Mexico City

Travel Guide

Travel tips

When to visit:

Mexico City is a year-round destination. Spring has nice temperate weather, summer is warm but rainy, and winter is cool and dry. Fall is our favorite time of year here; it’s Día de Muertos season, a very special time in Mexico where you can experience authentic culture and traditions.

Ideal stay:

3-5 nights

Getting around:

Uber is the easiest, cheapest, and safest way to get around. Tip: Save all of our Mexico City recs to your Google Maps for easy navigation once you’re there.

Language:

English is spoken in some places, but some basic Spanish is definitely helpful.

Money:

Tipping 10-15% is customary. Most places accept credit cards, but bring pesos for street tacos and markets.

Safety:

Avoid tap water, drink bottled or filtered water only. Mexico City is at high elevation (7k+ feet above sea level), so be sure to hydrate, wear sunscreen, and take it easy your first couple of days. The city itself is generally safe, but it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings and use good judgement, especially at night.

Other:

Some places are closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

Neighborhoods

Roma & Condesa

Restaurants · Bars · Parks

Trendy adjacent neighborhoods with colonial Spanish flair. Spend most of your time here. Stroll the leafy streets of Colima, Av. Álvaro Obregón and Avenida Ámsterdam, visit Chapultepec Park, visit the Anthropology Museum, or check out Casa Estudio Luis Barragán, home of Mexico’s most famous architect (buy tix in advance).

Polanco

Upscale Shops · Fine Dining

Nice restaurants, modern luxury apartments, bougie rooftop bars, and high-end shopping—like the “Beverly Hills” of Mexico. Home to top restaurants Pujol and Quintonil. Nice for an afternoon stroll, happy hour, or fancy dinner.

Coyoacan

Markets · Art · Local Culture

A more traditional neighborhood with colonial cobblestone streets, home to markets like Mercado de Coyoacán, mezcalerias, and authentic eateries like La Coyoacana. Visit the famous Museo Frida Kahlo (buy tix in advance) or opt for the quieter Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo.

Centro Historico

Sightseeing · Street Tacos

Starting in Zócalo (the central plaza), check out the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio Nacional, and Palacio de Bellas Artes. Get authentic street tacos at Los Cocuyos, and check out the mariachi bands playing at Plaza Garibaldi.

Where to stay

Note: Any hotel marked with an asterisk * will include VIP perks when booked through us.

Boutique hotels

El Cortés

A brand-new boutique hotel and Relais & Château property in Roma. Very chic.

La Valise*

Housed in an elegant and discreet 1920’s French-style townhouse, La Valise is adorned with Mexican antiques, one-of-a-kind art and cultured charm in the heart of Mexico City's trendiest district, Roma.

Brick Hotel*

Sleek upscale boutique hotel in the heart of Roma housed in a former mansion, with plush rooms, a stylish restaurant, and a buzzy atmosphere.

Octavia Casa*

The hotel outpost of a hip Mexican clothing brand, Octavia Casa is a minimalist boutique retreat in Condesa with sleek, elemental decor and a rooftop, within walking distance to leafy Amsterdam Avenue.

Nima Local House*

Super charming. Boutique hotel in Roma that feels more like an intimate B&B, with just 4 cozy rooms in a colonial-style building and balconies overlooking a leafy courtyard. Feels like you’re staying at someone’s house. Privacy, location, super personalized service.

Circulo Mexicano*

From the Grupo Habitas hotel group. Trendy, ultra-minimalist boutique hotel in a transformed 19th-century townhome in Centro Histórico, with a rooftop pool offering city views. Only 25 rooms.

Casa Polanco*

Intimate boutique hotel in Polanco that overlooks the lush Parque Lincoln. This intimate, all-suite property was originally built in the 1930s as a private residence, and throughout the years it was owned by some of Mexico City’s most prominent aristocratic families. Has a stately yet warm and welcoming feel. Feels like you’re staying at a friend’s chic private home.

Downtown Mexico*

A design hotel in Centro Historico set in a 17th-century building updated with industrial flare. Only 17 rooms. Quiet location off a busy street. Rooftop pool.

Hotel Habita*

From the Grupo Habitas hotel group, a contemporary lifestyle hotel at a lower price point in Polanco. Simple rooms.

Hotel Umbral

Hip Hilton hotel in Centro Histórico near Zócalo, the largest plaza in Latin America, within easy walking distance of some of the city’s most historic sites. Features art-focused rooms, multiple restaurants, and 24/7 concierge.

Casa Dovela

A cross between a luxury home and a boutique hotel, these apartment-style suites in Condesa offer plenty of space for groups and exude a vintage-meets-modern vibe.

Casa Teo

Originally designed as a space for renowned Mexican chef Enrique Olvera to welcome his friends, Casa Teo is now an exclusive B&B in the heart of Mexico City’s posh Polanco district.

Ignacia Guesthouse

Modern design-forward hotel set behind an unassuming façade in Roma Norte, with just 5 guest suites, each with a private nook overlooking the hotel’s buzzing central courtyard where a free nightly happy hour is hosted.

