Mexico City

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, set in a high valley at about 2,240 metres. Its Centro Histórico, around the Zócalo square, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Roma and Condesa, to the south-west, are leafy districts of cafés and restaurants. Coyoacán, further south, is an old colonial village absorbed by the city.

Tacos are the city’s everyday food, with al pastor, pork cooked on a vertical spit, as the local classic. Tamales, quesadillas and tlacoyos fill the street stalls, and mezcal the bars. Five operators are compared in this guide: Secret Food Tours in the old town (74.99 dollars per person), Eat Mexico in Condesa (103 dollars per adult), Sabores Mexico in Coyoacán (from 105 dollars), Culinary Backstreets in the Centro Histórico (140 dollars per adult) and Food Hood Tours in Roma Norte and Condesa (1,280 pesos).

Practical notes

• The airport is east of the centre, on metro line 5.
• At this altitude, a long walk tires you faster: drink water and pace yourself.
• The metro reaches the Centro Histórico and Coyoacán. Roma and Condesa are well served by the Metrobús on Avenida Insurgentes.