Mexico City Guide
Mexico City captured my heart in a way I NEVER expected it to. I thought, “oh I’ll have fun, but I’ll want to come home after a week”, well I thought wrong. I didn’t really know what to expect from the city, I had heard that there was a booming arts and food scene, but that’s really about it. Mexico City is a a perfect blend of Manhattan, Paris, and of course, Mexico. The city is sophisticated, progressive, creative, and never boring. It rivals any European city easily. One of my favorite things to do was just stroll around the different neighborhoods and take in the city’s energy and beauty. Mexico City is an undeniably special place and it’s historic architecture, mature tree lined streets, chic shopping, and delectable food all work to make it a must visit destination. I’ve combined for you my favorite places to eat, drink, and see in the city. Read on and let me know what you think in the comments!
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
The food and bar scene in Mexico City has become one of the most forward thinking and quickly growing in the world. I ate A LOT, but also walked a lot, so that justifies it right? There are endless amazing places to try, but I have put together a small list of my favorites. I am by no means a Mexico City food connoisseur, because I have only been there once for like a week. But I do know what good food tastes like, so just trust me on this one.
Comedor Jacinta Chef Edgar Nunez creates new modern classics based on the best of traditional Mexican food. Absolutely delicious eats and beautiful drinks, in a cool and casual setting.
Maque A Mexico City staple. Grab a silver tray and load up on tasty traditional Mexican treats or order from the cafe style menu. Maque is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.
Contramar Get ready to taste some of the best and freshest seafood in Mexico City. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this popular restaurant may require a reservation. Also, the tuna tostada is a must!
Coyoacan Market Just a few blocks from Frida Kahlo’s house, this amazing market boasts endless amounts of eats from tacos to candy to fresh juices. Make sure to take a lap around before choosing where to eat.
Ojo de Agua There are a few locations of this delicious health food based cafe around the city. Ingredients are incredibly fresh, and the acai bowl puts Los Angeles to shame.
El Moro Churros Forget any diet you were on, don’t mess around here, get the churros, dip them in chocolate sauce, and live your best life.
Mercado Roma Mexico City’s version of Grand Central Market is filled to the brim with a large variety of vendors offering food from churros to tacos to burgers. Go all the way to the top floor to have a delicious drink at the impressive beer garden!
El Farolito Do you like tacos? Do you like cheese? Do you like cheese and tacos? Then El Farolito is a must. This popular Mexico City chain grills up some of the best tacos you’ll ever taste on fresh hot coals. Their al pastor is particularly delicious, and make sure to add the fresh hot melted cheese to any order for an enhanced taco experience.
Limantour This bar boasts some of the most delectable and creative cocktails all in a chic yet relaxed setting. Perfect for an after dinner drink.
Lavandería As far as mezcal bars go, this tiny place is one of the best. Here, mezcal is used in traditional and unrecognizable ways to create incredible cocktails. Be sure to ask the bartender to sample some flavors, every mezcal is completely different.
WHERE TO GO
Mexico City is teeming with remarkable places to see. From museums to cathedrals to pyramids, there’s no shortage of things to do. I recommend scheduling out your days in advance as best you can to get the most out of your trip. When there’s so much to see a little organization makes a huge difference!
Palacio De Bellas Artes Take in the amazing architecture and incredible Diego Rivera murals in this small, but stunning museum. It only took me about an hour to see the entire space and take in each mural, so plan to come here on a low key day, or in conjunction with another activity (this is near a lot of other historic buildings, like the Metropolitan Cathedral)
Metropolitan Cathedral My pictures do this cathedral absolutely no justice. It is a massive gilded and carved masterpiece that blows almost every European cathedral out of the water. Same as the above, you don’t need a huge amount of time here (an hour at the most), but it is a very nice place to sit and relax for a minute (plenty of pews to spare). This is a must see.
Frida Kahlo House and Museum Probably my favorite place in the entire city, Frida Kahlo’s house and museum is just plain special. View some of Kahlo’s most iconic pieces while wending your way through her personal home (a work of art itself). The house/museum give you a remarkably personal look into Kahlo’s life and lifestyle. Sit in the beautiful courtyard gardens after your tour and soak up this little piece of paradise in the city. Be sure to buy tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait in line!
Diego Rivera Home and Studio For all the architecture fans out there, this is a must see. The day I was there, tours of the interiors were closed, but the grounds are open to walk around. For an extra treat, walk through the neighborhood the home is located in, you’ll see some incredible homes while strolling along the treelined streets.
Teotihuacán This is another place where my pictures do no justice, but trust me when I tell you, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly remarkable. Teotihuacan is incredibly well preserved, giving you an unprecedented look at the Mesoamerican era. Take your time to walk around the holy grounds and climb some of the pyramids for perspective on just how massive the site is. This is definitely a half to all day activity, so bring your sunscreen, some snacks, and a few bottles of water. Also, be sure to make this journey a few days into your trip. It requires a good amount of walking and you’ll need to adjust fully to the altitude before climbing any pyramid.
Plaza San Jacinto I shopped a LOT here, like a lot, a lot. This outdoor marketplace boasts some of the best vendors in the city, along with some of the best storefronts. Prices are super affordable in the outdoor market, but get a bit steep once you enter the storefronts. I shopped the outside first for some steals on handwoven pillow cases and art, then made my way inside to purchase some of the more artisan items, like a terrazzo bowl and fine jewelry. Take your time here, and make sure to bring cash!
National Museum of Anthropology This museum absolutely blew me away. Firstly, it’s enormous. Secondly, it’s collection of artifacts is so vast you won’t be able to see it all in one day. Every exhibition hall I walked into was more incredible than the last, and boasted pieces you won’t see anywhere else in the world. Every exhibit is beautifully laid out, including a full underground tomb recreation and an entire temple on top of it. This is a can’t miss!
Parque Mexico Perfect for a lazy day stroll this shaded park is located in the hip neighborhood of Condesa (think West Village). Walk around the stunning gardens and wander into some of the surround shops for the perfect relaxing morning or afternoon.
WHAT TO BRING
When packing for Mexico City there may be a temptation to bring typical beach vacation clothes, but I am here to tell you to resist that temptation. Pack like you’re heading to New York or any other big city. This means comfortable and chic clothes that will translate easily from day to night. Don’t even think about wearing uncomfortable shoes, you’ll be walking a lot, it’s not worth the slight outfit elevation. As far as skincare goes, bring practical products that you can carry in your bag to freshen up throughout the day. Think face mist, dry shampoo, and a reliable moisturizing gloss.
Super Goop Unseen Sunscreen - my favorite face sunscreen that won’t break you out, Dior Addict Lip Glow Reviving Balm - moisturizing with the prettiest subtle color, Osmosis Clear Activating Mist - spray on after sweating and/or being in heavy pollution and you’ll never break out, Klorane Dry Shampoo - Natural Tint - spray on with no fear of white residue and watch your hair instantly freshen
Free People Mini Dress - easy flowing and comfortable, Fendi Metal Tipped Cat Eye Sunglasses - classic with a little funky flair, Lamarque Lambskin Moto Jacket - it gets chilly at night so make sure to have a chic jacket like this one with you at all times, Stella McCartney Falabella Crossbody - my must have bag that fits more than you ever thought it would, Saint Laurent Classic Lace-Up Sneaker - comfortable and chic sneakers you can wear all day and night blister free