This article will give you the necessary data you require to get around in Mexico City, while ensuring your travel plans are still pleasant, exciting and fruitful. So lets get started! Its an exciting journey you are about to embark upon.

Traveling in Mexico City, a General Overview

The naming conventions used for Mexico Citys streets and neighborhoods could be very exasperating to the out of town traveler if you arent sure what everything means. The most important thing to remember when trying to find a certain location is: Patience. Many times, streets that should be in a certain place, just arent.

Numbered streets are usually (but not always) designated as North/South (norte/sur) or East/West (oriente/poneinte). A block could be numbered, depending on how far it is from an arbitrary starting point. However, youll notice during your travels that many Mexican addresses have only "s/n" (sin número) listed after the street title , which means, literally, "no number". And yet other addresses have a kilometer designation in the address, indicating that they are located a certain number of kilometers down a major street, such as a highway.

All addresses in Mexico City are written with the street title at the beginning, then the street number. The postal code (código postal) is listed before the title of the city, not after. Apdo., or apartado, means box, and Postal, or A.P. means post-office box number. And finally, most addresses incorporate the neighborhood (colonia, or col.) that the residence is in.

Traveling in Mexico City, By Bus

The bus system in Mexico City is used extensively by locals and travelers to the area. It is almost always crowded, and pickpockets are an issue. Never show a wallet on the bus, and generate sure to carry change with you if you plan on using this method of transportation.

When boarding the bus, tell the driver where you plan on going, and the driver will tell you the fare. Sometimes bus stops will have signs above them, telling you where you are; many times, you will understand its a stop only because there are people standing around by the side of the pathway. Buses are rarely on instant in Mexico City; if you plan on traveling later in the day or at night, alternate methods of transportation are recommended.

Traveling in Mexico City, By Car

Driving through Mexico Citys streets, especially for the traveler, can be a harrowing acquired skill . One way streets abound, and rush hour is like nothing youve ever seen before. Millions of all the people, literally, are sharing the path with you.

Renting a car is possible in Mexico City, but poses different risks for the out of town traveler. Driving on Mexico City roads is not only dangerous because of the lack of skill used for travelers (many get their license not by getting a test, but by paying someone off), but treacherous because of the unusual and poorly maintained roads.

Another option is to hire a taxi, or limousine, to chauffeur you around. Ask the travel hotel you are staying at in Mexico City for recommendations, or for the closest cab stand (sitio