Once you visit, you’ll understand why Mexico City and food are practically becoming interchangeable. Chefs from all over the world are traveling to CDMX to pop-up Michelin-rated restaurants, enhancing the already outstanding food scene. The way modern art blends almost effortlessly with the city’s traditional customs may be what most fascinates visitors to this unique city.
From the expansive public parks, stylish boutique hotels, trendy neighborhoods, and fantastic shopping environment that competes with its European counterparts (imagine major Barcelona meets Los Angeles vibes), this city has it all. You won’t be able to experience all the goodness in a day (or even three), so put CDMX on your “to-come back” list after your first visit.
Why Is Mexico City So Fantastic?
The ideal approach to enjoy Mexico City is to visit as many restaurants as you can before stopping to sleep and starting over. During our final week there, we dined or drank at 39 different establishments. Defeat that.
Street life is thriving. You will encounter fascinating architecture everywhere you walk, the aroma of mouthwatering street cuisine, a cacophony of strange sounds, and the urban hum. Even the most ADHD person won’t get tired of walking around Mexico City thanks to its limitless boutiques, restaurants, bars, cafes, and markets.
Easy to do. There’s truly never a bad time to travel to Mexico City because it’s so simple to get to, navigate, and afford.
It’s okay to be around you. The safety of Mexico City is comparable to that of any other major American city and even some European ones.
The never-ending journeys. You don’t have to, and you shouldn’t, limit your time to tourist attractions. It would be wasteful. You would miss out on all the opportunities the city offers for singular, remarkable, and unorthodox experiences.
It still has low regard. For some reason, despite the frequent stories touting Mexico City as a “can’t-miss” tourist destination, the general public isn’t paying attention. Compared to comparable cities in Europe or Asia, it is significantly less touristic.
BE AWARE BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO MEXICO CITY:
1. Although almost everywhere accepts credit cards, having some pesos on hand is essential when it comes to markets and street food (DO NOT SLEEP ON THE STREET FOOD SCENE, I will repeat this over and over).
2. The best option for getting around the city (when you can’t walk, which is the best way to experience each neighborhood) is actually Uber. It is widely accessible and incredibly affordable. all the way from the airport!
3. The climate is constant all year long. There isn’t really a poor time of year to visit CDMX.
4. We’re going to require you, Americans, to give up your ridiculously early 5 o’clock supper time since Mexico City operates on a more European schedule. Here, dinner is best enjoyed very late and lunch is offered about 3pm. Some locations will close for siestas, so if you have your heart set on visiting a particular institution, make sure to check ahead of time.
5. For a truly comprehensive CDMX tour, 4-5 days is definitely the ideal number of days. Make reservations for your must-eat restaurants and must-visit museums if you’re attempting to fit everything into a 3-day trip. Also, be sure to choose an area that is relatively central to the locations you like to frequent.
STAY IN MEXICO:
It can be difficult to decide where to stay in Mexico City. There are many options available for charming hotels and communities. Nearly nine million people live in the large city, which is more than 500 square miles in size.
typically limit themselves to four major neighborhoods when visiting for the first time.
Mexico City: How Safe Is It?
This does not imply that it is as safe as Switzerland, but it is a lot safer than the Mexico depicted in films like Sicario or Man on Fire.
You won’t stick out if you wear Mexican clothing (see Tips below). Most locals will be better dressed and have nicer phones than you, especially in neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa.
Simply put, be sensible, especially at night. However, you’d be an even larger fool if you skipped Mexico City or spent only a short amount of time there because of safety worries.
TIME TO SPEND IN MEXICO CITY.
I couldn’t possibly mention everything you should cross off your list because there is so much to see and do in Mexico City. However, I spent a week there looking for some of the best activities to share with you guys in this blog post.
I always put a lot of emphasis on the cuisine when I travel, and since Mexico City and food are practically synonymous, I’m thrilled to include some of my favorite eateries in this book as well. Let’s begin with the first thing you should do if you find yourself in Mexico City, though!
A HOT AIR BALLOON IN TEOTIHUACAN:
If you’re not afraid of heights, this is something you should definitely tick off your bucket list right away. On Get Your Guide, you may select from a number of different alternatives. There are various starting times and lengths, some include breakfast, while others include a trip to the pyramids. We bypassed the Teotihuacán Valley pyramids because we had already seen the ones in Oaxaca City and we were short on time. However, I would strongly advise including the pyramid walk if you are only visiting Mexico City and not Oaxaca City.
