Spanish Phrases to Use in Mexico City

By Karla Sánchez

Reading time: 0 minute

May 30, 2025

Contents

Introduction

1. Basic Greetings and Good Manners

2. Getting Around Mexico City

3. Eating Out in Mexico City

4. Shopping in Markets and Stores

5. Dealing with Emergencies

6. More Helpful Travel Spanish for Mexico City

7. Bonus: Fun Mexico City Slang You Might Hear

Why Use Spanish in Mexico City?

Travel Language Mexico City: Final Tips

Conclusion: Your Spanish Survival Kit for Mexico City

Introduction

Planning a trip to Mexico City? It’s one of the most exciting places in the world full of history, colors, street food, music, and friendly people. But to enjoy everything this huge city has to offer, it's smart to know some basic Spanish for your Mexico City trip.

This Mexico City Spanish guide offers key phrases for greetings, directions, dining, shopping, and emergencies. You don’t need to speak perfect Spanish just knowing a few key phrases helps you connect better and travel with more confidence.

Let’s explore the best Spanish phrases for Mexico City so you can feel ready for your adventure!

1. Basic Greetings and Good Manners

In Mexico, being polite is very important. People in Mexico City, or "DF" for short, like it when you greet them or say thank you, even if you use simple Spanish.

Common Greetings

Use these at shops, restaurants, or when meeting people:

Hola: Hello
Buenos días: Good morning
Buenas tardes: Good afternoon
Buenas noches: Good evening/night

Polite Expressions

These polite words show good manners:

Por favor: Please
Gracias: Thank you
De nada: You're welcome
Perdón / Disculpe: Excuse me / Sorry

Why it matters: These are some of the most essential Spanish in Mexico City. Use them often you’ll get smiles and friendly responses!

2. Getting Around Mexico City

Mexico City is huge and busy. Taxis, buses, and the metro can take you nearly anywhere. Knowing some travel Spanish for Mexico City makes it easier.

Asking for Directions

¿Dónde está...?: Where is…?
¿Cómo llego a...?: How do I get to…?
Quisiera ir a...: I’d like to go to…
¿Cuánto cuesta el boleto?: How much is the ticket?

Example: “Dónde está la estación del metro?”: “Where is the metro station?”

Asking for Help

¿Puede ayudarme?: Can you help me?
Estoy perdido/a: I’m lost
Necesito ayuda: I need help

If you feel lost or unsure, don’t be afraid to ask. People in Mexico City are usually helpful and patient with tourists.

Why it matters: Knowing this basic Spanish for Mexico City travel keeps you safe and helps you move around more easily.

3. Eating Out in Mexico City

Tacos, tamales, tortas, and more; Mexico City is a food lover’s dream! Knowing some Spanish can enhance your experience in Mexico City. Whether you’re at a street stall or a fancy restaurant, it helps you enjoy the flavors more.

Ordering Food

Quisiera pedir…: I’d like to order…
¿Qué me recomienda?: What do you recommend?
La cuenta, por favor: The bill, please

Example: “Quisiera pedir unos tacos al pastor, por favor.”: “I’d like to order some tacos al pastor, please.”

Talking About Food Restrictions

Soy vegetariano/a: I’m vegetarian
Tengo alergia a…: I’m allergic to…
Sin picante, por favor: No spice, please

Why it matters: Here are some common phrases in Mexico City. They can help you eat well, stay safe, and find local favorites.

4. Shopping in Markets and Stores

From handmade crafts to cool clothes and souvenirs, shopping is part of the fun. In Mexico City, bargaining is often okay especially in markets.

Asking About Items

¿Cuánto cuesta esto?: How much is this?
Estoy buscando…: I’m looking for…
¿Tiene otros colores/tamaños?: Do you have other colors/sizes?

Bargaining Tips

¿Es lo mejor precio?: Is this your best price?
¿Puede darme un descuento?: Can you give me a discount?
Voy a pensarlo: I’ll think about it

Be polite when bargaining and don’t push too hard. A smile and “Gracias” go a long way.

Why it matters: These are Spanish phrases to use in Mexico City when shopping and they help you get better deals too.

5. Dealing with Emergencies

No one wants problems while traveling, but it’s good to be ready just in case. These are important parts of any Mexico City travel language cheat sheet.

Medical Help

Necesito un médico: I need a doctor
¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano?: Where is the nearest hospital?
Es una emergencia: It’s an emergency

Contacting Authorities

Llame a la policía: Call the police
Necesito ayuda inmediatamente: I need help right now
He perdido mi pasaporte: I’ve lost my passport

Why it matters: These Spanish Mexico City emergency phrases may help you stay safe or get help fast.

6. More Helpful Travel Spanish for Mexico City

Here are a few more basic Spanish Mexico City travel phrases that can be useful every day:

¿Tiene Wi-Fi?: Do you have Wi-Fi?
¿Dónde está el baño?: Where is the bathroom?
No hablo mucho español: I don’t speak much Spanish
¿Habla inglés?: Do you speak English?

Pro tip: If someone doesn’t speak English, just try your best with Spanish and hand gestures. People will usually be understanding!

7. Bonus: Fun Mexico City Slang You Might Hear

Locals in DF (Mexico City) use some special words and slang. Here are a few fun ones:

Chido: Cool
¿Qué onda?: What’s up?
Cuate: Buddy or friend
Aguas: Watch out!

You don’t need to use these, but recognizing them can help you understand conversations better.

Why Use Spanish in Mexico City?

Mexico City is modern and international, but English isn’t spoken everywhere. Using a bit of Spanish in Mexico City shows respect. It boosts your confidence and helps create great memories.

Here’s how learning essential Spanish travel phrases helps:

You feel more confident navigating the city.
Locals treat you with more warmth and respect.
You can find better food, better prices, and better adventures!

Travel Language Mexico City: Final Tips

Practice before your trip! Apps like Duolingo can help.
Download a translation app in case you get stuck.
Keep a small notebook or printed Mexico City Spanish guide.
Smile, use gestures, and stay patient.

Every phrase you learn brings you closer to the culture and makes your trip more fun!

Conclusion: Your Spanish Survival Kit for Mexico City

You don’t need to be fluent in Spanish to have a great time in Mexico City. Just knowing these Spanish phrases for Mexico City helps you get around, eat well, shop smart, and handle emergencies. They’re easy to learn and incredibly helpful.

Keep this guide as your go-to basic Spanish DF (Mexico City) phrase list. Practice a few phrases each day. You’ll be surprised how much easier and more fun your travel becomes. Don't forget to avoid these common travel mistakes in Spanish.

Ready to go? ¡Buen viaje! (Have a good trip!)

Karla Sánchez

Academic Team

Karla Sánchez is a passionate Spanish teacher from Mexico with over 20 years of experience teaching learners of all ages. Known for her energy and love of culture, she brings joy and enthusiasm to every class. Karla loves dancing, singing, reading, and helping students discover the fun in Spanish learning.