What to do in Mexico City in January: Recommended activities and events

Mexico City, one of the largest cities in the world, offers a wide range of unforgettable activities and experiences, especially in the month of January, when the city fills with post-Christmas festivities, cool weather, and a vibrant atmosphere that invites you to explore every corner. Below, we present a detailed guide on what to do in Mexico City during this month, covering cultural and gastronomic activities as well as sightseeing tours and travel tips.

• New Year Festivals: January still has a festive air, and you can often find cultural activities related to Three Kings' Day (January 6), celebrated with parades, music, and the traditional cutting of the rosca in public squares like the Zócalo.

January is an ideal month to savor the rich cuisine of Mexico City, especially with the cool weather that invites you to enjoy traditional hot dishes:

• ‍Rosca de Reyes

January 6 marks the celebration of Three Kings' Day, and all around the country, the rosca de reyes is shared, a sweet bread decorated with crystallized fruits that is a must-try during this season. Many bakeries in the city, such as Pastelería El Globo or Rosetta, offer both traditional and gourmet versions of the rosca.

Street Snacks

The January weather makes street snacks even more appetizing. Some of the dishes you must try are:

• Tamales and Atole: Hot atole is perfect for fighting the cold, and combined with tamales, it becomes a traditional culinary experience.
• Elotes and Esquites: These are sold on practically every corner, especially in parks and public squares. They are an excellent choice to enjoy street food.‍
• Tacos al Pastor: You cannot leave the city without trying the famous tacos al pastor, available everywhere, but some of the best places include El Huequito or El Tizoncito.

Gastronomic Markets

• San Juan Market: This market is known for offering exotic products and an authentic experience. You can find everything from European cheeses to Mexican insects like chapulines.
• Mercado Roma: If you are looking for a more modern experience, Mercado Roma offers gourmet options and is an excellent place to taste dishes of all kinds.

Walking Tours

• Historic Center: Tour the Historic Center, where you can admire colonial architecture and the most emblematic buildings, such as the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Torre Latinoamericana, which has an observation deck perfect for viewing the city.
• Paseo de la Reforma: Walking along Paseo de la Reforma is a great option to admire the Angel of Independence and the sculptures that decorate this important avenue. In January, there is less traffic and the atmosphere is calmer.

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Themed Tours

January is a good time to take a gastronomic tour or a legends tour through the Historic Center. Many local operators offer unique experiences that will allow you to discover the city from a different perspective.

Here are some recommendations for your next visit to Mexico City

• Appropriate Clothing: January is one of the coldest months in Mexico City, with temperatures that can drop to 5°C at night. I recommend bringing warm clothing such as sweaters, scarves, and jackets.

• Altitude: Remember that Mexico City is located over 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level. This can make the weather feel colder and some people may experience difficulty breathing. Take it easy during the first few days if you are not used to the altitude.

• Avoid Crowds: Although January is less busy than December, there are still many visitors at tourist sites. Try to plan your visits to museums and historic sites early in the morning to avoid crowds.

• Transportation: Use the Metro to get around as it is fast and affordable. You can also opt for transportation apps like Uber or Didi for comfort. Keep in mind that traffic in the city can be heavy at certain times of day. Don’t forget that by acquiring your mobility card, you can reload it and use it on almost all forms of city transport.

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Mexico City in January offers a unique experience full of cultural, gastronomic, and tourist activities that will allow you to immerse yourself in the history, flavors, and traditions of the capital. From tours of iconic museums to excursions to archaeological sites, the city has something for every taste. Take advantage of the cool weather, the Three Kings' Day celebrations, and the smaller number of tourists to enjoy everything this vibrant metropolis has to offer.