Mexico City, Mexico has a colorful history dating back to the Aztecs in the 14th century. The city's downtown area combines pre-Hispanic and colonial history with modern architecture. The Historic Center, which surrounds the Zocalo plaza, has many sights, including the Aztec Templo Mayor and Spanish colonial buildings. Mexico City is a large, complex city with a rich history, art scene and food scene. It's a world heritage site with a mix of ancient and modern influences. For more information, visit Fun Facts About Mexico City. 

 

Cultural Norms: 

• Etiquette | It's considered polite to say "Salud" when someone sneezes, "Con permiso" before interrupting a conversation, and to tip 10–15% after a service. It's also important to say goodbye properly before leaving, and to show respect to people who are older than you. See more common phrases below.

 

• Religion | Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Mexico, with over 80% of the population identifying as Catholic. Many Mexicans see Catholicism as part of their identity and cultural heritage, and it's often visible in festivities and events, as well as in the placement of idols in homes and public spaces. However, Mexico is an open and tolerant country that allows all religions to practice openly. 

 

• Languages | The majority of Mexicans speak Spanish, but about 5.4% also speak indigenous languages like Mayan and Nahuatl. Indigenous words have also become common in other languages, such as English, with words like "chocolate", "coyote", "tomato", and "avocado" all originating in Nahuatl

 

Currency: 

• The currency of Mexico is the Peso

 

Common Phrases: Spanish - English

• ¡Buenas!: An informal greeting that's a shortened version of "buenos días".  
• Feliz día ¿Cómo está?: A friendly and uplifting greeting that translates to "happy day, how are you?". It can be used any time of day.  
• Buenos días a todos: A great way to greet a group, this phrase translates to "good morning to all".  
• Buenos días, un placer conocerte: An upbeat greeting that translates to "good morning, a pleasure to meet you".  
• Hola! Me llamo ___ ¿Cómo se llama?: A formal and common greeting that translates to "Hi! Me name is ___ What's your name?"
• Mucho gusto en conocerte: A friendly and neutral way to say, "nice to meet you."
• Soy de ___ ¿De dónde eres?: Common way to say, "I am from ___ where are you from?"
• ¿Tiene una recomendación?: Would be a  polite way to ask someone local, "do you have a recommendation?"
• Estuvo delicioso!: When dining out and your food was delicious, this translates to, "It was delicious!"
• Dónde está ___ ?: Can be asked when you need to know where something is. Direct translation is "where is___?"
• Pardon ¿Me puede ayudar?: translates to, "Pardon, Can you help me?

• ¿Cómo se dice en ___?: If you're learning the language and want to know how a local would pronounce a person place or thing, you can ask, "How do you say this in ____?"

Mexico City Landmarks

• Chapultepec Castle (in the Bosque de chapultepec)
• Museo Frida Kahlo
• The National Palace of Mexico
• El Zócalo
• Metropolitan Cathedral
• The Ruins of Templo Mayor
• The Angel of Independence
• The Palace of Fine Arts
• The Blue House
• Monumento a la Revolución