Mexico City is vibrant in every sense of the word. You can find colour, art, food and culture in rich abundance in every neighborhood, and there is an infectious sense of fun. We spent an action-packed few days museum hopping, admiring giant murals and sampling the unique cuisine, from street stalls to fine dining restaurants. Despite its reputation, we found the city safe and the people friendly, and it is easy to explore on foot or by the efficient taxi/uber system which is conveniently cheap. If you have more time, travel outside of the city where there are plenty of ancient wonders to discover and explore.
To Stay
Nima Local House – This charming boutique hotel is located in the buzzy Roma district. There are just 4 bedrooms, each decorated in a luxurious and eclectic way, with modern amenities and thoughtful touches. The stylish communal spaces are a quiet and calm place to relax if you need a break from sightseeing.
Airbnb art deco flat – If you are looking for something more thifty, there are plenty of beautiful Airbnb flats in Mexico City to suit every budget. We loved our art deco flat in the Santa Maria la Ribera district.
To Eat
Pujol – Often named as Mexico’s best restaurant, chef Enrique Olvera’s Pujol reopened at a spacious new venue in 2017. This dynamic fine-dining restaurant offers a magical insight into the country’s best loved flavours and dishes. Guests enjoy a seasonal tasting menu that includes speciality signatures like the ‘Mole Madre’ which has been aged for over 1,000 days. Earlier this year Olvera opened Molino el Pujol, a small taco shop which gives people the chance to try his inspired cuisine without the high pricetag.
El Moro – Churros is a popular snack that is eaten at any time of the day in Mexico. El Moro is a churros institution in Mexico City, the pretty tiled venue sells super light and sugary churros which is paired with chocolate, Dulce de leche or condensed milk dips.
Contramar – Contramar is the place to go in Mexico City for super fresh and creative seafood by Gabriela Cámara. Expect to wait in line before getting a seat in the stylish marine eatery. Order the raw tuna tostadas washed down with a beer in a salt rimmed glass.
Taqueria los Cocuyos – Often voted as the best tacos in Mexico City, this street stall is unmissable if you are on a quest to try the finest street food on offer. Wait in line and order several of the 50p beef brisket (Suadero) tacos. Taqueria los Cocuyos also do tongue, eye, tripe and cactus. All the fillings are cooked together in a big pot, so the flavour is wonderfully intense.
Lardo – This Condesa restaurant is very popular with both locals and tourists. The menu focusses on Mediterranean small plates, highlights of our lunch were Burata and Nduja Pizza, Zucchini Flowers, and Toasted Lardo bread with capers.
Neveria Roxy – This iconic retro ice-cream venue has several parlours in Mexico City. The first Neveria Roxy opened in the Condesa district in 1946, with a mission to introduce artisan ice-cream to Mexico City. Don’t miss the two most traditional Mexican flavours ‘Mamey’ and ‘Chico Zapote’, both delicious, unusual and refreshing in the summer heat.
Lalo – Everyone seemed to recommend this quirky brunch spot to us. The eatery is named after the wife of owner and acclaimed chef Eduardo Garcia, and the walls are decorated with colourful drawings by Belgian graffiti artist Bue the Warrior. Visit early for a comforting breakfast of Chilaquiles con huevos and Huevos con Chorizo.
Rosetta – This refined restaurant opened in 2010, housed in a spectacular, foliage-filled townhouse in Roma. Rosetta is renowned for its relaxed Italian by Chef Elena Reygadas. We enjoyed flavoursome homemade pasta dishes, matched with special wines. Skip dessert, and head next door to Helados Cometa for their sensational green tea & raspberry ice-cream.
Panaderia Rosetta – The sister venue of Rosetta restaurant, this bakery is without a doubt the best place to buy pastries in Mexico City. We stocked up on croissants and guava & ricotta rolls from Panaderia Rosetta before embarking on a 6 hour coach journey to Oaxaca.
To Drink
Macchiato at Forte – This hip and relaxed little café serves a range of snacks along with great coffee and tea. The industrial minimalist décor is understated and chic, it is a lovely place to relax after a morning of sightseeing.
Buna 42 – This cute coffee shop in the Condesa neighbourhood serves delicious speciality coffee and appetising brunch dishes. Buna roast their own beans and use a high tech Modbar espresso machine.
Tierra Garat – If you are craving hot chocolate in Mexico City there is one place you need to know about. The Tierra Garat café space aims to be authentically Mexican and the team are obsessive about finding the best quality product. The hot chocolate is thick and indulgent, but for something more refreshing they also make sodas in house.
