Mexico City , Mexico

Tacos 101 Mexico City Taco Experience

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About this experience

Discover seven types of classic Mexico City tacos and quesadillas while learning about Mexico's amazing culinary heritage and exploring one of the most iconic areas of Mexico City.

Want to try authentic Mexican street food but not sure where to start? Let us show you the way!

On the 'Tacos 101' street food tour, you will not only eat some of the city's most delicious tacos, you will also learn about how to order at a taco stand, how to choose toppings for your tacos, how to figure out which salsa goes with your taco, and much more!

You will receive an exclusive 'Mexico City Taco Cheat Sheet' that you can use for the rest of your trip to order tacos wherever you go. It includes descriptions of all the types of tacos you will find in Mexico City and key phrases you will need to experience Mexico City's amazing culinary heritage.

By the end of this tour you will be a Mexico City street food expert!

Available options

Tacos 101 Mexico City Taco Experience

What's included

Five tacos, one gringa, and one quesadilla.

A typical fruit juice, jamaica, horchata, or soft drink.

One beer or a second soft drink.

Detailed itinerary

We will begin with an introduction to Paseo de la Reforma, the Cuauhtemoc neighborhood, and taco basics! Everyone will receive a 'Taco Cheat Sheet' with a detailed description of the tacos we will try.

Stop 2

Discover two of Mexico City's most classic, emblematic tacos: tacos al pastor and gringas.

While we enjoy our tacos, we'll learn some important taco essentials, like how to choose toppings and how to try each salsa to decide which one goes with which taco.

We will start filling out our taco scorecards to rank each of the tacos we'll try during the tour.

Stop 3

We will sample some of the best birria in Mexico City! We will learn about tacos dorados and the history of birria, a classic way of preparing meat from the state of Jalisco.

Stop 4

Learn about the eternal debate among Mexicans: do quesadillas need cheese to be called quesadillas? We will visit a stand making delicious, authentic Mexico City quesadillas (with or without cheese!).

Stop 5

Savor some of Mexico City's most mouthwatering tacos de carnitas. We will learn about all the different kinds of carnitas and discover how to order carnitas.

Stop 6

Discover the fascinating history of Paseo de la Reforma, built by Mexico's last emperor. We will see one of the oldest buildings in this part of the city and learn about the history of the Cuauhtemoc and Juarez neighborhoods.

Stop 7

We will learn about the history of Mexico City's iconic Angel of Independence and have a chance to snap the classic Mexico City photo in front of the monument.

Stop 8

We'll try two more classic Mexico City tacos: tacos de suadero and tacos campechanos. We will learn about how these tacos are made and why they are so well loved in Mexico City!

We will get a beer or soft drink and compare our taco scorecards.

Stop 9

We'll finish up at an authentic local Mexico City market, where we will see tortillas being made an an authentic tortilleria.

We will visit a candy stall in the market to try out some delicious traditional Mexican candy as a sweet treat to end the tour!

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Not suitable for vegetarians.

Meeting point

We will meet by the stone benches at the northeast corner, in front of the movie theatre.

About Mexico City

Mexico City, the vibrant capital of Mexico, is a sprawling metropolis where ancient Aztec ruins coexist with modern skyscrapers. This cultural and historical hub offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from world-class museums and colonial architecture to bustling markets and delicious cuisine. The city's high-altitude location and diverse neighborhoods make it a unique destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Zócalo

The main square of Mexico City, surrounded by historic buildings including the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. It's the heart of the city and a must-visit for its cultural and historical significance.

Historical 2-3 hours Free (some attractions have entry fees)

Chapultepec Park

One of the largest urban parks in the world, featuring a lake, museums, and the famous Chapultepec Castle. It's a great place for outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

Nature Half day to full day Free (some attractions have entry fees)

Palacio de Bellas Artes

An iconic cultural landmark featuring stunning murals by famous Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. The building itself is a masterpiece of art nouveau and neoclassical architecture.

Architecture 1-2 hours MXN 75 (USD 3.75) for the museum

Teotihuacan

An ancient Mesoamerican city with the famous Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fascinating glimpse into pre-Aztec civilizations.

Historical Half day to full day MXN 80 (USD 4) for the site, plus guide fees if applicable

Frida Kahlo Museum

The former home of Frida Kahlo, known as the Blue House, now a museum dedicated to her life and work. It offers a deep dive into the life of one of Mexico's most famous artists.

Museum 1-2 hours MXN 250 (USD 12.50) for foreigners

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tacos al Pastor

Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served on corn tortillas with pineapple and onions.

Street food Contains meat, can be spicy

Mole

A rich, complex sauce made with chocolate, chili peppers, and spices, typically served with chicken or turkey.

Main course Contains chocolate, can be spicy

Chiles en Nogada

Poblano chili peppers stuffed with picadillo (a mixture of meat, fruits, and spices) and topped with walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds, representing the colors of the Mexican flag.

Main course Contains meat, nuts, and dairy

Tlayudas

A large, crispy tortilla topped with beans, cheese, meat, and salsa, often referred to as the 'Mexican pizza'.

Street food Contains cheese and meat, can be spicy

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Sierra de Guadalupe Climbing Nevado de Toluca Paragliding in Valle de Bravo Visiting Chapultepec Park Relaxing in Jardín Borda Enjoying a spa day in Polanco Exploring the Historic Center Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This is the dry season with pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during this period.

15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F) 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Time Zone

GMT-6 (Central Standard Time)

Electricity

127VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Mexico City is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

Important Precautions:

• Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs

Getting there

By air

Mexico City International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Buenavista Station, Toluca Airport Station

By bus

Terminal de Autobuses de Paso de la Reforma, Terminal de Autobuses del Norte

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is the most efficient way to get around the city, with 12 lines covering most neighborhoods. It can get crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center Roma Condesa Coyoacán Polanco

Day trips

Puebla

130 km (81 miles) • Full day

A colonial city known for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a rich history and unique charm.

Texcoco

50 km (31 miles) • Half day to full day

A town near Mexico City known for its beautiful gardens and historical sites. Texcoco is home to the ancient Aztec city of Texcoco and the beautiful Jardín Botánico de Texcoco.

Xochimilco

20 km (12 miles) • Half day

A unique neighborhood in Mexico City known for its canals and traditional trajinera boats. Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a unique and colorful experience.

Festivals

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) • November 1-2 Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia (Morelia International Film Festival) • October Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival) • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Spanish to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Use the metro system to get around the city quickly and affordably
Try street food from busy stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness and safety
Visit museums and attractions on weekdays to avoid crowds and long lines
Explore the city's neighborhoods on foot to discover hidden gems and local culture