Despite being one of the world’s largest cities, Mexico City is both feasible and charming. Mexico’s capital city offers something for everyone – world-class museums, international cuisine, great shopping and a nightlife unlike any other. But it certainly is in a ballgame all of its own and visitors can easily be greeted by a major culture shock. Read along for the 10 things you must know before visiting Mexico City

1. It’s No Small Town

573 square miles make up this capital city. Don’t try to see everything at once; instead opt for three or four well-defined areas of the city and explore those thoroughly. It’s impossible to see everything in one visit.

2. Traffic

Home to more than 25 million people, the traffic here is the worst. Traffic jams are almost omnipresent on weekdays, it was ranked # 1 city for traffic congestions on the planet in IBM’s Global Commuter Survey. The survey, comparing best and worst cities for traffic, took into account factors such as commuting time, driving-induced stress and time stuck in traffic, and Mexico took the prize for worst traffic. For a point of reference, if you think LA’s traffic is bad, LA ranked in at 34, and New York at 28. Mexico City’s rank? A whopping 108!

3. Public Transportation

Buses, trolleys and metro are available and easily accessible but have a bad rap as they aren’t the safest. The vetted and regulated taxis here are bright pink. You’ll see them everywhere and they are still commonly used. Uber is the new kid on the block but a safer and more reliable option than hailing a cab!

4. Food

You can find tacos here. Delicious tacos, in fact. One of my favorite taco spots, El Califa is delicious, has several locations and is open late. But Mexico City is a world renowned culinary destination and you can easily find a myriad of dining options. CDMX is home to several Michelin restaurants (Pujol is one of the most famous restaurants worldwide).

5. Weather

Mexico City’s elevation is 7,382 feet above sea level. The weather is divided in two seasons, dry season from November to April, and the rainy season from May to October. Colder months stay between low 40’s to upper 70’s and the summer months range in the mid-to-high 70’s but with lots of rain. Dawn in the Fall and winter get really cold, but with an amazingly clear sky. The best time to visit for great weather? March and April.

6. Paying

Your best bet is to use pesos! American dollars aren’t accepted and the exchange rate might not be the best since there is leniency. But when you do have to pay with a credit or debit card at a restaurant, the servers will actually bring the credit card machine to you and pass your card through right at your table!

7. Tipping

The standard propina is 15%. You’ll also tip more people than you’re probably used to – the guy who helps you park your car; restroom custodians; gas station attendants can be tipped if they clean your windshields or check the air in your tires; grocery baggers, etc.

8. Never.On.Time.

Chilangos have many traits. Punctuality, however, is not one of them. It’s not personal but their perpetual lateness seems part of the culture. Guests usually arrive to kids’ birthday parties two or three hours late. And weddings often begin 45 minutes after the time on the invitation. Ahorita can mean right now but, more often than not, it means five or 10 minutes from now, even half an hour from now — really, anything but now now.

9. Neighborhoods

Mexico City has 16 boroughs and hundreds of neighborhoods (or colonias), each one having its own distinctive personality and feel! Roma, Condesa, Polanco, Zona Rosa, Centro Historico are where visitors usually end up. Condesa is a fashionable neighborhood of meandering streets, upscale shops, and hopping nightlife. It neighbor Roma, is a similarly arty enclave, but with more of a hipster edge. Polanco is the Beverly Hills of Mexico City and is home to foreign embassies, high-end designer boutiques and trendy restaurants. The tourist-packed Zocalo is in El Centro which is where Mexican cuisine is on most colorful display. La Zona Rosa, Mexico City’s historic gay neighborhood is one of the city’s principal nightlife districts by night, and a hustle and bustle of business and commerce during the day.

10. History

The city with the most museums in the world is the ideal destination for history buffs. The city was originally built on an island of Lake Texcoco by the Aztecs in 1325 as Tenochtitlan, (side note: As a result, the city sinks nearly 10 inches per year). Tenochtitlan was almost completely destroyed in the 1521 siege and then rebuilt in accordance with the Spanish urban standards. The Museo Soumaya is a free museum that was donated to the city by the worlds richest man; Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim. A must-visit!

Have you visited Mexico City? What were your favorite spots? Let me know!