Unveiling the Secrets of Mexico City: A Vibrant Journey through History, Culture, and Cuisine

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Advisor - Desirée Aguirre
Curated By

Desirée Aguirre

  • Arts & Culture

  • City Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Old-fashioned

  • Sightseeing

  • Local Culture

An aerial view of buildings in Mexico City
Curator’s statement

Mexico City holds a special place in my heart. Its vibrant energy, rich history, and tantalizing food scene make it an extraordinary destination. From strolling through trendy neighborhoods like Condesa, San Miguel Chapultepec, Roma, and Polanco to indulging in the city's endless attractions, Mexico City feels like a home away from home. What sets this destination apart is its accessibility, with numerous direct flight options. The city's green spaces and walkability create a pleasant environment, while the locals, many of whom speak English, welcome you with open arms. As you plan your visit, keep in mind the city's varied climate due to its elevation. Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) offer the ideal weather for exploration. So, without further ado, let's dive into the best tips and tricks to make the most of your time in Mexico City!

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Things to do in Mexico City

People in Front of the Building with tomb at sunset.

Find Inner Harmony:

Embrace tranquility with yoga and meditation in Chapultepec Park, a haven of greenery offering various activities like walking, running, biking, and serene yoga classes.

Soccer Extravaganza:

Immerse yourself in the thrilling world of futbol by attending a live match at Stadium Azteca. Indulge in the authentic pre-game experience with tacos and beer, making it a perfect outing.

Enter the Wrestling Arena:

Experience the adrenaline rush of a Lucha Libre show at Arena Mexico. Witness professional wrestlers battle it out in a spectacular display of athleticism and entertainment.

Dive into Artistry:

Delve into the captivating world of Frida Kahlo by visiting her renowned blue house, now the Frida Kahlo Museum. Avoid disappointment by booking in advance and enjoy the tour at your own pace.

Unveil Ancient Marvels:

Unearth the rich heritage of ancient Mexican civilizations at the Museum of Anthropology. With its vast collection, you can immerse yourself in history and marvel at the cultural treasures.

Journey to the Past:

Step back in time with a visit to the Teotihuacan Ruins and embark on a breathtaking hike up the Sun and Moon Pyramids. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes and protect your skin from the sun.

Pedal Through the City:

Take advantage of the weekly bike ride (Sundays) down Paseo de la Reforma. Rent a bike through the EcoBici app and enjoy scenic views of the city while making new friends along the way.

Stylish Stroll:

Wander down the tree-lined path of Avenida Amsterdam in the hip neighborhood of La Condesa. Perfect for walking, running, or simply enjoying the vibrant ambiance with boutiques and eateries.

Float on Water:

Experience the unique charm of Xochimilco with a boat ride on a traijenera. Gather friends, bring your favorite food and drinks, and create a memorable private party on the picturesque canals.

Soak in Serenity:

Indulge in the natural beauty of Grutas Tolantongo's hot springs on a day trip. Join a guided tour to explore the caves, savor a delicious lunch, and rejuvenate in the enchanting hot springs. Remember to bring comfortable walking and water shoes.

Places to eat & drink in Mexico City

Three donuts with two coffees.

Breakfast:

Casa Rebollar – A delightful breakfast spot with a serene outdoor patio. Don't miss their chilaquiles verdes, avocado toast with a sunny-side-up egg, and refreshing pineapple agua fresca!

Brunch:

Madereros – A picturesque outdoor dining setting perfect for brunch. Indulge in their seasonal fruit plate with granola and honey, scrambled eggs with house-smoked Oaxacan chorizo and tasajo, and the mouthwatering Maderero's pancakes with pancetta, banana, almonds, rhubarb marmalade, and ice cream.

Lunch:

Cancino – A popular local restaurant serving Italian cuisine and handcrafted pizzas. Enjoy the beautiful outdoor patio and savor dishes like pear and gorgonzola pizza, nut and pear salad, quinoa and dried tomato croquettes, kale apple almond & grana cheese salad, and artichoke fondue with spinach and provolone.

Tacos de al Pastor – Don't miss the quintessential al pastor tacos! Try the thinly sliced marinated pork topped with pineapple, cilantro, and onion on a freshly made corn tortilla. For a recommended spot, head to El Tizoncito in Coyocan (https://www.instagram.com/eltizoncitomx/).

Dinner:

Pujol ($$$$) – Immerse yourself in a high-end dining experience in Polanco. Chef Enrique Olvera's Michelin-starred restaurant showcases the exquisite Mole Madre as part of its signature tasting menu. Make sure to book your reservation in advance.

Azul Condessa ($$$) – Indulge in the legendary mole negro served over chicken breast, seasoned rice, and topped with a delicious plantain. A fine dining option to satisfy your cravings for this exceptional dish.

Lardo – A hip Mexican-European fusion eatery with a stunning outdoor covered dining space. Try their delicious offerings such as fig pizza, octopus red curry chilacayote and spelt, roasted eggplant tomatoes anchovies and burrata salad, and the berry mille feuille for dessert.

El Pialadero de Guadalajara (https://www.instagram.com/pialadero/?hl=en) – Experience traditional Mexican cuisine with their iconic torta ahogada, a flavorful sandwich featuring fried pork drowned in a chile de árbol sauce. Be prepared for a messy yet delicious experience!

Dessert:

El Moro – For authentic handmade churros, visit El Moro and savor their cinnamon sugar-coated churros. Pro tip: Order the freshly made bite-size churros for a piping hot treat!

Carmela – This charming ice cream parlor offers artisanal ice cream and coffee. Try the delightful combination of Mamey (a fruit native to Mexico and Central America) and Mascarpone flavors for a truly heavenly experience.

Amor Casero – A popular artisanal ice cream parlor with a variety of flavors. Don't miss their Canela (cinnamon), which is both sugar-free and irresistibly delicious.

Coffee & Pastries:

Panaderia Rosetta – A must-visit pastry shop with a rustic-chic ambiance. Indulge in their guava cheese roll, lavender scone, and the heavenly chocolate berliner filled with Bavarian cream. Don't forget to arrive early for a spot on the terrace!

Advisor - Desirée Aguirre

Travel Advisor

Desirée Aguirre

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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Amanda Blakley’s guide, Family-Friendly Guide to Mexico City.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Mexico City.