Mexico City Day Of The Dead: What To Know Before You Go

Today’s blog post is another seasonal travel guide — surrounding Day of the Dead in Mexico City! I love traveling during the shoulder seasons, specifically during the fall, and Mexico City (CDMX) is one of the top destinations to visit this time of year. I traveled to Mexico City for Day of the Dead in November 2022, and am excited to share everything I took away from the experience here with you today. By the end of this guide, you’ll know everything there is to know about Mexico City Day the Dead, and have the perfect 4 day Mexico City itinerary to plan your own adventure.

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What To Know Before You Go: Mexico Edition

As with many of my destination-focused travel guides, let’s hop into some key information to know about Mexico City, and Mexico in general, before covering Mexico City Day of the Dead specifics.

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Language: Do I Need To Know Spanish?

Mexico City is the capital and largest city in Mexico. It’s one of the largest cities in the world. 8.9 million residents call Mexico City home — most of whom are Mexican and speak Spanish as their native language. However, Mexico City is becoming more & more popular amongst digital nomads and expats. This means, you’ll find English speakers in many tourist areas (along with other languages!). Most signs throughout the airport and at famous tourists attractions will be in both Spanish and English.

Pro-tip: Visiting from the UK? This page covers all important entry requirement information for your trip to Mexico!

However, learning some basic Spanish phrases, such as greetings, asking for directions, and ordering in restaurants, will be beneficial. Keeping a few phrases your back pocket will help you navigate the city and show respect for the local culture.

Currency

Mexico’s official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Although the peso is the national currency, American dollars are also accepted in touristy areas. During my 4 days in Mexico City, I mainly used my credit card (make sure there are no foreign transaction fees!), and had the option to pay in either MXN or USD.

In touristy neighborhoods, such as Roma Norte, it’s common for tour companies, restaurants, and even some shops to have prices in both pesos and dollars.

Pro-tip: You should plan to tip around 10-15% in Mexico City restaurants.

Climate: What Is The Weather Like In October / November?

Mexico City experiences all 4 seasons throughout the calendar year, although the year is also divided into a dry season and rainy season thanks to its subtropical environment. The best time to visit Mexico City is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. June – September (summer) experiences the most rainfall. Since the city sits at an altitude of ~7,500 ft, it has an 80% daily chance of rain during these months.

October and November is a fantastic time to visit the city. Mexico City Day of the Dead celebrations bring the city to life during this time, drawing in more crowds and raising accommodation prices. However, temperatures during this time tend to be comfortable and mild.

Pro-tip: Since Mexico City sits on a plateau in central Mexico, you’ll want to prepare yourself for high elevation. Drink lots of water, limit alcohol + caffeine intake, and slather on sunscreen. The city’s air pollution is also notoriously poor, so monitor outdoor activities — especially if you are older, more at risk, or have asthma. I didn’t personally have any issues with either of these things, but just something to note! The smog is normal and you’ll feel better from altitude sickness with time.

WiFi / Phone Service

Most of the major phone networks in the US (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) will work the same as it does within the United States when traveling in Mexico. Also, since Mexico City is becoming more of a digital nomad hub, many cafes + bars have free WiFi you can use! Plus, your hotel / hostel will also offer WiFi. I had service during most of my trip.

Transportation

Traveling From The Airport 

There are many ways to travel around Mexico City. Beginning with the international airport, Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez, popular options include the Metro or on Metrobus Linea 4.

If you want to take a taxi, it’s recommended to prepay with one of the authorized taxi services inside of the airport terminal. It’s illegal for taxis to offer rides from outside the airport. An alternative is to use Uber, which will pick you up right from the sidewalk outside of baggage claim / the car rentals.

Metro Train

There are no longer paper tickets for the metro, and instead an Integrated Mobility (MI) card. These cards cost 15 pesos and you can purchase them from ticket stations inside of metros. You’ll want to hang onto your metro tarjeta throughout your entire 4 day Mexico City itinerary because they are reloadable. You can add pesos at the machines at transport stations around the city (Metro, Metrobus, Tren Ligera, etc).

The Metro has underground, color-coded lines and costs about 5 pesos per ride. I didn’t personally use any trains during my stay in Mexico City, but this is a great way to avoid traffic all together.

