The smart traveller’s guide to a week in Mexico City

Picture this: You’re planning the perfect trip to Mexico City. The flights are booked, and your PTO is approved… all you need to figure out is the itinerary and activities.

We’ll dive right into the best Mexico City has to offer, and importantly, how you can avoid getting dinged with hidden FX fees that can eat into your perfectly planned budget.

This guide is built for two — we’ve estimated budgets and savings for a pair of travellers exploring Mexico City over a week.

Your new favourite travel hack

Before we start, here’s a pro tip: The EQ Bank Card is a great solution to sneaky travel-spending woes. Designed with the global traveller in mind, the card has zero added foreign exchange (FX) fees and no international ATM withdrawal fees from EQ Bank, and it works in over 150 countries.

What does the other side look like? With most debit or credit cards, you’d pay about 2.5 per cent in added FX fees, not to mention $3 to $5 in international ATM withdrawal fees when you withdraw cash — that’s a serious dent in your budget.

For the rest of the trip, we’ll tally your potential savings with the EQ Bank Card using similar assumptions* — based on FX and ATM fees often charged by many Canadian banks.

Here’s a list of must-do activities and experiences across Mexico City (CDMX), from city tours to Michelin-star dining, with examples of how much you could save using the EQ Bank Card along the way.

City strolls and rooftop views in CDMX

EQ Bank

Kick off your trip with a walking tour through the Zócalo, Mexico City’s central square surrounded by centuries-old cathedrals, Aztec ruins, and colonial architecture. Then head to a rooftop like Terraza Catedral for a drink with a view. We suggest withdrawing and carrying cash for this activity (and any purchases you may make from local vendors).
Suggested budget: $200 CAD cash
Potential savings with EQ Bank Card*: $8.10 = a couple of street snacks or your first round of churros

Museums & markets in Coyoacán

EQ Bank

Coyoacán offers a vibrant blend of culture and history, with unique museums and lively markets to explore. Don’t miss the iconic Frida Kahlo Museum and Anahuacalli Museum, and be sure to browse the local artisan stalls filled with handmade textiles, jewelry, pottery, and souvenirs.
Suggested budget: $400 CAD cash
Potential savings with EQ Bank Card*: $13.10 = grab an extra souvenir at the market

Teotihuacan Pyramids

EQ Bank

Just an hour outside of CDMX, Teotihuacan is home to the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Take a day trip to explore the site and witness golden hour from the best view possible – in the sky! Book a sunset hot air balloon ride online for an experience you’ll never forget.
Suggested budget: $600 CAD
Potential savings with EQ Bank Card*: $15 = celebratory drinks post-balloon ride

Mexican cuisine

EQ Bank

After a busy day exploring the city, treat yourself to Mexico City’s diverse food offerings, from street-side tacos at local favourites like Taquería Orinoco to an unforgettable multi-course tasting menu at Pujol, one of the world’s top restaurants and a Michelin Two-Star destination.
Suggested budget: $500 CAD cash
Potential savings with EQ Bank Card*: $15.60 = dessert time!

Cocktails in Condesa

Wrap up a day with cocktails at Licorería Limantour, consistently ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars. Located in the Condesa neighbourhood, it is the perfect spot for a chill and relaxed night.
Suggested budget: $100 CAD
Potential savings with EQ Bank Card*: $2.50 = a street-side taco stop on the walk home

Let’s tally up the potential savings* over a weeklong trip for two people:

Total expenses:

With a typical bank card: $1,854.30

With EQ Bank Card: $1,800

Through a single week-long trip, you’ll save as much as $54 in possible FX and ATM fees — that’s enough to cover a nice lunch, souvenirs for the family, or your airport transfer home.

Over the course of a year, with multiple gateways, those little fees can add up to hundreds of dollars or more. You could even save a lot more if you plan to do some shopping or have a luxury vacation in mind.

Travelling savvy means saving wherever you can, so that you can start funding your next adventure. Take to the skies and see the world, with peace of mind and extra cash in your pocket. Learn more about the EQ Bank Card.

See the full EQ Bank Card Fees & Features for more information.

_{*Potential savings are indicated as an example only; savings calculated based on a 2.5% foreign transaction fee and a $3 international/foreign ATM withdrawal fee levied by most credit and debit cards in Canada. Calculations assume similar base exchange rates and do not include local ATM operator fees, reward points, or additional charges from financial institutions. In the example, cash purchases are calculated with the 2.5% FX fee levied on the purchase price + $3 ATM fee; online purchases are calculated with the 2.5% FX fee levied on the purchase price. Your actual expenses may vary depending on the product you use.}