Mexico City, Everything You Need to Know

Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and truly one of the most interesting and diverse cities in the world. If you love cuisine, shopping, colonial neighborhoods, crazy nightlife or great parks then get the biggest marker you can find an write it on top of your bucketlist. The city currently counts 8.9 million inhabitants and is growing beyond the borders of its state that is supposed to contain the city. Let’s dive in what the city has to offer!

Mexico City

Mexico City is located in a valley in South Central Mexico where it has a subtropical highland climate. This is comparable to the north coast of Spain. With an average day temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and raining season from June to October it is not the cactus desert you may have expected.

If you think such a large city has no room for nature and animals then you are mistaken. Almost 33% is covered by forest and pastureland of which 27% is arable land. Mexico City is home to more than 4.000 different species, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, different mammals and many more.

The culture of Mexico City

Mexico City has a unique culture that’s a mix of traditions, food, music and dance, religion and architecture. The city and the culture are a combination of new and old, wherever you look. An example is that although the language spoken in Mexico City is Spanish, Mexicans still use many words coming from the ancient languages. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world and has undergone a tremendous transformation in the recent years. When it comes to nightlife, you will instantly notice that everyone knows all the songs and dances. This is an important tradition in Mexico and you will need to be prepared to learn some yourself.

One interesting holiday that roots back to the Aztec tradition is that on the night of October 31 to November 1 Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead. They believe the souls of the people who have passed away will return that night and celebrate this not very quietly.

In such a world city are many foreigners coming to live temporarily or permanently. 65% of the foreigners is Native American, 31% European and 3% African. Mexico City is also home to the largest population of U.S. Americans outside the United States with over 700,000 inhabitants.

Traveling in Mexico City

If you go to Mexico City to either do an internship or for a study exchange you will always have enough time to discover the beautiful city. The historical center and the floating gardens of Xochimilco have already been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Other famous touristic places are Plaza de la Constitución, Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, and the Aztec temple ruins called Templo Mayor. But the most recognizable icon of Mexico City is the golden Angel of Independence on the major road downtown Mexico City.

If you would like to go on a trip for a weekend make sure to visit the nearby cities Cholula or Taxco or Valle de Bravo. These are smaller villages where you will find the true Mexican culture and experience locals not many tourists would.

Cost of living in Mexico City

The cost of living in Mexico City is on average higher than the rest of the country, but still lower than most of Europe. Let’s go over some of the costs.

Food:

Basic lunch menu with a drink 5.66 EUR

Big Mac Meal 3.91 EUR

Basic dinner for two 22 EUR

Housing:

Single student room 200-400 EUR

Internet 8Mbps 17 EUR

Clothing:

1 pair of jeans 36 EUR

1 pair of sport shoes 69 EUR

Transportation:

1 liter of gas 0.75 EUR

Monthly ticket public transport 20 EUR

8 km taxi trip 3.78 EUR

Entertainment:

2 tickets to the movies 6 EUR

1 beer in neighbourhood pub 1.95 EUR