Metrobus System

The Metrobus System has 7 dedicated lines within the city. They travel in their own dedicated lane on the road, avoiding the notorious Mexico City traffic that most other buses + cars get stuck in. These extra-long buses bend + curve with the roads and just like the Metro, have dedicated space for women and children. They can get very crowded during peak periods so be prepared to squeeze! My friends and I rode the Metrobus around the city several times during our Mexico City Day of the Dead trip.

Xochimilco Light Rail

Finally, there’s the Xochimilco Light Rail, which serves the southern part of Mexico City. The Tren Ligera is an offshoot of the Mexico City Metro system. There is one above-ground line that begins from the Tasqueña Station and runs 18 stops to Xochimilco, which I cover below in my 4 day Mexico City itinerary!

Water

It is not recommended to drink the tap water in Mexico City. I didn’t even use it to brush my teeth. One of my friends did during our 4 days in Mexico City and was ok, but I didn’t risk it. I would purchase bottled water and stick with that!

It’s also recommended to read reviews before choosing restaurants. I personally didn’t try any street food. I have a few food recommendations included below!

Is Mexico City Safe?

According to the US Department of State site, it’s recommended to exercise increased caution due to crime in Mexico City. Both violent and non-violent crime occurs throughout Mexico City, particularly at night. My friends and I (early 20-something females) avoided public transportation at night and stuck with Ubers. We also traveled as a group.

If you want to visit Mexico City as a solo traveler, I would do some research on expat-friendly neighborhoods. For example, you will find a lot of solo travelers, digital nomads, and foreigners in Polanco, Condesa, and Roma Norte. The least-safe neighborhoods in Mexico City are north of Cerro de la Estrella National Park. These neighborhoods include El Molino, Estrella del Sur, and Ricardo Flores Magon.

As long as you are aware of your surroundings, hide your valuables in the streets and on public transportation, and avoid isolated areas at night, you should be ok! Mexico City has become much more popular amongst tourists in recent years. Cancun, Mexico is still more popular for tourists, but don’t sleep on CDMX!

Use ATMs during the daytime only. Be sure to only use authorized taxis as well — but again, I highly recommend Uber!

Where To Stay In Mexico City

As mentioned above, some of the best neighborhoods to stay in as a tourist are Polanco, Condesa, and Roma Norte. Here, you’ll find some of the best cafes, bars, and restaurants in the city, along with stunning architecture, parks, and photo-ops. Here are a few recommendations for accommodation for your 4 day Mexico City itinerary:

Budget ($): Barrio Downtown Mexico City Hostel

During my stay in CDMX, my friends and I were on a group trip, so we all stayed in the Selina Mexico City location. I’ve stayed at a few other Selinas around Latin America and loved the experience, but honestly, the Selina in downtown CDMX wasn’t the best! The beds weren’t very comfortable, there were no amenities (curtains, shelves, etc. in the bunks), and the bathrooms were rough. Instead, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option during your stay, I would recommend Barrio Downtown.

Barrio Downtown Mexico City Hostel enjoys a location in Mexico City, a 13-minute walk from Museo de Arte Popular and 0.7 miles from Museo de Memoria y Tolerancia.

At the guest house, each unit comes with a wardrobe, terrace, and some have a flat screen TV. All rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Buffet and continental breakfast options with fruit and juice are available daily at the guest house. There is a snack bar, bar, and lounge. Guests can keep up their exercise routines during yoga and fitness classes. Guests at Barrio Downtown Mexico City Hostel can enjoy table tennis on-site, or go cycling or walking tours in the surrounding area.

Mid-range ($): Nima Local House

Nima Local House looks like it came straight from a design magazine. This boutique hotel features a sun terrace, stunning views of the sweeping city, and is perfectly located in the La Roma district. This neighborhood is surrounded by CDMX’s best bars, restaurants, cafes, shops, and clubs.

Each room is uniquely decorated with elegant furnishings, a flat screen TV, private, spa-like bathroom, and a king-sized bed. Nima Local House also has a 24/7 front desk for all your questions, along with free, high-speed WiFi. There’s also a roof garden and business center located here, making it the perfect place for a “work-cation”.

