Mexico City is an incredible place to visit. There’s really something for everyone - the foodie, the art lover, the partier. We had the greatest time exploring the neighborhoods, checking out museums and parks, and eating constantly. The food in Mexico City is so delicious, and so inexpensive! Read on for some of our favorite spots and others that we hope to squeeze into our next trip!
Where to Stay:
There are really three neighborhoods you’ll likely want to stay in: Condesa, Roma, and Polanco. Condesa and Roma are hip and trendy, while Polanco is upscale and feels very nice (almost European). Polanco is also where the bigger, fancier hotels are, like the Four Seasons and the Hyatt Regency. Sam and I stayed in AR218, a boutique hotel in Condesa, which we loved, and to be honest, we so rarely spent time there, as we were so busy exploring! We also couldn’t have been happier to have been based in Condesa, but that is a personal preference.
Airbnb also has a ton of affordable and great options - worth checking out!
Where to Adventure
Chapultepec Park - Be sure to visit the Chapultepec Castle while there!
The Museum of Anthropology- Really cool exhibits of ancient Mexican art.
Frida Kahlo Museum - I recommend that you go first thing in the morning. We got here late in the afternoon of our last day and the line was outrageously long. Sadly it didn’t look like we had a chance of getting in. We headed to the Mercado Coyoacan, which is a couple blocks away and had a great time exploring and shopping!
Soumaya Museum - known for its unique facade and for the collection of Mexican and European artists
Jumex Museum - a modern art museum that we thought was definitely worth the visit. It’s also directly next to the Soumaya Museum
Lucha Libre - Go watch a Mexican Wrestling Match! You’ll see the masks being sold by all the street vendors as you walk around the city.
Shop at the Markets - there are so many and they are an absolute frenzy (in the best way possible) with food stations, grocery items, knick knacks, costume vendors, flowers, you name it! We loved Mercado Coyoacan, Mercado Medellín, and Mercado Roma.
Zocalo - This is the historic center of Mexico City. It was crazy crowded, but worth it to see some of the beautiful buildings and architecture. We especially loved Secretaría de Educación Pública, where we saw the murals by Diego Rivera. No need to spend a ton of time there in my opinion; it felt pretty chaotic and touristy.
Xochimilco - we didn’t get around to going here, but you can rent the brightly colored boats and travel through the canals. It sounds like it’s a great place for a group and day party. Definitely seems a bit touristy, but fun!
Where to Eat
You really can’t go wrong eating out in Mexico City. Everywhere you look, there are street vendors selling freshly cut up fruit, coconut water, tacos, tortas, candies, etc.. Regardless of what you decide to do, I recommend a mix of reservations and checking places out spontaneously. You’ll want to try some high quality restaurans, but also have some street tacos and more casual meals. Here are some of our favorites, plus others that were recommended to us:
Pujol , Polanco -This is a top 50 restaurant in the world. We were not able to get a reservation, but we walked by it and it looked well worth the visit if you can make it work!
Molino el Pujol, Condesa - this tiny restaurant was opened by the chef of Pujol, and the food was incredible! It is a super basic menu, but everything on it looked delicious. We got tomales here one morning for breakfast and LOVED them.
Contramar, Roma - Known for their seafood. Open for lunch. Very fresh!
Rosetta , Roma - (for Italian food - need a reservation) and its bakery, which is delicious. Pop in for a pastry and go for a walk in the neighborhood.
Maximo Bistrot, Roma - Lunch and dinner farm-to-table restaurant. Recommend making a reservation.
Lardo, Condesa - We went here for lunch our first day and were obsessed. The food is so fresh and creative. We loved it so much, we went back for breakfast the next morning, which did not disappoint!
Quintonil, Polanco- upscale contemporary Mexican restaurant. Make a reservation if you want to get in!
Eno, Polanco - The same chef from Pujol. A casual and delicious breakfast and lunch spot. There was a line when we went, but it moved quickly!
El Lugar Sin Nombre - If you are down in the historic district at dinner time.
Masala y Maiz, Condesa - Mexican Indian fusion. Breakfast and lunch. We thought it was adorable and the food was incredible.
Cedron, Condessa - We went here for our final dinner. It was a great neighborhood spot with excellent service. Mexican French fusion.
El Moro - Churros in the historic center
Where to Drink
I don’t think I’ve ever had so many margaritas and mezcal drinks in one weekend as I did in Mexico City. I typically stay away from sugary cocktails, but it just felt right to have them while in Mexico, so I did :)
Chiquitito, Condesa - This is for your morning drink - coffee! This cafe was one block from our hotel and we went every morning for an almond milk matcha (me) and an americano (Sam). It’s hip and has great breakfast food and drinks.
Condesa DF- A rooftop hotel bar. Can get crowded so go early!
Gin Gin - We grabbed a cocktail before dinner at this Roma bar/restaurant - fun scene and great cocktails (not only gin!)
Licoreria Limantour- known for their mixology. Pop in here for a cocktail before or after dinner Roma!
Aurora - A hip cocktail bar in Roma, with great drinks and an open air patio out back.
Antolina - our neighborhood (Condesa) bar/restaurant just a block away from our hotel. Great drinks and food with outdoor seating.
Jule’s Basement - a speakeasy in Polanco. Make a reservation ahead of time!
How to Get Around
Uber is incredibly cheap and easy!
Bird and Lime scooters are everywhere- a fun way to get around
