Discover Mexico City: A Guide to Exploring the Heart of CDMX
Vibrant, lush and fun
Just returned from Mexico City, and let me tell you, it’s quickly risen to the top of my favorite cities list—right alongside NYC, though that’s my hometown, so it might not count. Have you ever fallen head over heels for a city? I can now tell you: for me that happened with Mexico City. The charm, the vibrancy, and the overall coolness of this metropolis blew me away. I’ve gathered some tips to help you make the most of your trip, but there’s so much more to explore. Reach out for insider info or to find the perfect hotel match!
Why Mexico City?
Perched at 7,000 feet above sea level, Mexico City is a sprawling urban marvel built atop the ancient ruins of Tenochtitlán. The altitude gave me a bit of a workout on my first bike ride, but it was all part of the adventure (hydrate, hydrate, hydrate). The city is massive, both in size and population, yet its neighborhoods each have their own distinct, welcoming vibe. I stayed in Condesa, which was quiet, friendly, and green, with lovely coffee shops and restaurants at every turn
Best Time to Visit: Mexico City is a year-round destination with pleasant weather. Whether you’re escaping the summer heat (Mexico City is refreshingly mild) or enjoying a mild winter, there’s always something to explore. You can easily spend a long time here, but it’s also perfect for a three- or four-night stay—or even a long weekend. I used it as a delightful stop before heading to Baja California Sur for a road trip (more about that soon), which was a perfect way to mix things up.
Getting Around: Stick to official taxis (the pink and white ones) or use Uber Black for a safe and reliable ride. The airport, Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (MEX), is not very far from the city center.
Safety Tip: As with any major city, staying aware of your surroundings will help you enjoy your trip without any hiccups.
Where to Stay
Mexico City’s hotel scene is brimming with stylish boutique options. Here are some of my top picks:
Casa Polanco: A chic 19-room mansion with lovely outdoor spaces. Book through me to enjoy food and beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade if available, and extended check-in/out with my VIP perks.
Brick Hotel: Known for its moody, contemporary vibe. With my perks, you’ll receive a $25 food and beverage credit, a welcome amenity, an upgrade if available, and late check-out.
La Valise Mexico City: A hidden gem in Roma with only eight rooms, each offering a unique design. VIP perks include welcome amenities, complimentary minibar beverages, and upgrades.
Condesa DF: A 20-room hotel with a historical façade and modern interiors. Enjoy welcome amenities, breakfast daily, upgrades, and extended check-in/out.
Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City: A classic choice with a central courtyard and exceptional dining. Exclusive Four Seasons Preferred partner perks!
Colima 71: An art-focused boutique getaway in Roma, offering a complimentary one-way airport transfer, a welcome amenity, an upgrade, and guaranteed late check-out.
Book through me to receive these perks and ensure that I am your first point of contact for a seamless stay.
Where to Eat
Mexico City’s food scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. Maybe you’ve read about the first taco stand to receive a Michelin star! Taco’s are a street food staple, with al pastor—a juicy, marinated pork dish inspired by Lebanese shawarma—leading the charge. For something more traditional, try mole, an ancient sauce with over 20 ingredients, including chili and chocolate, that’s deeply rooted in Mexican cuisine. And while margaritas are a popular choice here, it might surprise you to know they were actually invented in the U.S. Don’t miss out on chapulines, roasted grasshoppers seasoned with chili and lime, offering a crunchy, protein-packed snack with a kick. Sometimes those are sprinkled on tacos or added as a garnish to drinks! And, of course, there’s no better way to end a meal than with churros, a sweet legacy from Spain, best enjoyed dipped in rich hot chocolate. a selection of street food and fine dining spots to get you started.
Street Food and Casual Eats:
Mexico City’s street food scene is incredible. Near our hotel, there was a taco truck that served the best tacos—my boys devoured them! The best part? They were only about 80 cents each.
Churrería El Moro: Delight in churros at their Parque México location. A must-try for breakfast or a sweet treat.
Nevería Roxy: Practically our neighbor in Condesa, this spot is perfect for sorbets, ice cream, and floats.
Taquería El Califa de Leónto: The award winning taco stand in San Rafael
Upscale Dining:
For those special meals, Mexico City offers an array of upscale dining options that are sure to impress.
Quintonil: This tasting-menu hotspot, crafted by Alejandra Flores and Jorge Vallejo, offers an exquisite dining experience that showcases the best of Mexican cuisine.
Pujol: Known for its innovative take on traditional Mexican dishes, Pujol offers a chic setting that food enthusiasts will love. Enrique Olvera, also behind Cosme in Manhattan, is behind this. Be sure to book ahead!