Additional boutique hotels:

Hotel Casa Izel Roma Norte

Colima 71*

Hotel San Fernando*

Casa 9*

Campos Polanco*

Casa Goliana*

Hotel Condesa DF*

Hacienda Peña Pobre*

Volga*

Luxury hotels

Four Seasons*

A lush oasis in the heart of the city. Luxury hotel set on major Paseo de la Reforma, with rooms overlooking a beautiful interior courtyard; at the very least, come for the impressive weekend brunch! Note that the rooms do feel a bit dated.

Las Alcobas, Luxury Collection Hotel*

Upscale boutique resort and spa in the heart of Polanco, the city’s chicest district. Once a palatial private residence. Warm hospitality in an upscale, urban setting with an enviable location along Masaryk Avenue right next to Pujol and within walking distance to Chapultepec Park. This was the first signature boutique hotel in CDMX. Rooms are warm and contemporary, 35 rooms. Very few connecting rooms. Feels very intimate and local (not a big lobby or common spaces). Home to the Dulce Patria restaurant.

Sofitel Mexico City Reforma*

Swanky, brand-new 5-star high-rise hotel with amazing views of the city, right on the major Paseo de la Reforma. Features 275 rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, and an indoor pool. Contemporary design, fantastic service.

The Ritz-Carlton*

Glamorous luxury hotel set in a 58-story skyscraper on Paseo de la Reforma with amazing view of the city and Chapultepec Park, featuring 153 rooms and Art Deco-inspired decor. The views are the standout here (better than Sofitel and Four Seasons), and almost all the rooms feature private balconies with panoramic views of the city, park, and mountains beyond.

The St. Regis*

Another sleek luxury hotel and spa in a sleek high-rise on the Paseo de la Reforma, with multiple restaurants and bars, spa, and indoor pool—plus butler service and an 11-course tasting dinner at Table Krug restaurant with exclusive Krug champagne pairings. Grand lobby, great restaurants, good for groups & families. Rooms aren’t the most exciting, but they’re massive, which is unusual for CDMX, and they make up for it in service, views, and size of rooms.

Mid-range hotels

Mondrian*

Andaz*

Hyatt Regency*

Marquis Reforma*

Best things to do in Mexico City for a long weekend - FARAWAY GETAWAY copy.png

Best things to do in Mexico City for a long weekend - FARAWAY GETAWAY.png

Mexico City design hotspots_ the new names to know.jpeg

The Mexico City Travel Guide for Design Lovers - Bon Traveler.jpeg

The wild world of Mexico City’s agave hotspots.jpeg

Things to do

Chapultepec Park

Beautiful park with nice views of the city, home to the Castillo de Chapultepec and many renowned museums; the Central Park of Mexico City. We recommend renting bikes and cruising around the park in the morning to beat the heat and crowds.

Mercado de Coyoacán

Popular local market with everything from food stalls to spices to textiles where local food vendors serve up traditional bites like pozole, huitlacoche (corn fungus), chapulines (grasshoppers), and lengua (tongue) tacos.

Cooking Class

Book a cooking class with a local chef like this one. Or opt for this one or this one, to learn how to make tortillas, salsas, and popular street snacks and get an authentic taste of Mexican food culture.

Mezcal Tasting

In Mexico, mezcal is king. We recommend booking a tasting experience to learn about the rich history and traditions of mezcal, like this mezcal tasting at El Salón (a cozy mezcal bar/boutique in Juárez), this mezcal mixology class at Salón Rosario (swanky appointment-only spirits lounge in Roma), or this private mezcal tasting with home-cooked food pairings in a local’s home in Coyoacan. Or simply cozy up to the bar at a local mezcaleria such as Bósforo and work your way through the mezcal menu at your own pace.

Taco Tour

Book a bike taco tour with a local guide, a fun experience and a great way to see the sights while enjoying some of the best tacos Mexico City has to offer, highly recommended.

Educational Tours: History, Culture & Architecture

Check out a variety of expert scholar-led culture and history tours here.

Day Trip to Teotihuacan Pyramids

About 1 hour outside the city are the Teotihuacan Pyramids, an ancient Aztec site. Hire a driver or book a tour like this one, and go early in the morning to beat the crowds, on a weekday if possible. You can also opt to include a hot air balloon ride over the pyramids, like this tour or this tour.

Xochimilco Canals Party Cruise

About 1 hour outside the city are the Xochimilco canals, where you can hop on a gondola for a party cruise — a fun experience for larger groups. They give you drinks and there are mariachi bands and vendors everywhere. Best on the weekends. We recommend this boat cruise.

Eat

Breakfast

Panaderia Rosetta

Go here for breakfast pastries and coffee; get there early to beat the crowds. Get the rol guayaba, their signature guava and cheese pastry. $$

Eno

Casual brunch/lunch fare from the owner of Pujol. $$

Lardo

Classic, cute brunch spot from the owners of Rosetta. Get there early to beat the crowds. $$

Four Seasons

Deluxe brunch spread in a grand courtyard setting. $$$

Lalo!