Licoreria Limantour – Licoreria Limantour has won the title of Latin America’s Best Bar three years in a row, thanks to it’s innovative craft cocktail list. The two-storey art-deco inspired space feels international and exciting. We ordered a couple of drinks -– the Margarita al Pastor and the Mezcal Stalk – which were both tasty and unusual.
Cafe Avellaneda – Most people visit the Coyoacan area to visit Frida Kahlo’s blue house and learn about her legacy, but this charming part of town is also home to many coffee pioneers. Café Avellaneda is tiny, with a quaint facade and only a few seats inside. They roast their own Mexican beans and make wonderfully velvety and intense coffee. The master baristas will pour your coffee however you like it, ensuring you get the perfect caffeine kick. Nearby coffee shops Cafe Negro and Cafe El Jarocho are also worth visiting.
Blom Cafe – This hip coffee shop was one of my favourites in Mexico City. The artistic space serves aromatic and flavoursome coffee and small bites, I loved the avocado & pistachio biscuits. Peek into the bathroom to see the creative mural.
To Do
Casa Estudio Luis Barragan – This former residence of renowned Mexican architect Luis Barragan is a feat of modern architecture, recognised by UNESCO World Heritage for its significant use of colour, light, shadow, form and texture. Book 2 months in advance to avoid disappointment, tickets cost £15 pp plus an extra £20 if you want a photography pass.
Museo Tamayo – An inspiring contemporary art museum located in Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park. The museum showcases painter Rufino Tamayo’s own work along with his personal innovative international collection, housed in a magnificent brutalist building.
Cooking class – If you want an insight into Mexican cuisine I highly recommend booking onto this brilliant class with chef Raja. The knowledgeable and friendly chef and his wife offer a fun hands-on class. You will visit the local market to pick up ingredients before returning to their home to make your own Tacos al Pastor.
Frida Kahlo Museum – The vibrant blue house (Casa Azul) where renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo lived is now Mexico City’s most visited museum. Marvel at Frida and husband Diego’s beautiful and unusual possessions and get an intimate insight into their life together. There is also a collection of Frida’s artwork on show as well as a wardrobe of her elaborate dresses and corsets. (Book your ticket in advance to skip the queues). For a further insight into the lives of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera visit the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, to see their studios.
Lucha Libre – Get an introduction to Mexican wrestling at a Lucha Libre show. These are usually held at the Arena Mexico and tickets cost between £2-20 each. Choose a character to support and join in with the chanting and cheering crowd.
Secretary of Public Education – The grand Secretary of Public Education is home to many fantastic Diego Rivera frescoes. It is free to enter, just show your passport or driving licence to gain access.
To Shop
Lordag & Sondag – Visit the Lordag & Sondag workshop/studio to discover some of the most design-conscious bags and accessories in Mexico. With amazing view of Palacio de Bellas Artes, this hidden gem of a studio is home to a creative team who will guide you round the beautiful array of desirable items. We particularly liked the signature felt canvas backpack.
Que Bo! – Que Bo was started by the young Mexican chef Jose Ramon Castillo. He trained in France before returning to Mexico City to open this chocolate emporium. The artisan chocolates are striking and flavoured with unique and special ingredients like passion fruit and cardamom.
Xinu Perfumes – I instantly fell in love with Xinu Perfumes’ shop and story. This high-end niche perfume brand has made four powerful and particular fragrances inspired by key Mexican ingredients like Mezcal and vanilla. The discreet shop is a magical museum and the bottles of perfume are works of art.
Balmoria – This local Mexican skincare brand is found in many of Mexico City’s best hotels and restaurants. Balmoria products are attractively packaged, nourishing for the skin and filled with delicious ingredients… I couldn’t resist buying a couple of products to make my flat in London smell of Mexico.
IKAL Concept Store – This concept store is located in the smart Polanco part of town. The shop floor has a clean and ordered aesthetic featuring a range of Mexico’s most inspiring and interesting local designers. I loved the collection of Yakampot clothing, particularly the ornate cotton crop tops.
To Escape
Pyramid of the Sun – This incredible cultural site is just an hour outside of Mexico City and makes for a great day trip. The Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacan were built in about 200 CE by the Aztecs, an important site within the within the Teotihuacan society. Although none of the paintings remain today, visitors can climb the pyramids that offer panoramic views of the beautiful surrounding area. Either book onto a tour or take a taxi to explore solo, which we found easy and unrestrictive.
