Azcapotzalco

Introduction

Azcapotzalco is a borough of Mexico City, located in the northwestern part of the city. If you are exploring the Mexican capital, this puts it on the city's northwestern side, away from the central districts.

Getting around

Azcapotzalco is a fully urbanized borough in the northwest of Mexico City rather than a separate town, bordered by Gustavo A. Madero, Cuauhtémoc and Miguel Hidalgo within the capital, and by Tlalnepantla de Baz and Naucalpan in the State of Mexico. The terrain is flat, with inclines of only a few percent and no prominent elevations, so walking is a realistic way to explore the historic center around Plaza Hidalgo and the long-established businesses along Avenida Azcapotzalco. Heavy rain can flood low-lying areas, so check conditions before long walks during the rainy season.

For longer trips, the Metro is the backbone of the network and the most practical starting point, with multiple lines and transfer stations linking central districts. The Metrobús fills gaps the Metro does not reach, while the Trolebús covers a large area, including a line serving Estadio Azteca. Rail options include the Tren Ligero between Tasqueña and Xochimilco, the Tren El Insurgente from Observatorio to Zinacantepec, the Tren Suburbano from Buenavista to Cuautitlán, and the Tren Felipe Ángeles from Buenavista to AIFA, the newer airport roughly 40 km from the center. The Cablebús, including a line from Vasco de Quiroga to Los Pinos, is used mainly by locals and lines can be long. Pay with the Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada; note it is not valid on the Tren Suburbano, so plan a separate fare. Contactless credit and debit cards are accepted on the Metro and Metrobús.

Three days in Azcapotzalco

Day one: Base yourself in Azcapotzalco and get your bearings on foot. Plaza Hidalgo makes a natural starting point, with Avenida Azcapotzalco running through the centre of the borough. If you are arriving from elsewhere in Mexico City, the Metro, the Metrobús and the Trolebús all serve the area, and the Tren Suburbano connects Buenavista with Cuautitlán by way of the borough. Note that Azcapotzalco borders Gustavo A. Madero, Cuauhtémoc, Miguel Hidalgo, Tlalnepantla, Naucalpan and the State of Mexico, so it is easy to combine with the rest of the city.

Day two: Use the day to range further afield. The Tren Ligero runs to Tasqueña and on toward Xochimilco, while the Tren El Insurgente links Observatorio with Zinacantepec. For a longer rail trip, the Tren Felipe Ángeles serves AIFA, and the Cablebús covers Vasco de Quiroga and Los Pinos. If you would rather stay closer, the Estadio Azteca is within reach of the borough. Pay your fares with the Tarjeta, which works across the city's transport.

Day three: Slow down and eat. Azcapotzalco is part of Mexico City, so the food you find is Mexican, from antojitos to heavier plates, and the centre around Plaza Hidalgo and Avenida Azcapotzalco is where to look. If you have time before leaving, the Metro, Metrobús and Trolebús will carry you back across the city, or the Tren Suburbano will take you from Buenavista out to Cuautitlán.