Colorful brunch spot from the owners of Maximo. $$

Maque

Local spot with more traditional breakfasts. Good food and nice service. $$

Fonda Margarita

Homestyle Mexican brunch in a quieter local neighborhood. Anthony Bourdain went here. $

Churrería El Moro

Famous churros in an adorable eatery. Multiple locations, open 24 hours. $

Blend Station

Great spot for coffee and breakfast is pretty solid. Beautiful space. $

Chiquito Café

Cute coffee spot in Condesa with good quality coffee. $

Additional:

Saint - Condesa
Odette - Condesa
Bou - Roma

Lunch & Dinner

El Pozole de Moctezuma

Best spot in the city for pozole, loved by locals. ($)

La Casa de Toño

24-hour diner, good for groups, always packed but the line goes fast. $

Mi Compa Chava

Great local hangout specializing in seafood, fun for brunch on the weekends, go early. ($$)

La Coyoacana

Traditional local spot with simple dishes and big portions. $$

Broka Bistrot

European-Mexican fusion fare in a beautiful courtyard setting. $$

Al Lado de Bosforo

A restaurant with no name, right next door to famed Bósforo mezcal bar, great for authentic home-cooked meal. $$

Limosneros

Innovative Mexican fare with a rustic stone interior. $$

Expendio de Maiz Sin Nombre

No menu, and just a few seats. Super cool. Inventive dishes with traditional preparation. $$

Masala y Maiz

3-course dining experience in chic indoor-outdoor setting, blend of Indian-Mexican influences. $$

Mercado Roma

3-story gourmet food hall perfect for sipping Spanish wines, eating tapas, and shopping for cheeses. $$

San Angel Inn

Authentic Mexican fare in a beautiful courtyard setting. $$

Tetetlán

Cool local restaurant in a design space, a bit outside the city center; pair this with a visit to Casa Pedegral. $$

Sud 777

A bit far from the city center, but worth it; voted one of the best restaurants in Latin America. $$$

Em

Suave Mexican-Japanese fusion in a cozy dimly lit space, get the tasting menu! $$$

Contramar

Acclaimed seafood spot, from the same chef as Cala in San Francisco. Get the tostadas de atun (tuna tostadas). $$$

La Docena

Fresh seafood and oysters in a stylish, airy setting. SF Ferry Plaza vibes. Open Sundays. $$$

MeroToro

Good seafood and a solid wine list, from the owners of Contramar. $$$

Guzina Oaxaca

Fun lunch and a taste of Oaxacan food. $$$

La Capital

Sophisticated spot with contemporary Mexican cuisine. $$$

Blanco Colima

Classy restaurant & bar in a beautiful old mansion with a fun lounge vibe. $$$

Máximo Bistro

Great for an upscale lunch or dinner. Airy, minimalist vibe with amazing farm-to-table food and a French-inspired tasting menu. $$$

Restaurante Rosetta

Upscale Italian-Mexican fusion in a beautiful old mansion with a garden courtyard. $$$

Huset

Great food and atmospheric setting, frequented by locals. $$$

Casa Virginia

Refined cuisine in a stylish airy setting . $$$

La Hacienda de los Morales

Old-world Mexican hacienda, great for groups. $$$

Azul Condesa

Open-air dining and drinks in the historic city center. $$$

Quintonil

Great meal, from the former Pujol chef. The ambiance is just okay, but voted a top restaurant in the world. We prefer Pujol. $$$$

Pujol

A must. Superb upscale Mexican dining and ambiance. Voted a top restaurant in the world. Wine pairing recommended. $$$$

Street Tacos

Maizajo

There’s a restaurant upstairs, but we recommend the casual taco bar downstairs

Orinoco

A must. Get chicharron tacos and a gringa (quesadilla) with trompo (al pastor―the meat Mexico City is known for)

Los Cocuyos

Simple but amazing street tacos in Centro. Order the tripa or campechano

Cariñito Tacos

Delicious Asian-fusion tacos in a cute sidewalk setting in Rome Norte

Ricos Tacos Toluca

Simple street tacos in Centro

Birria Los Güeros De Juanacatlan

Sumptuous Jalisco-style birria (slow-cooked lamb or goat) tacos served on plastic sidewalk tables in La Condesa

El Parnita

Fun vibe, great for people watching, sometimes they have mariachi bands

El Huequito + El Tizoncito

No-frills joints famous for their al pastor

El Rey del Suadero

Local favorite; simple sidewalk joint known for their suadero—brisket-like cut of beef—and crispy tripe with a self-serve salsa bar

Tacos Ricos Tolucas

Hole-in-the-wall serving up spicy chorizo

Los Sifones

A local favorite, with signature square tortillas

El Faraon, El Califa or El Farolito

Perfect for late-night tacos after the bars

Additional:

Birria Los Güeros De Juanacatlan - tacos, Chapultepec

Taqueria Gabriel - tacos, Cuauhtémoc
El Turix - tacos, Polanco
La Bipo - tacos, Coyoacan

Markets

Mercado de Coyoacán

A must. Popular local market with everything from food stalls to spices to textiles where local food vendors serve up traditional bites like pozole, huitlacoche (corn fungus), chapulines (grasshoppers), and lengua (tongue) tacos.