One of the most significant archaeological sites on earth.
Everything about the tour—from the pickup to the breakfast to locating our balloon—went off without a hitch. It was a dream come true, and the balloons were considerably bigger in person. The sun didn’t appear until later because the morning was hazy. But that didn’t lessen how unique this experience was! The sun pyramid, which is thought to have been built around 200 AD, was on display for us to see.
Historic Center:
What is currently Mexico City’s historical center was the city up to the turn of the 20th century; the remainder was simply suburbs. The ruins of the largest Aztec temple, Templo Mayor, which are situated next to a splendid cathedral, the ZĂłcalo, and the murals by Diego Rivera within the government palace can all be seen in the city’s historic core. This is where the Aztec heart of Mexico City still beats today.
The majestic Palacio de Bellas Artes is one of many colonial-era palaces and churches that may be seen when strolling through the streets. There are also many more modern buildings. Going to the top of the Torre Latinoamericana is a fantastic way to catch a view from above.
1.Polanco:
Polanco, the poshest district of Mexico City, is well known for its high-end stores and eateries, many of which are found along the opulent Avenida Masaryk, which bears the name of a former president of the Czech Republic. With sizable Jewish and Lebanese populations, this is one of Mexico City’s most diversified districts. Gourmet food lovers will visit Polanco to eat at Pujol, while those want to stay in a posh chain hotel may do so nearby at the W Mexico City or the Intercontinental Presidente.
 2.Condesa – Roma (My personal favorite):
These two are grouped together because they are too near to be separated.
Colonia Roma still exudes a bohemian air despite the neighborhood’s gentrification. To take in the neighborhood’s Art Nouveau buildings, wander along lvaro ObregĂłn, the major thoroughfare.
Contramar, one of the best seafood restaurants in the city, and Máximo Bistrot, which bills itself as a low-key French bistro but serves excellent food made with locally sourced ingredients, are just two examples of the city’s upmarket establishments. Roma can be a bit rougher around the edges than the surrounding Condesa neighborhood, but it still contains upscale eateries.
The Countess of Miravalle, Maria Magdalena Dávalos de Bracamontes y Orozco, owned the estate that included one of Mexico City’s trendier neighborhoods, La Condesa. La Condesa is home to charming Art Deco residences, lush parks, as well as trendy stores, bars, and eateries.
One of the distinctive monuments in the neighborhood is called Parque Mexico; it was once the site of a Mexican Jockey Club horse race track and features many features of a European garden, such as ponds and walkways. Numerous cultural activities and local meetings take place at the park.
3.Zone Rosa:
The LGBT population in Mexico City is concentrated here, and the neighborhood has a thriving nightlife, so if you intend to stay out until the small hours, get a room at one of the neighboring hotels. However, the entire city is typically gay-friendly.
The FRIDA KAHLO MUSEUM:
The Frida Kahlo Museum must be seen as the third thing you must do while in Mexico City. I paid roughly $30 to reserve my seat on this page of Get Your Guide. Absolutely worth the trip. It’s far larger than I anticipated, and it’s also much more gorgeous. It’s amazing to walk in Frida’s shoes and visit the places she frequented, including her home, bedroom, and the hotel where she traveled with her husband Diego Rivera.
I would wholeheartedly suggest this fantastic experience. You have a gift shop where you may go at the end of this tour and buy things like paintings, kitchen magnets, and other things. Even though the original painting of Frida and her parrots sold for 130 million, the one I purchased was just approximately 15Â still, it is still worth having as a small memento of this trip.
MEXICO CITY’S VINTAGE STORES:
Even if you are not into it, I implore you to visit the Vintage Stores in Mexico City even though number eight on the list might not be to everyone’s taste. I always wander the streets of the cities I visit looking for the greatest vintage shops. And holy crap, Mexico City exceeded my expectations! Everything is so expertly arranged that the shops are like tiny museums.
Many of the proprietors I spoke with said they have a collection of items from all over the world as well as Mexican designers. Just for the vintage shops, I might return to Mexico City. I have so many locations to show you, so if you want me to produce a separate blog post for that, let me know in the comments area below! However, Roma Vintage and Erre Vintage, both of which offered a fantastic assortment and nice owners, were my two favorites.
