Mexico City is one of the most rewarding cities in the tournament — and one of the most disorienting for first-time visitors. At 2,240 metres above sea level, with 22 million people and a transport system that takes some getting used to, CDMX rewards those who prepare. Here's what to avoid.
Transport Mistakes
Don't take unofficial taxis from the airport or street. Mexico City has a well-documented problem with express kidnappings involving unofficial taxis — particularly at the airport. Only use authorised transport: the AIFA or NAICM airport taxi booths inside the terminal (pay before you exit), the Metrobús from Terminal 1, or app-based services like DiDi or InDrive. Do not accept rides offered by people approaching you in the arrivals hall.
Don't ignore the Metro. Mexico City's Metro (Sistema de Transporte Colectivo) is one of the best urban rail systems in Latin America — extensive, fast, and extremely cheap (around $0.25 USD per journey). For match days at Estadio Azteca, take Metro Line 2 to Tasqueña, then connect to the Tren Ligero to Estadio Azteca station. It's direct, reliable, and avoids traffic entirely.
Don't drive in CDMX if you don't have to. The city has a vehicle restriction programme (Hoy No Circula) that bans certain cars from roads on weekdays based on number plate. Foreign rental cars are subject to restrictions. Traffic is dense. For visitors, a combination of Metro, Metrobús, and DiDi covers almost everything you need without the stress of driving.
Tourist Trap Mistakes
Don't exchange money at airport kiosks. The exchange desks at Mexico City's airports (both NAICM and AIFA) offer some of the worst rates in the country. Use your bank card at an ATM to get pesos, or exchange at a casa de cambio in the city centre — rates are significantly better. Avoid exchanging USD on the street.
Don't eat at restaurants facing the Zócalo. The main square (Zócalo) is genuinely impressive and worth seeing. The restaurants with outdoor tables overlooking it charge a significant premium for that view and deliver average food. Walk two or three streets back into Centro Histórico, or head to Roma or Condesa for food that's genuinely good.
Don't buy "Azteca" memorabilia from street sellers near the stadium without checking quality. The streets around Estadio Azteca on match day are full of vendors. Some sell perfectly reasonable scarves and flags. Others sell items that fall apart the same day. Inspect before you buy and avoid anything with printing that looks off.
Neighbourhood Mistakes
Don't stay in a neighbourhood unfamiliar to you without checking current safety advice. Mexico City is a large, complex city. Areas like Polanco, Roma Norte, Condesa, and Coyoacán are welcoming, well-serviced, and generally safe for visitors. Other areas require more caution. Research your neighbourhood before booking — use recent traveller forums and check current foreign office guidance for your country.
Don't underestimate the distance from the tourist centre to Estadio Azteca. The stadium is in Tlalpan, in the south of the city. From Roma or Condesa, you're looking at 45–60 minutes by Metro on a normal day, longer by car on match day. Build this into your schedule — there is no shortcut to the stadium.
Cultural Mistakes
Don't drink tap water. This applies everywhere in Mexico. Tap water in Mexico City is not safe for visitors to drink directly. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Every hotel and convenience store sells it cheaply. Getting sick from tap water on match day is entirely avoidable.
Don't ignore the altitude. At 2,240 metres, Mexico City is significantly higher than any other World Cup host city in the tournament. First-timers commonly experience headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath in the first 24–48 hours. Drink more water than usual, avoid heavy alcohol on your first night, and take things slower than you normally would. Your body will adjust within a couple of days.
Don't skip basic Spanish. English is spoken in tourist areas and upscale hotels, but outside of those zones you'll communicate better with some Spanish. Even basic phrases — "una mesa para dos", "la cuenta, por favor", "cuánto cuesta" — go a long way and show respect. Locals respond warmly to visitors who make the effort.
Match Day Mistakes
Don't arrive at Estadio Azteca late. Estadio Azteca holds over 87,000 people — it's the largest stadium in the tournament. Security queues are long. Arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff. The Metro to Estadio Azteca station gets crowded quickly in the hour before a big match.
Don't plan to eat near the stadium before the match. The immediate area around Azteca is not known for great food options. Eat in the city before you travel south. There are taquerias and street food vendors outside the stadium but quality and hygiene vary. If in doubt, eat before you leave.
Don't forget that altitude affects everyone at the match. If you're cheering loudly for 90 minutes at 2,240 metres having just arrived, you will feel it. Pace yourself, stay hydrated, and don't be surprised if you feel more breathless than usual after a strong goal celebration.
Plan Your Mexico City Trip in Depth
- World Cup 2026 Mexico City Fan Guide — everything you need before you land