Mexico
Profiled in Mexico City · North America
A vast, altitude-high megacity where world-class food, deep history and leafy walkable neighborhoods sit next to raw urban chaos.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Roma and Condesa cost double the outer boroughs.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Mexico City
- ZocaloOne of the largest city squares on earth, framed by cathedral and palace.
- Templo MayorExcavated Aztec temple ruins right beside the cathedral.
- Palacio de Bellas ArtesMarble concert hall with Rivera and Orozco murals inside.
- Museo Nacional de AntropologiaThe country's greatest museum, home of the Aztec sun stone.
- Chapultepec ParkEnormous urban forest with a hilltop castle and lakes.
- Frida Kahlo MuseumThe cobalt-blue Casa Azul in Coyoacan where she lived and worked.
- XochimilcoColorful trajinera boats drift through ancient Aztec canals.
- CoyoacanCobblestone colonial quarter with markets, plazas and coffee.
- Torre LatinoamericanaMid-century tower with the best open-air view over downtown.
- Basilica de GuadalupeMexico's holiest shrine and its most visited Catholic site.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- TeotihuacanClimb the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon an hour north of the city.
- PueblaColonial center, mole poblano and Talavera tiles two hours east.
- Valle de BravoLakeside mountain town loved for sailing and long weekends.
- TepoztlanMagic town under a cliff-top pyramid, popular for its Sunday market.
- CuernavacaThe city of eternal spring, warm gardens and old haciendas nearby.
Coffee
Best cafes
- Cafe de TacubaHistoric downtown cafe serving Mexican classics since 1912.
- Cafe El JarochoCoyoacan institution famous for cheap sidewalk coffee to go.
- Cafebreria El PenduloBookstore cafe in Condesa good for reading and long lunches.
- Panaderia RosettaRoma bakery with a legendary guava roll and strong espresso.
- Cardinal Casa de CafeSpecialty roaster taking Mexican single-origin beans seriously.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- PujolEnrique Olvera's tasting menu, a global fixture of modern Mexican cooking.
- QuintonilRefined seasonal Mexican tasting menu in Polanco.
- ContramarBuzzy midday spot known for its tuna tostadas and split fish.
- El CardenalBeloved for traditional breakfasts and classic Mexican dishes.
- RosettaItalian-Mexican cooking in a beautiful Roma townhouse.
- Maximo BistrotMarket-driven French-Mexican plates from Eduardo Garcia.
- El CalifaReliable late-night taqueria chain for al pastor and quesadillas.
Morning
Best breakfast
- El CardenalThe classic sit-down Mexican breakfast, from hot chocolate to conchas.
- Lalo!Bright, casual all-day spot in Roma for eggs and pastries.
- Panaderia RosettaGrab the guava roll and a coffee at the counter early.
- Fonda MargaritaLegendary no-frills early-morning fonda, cash only, closes by midday.
- Cafe de TacubaOld-world dining room for tamales and eggs downtown.
- MaqueCondesa favorite for conchas, tamales and huevos rancheros.
- EnoEnrique Olvera's easygoing cafe for breakfast sandwiches and cakes.
- Los PanchosOld-school cantina famous for carnitas and hearty morning plates.
- Bel-FioreCoyoacan bakery cafe good for pastries and a quiet start.
Residency
Most newcomers apply for temporary residency at a Mexican consulate abroad by showing savings or steady income, then finish the process at an immigration office once inside the country. After four years on temporary status you can switch to permanent residency.
Tax
If you spend most of the year in Mexico you become a tax resident and owe tax on worldwide income, with rates rising to about 35 percent. Foreign income you already paid tax on abroad can usually be credited, but getting local advice early is smart.
Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified Mexico residency and citizenship routes →
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Mexico tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
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