MEXICO CITY WALKING TOUR:
Even though I’m from New York, Mexico metropolis is such a huge metropolis. Knowing what to do and where to go can be challenging due to the overwhelming noise and large number of individuals there. I enjoy leading local walking excursions, so. You gain a deeper comprehension of the city’s layout and receive professional advice on the top attractions right away. Although the 3-hour trip we took was a little lengthy, we saw a lot, and there were two stops for refreshments. Get Your Guide also offers private tours if you prefer something shorter and more intimate.
USE A HOMEBOUND PHOTOGRAPHER:
Although it may not be everyone’s preference, tip number five on the list—hiring a local photographer—guarantees excellent memories for life. It’s a terrific way to get to know a local, tour the city, and have someone take your picture in the picturesque setting. I recently had a photo shoot with Mariola Soberon, a local photographer. I’ll include her Instagram username below so you may get in touch with her. We visited the Revolutionary War Monument. This surpasses the Parisian arch to hold the record for highest triumphal arch worldwide. The monument’s excellent viewing platform offers breathtaking vistas of Mexico City.
HOTELS IN MEXICO:
In CDMX, there are many options available for lodging. I prefer boutique hotels, fancy design, and modest properties, so I’ve compiled a list of the places I adore and would personally suggest.
1.Vegas Alcobas:
The Las Alcobas is rated well for hotels and is located in the magnificent Polanco sector. For those of you who don’t want a small, bed-and-breakfast atmosphere but nonetheless value good design and personalized touches, this is the appropriate choice. Given that this is the type of hotel that hosts many business travelers, their service stands out since they are especially helpful in guiding tourists about Mexico City.
2.Contrasa DF:
Condesa DF, which is located in the Condesa neighborhood, combines the depth of traditional Mexican culture with French-inspired design cues from the mid-20th century. The interior of the 1928 Art Nouveau structure is creative, showcasing regional designs like hand-woven rugs from Oaxaca by French designer India Mahdavi (one of my major design crushes). Cocktails can be enjoyed on daybeds on the fourth floor while you watch the sun set over the Chapultepec Castle and Parque Espaa.
This hotel is easily booked and is growing more and more trendy (it’s kind of Instafamous, if you get my meaning). The first time I visited CDMX, it was around Valentine’s Day weekend, so there were no open rooms (fortunately, you can still visit the stunning property for a few cocktails). I loved staying here on my most recent trip, though. Having priority seating at the rooftop bar, where a sushi chef with Morimoto training serves up some really amazing sushi, is another perk I adore for hotel guests.
3.Capital Distrito:
Distrito Capital offers the best vantage point for viewing PopocatĂ©petl Volcano. This hotel features everything you’ll need for a comfortable visit, including great interior design, a fantastic pool, and contemporary guest rooms. The restaurant on the fifth floor, run by Enrique Olvera (of Pujol renown), boasts great views and is very lively. This one is for you if you want something a little swankier than the modest boutique inns I usually choose.
4.The Valise:
I’ll be staying at La Valise the following time I visit CDMX. The atmosphere of this three-bedroom luxury hotel, which was formerly a mansion from the 1920s, has me completely smitten. skillfully transformed into the endearing little beauty that it is today. If you wish to stay here, you should make reservations as soon as possible because there are only a few rooms and it is really popular. With an indoor-outdoor configuration that allows for a blissful night’s sleep under the stars, its penthouse suite is beyond amazing. Rosetta, a nearby eatery, provides service to the hotel.
5.Habita Hotel:
Hotel Habita might just as easily be a new era museum of contemporary art. Frosted glass front, an assortment of modern Mexican art, a Jan Hendrix mural in the lobby, and an Instagram-worthy black-and-white backdrop beside the rooftop pool bar. You can relax in front of their lovely fireplace while receiving Tapas.
What is the Most Effective Way to Enter and Leave Mexico City?
- Uber.
- Metro.
- Bike.
- Texis.
- Between the bus terminals and there.
EXCHANGE-RATE ADVICE:
Withdraw a large sum of cash from the airport ATM before entering Mexico City because cash is still king there.
Don’t worry about taking too much pesos out as long as you’re flying out. Take out more money than you actually need. This is so that you may get US dollars off the hands of the airport’s currency exchange offices, who will pay you to do so. Seriously. They provide better rates than the going rate.
BEAUTIFUL TIME TO VISIT:
The dry season lasts from October to May, and the wet season from June to September. When the weather is sunny, warm, and the air is less polluted, spring or autumn are the finest times to visit Mexico City. As you can see, there is always a good time to visit Mexico because it has something to offer everyone.
