Welcome to
Mexico City
Why did we bring you all here? Mexico City (CDMX) is our favorite city, and we are city people, so that says a lot. As you’ll soon see for yourself, CDMX is vibrant and romantic, distinctly Mexican but with a European look and feel woven throughout. It is infinitely walkable, with tree-lined streets, world-class food, art, and centuries-old architecture alongside modern design. As chic as it is inviting, we are convinced you will love it.
That said, CDMX is a large city, so we’ve put together a very long list of our favorite neighborhoods, places to stay, and things to do during your visit.
Condesa (Hipódromo)
Condesa is the Silver Lake of Mexico City. It is hip and super walkable (though truly every neighborhood we’re highlighting here is), with tons of cafes, restaurants, cocktail bars, boutiques, etc. Highlights include Parque México for the best dog watching and Calle Amsterdam, an old horse racing track turned tree-covered pedestrian walkway, ideal for strolling.
La Roma (North & South)
A mixture of neo-classical and art nouveau design, Roma was once dubbed “Barrio Mágico” by Mexico City and the name holds up. Take a walk down Calle Álvaro Obregón, one of its most popular streets for street tacos, incredible restaurants (our favorite, Contramar) and bars (Licorería Limantour), and more.
Juárez
This is where you’ll find the cool kids. Once home to aristocrats and diplomats, its grand old mansions now house art galleries, stylish cafés, and cool concept shops. The Zona Rosa section, historically known for its LGBTQ+ nightlife, still brings the party, but the vibe has broadened to include speakeasy-style bars (see Hanky Panky below), international eats, and quirky vintage stores. Enjoy!
The Neighborhoods
These are just a few of the many incredible “colonias” in CDMX. Just because it isn’t on our list does not mean we don’t think you should explore it!
El Centro Historico
El Centro is known as the historic center of the city, where you’ll find El Zócalo and the art deco Palacio de Bellas Artes. Stop into the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México to view its famous Tiffany stained-glass ceiling. Then have a drink at the top of the El Mayor, overlooking the Templo Mayor ruins. This is also where we are hosting our welcome party.
Polanco
This is the Beverly Hills of Mexico City. If your heart is set on bougie, this is it! Great for shopping and fancy sidewalk cafe dining/drinking, Michelin-star restaurants Pujol and Quintonil are located in Polanco.
Coyoacán (aka Del Carmen
If you’re planning to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum during your stay (and we think it’s a must), you’ll travel to Coyoacán. One of the oldest neighborhoods in Mexico City, Coyoacán has plenty to offer. Visit the Centennial Garden and coyote fountain, along with the Church of San Juan Bautista and Plaza Hidalgo for history and the Mexican Craft Market for shopping. There is so much to do and see here.
Where to Eat
Lardo
Our favorite of the breakfast places: Mediterranean-inspired eatery in Condesa– part of the renowned Rosetta brand.
Agustín Melgar 6, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06140
Lalo!
Lively, all-day café serving creative comfort food with a cool, casual vibe. Go for breakfast. Start with a Bloody Mary.
Zacatecas 173, Roma Nte., 06700
Breakfast & Cafés
Contramar
Our favorite of all of the restaurants: coastal Mexican food, the most perfect tuna tostada, and impeccable service. Make a reservation or you’ll wait for a long time (worth it, though). Try sister-restaurant Entremar if it’s is booked.
Durango 200, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700
Lago / Algo
A lakeside (Lago is Spanish for lake) restaurant and art space in Chapultepec Park, fusing sustainable Mexican cuisine with contemporary art in a stunning setting. The view alone is worth it.
Bosque de Chapultepec, Pista El Sope S/N, Bosque de Chapultepec II Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11100
Azul Historico
A romantic restaurant set in a 17th-century courtyard underneath a giant tree, serving traditional Mexican dishes. This is also the downstairs to our upstairs welcome party!
Isabel La Católica 30, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000
Lunch & Dinner
Mariscos Orizaba
Ceviche stand dreams are made of. Go wild–order everything. Regret nothing.
Liverpool 97, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600
Molino “El Pujol”
This is Michelin-star Pujol’s taco stand. For something different, try taco de aguacate, but really you can’t go wrong.
Gral. Benjamín Hill 146, Hipódromo Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06100
Carińito
Asian-inspired tacos. The pork belly is the star.
Guanajuato 53, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700
Taco Stand
& Quick Bites
Where to Drink
El Mayor
Rooftop bar overlooking downtown CDMX and ruins. Food is ok. Drinks and ambience are better.
República de Argentina 15, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06020
Hanky Panky
Very fun, very cool speakeasy. Works best if you make a reservation, but order a taco from the small store downstairs and they’ll get you in.
Turín 52, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600
Licorería Limantour
(Roma Norte / Polanco)
The best cocktails. Try them all. Tell the bartender the weird things you like and they will make you something special.
Av. Álvaro Obregón 106, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700
La Clandestina
Teeny tiny mezcal bar with surprisingly great food. Good for mezcal tasting in general.
Av. Alvaro Obregón 298 Col. Condesa 06100
What to Do
Frida Kahlo Museum
This is her actual home, full of her art and a glimpse into her life. Make a day out of it by booking the bike tour in which you can also learn about the neighborhood.
Londres 247, Del Carmen, 04100
Off the Beaten Track Food & Bike Tour
Our favorite of the tours! You’ll visit neighborhoods not listed above, eat street food you wouldn’t know to eat, and learn about CDMX. Can’t recommend this enough!
Starts in Condesa
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Beautiful art deco inside / art nouveau outside building in El Centro housing multiple Diego Rivera murals and more.
Av. Juárez s/n esq. Central Axis Lázaro Cárdenas, Col. Centro, Cuauhtémoc Mayor's Office, C. P. 06050
Templo Mayor
Do you want to see some ancient ruins? These are very cool and right in the heart of CDMX!
Seminario 8, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06060
Chapultepec Castle
Romeo & Juliet was filmed here! It’s one of two royal palaces in North America which were inhabited by monarchs! It’s in Chapultepec Park!
Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11580 Mexico City, Mexico
Looking for more?
Stef has a very detailed, mildly embarrassing spreadsheet chock full of places to go and things to do in CDMX. Email her for access. It will make her day.