Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Only drink bottled or filtered water. Most hotels provide filtered water, and restaurants use it for cooking and ice.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

You can get by with English in tourist areas, but learning basic phrases like 'La cuenta, por favor' (The check, please) goes a long way.

Yes, 10-15% is standard for restaurant service.

3 Days in Mexico City: A First-Timer's Plan

Spend your first day in Centro Histórico to see the heart of the city, your second day exploring the parks and museums of Roma and Condesa, and your third day traveling out to the Teotihuacán pyramids. Use Uber for getting around safely and buy your museum tickets online in advance to skip the lines.

Secure your transport. Download Uber. It is the safest and most reliable way to navigate the city. Avoid hailing street taxis, especially at night.
Buy museum tickets online. Go to the official websites for the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) and the Anthropology Museum. Casa Azul sells out weeks in advance—book this before you even book your flights.
Choose your home base. Stay in Roma Norte or Condesa. These neighborhoods are walkable, safe, and located centrally between the historic center and the major parks.
Plan for altitude. Mexico City sits at 7,350 feet. Drink double the water you think you need on day one to avoid altitude sickness.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: No. Only drink bottled or filtered water. Most hotels provide filtered water, and restaurants use it for cooking and ice.
Do I need to speak Spanish?: You can get by with English in tourist areas, but learning basic phrases like 'La cuenta, por favor' (The check, please) goes a long way.
Is tipping expected?: Yes, 10-15% is standard for restaurant service.