate. It's often made with 50+ ingredients and spices. There are enough varieties to do a tasting, a worthy activity if you're a foodie. Often served over chicken.
Most standard phone plans are inclusive of the US, Mexico, and Canada, but it is worth double checking with your provider. We also recommend downloading and setting up WhatsApp for messaging.
The only airline you should think twice about is VivaAerobus. I would compare it to an EasyJet or Spirit Airlines. Otherwise, you are in good hands.
Mexico City aligns with the central time zone in the US.