Why I Chose Mexico City for My Solo Adventure (And How I Prepped for It)

Mexico City has been calling my name for a while now. There’s just something magnetic about it—the layers of history, the nonstop energy, the way it balances chaos and beauty so effortlessly. I’ve always been drawn to places with personality, and CDMX has plenty of it. I wanted to wander through neighbourhoods filled with street art and colonial charm, admire architecture that jumps from ancient ruins to modern design, and of course, eat my weight in tacos. The food alone could’ve convinced me.

After poking around online in January and seeing that May is a sweet spot before the rainy season kicks in, I went for it. A few clicks later, I had a 10-day solo trip locked in—and the countdown began.

Now, you might be thinking: Ten days? That’s a long time for one city. But for me, it’s just right. I like to slow things down and really soak in a place. No rush, no checklist-style sightseeing—just good eats, good vibes, and getting wonderfully lost.

Ditching the Rigid Itinerary

A month before takeoff, I started casually planning. It’s funny—years ago, I used to be the kind of traveler who had a spreadsheet with every hour blocked out. But now? Hard pass. These days, I only pre-book a few key experiences—the kind I’d be seriously bummed to miss—and leave the rest up to spontaneity. I’ve found that some of the best memories come from the unexpected moments you stumble into when you’re not glued to a schedule.

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A Few Things I Did to Prepare for My Trip

💵 Cash is Still King (in Some Places)

While most restaurants and stores take cards, I learned that street food stalls and markets are still very much cash-only. I exchanged about $4300 Mexican pesos to start and made sure I had smaller bills on hand for things like tips—especially if you’re staying at a hotel (housekeeping always appreciates it!).

🛡️ Solo Travel Safety 101

Travelling solo means you’re your own backup plan, so I made sure to take some basic safety precautions. One of my biggest fears—and I know I’m not alone here—is having my phone stolen. It’s a nightmare scenario, but I tried to be proactive about it. First, I double-checked that the “Find My” feature was turned on for all my Apple devices and made sure I committed my iCloud password to memory. I also made photocopies of my passport just in case I misplace it or need to provide ID somewhere unexpectedly.

Another thing to keep in mind: not all neighbourhoods in Mexico City are created equal when it comes to safety. As a general rule, the farther you wander from the city centre, the sketchier it can get. I won’t list specific areas here (you can check out this helpful Culture Trip article for that), but it’s always a good idea to do a little research and trust your gut. Stick to well-populated spots, especially at night.

Oh—and one more important tip: try not to look too flashy. Dressing low-key and keeping your valuables tucked away makes you less of a target for pickpockets. I swapped my usual backpack for a trusty crossbody bag—way harder to swipe and easier to keep in sight.

🏔️ Altitude & Health Prep

Mexico City sits at a whopping 2,240 meters above sea level, which means the sun hits harder and you might feel a little off when you arrive (altitude sickness is real). I stocked up on a few essentials before my trip:

• A mineral SPF 50 sunscreen stick

• Advil (in case of headaches or fatigue)

• Some prebiotics to help my tummy adjust to new foods

Also: skip the tap water. Bottled water is the norm, and I always carry a refillable water bottle with me anyway, so I’ll be covered.

🫱🏻 The Underrated MVP: Wet Wipes

Never underestimate the power of a good wet wipe—especially if you plan to dive into the street food scene like I do. Tacos, quesadillas, churros… you’ll probably be eating with your hands a lot, and no one wants sticky fingers. Antibacterial wipes are a lifesaver.

👟 Fashion vs. Function (Pick Function)

I always go back and forth on this one—should I bring my cute, fancy shoes or stick with something practical? This time, I’m prioritizing comfort. There will be plenty of strolling through parks, museums, and neighbourhoods with uneven sidewalks. That means good walking shoes or supportive sandals are a must. I know my feet will thank me after a full day of wandering.

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I’m beyond excited for this trip and can’t wait to share more once I’m there! If you’re thinking about visiting Mexico City yourself, I hope this post helps you feel a little more prepared.