The Three Lions head to Mexico City! Here’s the ultimate guide to this vibrant capital, with affordable hotels near the stadium, the best spots to watch the beautiful game and where to get a pint
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As the Three Lions prepare to face their rivals in Mexico City, many England fans are also preparing to travel abroad to join them at the stadium.
Like players warming up, fans heading to watch will be scrambling to organize boarding passes, book hotels and find the best places to watch the football upon arrival.
England will face Mexico in the last 16 of this year’s FIFA World Cup and it will be a dramatic match.
The teams will play each other on Sunday 5 July at 18:00 BST at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Thus, British Airways saw a 2,000 percent increase in searches for flights from London to Mexico City (CDMX) yesterday; England fans’ confidence soared after Harry Kane scored two match-winning goals, with a 530 per cent increase between 6pm and 7pm.
To guide you through the football festivities at CDMX, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to traveling through the action hotspot: where to stay, what to do, where to eat and drink, and most importantly, where to watch this beautiful match.
Where to watch football
With a capacity of up to 50,000 fans, Zócalo Square is one of the best spots to watch matches in the city
England fans flock to FIFA Fan Festival destinations to support the national team
Besides watching the matches live, the best place to enjoy the action is of course a pub or sports bar, and there are some lively spots in Mexico City where you can relax with a cold beer.
Roma Norte is one of Mexico City’s liveliest neighborhoods and full of venues for live sporting events.
Cervecería de Barrio has raucous crowds, making it the perfect destination for big sports fans; Perfect if you want to get in on the action.
Salón Ríos is an equally lovely place, as is Torito Sports Bar Insurgentes; one visitor wrote about it: ‘This is exactly what you would expect from a Mexican Sports bar. There’s lots of TVs on the wall, the food is wings and burgers, and the people watching here are enthusiastic about their teams.’
Salon Corona (ranked Best football bar according to World Cup Hub), The Living Room, and of course Patrick’s Irish Pub are equally great spots.
The largest public viewing point is the Zócalo, the Official FIFA Fan Festival venue, and has a capacity of over 50,000 fans.
Where to stay near the stadium?
Located in the southern part of Mexico City, this budget-friendly hotel has all the comforts you could need.
Also, since the World Cup stadium is just 3 km away, you can easily reach here if you are attending a match.
This modern hotel is just minutes from Estadio Azteca, as well as close to Six Flags Mexico amusement park and the city’s main shopping malls.
It’s a great choice for football fans and there are also deals available for those booking accommodation.
For travelers looking for a bit of luxury, Punto Lofts offers gorgeous modern apartments just a short drive from the stadium and official fan zone.
With air conditioning, 24-hour reception and a sense of privacy, it’s worth the slightly higher price.
Where to eat and drink
If you’re heading to Mexico City, you’ll undoubtedly be on the hunt for excellent local cuisine.
According to Forbes, Fabiola Escobosa, one of Mexico’s leading chefs, recommends the Michelin Guide-listed bistro Ultramarinos Demar for an unforgettable dining experience.
With delicious lobster rolls, softshell crab and moreish clam chowder on the menu, this sought-after spot in the trendy Rome district is worth every penny.
At the more affordable end of the scale, Dante Brasa and Fuego It is a place that stands out with its six 85-inch screens, premium steaks, Wagyu and grill cuisine.
Exposed stone walls draw you into the cultural center and restaurant Tetetlan – and it’s not just the food that will keep you there.
‘What a fun experience,’ said one Google reviewer, adding: ‘The restaurant is buried inside a rock cave. The floor is made of clear plexiglass suspended above the rock pit.
‘It gives the impression of a treasure chest of books, artwork, photographs and vintage knick-knacks. Once inside, you descend a wide staircase to scattered tables conveniently placed among the décor.
‘Meals are beautifully served on gorgeous plates and containers, with a wonderful selection of delicious sauces and spreads.’
Cocktails start from around £8.
Check out for hearty meals Michoacanissimo, Tacos Las Muñecas And El Remolkito.
What should we do
While all eyes are on the men during matches, many fans will want to keep the party going when the final whistle blows and there’s plenty of fun to be had right next to the football in this vibrant city.
In Mexico, as in the UK, football is a part of daily life and enjoying street tacos and drinks with other fans is a great pastime.
There are also football-themed tours where you can enjoy the Soccer Football Match Day Experience in Mexico City. GetYourGuide (£124) to city legends football experience.
There are also plenty of great parks if watching all the sporting activities gets you excited. Bosque de Chapultepec or Parque Mexico, full of green spaces.
And some important safety tips…
Mexico City is preparing to welcome lots of fans and it is a vibrant destination that tourists will love
As World Cup excitement builds around matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, thousands of international fans are preparing to travel to Mexico for one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
With crowded stadiums, intercity travel, high altitude conditions and the risk of ticket fraud, fans face unique challenges beyond the average vacation.
Leading travel insurer World Nomads has released some expert tips on how to navigate Mexico safely and wisely throughout the tournament season.
1. Beat the rush of moving
First, traveling between host cities may be more complicated than fans expect; especially due to the heavy World Cup traffic expected on roads and at airports. If you are attending more than one match, arrive at least one day early if possible to avoid missing matches due to transportation delays.
2. Beware of scams
Major global events often attract fake ticket scams. Buy match tickets only from official FIFA authorized retailers or verified sales platforms and avoid street vendors or unofficial online markets. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Mexico City will host England fans in the last 16 match against one of the host countries. Pictured is a man wearing a traditional Mexican wrestling mask after defeating Ecuador.
3. Plan ahead
Large crowds at stadium entrances, exits, and public transportation hubs can quickly become overwhelming. Determine your door, emergency exits, and meeting point in advance in case your group separates during or after the game.
4. Prepare for altitude
Fans attending games in Mexico City may be caught off guard because the city is 7,000 feet above sea level.
Altitude can intensify the effects of dehydration, fatigue, headaches and alcohol, especially after long flights or hot game days. Stay hydrated, speed up alcohol consumption, and allow time to acclimate before the big activity.
5. Beware of pickpockets
Tourist gathering points, public transport and fan celebrations can create opportunities for petty theft. Carry only what you need, avoid keeping your passport, cash and cards together, and be careful when using your phone in crowded areas.
