A Weekend Guide to Mexico City

Shop!

Not only are there a ton of local and traditional food markets, but the clothes, gifts and art shopping can’t be beat. As you walk the streets of Mexico City on the weekend, you will very likely stumble upon any of their numerous street markets as well. The possibilities are endless!

Markets like La Merced Market, Mercado de Medellin, Xochimilco (the floating market) are great places to see, smell and taste all the local cuisine. Take a deep dive into the culture, while more trendy spots like Mercado Roma offer food, drink and even tattoo options under one roof.

Calle Colima is my favorite place to walk and shop in CDMX. Located in the Roma neighborhood, you will find anything from vintage apparel to high-end home decor. It also has plenty of coffee, food and drink pit stops to keep you fueled.

Walk!

Get your steps in by walking to — and through — Chapultapec park, or Bosque de Chapultepec, home of Chapultapec Castle. Once inside the lush park, you can picnic, shop local vendors, and even go to the zoo, but my favorite thing to do is walk up and explore the castle. Not only is the building itself gorgeous, but it offers some of the best views of Mexico City.

Relax!

After your long day of walking, enjoy a treatment at one of the city’s many top-rated spas. Hotel spas like The Wellness House at the Four Seasons and the Aurora Spa at Las Alcobas offer a day’s worth of luxury. While smaller local chains like En Dharma provide quality services and allow you to be back on your way exploring the city after.

Food is why I come to Mexico City. There is such a variety of offerings, and it is nearly impossible to walk into a boring establishment. Every restaurant (and bar, cafe, night club…) has their own unique personality! There are SO many great options to choose from, but I have included a selection of my favorites in the Condesa and Roma area here.

Breakfast and brunch:

• Lalo: Another great breakfast spot — you can't go wrong with anything on the menu!

• Ojo de Agua: Craving an acai bowl? Look no further. Also has great smoothie options and other all-day healthy offerings.

• Martina Fonda Fina: Breakfast served the traditional way, just like you're inside the home of your very own abuela! This is an amazing hidden gem to hit up before heading to the nearby art galleries.

• Madre Cafe: The spot to go for breakfast. Trust me.

Note: There is a Madre Cafe and a Madre Bistro — the bistro is counter service with quick coffee shop vibes, and the cafe offers full service. They are around the corner from one another.

Dinner:

• Contramar: A seafood restaurant full of locals and travelers alike — although the locals seem to think it is still just a “locals” joint. Great energy, even better people watching. Amazing food.

• Maximo: Constantly ranked as one of the top restaurants in Mexico City. Maximo emphasizes farm-to-table, quality and sustainability. Creative and fresh. Must-try.

• Blanco Colima: Amazing food in an equally amazing setting — inside a historic building right on Calle Colima — go for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

• Lardo: A favorite for more of a Mediterranean vibe. Think: small plates, jamon and cheese, flatbreads and fresh ingredients.

Cocktails:

• Caiman: A cute little neighborhood bar offering tapas and great cocktails. The music is on point, and it makes you feel like this is your neighborhood bar.

• Ayer: This exclusive club may be difficult to get into, but it is worth it. The whole place is a conversation piece, and offers a piano bar in one room, a DJ in another and a very cool bar set-up. Even the bathrooms are photo-worthy.

• Xaman: A speakeasy with creative cocktails. Dimly lit with great music and a fun atmosphere, this is a fun spot before or after dinner (the later you go, the rowdier it gets)!

• El Departamento: Like walking up into someone's home, but with a DJ playing in the living room! The main floor offers a bar, DJ set-up and great space to sit or dance, and the large rooftop has even more of the party vibe.