Luxury ($): La Valise Mexico City

La Valise Mexico City is the type of accommodation you’ve probably had saved on your Pinterest board for years. This stunning, boutique hotel is located centrally in Mexico City’s trendy Roma Norte neighborhood. There is a metro station adjacent to the property and the Reforma Avenue and Angel of Independence (2 iconic landmarks) are located within a 15 minute walk.

Each suite is complete with free WiFi, air conditioning, a coffee machine, flat screen TV, modern bathroom with a soaking tub and/or walk-in shower, and a seating area. There’s a concierge in the reception to help with dinner reservations, tour recommendations, etc. This place has also been highly reviewed by other publications, such as Travel + Leisure, and books up quickly so don’t miss it!

Mexico City Day Of The Dead: Essential Information

Let’s hop into some key historic information and background to know before planning your trip to Mexico City for Day of the Dead!

What Is Day Of The Dead?

Day of the Dead, also known as el Día de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back and celebrate the souls of their deceased relatives. According to tradition, the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on Halloween and spirits can rejoin their families for 24 hours. During this time, the souls of the dead awaken and return to the living world to feast, drink, and dance with loved ones. Day of the Dead isn’t sad or spooky, instead it’s extremely colorful and lively!

The roots of the Day of the Dead go back about 3,000 years, where similar rituals honored the dead in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.

Living family members pay their respects to their honored guests through ofrendas, or offerings placed in homes featuring the deceased favorite foods, gifts for them, flowers, etc. You will notice these all around Mexico City during your trip!

It’s important to note that Day of the Dead is not the same thing as Halloween, although some costumes and traditions overlap.

When Is Day Of The Dead?

This holiday is celebrated annually from October 31 – November 2. October 31 is Halloween (in both Mexico and the US, along with many other parts of the world). November 1-2 is known as All Souls Day.

Tips For Attending The Mexico City Day Of The Dead Parade

There are dozens of celebrations across Mexico City during Day of the Dead, however, there is one main parade you really can’t miss! The Day of the Dead parade (Desfile de Diá de los Muertos) typically takes place on November 2nd — to wrap up the Die de los Muertos celebrations.

The parade typically runs down Avenida Reforma in Mexico City. The main parade features elaborate floats, giant puppets, marching bands, and people dressed in ornate costumes.

Pro-tip: I would check the official CDMX site to learn more about the parade details. For example, in 2023 the parade took place on Saturday, November 4 from 2 – 6:30 pm, beginning at the Puerta de Leones in Chapultepec Park, proceeding down Paseo de la Reforma.

Unfortunately my friends and I arrived to Mexico City the day after the main parade (this is why you need to check the site before you plan your 4 day Mexico City itinerary!), but we did catch some celebrations in the main city square. Plus, as mentioned above, the entire city is decorated with beautiful ofrendas during this time.

How To Spend 4 Days In Mexico City

Assuming you are planning a trip that includes Mexico City Day of the Dead events, plus some other sightseeing, I have a few more recommendations to share! Outside of seeing the ofrendas and parades around the city, here are another few can’t-miss sights to add to your 4 day Mexico City itinerary:

El Moro Churerría

You can’t leave Mexico City without trying an authentic churro! You’ll find lines around the block for this beloved churro shop, or churrería, but I promise it’s worth the wait! There are several locations in the city: Roma, Centro Historico, Condesa, Polanco, and Cuauhtémoc. You can sit at one of the many tables inside or take the dessert for takeaway. Be sure to enjoy watching the cooks dip, fry, and sugar-coat the churros! Plus, you can pair the treat with hot chocolate / chocolate dip.

Xochimilco

This is my TOP recommendation, but also happens to be located slightly outside of the city! Depending on where you are coming from in CDMX, this could take an hour to get to. My friends and I split an Uber since there were 4 of us and this was quite affordable, however, there are also buses!

Xochimilco is located in southern Mexico City (about 28 km south of the city center) and is a working class neighborhood known as the “Venice of Mexico”. It’s not the nicest area, however it is home to the famous canals of Xochimilco, which are absolutely worth visiting. These canals date back to the Aztecs and were a common way to transport goods to and from the city. Today, the canals are used mostly for tourist and entertainment purposes, and aren’t quite nearly as vast, although they still stretch more than 100 SQUARE MILES!

