Booked your trip to Mexico City but now feeling overwhelmed with what to pack?
We understand. Navigating the bustling streets of the large metropolis, while looking chic in the vibrant urban culture, but without standing out as a tourist in the crowds, is quite the task.
In this guide, let us walk you through what to pack for Mexico City based on its climate, activities and cultural norms.
To help you sort and plan efficiently, we have categorized all the packing items by segments. So, with this comprehensive Mexico City packing list, we hope you will feel confident and prepared to experience all that this dynamic city has to offer.
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✅ Essentials on Your Mexico City Packing List:
- Clothing in light layers
- Comfortable walking shoes
📃 Do not forget travel insurance. We personally use and recommend Heymondo: get 5% off here.
Clothing and Footwear
When choosing clothing and footwear, please keep in mind that people in Mexico City like to dress up.
❗️ So, to avoid standing out as a tourist, do not dress too casual. Do not wear shorts and, sandals or flip-flops.
Here’s what to pack instead:
Comfortable Walking Shoes
You will likely spend a lot of time walking in Mexico City, visiting historic landmarks, museums and art galleries, and exploring markets and quaint neighborhoods.
So, your best companion on this Mexico City trip will be comfortable footwear.
Pack a pair of durable shoes, such as sneakers or lightweight walking shoes.
Make sure your shoes are comfortable, have good arch support and are already broken in, because you will be walking a lot on cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks.
✔️ Tip: Pick shoes that can transition from daytime touring to casual dinner outings.
Layers for Changing Temperatures
At 7349 feet, Mexico City’s altitude plays an important role in its weather. Even on warmer days, you can have cool evenings. Similarly, chill mornings can make way for warm afternoons.
So, the key is to dress in light layers.
Opt for t-shirts or tops paired with sweaters, hoodies or cardigans, and bring a light jacket for chilly evenings.
Casual and Chic Outfits
We have seen that people in Mexico City are always dressed for the occasion.
For exploring during the day, pack comfortable clothing in breathable fabrics like linen or cotton that can you stay comfortable in the warm afternoon sun.
For night, you may want to dress up a bit for a dinner date at a trendy restaurant or for visiting an art gallery exhibition.
I (Pubali) have visited Mexico City on almost month-long business trips or as part of our long term slow travel as digital nomads. So, in our Mexico City photos, you will see me either in business casuals or wearing casual clothes like t-shirts and pants.
✔️ Tip for Women: For holidaying in Mexico City, take this as your cue to pack a few cute and comfortable dresses that are perfect for exploring during the day, and with a cardigan on, will get you ready for a nice dinner.
Here are some inspirations:
Everyday Essentials
In this section, we will cover the essentials to carry everyday when you go out to explore Mexico City.
Daypack or Backpack
First things first. Use a daypack or small backpack for carrying your everyday essentials when visiting Mexico City.
A handbag or a tote may look more stylish, but a sturdy daypack is more practical. It is lightweight and easier to carry through crowded areas.
Use this bag to carry your camera, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen and other essentials, which brings me to the next items on this Mexico City packing list.
This anti-theft daypack has multiple compartments for better organization of your things.
✔️ Tip: Keep your daypack in front when riding the Metro or in other crowded places.
Reusable Water Bottle
Tap water is not potable in Mexico City.
Bottles water is available for purchase anywhere in Mexico City. But we recommend you to bring your own water purifying reusable bottle.
It is an environmentally conscious choice that is also convenient.
✔️ The purifying mechanism of this bottle helps you make tap water ready for drinking.
Portable Phone Charger
You are going to use your phone to navigate maps, look up nearby attractions and of course, to take photos.
To save you from situations when the phone battery drops to the dreaded low zone, always keep a portable power bank in your daypack. This ultra slim 10000 mAh portable power bank is compatible with both iPhone and Android.
Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Even in cooler weather, the sun can be intense in Mexico City. Use sunscreen with at 30 SPF or higher to protect your skin during long days outdoors exploring.
Additionally, to protect my eyes from the sunlight, I always use a pair of sunglasses with UV protection.
✔️ Tip: Remember to reapply sunscreen every few hours.
Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes
These are couple of items that I never leave home without: hand sanitizer and wet wipes for face.
