My First Impressions of Mexico City (Three Days In!)

Three days into my solo adventure in Mexico City, my feet are sore, my stomach’s full of tacos, and my brain’s buzzing with first impressions. I’ve averaged around 16,000 steps a day, had a few friendly (and sometimes curious) encounters with locals, and taken in a whole lot of sensory detail. I figured now’s a good time to share some initial thoughts while everything’s still fresh in my mind.

Of course, these are just my observations—everyone’s experience in CDMX will be different. But if you’re curious what it feels like to explore this vibrant city on your own, here’s a peek into my first few days.

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🚗 Getting Around: Cheap and Convenient

Using ride-sharing apps like Uber is super common and very affordable. Fares fluctuate depending on your location and the time of day—rush hour will cost you more, especially in dense areas like Centro Histórico.

For example, I recently took a ride from Roma Norte to Condesa during off-peak hours, and it only cost me about 70 pesos (roughly $5 CAD). Definitely a budget-friendly option for solo travellers.

🕶️ Style Notes: Tattoos, Earrings, and Flair

One of the first things that stood out to me is how stylish the younger crowd is here—especially the men. There’s a real flair for self-expression, from tattoos and earrings to bold fashion choices that feel effortlessly cool. It gives the city this creative, edgy vibe that I really admire. Honestly, I love how unafraid people are to show off their personal style—it’s like the streets double as a runway, and I’m absolutely here for it.

🚦 Traffic: Controlled Chaos

Mexico City traffic can be a bit wild if you’re not used to it. Thankfully, having grown up in Taipei, I feel somewhat at home amidst the organized chaos. Pedestrian signals aren’t always easy to spot (they’re often positioned awkwardly), and at smaller intersections, crosswalks are more like a suggestion than a rule.

The general vibe is: if no cars are coming, go for it. Pedestrian crossings are more about confidence than timing.

🌳 Green Escapes

I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with the parks here, but wow—CDMX knows how to do green space right. Parque México in particular is a stunner: lush, peaceful, and beautifully maintained. It’s the perfect spot to reset after a morning of exploring or to simply sit and people-watch with a cold drink in hand.

🗑️ Clean(ish) Streets, Missing Trash Bins

Surprisingly, the streets in central neighbourhoods are much cleaner than I expected. I regularly see shopkeepers sweeping their storefronts and city workers doing their rounds. That said, there’s a noticeable lack of public trash bins—so if you’re carrying trash, be prepared to hold onto it a little longer than you’d like.

☕️ Tourist Clusters

It’s hard not to notice that certain neighbourhoods—Roma and Condesa, for example—draw a particular type of traveller. Think digital nomads, stylish couples, and lots of English being spoken in cafés with oat milk lattes on the menu. I’ve mostly run into American and European tourists, and very few East Asians, which might explain the occasional curious glance I get from locals. I’ll take it as intrigue, not judgment!

🌮 Dining Dynamics

Meals here move fast. Servers often take your order right away—sometimes before you’ve had time to figure out what “suadero” means (thank you, Google Translate). But service is incredibly prompt, and dishes arrive within minutes, which I love as a solo traveller.

One thing to note: tipping here is a bit more direct. When the server brings the bill and card machine, they’ll often ask how much you’d like to tip—10%, 15%, 20%. It can feel a little pressured, especially compared to the more discreet system in Canada or Europe. Just something to be aware of!

💨 Real Talk: Tacos = Gas

Okay, this may be TMI, but we’re all friends here, right? I’ve been noticeably gassier since arriving in Mexico. Maybe it’s the combo of spicy salsa, beans, tortillas, and meat—or maybe my digestive system’s still adjusting. Either way, it’s been a bit airier than usual. Let’s just leave it at that and move on. 😅

🗣️ Language: Mostly Spanish, So Come Prepared

Outside of hotels and established restaurants in touristy areas, English isn’t widely spoken—so having a few basic Spanish phrases under your belt really helps. Most locals are warm and patient, but knowing the essentials makes interactions a lot smoother. (I’ll be posting a handy cheat sheet with key Spanish phrases for first-time travellers.)

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That’s a wrap on my first impressions! I’m heading to Polanco and Coyoacán in the next few days and can’t wait to see what else this city has in store. If you’ve got any tips or favourite spots in CDMX, feel free to send them my way!

Before I sign off, here are a few snaps I took around Roma Norte, the neighbourhood I’m currently calling home. I’ve been shooting with my new Fujifilm X-M5—a light, discreet and powerful camera that’s quickly become my favourite travel companion. I’ll be sharing more about it soon for those curious about travel-friendly gear!