Mexico City Travel Guide: Food, Culture & Adventure

CDMX is vast, but the best areas for visitors are:

• Polanco – The upscale district with luxury hotels, high-end shopping and world-class restaurants. Ideal for business travelers and those who love refined experiences.

• Condesa – A bohemian, green and walkable neighborhood filled with chic cafes, boutique hotels and lush parks. Perfect for art lovers and creatives.

• Roma Norte – A hipster hub with street art, trendy restaurants, vintage stores and a buzzing nightlife. A bit edgier than Condesa but full of character.

Concerts & entertainment

• Check the event calendar! Major artists often perform in CDMX, so plan ahead.

• Arena México – Watch a live Lucha Libre wrestling match, an iconic Mexican experience with passionate crowds and high-energy fights.

• Fantasy Lab – A cutting-edge immersive art and tech experience. Check their latest exhibitions for a unique adventure.

• Plaza Garibaldi – Experience Mexico’s mariachi culture. Enjoy live performances, grab a tequila and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Art & culture

• Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul – Step into the artist’s world at her former home, filled with original works and personal artifacts.

• Chapultepec Castle – A historic hilltop castle offering stunning views, intriguing history and a scenic hike.

• National Museum of Anthropology – A must-visit to learn about Mexico’s rich indigenous heritage, including the Aztecs and Mayans.

• Lago Algo – A contemporary space dedicated to rotating art exhibitions, perfect for modern art lovers.

• Museo Soumaya – A striking private museum with an extensive art collection, including works by Rodin and Dalí.

Other highlights

• Contorno Ceramics Studio – Not a traditional gallery, but an amazing hands-on experience. I took a ceramics class here and created my own pieces to take home.

• Sunday market in Roma Norte – This market includes secondhand clothes, local woven baskets, plants and more.

• Arca Tierra in Xochimilco – Xochimilco is always associated with boat parties, but there is also this farm-to-table experience where you can learn about sustainable agriculture and enjoy fresh, organic meals.

Note: I am vegetarian, and I can say I've eaten delicious meals in all of these restaurants!

Breakfast & brunch

• Órbita – A relaxed café by day, transforming into a party spot at night. Great coffee and vinyl tunes.

• Niddo – A go-to brunch spot. The enchiladas are a must-try!

• Panadería Rosetta – Famous for its pastries, especially the mil hojas. A delightful breakfast stop or afternoon treat.

Lunch

• Expendio de Maíz – A casual yet revolutionary spot where the menu changes daily, based on seasonal Mexican ingredients.

• Máximo Bistrot – A beloved farm-to-table restaurant known for its French-Mexican fusion cuisine.

Dinner

• Em – A Michelin-starred gem with an intimate setting and an outstanding tasting menu. The service, the food and wine pairing were exquisite.

• Botánico – A lush garden restaurant serving elevated Mexican dishes.

• Páramo – A laid-back spot with incredible tacos and a great atmosphere.

Drinks & cocktails

• Fifty Mils (Four Seasons) – A sophisticated cocktail bar inside the Four Seasons Hotel.

• Handshake – Ranked among the world’s best bars, known for creative and perfectly executed cocktails.

• Hanky Panky – A speakeasy with a rotating menu. Don’t miss the tlayudas (Oaxacan-style tortillas) on your way out!

• Jardín Paraíso – A hidden garden with a chill ambiance and great cocktails.

• Tlelcan – A mezcal-only bar specializing in artisanal and rare varieties.

• Supra Rooftop – A cool rooftop with panoramic city views and a fun party vibe.