Botánico: Located in Condesa, Botánico serves up plant-based dishes in a lush, botanical setting—perfect for a relaxed yet refined meal.
El Tigre Silencioso: This vibrant cantina in Roma is celebrated for its creative menu and lively atmosphere.
Rosetta: Enjoy top-tier Mexican cuisine in a charming, rustic setting. And don’t miss a visit to Rosetta Panadería for their delightful pastries.
San Ángel Inn: Near Frida Kahlo's studio, this historic restaurant offers a mix of Mexican and international dishes in a stunning garden setting.
Los Danzantes: Great place to eat after you visited Casa Azul and wandered around Coyoacán.
Mi Compa Chava Marisquería: A must for seafood lovers!
What to Do
Mexico City is a whirlwind of excitement, with something to discover around every corner. I love to immerse myself in a destination, but I do it at my own pace. For me, the real joy came from wandering on foot or by bike through the vibrant neighborhoods of Condesa and Roma—where sightseeing just happens naturally. That said, I’m not one to leave everything to chance. I lined up some unforgettable experiences, like a great food bike tour (seriously, the best!), and Casa Azul was a standout. My boys, on the other hand, couldn’t get enough of the Lucha Libre match and the lively boat ride at Xochimilco. Here are some of my recommendations:
Explore Casa Azul and Coyoacán: Spend a day in this bohemian neighborhood, exploring Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul (totally worth it, book ahead) and the nearby canals. When you’re ready for a break, stop by San Ángel Inn for a refreshing margarita.
Chapultepec Park and Castle: Take a stroll through the park and visit the Museo Nacional de Antropología for a deep dive into Mexico’s history. While you’re in the area, don’t miss a walk down Av Reforma to see landmarks like La Diana Cazadora and El Ángel de la Independencia.
Parque México and Parque España: These lovely parks are perfect for a morning walk. Parque México’s art deco charm and Parque España’s quaint atmosphere made them my go-to spots for a leisurely stroll each morning after my churro breakfast.
Lucha Libre: Experience the excitement of Mexican wrestling. It’s a fun and unique cultural experience.
Teotihuacan: Day trip. Consider hiring a guide to fully appreciate the site’s rich history, and don’t miss the chance to take a balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view.
Xochimilco: Take a colorful boat ride through these iconic canals. Xochimilco is the lake on which the Aztecs built their chinampas, or floating agricultural gardens. It’s even more magical in the early morning. Though touristy, it was so much fun.
Condesa: This neighborhood was our home base, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s lush, quiet, and filled with coffee shops and restaurants, plus it’s near Chapultepec Park. Also absolutely great: Roma Norte.
Centro Histórico: Centered around the Zócalo plaza, this is where you’ll find the Metropolitan Cathedral and the ruins of Templo Mayor. Make sure to visit the Art Nouveau Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Palacio Nacional, home to some of Diego Rivera’s most famous murals. Side note: I found Centro Histórico very crowded, even for someone used to NYC. Next time, I’d go early in the morning to explore before the city wakes up.
Polanco: Known as the ‘Beverly Hills’ of Mexico City, this area is filled with designer shops and luxury boutiques.
Markets: For a taste of local life, visit Mercado Roma and El Bazaar Sábado, where you’ll find crafts, food, and more.
Mexico City is home to some of the world’s most fascinating museums: Visit Museo Nacional de Antropología: Mexico’s most-visited museum covers the nation’s vast pre-Hispanic history. The gift shop is a must-visit, like many in CDMX. History buffs go to Museo Nacional de Historia Castillo de Chapultepec. It’s located in the 18th-century hilltop Chapultepec Castle. El Museo Tamayo is a contemporary art museum near Chapultepec, named after the Mexican muralist Rufino Tamayo. More contemporary: Museo Jumex, designed by David Chipperfield and Museo Soumaya. The latter displays the ever-rotating private collection of Carlos Slim and is known for its striking architecture. And there are many more.
Non-Cliché Tours:
For something different, try a bike & food tour or dining at a local’s house (I can help you arrange this). These experiences offer a more intimate glimpse into Mexico City’s culture.
Final Thoughts
I visited Mexico City with my family, which was great. Next time I’d love to go with friends (Anyone up for an adventure?) or solo. If you haven’t been and you enjoy city travel, I can almost guarantee you’ll find yourself returning time and time again. With a personalized itinerary that reflects your unique interests, style, and budget, your trip will be tailored to perfection.
Curious to uncover Mexico City? Connect with me to start planning your adventure. I’ll make sure your experience is personalized, fun and memorable.