Mexico City
If I had to sum up Mexico City in one word - OBSESSED. From the lively energy and insane food to the delicious cocktails and culture around every corner, you truly get it all in one place. It’s the perfect long weekend trip, and definitely somewhere I’d visit again (and again). It was an easy, affordable, and direct 5-hour flight from JFK to MEX.
If you’re planning a trip, this guide has all my personal recs like where to stay, what to pack, what to eat (and exactly what you must order), and more. ¡Vamos!
What you’ll find
Before You Go
Restaurant Reservations – Book in advance, especially for top spots like Pujol, Quintonil, and Contramar. These fill up quickly, often weeks ahead. We made our reservation for Pujol a month before!
Currency – The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Most places accept credit cards, but it’s always safe to carry some cash for street vendors, tips, or smaller shops.
Traffic – Plan for extra time between activities. CDMX traffic can get intense, especially during rush hour.
Getting Around – Uber was our go-to. It’s safe, affordable, and super convenient for longer distances. That said, we walked a lot and honestly, exploring on foot was a good way to see the city.
Weather – I visited in early May, and it was hot. Pack light, breathable clothes and comfortable walking shoes!
Where to Stay
Being a foodie myself, I chose to stay in Roma Norte, a neighborhood packed with amazing restaurants and bars. There are tons of Airbnbs, along with plenty of cute boutique and chain hotels to choose from. Depending on your travel style, here are a few neighborhoods to consider:
Roma Norte – Trendy, walkable, and filled with great Airbnb options at affordable prices. It gave me major Brooklyn vibes- cool, artsy, and full of energy.
Condesa – A relaxed, neighborhood with amazing cafés and plenty of boutique hotels. We actually stayed right between Roma Norte and Condesa, and it was the perfect location.
Polanco – Upscale and bougie, this area is close to museums, luxury shopping, and fine dining. Think Beverly Hills meets CDMX.
Centro Histórico – Ideal if you want to be close to major landmarks like El Zócalo, the Cathedral, and the Palacio Nacional.
Things To Do
Mexico City is packed with history, art, and super unique experiences, there’s truly something for everyone. Below are a few of my favorite spots (and a few I still have on my list for next time!):
Las Grutas de Tolantongo – Natural hot spring pools tucked into a canyon about 3–4 hours from Mexico City. You’ll find thermal pools, a warm river, waterfalls, and a cave to explore. It’s definitely a trek, but such a unique experience. Bring water shoes and cash, credit cards aren’t accepted. We booked our trip through Airbnb, which made things super easy.
Chapultepec Park & Castle – Known as the city's “Central Park,” this massive green space is home to museums, trails, and a hilltop castle overlooking CDMX. We didn’t end up going inside the castle, but walking through the park and shopping from the local vendors made for a perfect, chill afternoon.
Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) – Located in the Coyoacán neighborhood, this is the famous blue house where Frida lived. Even if you're not familiar with her work, the museum is a beautifully curated look into her life, art, and legacy.
El Zócalo & Centro Histórico – The history geeks won’t want to skip this., You’ll want to explore the Cathedral, Templo Mayor ruins, and the murals inside Palacio Nacional. El Zócalo is Mexico City’s main square.
El Ángel de la Independencia – A well known monument along Paseo de la Reforma and a symbol of national pride.
Monumento a la Revolución – Go to the top for city views and a mini history lesson.
La Basílica de Guadalupe – One of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in all of Mexico. We were lucky enough to catch part of a service while visiting.
Xochimilco – A total vibe. Hop on a colorful trajinera boat, sip micheladas, snack on street food, and float through the canals with music playing.
Lucha Libre Wrestling – A wild, fun, high-energy night out. You can book this experience on Airbnb and to see the masked wrestlers, crowd chants, and lots of laughs.
Hot Air Balloons over Teotihuacán – An iconic experience just outside of the city. Float over ancient pyramids at sunrise for some stunning views!
Casa Orgánica – A super unique, nature inspired home by architect Javier Senosiain. Book your visit in advance!
Shopping- I found some amazing things at El Bazar Sábado in San Angel! It’s only on Saturdays so plan accordingly. If you’re looking for some upscale shopping, stroll around Polanco (think Beverly Hills vibe).
Restaurants
CDMX was hands down some of the best food I’ve had in my life. From upscale tasting menus, to late night street tacos, and everything in between. Below are some of our most memorable spots.
Fine Dining…
Quintonil – Contemporary Mexican fine dining, consistently ranked among the world’s top restaurants. They offer a tasting menu that sometimes includes bugs as a way to elevate flavors (we personally skipped this one).
Pujol – With two Michelin stars, Chef Enrique Olvera’s legendary tasting menu makes this one of the most famous restaurants in Mexico City. (He also owns Atla and Cosme in NYC and Damian in LA.) While the food was good, I’m not a huge fine dining person and probably wouldn’t go back.
Rosetta – A Michelin-starred Italian-Mexican fusion spot with incredible house-made pastas. Worth a visit for pasta lovers!
On the more casual side …
Contramar (reserve in advance) – One of the city’s most famous seafood restaurants. The tuna tostadas were incredible, and the guava cheesecake was unreal.
Taqueria Orinoco – Casual taco spot, perfect for late-night cravings. The pork tacos were to die for!
Santo Handroll Bar – If you’re feeling some Japanese, come here for sushi
Jennis Quesadilla – A famous street vendor, my favorite one was the beef (res) quesadilla.
Mi Compa “Chava” (personal favorite) – my FAVORITE meal in Mexico City. Be sure to order the grilled shrimp (I still think about it), tuna tostada, and fish birria quesadilla for the best meal you'll ever have. It’s walk in only!
Bakeries:
Panadería Rosetta – Believe the hype. The guava pastry is famous for a reason.
Odette - I think these were the best pastries I had in my life
Bars & Nightlife
Mexico City has an incredible cocktail scene, with several bars ranked among the best in the world. There are honestly so many places worth checking out, but here are a few of the most notable ones we visited and loved:
Handshake Speakeasy - The 2024 ranked the #1 bar in the world, and for good reason. The cocktails are super creative and beautifully presented. Our favorites were the Peanut Butter & Jelly (trust me, it’s way better than it sounds) and the Mexi-Thai. Make resys early!
Tlecan – An intimate bar with a focus on Mexican spirits. Great drinks, good music, and a more lowkey vibe.
Baltra Bar – A classic spot with witchy vibes and a fun, creative cocktail menu. Some locals even told us this was one of their favorite bars in the city.
Las Brujas – another classic spot, some locals actually told me to go here too.
Licorería Limantour – Ranked #32 in the world!
Hanky Panky – A hidden speakeasy and #13 on the worlds best bars!