Xochimilco has since been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its stunning natural and cultural beauty. The network of canals and artificial islands, all man-made during the 16th century, have been exceptionally preserved and are a testament to the hard work that the Aztec people put into building this transportation system and habitat in an unfavorable, dry environment.

Touring Xochimilco

The highlight of the canals are the colorful, gondola-like boats that visitors can cruise on. Locals operate the boats with a large wooden pole, as food vendors, artisans, and mariachi bands float by. Visitors are welcome to bring their own foods and drink as well (BYOB baby!) — we noticed several family dinner parties and events taking place on the boats. The atmosphere is quite festive, especially on weekends, and can get busy! There was some “traffic” on the canals when we visited, but it added to the experience.

There are gardens, or chinampas, scattered along the riverbeds that were constructed by the Aztecs, allowing them to grow crops on the little man-made islands. The boats are called trajineras, and can be booked per hour at the Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas, each with its own personal name. We felt that one hour was enough time to enjoy the cruise and photos. I’m sure if you were hosting an event on board (the boats are large and can probably fit 15-20 guests), you would want more time!

The boats are 600 pesos for an hour (about $30 USD). Bring cash to pay!

Pro-tip: Be sure to book a tour or local guide in advance. If you just show up it’s hard to find the entrance and a boat. There are scammers that linger by the entrance, so make a plan to meet one of the local guides in advance!

Teotihuacan

My next recommendation should also be a half-day to full-day day trip from Mexico City, but it’s a MUST! Teotihuacan is an ancient Meso-American city and religious center located in the Valley of Mexico, about 25 mi (40 km) northeast of modern-day Mexico City. This is the site of many of the most architecturally significant pyramids built by pre-Columbian Americans, including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. The city was established around 100 BCE and last through 500 CE, although most major monuments were sacked and burned. During its peak, this area was the largest city in the Americas (estimated to have over 100,000 inhabitants), making it one of the largest cities in the world at the time.

Aside from the pyramids, the ancient city features many multi-family residential compounds, the Avenue of the Dead, and well-preserved murals. Additionally, Teotihuacan exported most of the obsidian tools found throughout the area. Today, there are several souvenir shops that sell these for tourists to bring home.

Pro-tip: Looking for a grand adventure? Explore the landscapes of Teotihuacán Valley on a 30-50 minute hot air balloon flight. Enjoy breakfast and refreshments at the balloon port with optional transfers on this tour from CDMX!

Touring Teotihuacan

The city and archeological site are located in what is now known as the San Juan Teotihuacán municipality, outside of Mexico City. The site covers a total of 32 square miles (83 km) and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It’s the most visited archaeological site in Mexico, and deserves a spot on your 4 day Mexico City itinerary.

There are several tour companies that operate visits to Teotihuacan from downtown Mexico City. These tours will include a guided walk along the Avenue of the Dead, from the Pyramid of the Sun (on one end) to the Pyramid of the Moon (on the other end). Plus, you’ll learn about the history of the area, visit a souvenir shop, and enjoy a cultural demonstration to learn more about life in the area through workshops.

You can even climb up the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, which is one of the pyramids, which is extremely rare! There is an outside component that you can climb, but it is illegal to climb on the actual temple. It’s SO steep though — be warned!

A Few Restaurant Recs…

• La Frapp: Enjoy rooftop margs and guac while overlooking the ancient ruins in the main city square.
• Sanborns: Historical building turned multi-level restaurant located right near the main plaza. A bit touristy, but a safe spot for a delicious local meal!
• Madre Cafe: Located in the Roma Norte neighborhood, this cafe, bar, and restaurant is a popular spot for digital nomads. It has a beautiful ambience with many live plants, and even has a live DJ sometimes. There’s WiFi and an incredible menu!
• Cafe Nin: Also in the Roma Norte neighborhood, this is a cocktail bar, cafe, and bakery. It’s SO cute in here and would also be the perfect place to work remote during the daytime.

That brings us to the end of this mega guide for visiting Mexico City Day of the Dead events, in addition to a bunch of sightseeing and restaurant recommendations for your 4 days in Mexico City itinerary. I hope this guide answers any questions that you have, and if you have more… please leave them below!

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