50 Essential Spanish Phrases for Tourists in CDMX

Traveling to Mexico City (CDMX) is an exciting adventure filled with rich culture, delicious food, and vibrant neighborhoods. Knowing some basic Spanish phrases can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re ordering tacos, asking for directions, or shopping at a local market, having a handy list of essential phrases will boost your confidence and help you connect with locals.

In this post, I’ll share 50 essential Spanish phrases for tourists in CDMX that cover everyday situations. These phrases are practical, easy to remember, and will help you navigate the city like a local.

Greetings and Basic Politeness

Starting conversations with a friendly greeting opens many doors. Here are some common phrases:

• Hola – Hello

• Buenos días – Good morning

• Buenas tardes – Good afternoon

• Buenas noches – Good evening / Good night

• ¿Cómo está? – How are you? (formal)

• ¿Cómo estás? – How are you? (informal)

• Mucho gusto – Nice to meet you

• Por favor – Please

• Gracias – Thank you

• De nada – You’re welcome

• Perdón / Disculpe – Excuse me / Sorry

  
  

Using these phrases shows respect and friendliness, which locals appreciate.

Asking for Directions

CDMX is huge, and it’s easy to get lost. These phrases will help you find your way:

• ¿Dónde está…? – Where is…?

• ¿Cómo llego a…? – How do I get to…?

• ¿Está lejos? – Is it far?

• ¿Cuánto cuesta el taxi al centro? – How much is a taxi to downtown?

• ¿Hay un metro cerca? – Is there a metro station nearby?

• ¿Puede ayudarme? – Can you help me?

  
  

Example:

¿Dónde está el Museo Frida Kahlo? (Where is the Frida Kahlo Museum?)

Transportation Phrases

Getting around CDMX is easier when you know these phrases:

• Un boleto para el metro, por favor – One metro ticket, please

• ¿A qué hora sale el autobús? – What time does the bus leave?

• ¿Este autobús va a…? – Does this bus go to…?

• Quisiera un taxi, por favor – I would like a taxi, please

• ¿Cuánto cuesta el viaje? – How much is the fare?

• ¿Puede llevarme a esta dirección? – Can you take me to this address?

  
  

Ordering Food and Drinks

Trying local cuisine is a highlight of any trip. Use these phrases at restaurants and markets:

• ¿Me puede traer el menú, por favor? – Can you bring me the menu, please?

• ¿Qué recomienda? – What do you recommend?

• Quisiera… – I would like…

• ¿Tiene opciones vegetarianas? – Do you have vegetarian options?

• La cuenta, por favor – The check, please

• ¿Está incluido el servicio? – Is the tip included?

• Agua sin hielo, por favor – Water without ice, please

  
  

Example:

Quisiera unos tacos al pastor y una cerveza. (I would like some tacos al pastor and a beer.)

Shopping and Bargaining

Markets in CDMX are full of souvenirs and crafts. These phrases help you shop confidently:

• ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?

• ¿Me puede dar un descuento? – Can you give me a discount?

• ¿Acepta tarjeta de crédito? – Do you accept credit cards?

• Solo estoy mirando – I’m just looking

• ¿Tiene otro color/tamaño? – Do you have another color/size?

• Lo llevo – I’ll take it

  
  

Emergencies and Health

It’s important to be prepared for unexpected situations:

• Necesito ayuda – I need help

• ¿Dónde está el hospital más cercano? – Where is the nearest hospital?

• Llame a la policía, por favor – Call the police, please

• Me siento mal – I feel sick

• ¿Habla inglés? – Do you speak English?

• Perdí mi pasaporte – I lost my passport

  
  

Useful Expressions for Everyday Situations

These phrases cover a variety of common interactions:

• ¿A qué hora abre/cierra? – What time does it open/close?

• ¿Hay Wi-Fi aquí? – Is there Wi-Fi here?

• No entiendo – I don’t understand

• ¿Puede repetir, por favor? – Can you repeat, please?

• Estoy perdido/a – I am lost

• ¿Dónde puedo comprar boletos? – Where can I buy tickets?

  
  

Tips for Using These Phrases

• Practice pronunciation before your trip to feel more confident.

• Use polite forms like “usted” when speaking to strangers or older people.

• Don’t worry about making mistakes; locals appreciate the effort.

• Combine phrases with gestures to improve communication.

• Keep a small notebook or app with these phrases handy for quick reference.

  
  

Final Thoughts on 50 Essential Spanish Phrases for Tourists in CDMX

Learning these 50 essential Spanish phrases for tourists in CDMX will make your visit more enjoyable and less stressful. You’ll find it easier to explore neighborhoods, try new foods, and connect with locals. The language barrier can feel intimidating, but with these phrases, you’ll navigate the city with confidence.

Next time you visit CDMX, try using these phrases in real conversations. You’ll be surprised how much locals appreciate your effort to speak Spanish. It’s a small step that opens doors to richer experiences and memorable moments.