Exploring Mexico City

My Favorite Areas to Explore

1. Explore the Historic Center - Dive into the heart of Mexico City at the Zócalo (main square). Enjoy the historic buildings, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the Templo Mayor archaeological site. Here you will see events, festivals, and gatherings throughout the year.

2. Zona Rosa - Just west of the Centro Historico, The “Pink Zone” of Mexico City is just west of the Centro Historico. It is now known as a very LGBQT+ friendly area, with plenty of gay bars and clubs. It’s also a great shopping district with a diverse range of boutiques, high-end stores, and street vendors offering everything from designer clothing to handmade crafts and souvenirs. Don't miss the Mercado Insurgentes for unique finds.

3. Coyoacán - In the south end of the city, explore the quaint streets of Coyoacán, home to vibrant markets, colorful murals, and the Caza Azul - the Frida Kahlo Museum. Close by is Xochimilco - one of the last remaining traces of the pre-Columbian Aztec city of Tenochtitlan and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

4. La Condesa is just southwest of the city's historic center - it’s a trendy and upscale neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, beautiful parks, and Art Deco architecture. Here you'll see plenty of stylish cafes, chic boutiques, and trendy restaurants, creating a vibrant atmosphere day and night. Enjoy the area's pedestrian-friendly streets, plentiful green spaces, and hip cultural scene.

5. La Roma - Right next to La Condesa, La Roma is a boho-chic neighborhood known for its hipster vibe, artistic community, and beautiful architecture. Visitors can explore art galleries, browse vintage shops, or simply soak up the neighborhood's hipster ambiance. Excellent cafes and restaurants can be found here.

6. Chapultepec Park - When you need a break from the city, take some time to explore this huge green space. When you're in this enormous park, you can almost forget that you’re in one of the world’s largest cities. There are several world-renowned museums nestled in this forest for you to explore.

Day Trips:

• The Pyramids Teotihuacan - You can easily take a bus or hire a driver to take you to this impressive archaeological site just 30 miles northeast of Mexico City. Get there as early as possible to avoid the crowds while exploring. This area provides amazing photo opportunities. Want an extra-special experience? See the pyramids from above in a hot air balloon!

• Xochimilco - To the far south of the city, see the ancient canals of the last remaining traces of the Aztec city Tenochtitlan. Take a ride in a colorfully decorated boat and explore the area.

1. Pulquería Las Duelistas - Centro Histórico: Very few people outside of Mexico have tried Pulque - a pre-Columbian drink made from fermented Agave sap. Try this in an authentic Pulqueria and enjoy their snacks.

2. Siembra Tortillería - Polanco: This is a corn-focused Mexican restaurant. Try excellently crafted tamales, tlacoyos, tacos, tostadas, flautas, and quesadillas. For the hipsters in the area, the beverage menu even features kombucha.

3. Mercado Roma - La Roma: Busy food hall with plenty of gourmet items to sample.

4. Frëims - Hipodromo: Art Gallery meets Brunch Restaurant. Solid classic menu with rotating expositions of local artists' work.

5. La Equina del Chilaquil: This street stand serves up delicious Mexican comfort food. Limited options of usually just chilaquiles and tortas, a line will form around the block. Get up early to try some food from this local legend before they sell out.

6. Rosetta - Roma Norte: Finer dining in a beautiful space - make your reservation for the Garden Room.

7. El Huequito - several locations: Visited by Anthony Bourdain, these tacos are some of the best in Mexico City. They've been in business in 1959 and claim to be the original Tacos al Pastor - the Mexican take on Lebanese Shawarma.

8. Amaya - Cuauhtémoc: Nice dinner spot with a impressive wine list.

9. La Clandestina - La Condesa: Looking for a place to sip on some mezcal? This is the spot.