How to travel from Chicago to Mexico City on the cheap

How to travel from Chicago to Mexico City on the cheapPhoto: iStock
Hoodline
Published on May 30, 2019

Looking for an adventure in one of the world’s great megacities, but without the hassle of flying halfway around the world? Mexico City is North America’s largest, at over 8 million people (and more than twice that number in the greater metro area).

It's the oldest capital city in the Americas, rich in history and culture and a major economic center in the region today. In addition to Aztec ruins, the city has the world’s largest single-metropolitan concentration of museums, plus extensive art galleries, concert halls and theaters. And the city’s 16 boroughs and many colorful neighborhoods offer an abundance of shopping, restaurants, bars and nightlife.

Fortunately, there are plenty of relatively inexpensive flights between Chicago and Mexico City, at least according to travel site Skyscanner.

Here’s a list of flights, hotels, restaurants and local attractions in Mexico City to get you started. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)

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Flight deals to Mexico City

The cheapest flights between Chicago and Mexico City are if you leave on Nov. 13 and return from Mexico on Nov. 17. Volaris currently has tickets for $231, roundtrip.

There are also deals to be had earlier in November If you fly out of Chicago on Nov. 5 and return from Mexico City on Nov. 12, Interjet can get you there and back for $254 roundtrip.

Top Mexico City hotels

To plan your accommodations, here are some of Mexico City’s top-rated hotels, that we selected from Skyscanner's listings based on price and customer satisfaction.

The St. Regis Mexico City (Paseo de la Reforma 439)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking to splurge on top quality, consider The St. Regis Mexico City. The hotel has a five-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $255.

The Four Seasons Mexico City (Paseo de la Reforma 500 Colonia Juárez)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

There's also the 4.9-star rated The Four Seasons Mexico City, which has rooms for $179/night.

Set in the heart of Mexico City on the busy Paseo de la Reforma, this luxury hotel is close to the Monumento a los Ninos Heroes and Monumento a los Heroes de la Independencia.

The Condesa DF (Avenida Veracruz 102 Colonia Condesa)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

A pricier alternative is The Condesa DF. The 4.6-star hotel has rooms for $265/night.

Local restaurant picks

If you're looking to snag a bite at one of Mexico City's many quality eateries, here are a few popular culinary destinations from Skyscanner's listings that will help keep you satiated.

Lalo! (Zacatecas 173)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Let's start with the essentials: where to get your coffee fix. For a popular option, check out Lalo!, which has an average of five stars out of seven reviews on Skyscanner.

El Moro (Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas, 42)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

One of Mexico City's most popular restaurants is El Moro, with 4.8 stars from 17 reviews.

"This 1930s-era churrería is a stand-out and must visit," wrote reviewer Harold. 

Panaderia Rosetta (Colima 179)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Also worth considering is Panaderia Rosetta.

"It's a very cozy breakfast spot with only a few bar stools for seating. Get there early to get your hands on the good pastries," wrote Leila.

Restaurante El Cardenal (Calle de la Palma, 23)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Finally, there's Restaurante El Cardenal.

"The food was super fantastic here," wrote Frank. "The eggs for breakfast were perfect. I drank tons of coffee. I'm not a hot chocolate drinker, but the ones in my party who were, raved about it."

What to see and do in Mexico City

Mexico City is also full of sites to visit and explore. Here are some popular attractions to round out your trip, again from Skyscanner's listings.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes (Av. Juárez)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

First up is The Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Inaugurated in 1934, the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City is a major cultural center where you can attend poetry readings, operas, dance recitals, art shows and more. From outside, marvel at the building's white-marble beauty and symbolic sculptures, that include an eagle eating a snake. Inside, find spectacular murals by renowned artists, such as Rufino Tamayo and Diego Rivera.

"The place in itself is a beauty," wrote visitor Analu. "The lobby feels like you’ve stepped back in time."

El Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución S/N)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

El Zócalo is another popular destination.

El Zocalo in Mexico City is known as the third-largest square in the world. It is the main plaza in the middle of downtown. 

"I recommend you to take a walk around this area, there are so many interesting things to explore and enjoy," wrote visitor Gianfi.

Centro Histórico (Avenida Juarez, 66)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Finally, consider checking out Centro Histórico.

Centro Historico is the historical center of Mexico City. 

"It's a great place for a stroll," wrote visitor Mario. "So much beautiful architecture all around."


This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.