Mexico City: February 2024

I put off a CDMX trip for so long due to concerns I heard about “safety”. After spending 5 days there with just one other girl friend, I can confidently say that the same safety concerns as any other urban city apply: just be normally street smart.

Mexico City is well-known for its food scene and Teotihuacan, the Mesoamerican pyramids. We tried to knock as many places off our list as possible but will need to make a trip back to hit the rest of the spots!

Breakdown of Neighborhoods and Activities

The main neighborhoods known to American visitors and home to many expats are…

Roma Norte

Trendy, bohemian area where much of the nightlife is. Would check out the street art and boutiques. Would recommend looking up a cooking class via Airbnb Experiences or TripAdvisor; we made conchas!

Condesa

An artsy, upscale neighborhood with art deco, cute boutiques, and a less hectic vibe than the others. This is where my friend and I stayed and it was about a mile Uber or walk away from most of the things we did. Would recommend!

Polanco

Definitely the most affluent district we ventured into. It is well known for the high end restaurants and bars (including those on the top 50 in the world lists) as well as luxury shopping. Sightseeing includes Chapultepec Park (bordering Polanco), specifically the Chapultepec Castle, lakes, and the National Museum of Anthropology (a must-do).

Centro Histórico

Historic center of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Definitely worth the trip just to see the architecture and do some touristy sight-seeing (including a rooftop observation deck if that’s your vibe). Other touristy things include Zócalo (the main square), House of Tiles, the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace, Templo Mayor (Aztec temple ruins and museum), Palacio de Bellas Artes (known for murals by Diego Rivera), Torre Latinoamericana (observation deck with adjacent rooftop bar), and Alameda Central: A historic park perfect for a leisurely walk. Don’t need more than half a day or a day here depending on your interests.

Coyoacán

Artsy, bohemian neighborhood with colonial architecture, and colorful plazas. If you want to go to the Frida Kahlo Museum (La Casa Azul), make sure to book in advance because it sells out about a few days before depending on the season and no tickets are available day of. The Coyoacán Market is a classic traditional market where you can buy souvenirs and candy. We didn’t do these but you can also spend time at the Jardín Centenario & Plaza Hidalgo and Leon Trotsky Museum. Close to this is the Xochimilco boats where you can rent the traditional colorful boats for a day or half-day and bring your own snacks and drinks if you wish!

Note: I would recommend staying in one of the first 3 for proximity to everything.

Food

I’ll break this down into more casual vs. fine scale dining. I would recommend doing both because the street food is among some of the best I had the entire trip!

Casual

Taqueria Orinoco: classic tacos, be prepared to wait
Cariño: more fun and dressed up tacos
Churrería El Moro: late night cheap churro spot. Not phenomenal but lively and cute.
Masala y Maiz
Jenni’s Quesadillas: SO GOOD. Need cash

Fancier

Pujol: One of Mexico's most acclaimed restaurants and on the top 50 in the world list. We managed to last minute get a spot for the tasting menu, which includes one course with a grasshopper to try!
Quintonil: A chef from Pujol broke off and decided to open this restaurant. We were unable to go on this trip but from my impression, it has a bit more modern twists on dishes.
Lardo: Mediterranean-inspired dishes
Rosetta: Italian-Mexican fusion cuisine in a charming townhouse. Overall thought it was okay, but their BAKERY Panadería Rosetta (at a separate location) is worth the trip!
Contramar: super well known for its seafood.
La Gruta: a restaurant in a cave if you do a day trip to the pyramids. Very classic food.
Blanco Colima: gorgeous interior, felt fancier and less social than other places and everyone was older as well
Rooftops (roof= terraza)
- Supra Roma Rooftop
- Miralto
- Balcón de Zocalo
- Terraza Cha Cha Cha
Others we were recommended but did not go to:
- Botánico
- Caverna
- Ajeno
- Ojo de Agua

*1- Orinoco, 2- Blanco Colima, 3- Balcón de Zócalo, 4- House of Tiles, 5- Ling Ling, 6- Liqorería Limantour*

Bars

One thing I wish I had known is the reliance on reservations, especially for the cocktail bars. We tried our best to put our names down at some but unfortunately unless you go at off times, the chance you get in even after 2 hours of waiting is low.

Limantour Polanco: similar to the Roma Norte location
La Única
Licorería Limantour: Renowned for its innovative cocktails and chic ambiance. On the top 50 in the world list! Had some of the best drinks of the whole trip here and highly recommend.
Gin Gin: Specializes in gin-based drinks within a stylish setting.
Balcón de Zócalo: A rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the city, at the top of a hotel. This place was phenomenal. The staff thought we were influencers and brought out a ton of drinks and desserts to try so that didn’t hurt.
Hanky panky: #20 North American bar
Handshake Speakeasy Bar: don’t even bother without a reservation. On the top 50 list as well.
Sombra speakeasy: such a cool spot, the bathroom looks like a cave and the drinks were presented in a really cool way. If you go right when they open you can find a spot without reservations
Salon San Louise - salsa dancing 💃💃
Ling Ling: enclosed rooftop at the Ritz-Carlton. Gorgeous views of the city and great Cantonese food and drinks. Would recommend at golden hour!
Departmento: club / cocktail bar with house music
Phonique: club
Tokyo Music Bar
Bijou drinkery
Terraza Catedral