Senior travel: Mexico City
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 1 stop a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 104 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Plaza Río de JaneiroStep-free: yes · about 45 minFlat paths around the square; tree roots lift pavements on nearby streets.
- Palacio de Bellas ArtesStep-free: yes · about 90 minLifts to upper floors; steps at some entrances (check).
- National Museum of AnthropologyStep-free: yes · about 210 minLevel halls and lifts to the upper floor; long distances.
- Zócalo & Metropolitan CathedralStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minThe square is level; the cathedral has ramps at some entrances and uneven stone floors (check).
- Chapultepec CastleStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 100 minA lift or shuttle may operate (check); steep approach and stairs inside.
- Templo MayorStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 120 minRamps along the ruin paths; uneven paving in places (check).
Getting around in Mexico City
Mexico City is hard going on wheels. Pavements are uneven, kerbs are high and Metro lifts are few. Museums and newer hotels have lifts and ramps; plan door-to-door app-car rides.
- Pavements:
- Uneven, with tree roots and steep kerbs; Roma has short flat stretches.
- Getting around:
- App cars and Metrobús are the practical options; the Metro has few working lifts.
- Museums:
- Bellas Artes, Antropología and Chapultepec Castle have ramps or lifts in places (check each).
- Hotels:
- Newer and international hotels have lifts and adapted rooms on request.
- Toilets:
- Accessible toilets in malls, museums and larger hotels; rare elsewhere.
Medicines and health on the ground
The Mexico guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Altitude:
- At 2,240 m, headache, breathlessness and poor sleep on the first days are common; take it easy, drink water and avoid heavy alcohol.
- Food and water:
- Choose busy stalls; drink purified water; peel fruit. Traveller's diarrhoea happens; carry rehydration salts.
- Sun:
- Strong sun at altitude: hat, sunscreen and shade.
- Mosquitoes:
- Dengue and Zika exist in Mexico but the city's altitude keeps the risk low; use repellent if you travel to lower areas.
- Medical care:
- Good private hospitals in the city; pay upfront and claim later. Travel insurance with medical cover is advised.
- Vaccination:
- Ask a travel clinic several weeks before you travel; check routine vaccinations and hepatitis A.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.