In Mexico City, you will be exploring public markets, using public restrooms, riding the Metro, and also will often get the chance (read: feel the temptation) to try different street food. This is where that small bottle of hand sanitizer in the side pocket of your daypack will come in handy.
During long days of outdoor exploration, I prefer to stay refreshed and clean by using wet wipes for face.
Lightweight Scarf (for women)
Keep a lightweight colorful scarf in your daypack. From keeping you warm on crisp mornings or to acting as a stylish accessory, the scarf can serve many purposes in Mexico City.
Personal Care Items
Haircare and Skincare
If you are visiting Mexico City for a few days, just pack your haircare and skincare products so that you do not need to worry about buying them here when you are on a holiday.
Since we travel long term, we usually buy our skincare and haircare products at local supermarkets or pharmacies in the countries that we are visiting.
If it’s the same for you, let us tell you that, in Mexico City, you can find different local and international brands.
Toiletries in a Bag
If you travel with carry-on only, this is a must. Even otherwise, I find a toiletries bag handy for neatly organizing all creams and lotions, body wash, shampoo and conditioner.
This TSA approved transparent waterproof toiletries bag contains travel-sized bottles, spray bottles and cosmetic boxes for organizing all your toiletries and personal care items.
First-aid Kit
This is an essential for us when packing for any destination, a small first-aid kit.
This all-purpose first-aid kit comes with items like band-aids, cleansing wipes, antiseptic creams, pain relievers.
💊 Tip: Do not forget to pack personal medication, if you need any.
Other Essentials
Although we have covered this in your daypack contents, here is another reminder not to forget these items:
Electronics
Universal Power Adapter
For power, Mexico uses:
- Type A and Type B outlets
- Standard voltage of 127V
- Frequency of 60 Hz
This is pretty similar to those in the United States. If your home country uses different power standards, you may need to use a universal travel adapter to avoid compatibility issue for your devices.
Phone + Charger + Headphones
This is obvious, but make sure you add your phone and charger and headphones to your packing list for Mexico City.
Kindle + Charger
Bring your Kindle and charger.
After a long day of exploration, unwind in your hotel in Mexico City with your favorite books.
Camera Gear
Camera
Whether its the murals by Diego Rivera or the colorful markets or the historic buildings in Zocalo, you will want to photograph Mexico City at every opportunity.
So, if you have a camera, bring it!
If your smartphone has a good camera, that should do the work too.
✔️ Tip: Be discreet about using a big camera in crowded places. When not using, put it inside your daypack.
Action Camera + Accessories
If you are going to Mexico City during the Day of the Dead festival and plan to attend the parades, then we would suggest to use a smaller device, like a GoPro, instead of going out with a bigger camera that attracts more attention.
Memory Cards
For your camera and action camera, bring enough memory cards.
➡️ Related Reading: What’s in our camera bag?
Documents
Just to make sure you do not miss any non-negotiable items, we are adding these to this comprehensive Mexico City packing list.
🛂 Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel
💮 Tourist Visa for Mexico: Check if individuals of your nationality need a tourist visa for traveling to Mexico, and if yes, apply for the same in advance.
📂 Travel Insurance: We use Heymondo for our trips and are satisfied with their products, service and customer support.
Paradise Catchers Readers: Get 5% off on Heymondo travel insurance (discount automatically applied)
* Discount not applicable for US residents
💳 Cards and Cash: Most places in Mexico City accept card payment, but keep some Mexican Pesos cash on you for street vendors, smaller eateries and other miscellaneous expenses.
✔️ Tip: To limit exposure in case of credit card fraud, set limits on single transaction and daily transaction amounts.
🪪 Driver’s License: We do not recommend renting a car just for Mexico City, but if your broader Mexico itinerary involves self-drive road trips, do not forget to bring your driver’s license.
✈️ Air Tickets: Digital copies of inbound and onward travel tickets.
🏨 Accommodation Reservations: Digital copies of hotel or Airbnb bookings.
🌆 Tour Bookings: Digital copies or QR codes of tour bookings.
Plan Your Mexico City Trip
Travel Resources
- Flights: Skyscanner
- Hotels: Booking.com | Expedia
- Tours: Viator | GetYourGuide
- Travel Insurance:
- Heymondo (get 5% off)
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
- eSIMs:
- Transfers: Bookaway. Code PARADISE5 for 5% off
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