3 Vibey and Delicious Days in Mexico City

Once you arrive at Mexico City International Airport (MEX), take a 30-min Uber (or splurge on a limousine service) to your hotel in the Juárez neighborhood. It’s super central, right by the famous Angel of Independence and the perfect spot to explore both the old town as well as the trendy Polanco and Condessa neighborhoods. You will also be very close to Zona Rosa, the gay-friendly area with lots of bars and restaurants. Head out for a late lunch in the area. I recommend Taquería El Califa for some of the best al pastor you can have (make it con queso!).

Explore Juárez

Walk down Avenue de la Reforma, a tree-lined street with lots of things to see, like art installations and fountains and, of course, El Ángel de la Independencia, the iconic War of Independence monument.

Visit the Museo del Chocolate to learn more about the sweet treat with ancient Mesoamerican origins.

Then head to Xaman Bar, a semi-speakeasy location you can reach by walking underground into a dimly lit cocktail oasis with friendly bartenders and the scent of incense. The cocktails are creative and come in beautiful pottery, inviting you to soak in the super-chill ambiance while sipping away on your concoctions.

For dinner, head to Pasillo de Humo, praised for its authentic Oaxacan cuisine. I loved the plantain croquettes as well as the tlayuda.

Pro tip: Make sure you don’t miss the mezcal cart. The servers will happily roll it over to your table and help you make bad decisions!

Start your day with breakfast at Restaurante El Cardenal, a staple for Mexican hot chocolate, pastries and chilaquiles. Then explore the Centro Histórico and visit the Palacio Nacional to admire Diego Rivera’s murals. After, wander to Azul Histórico, a mixed-use building consisting of a fabulous restaurant and several local boutiques that you can explore on your way up to the rooftop bar for a late lunch.

Take the afternoon to relax and make use of the hotel's spa.

Later in the day, head over to Fifty Mils, Four Season’s hotel bar, which is on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. The drinks here are masterfully crafted and the bar bites are delicious.

Another (or an additional) option is Hanky Panky, a speakeasy that runs a super-solid cocktail program in plush, vibrant surroundings. The bar is hidden in the back of a little taco joint (great late-night snack after your visit!).

Round out the day with a fantastic show of Ballet Folklórico de México inside the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Dancers in colorful, lavish dresses meet traditional mariachis, taking you on a journey through the rich history of Mexico.

For the second full day in the city, explore the Polanco neighborhood for some shopping and indulging. Start at Eno, a really cool, hip breakfast place run by famous chef Enrique Olvera. It’s located on a corner lot surrounded by little stores and the chilaquiles are absolutely phenomenal.

Then, explore the streets of Polanco, wander through beautiful parks and fabulous boutiques, like IKAL, which has a surprisingly large selection of local menswear and jewelry. For a sweet treat, stop at El Moro Churreria, a churro dynasty, and order doubles so that you can try all the sauces (the leche condensada is my favorite!).

Continue your exploration and pop by the W Mexico City hotel for a little afternoon pick-me-up before heading to the last must-try taco place on the list: El Turix. The cochinita pibil they’re preparing in this tiny storefront is mouthwateringly delicious. It’s very casual, with the team throwing your simmered pork on your taco with their bare hands, but trust me, it’s worth it.

Later, venture down to Roma Norte for some of the best cocktails in the world. Licorería Limantour‘s placement as number four on the World’s 50 Best Bars list is no surprise once you take your first sip of essentially anything on the menu. It’s a rather unassuming place but do not be fooled - these are some of the best drinks ever.

As a last hurrah, explore the many gay-friendly bars and clubs of Zona Rosa, an area very close to the hotel. Dance the night away or simply watch the scene.