If you love Mexican food (and really, who doesn’t) you need to add Mexico City to the top of your bucket list. It’s a far cry from what people typically envision for a Mexico trip - there are no beaches around - but with a population of over 22 million, you’ll get to experience a unique, large, metropolitan city.
Before I get too deep into the tips, let me start by addressing a question on many American’s minds when Mexico comes up - is it safe to travel to Mexico City? 100%, yes. Other than the water being unsafe to drink, there is really nothing to fear for a visit to Mexico City. You should be more concerned with the potential for Montezuma’s revenge or altitude sickness than your physical safety. I spent one day by myself exploring alone and not only did I never feel unsafe in the neighborhoods I went to, but I actually didn’t even get harassed or catcalled once, something I usually experience every day in Boston.
So with all that said, let’s dive into the must do’s in Mexico City!
Where to stay in Mexico City:
I figured I’d start this one a little backward and recommend where to stay and explore We went for my partner’s work trip and spent half the time downtown, and half the time in the business district (which is too far out of the city for me to recommend). I’d look to stay in Condesa or Roma Norte neighborhoods on your trip. Both are posh, trendy neighborhoods with plenty of great dining and accommodations. We stayed at this AirBnb.
And now, a few other important things to know:
Take Uber over taxis - sometimes the latter will rip you off. Ubers are very cheap, but if you want something even less expensive, their metro is the cheapest in the world. They also have female-only metro cars to really up your safety.
The city is massive. Like any major city, there are a ton of museums and things to do, so prepare for a lot of walking.
Wondering if the street food is safe to eat? Opt for a food tour (more on that below) or as my guide said, look for the stands with cops or a long line - that’s usually a good indicator.
Have some cash on hand. We just took cash from an ATM at the airport upon arrival. You’ll likely need it for street stands and smaller shops.
Tipping customs - sometimes it’s included, but usually, tipping around 10% is standard.
Learn some key phrases. Unlike most of my travels in Europe, most people we encountered did not speak English. Knowing a few key phrases with be helpful when dining out.
I mentioned before, but don’t drink the water in Mexico. It actually has very little to do with the water and more with the pipes, but it’s best to buy bottled. If you go to a restaurant and ask for water, they will serve it filtered, even if it comes from a pitcher.
Did you know that Mexico City has one of the highest altitudes for a city? At over 7,000 feet, prepare for potential altitude sickness
I recommend 3-4 days in Mexico City. While there are endless things to do, spending a lot of time in any big city can be tiring.
Avoid going to Mexico City during rainy season (June - Sept). There’s a lot to explore outdoors and the rain will make it harder to enjoy things.
Where to Eat in Mexico City:
The best part of visiting Mexico City? The food. From endless tacos to some of the best pastries I’ve ever had, there’s a lot to eat and drink in Mexico City. It’s home to street food and some of the best restaurants (and bars) in the world.
Pananderia Rosetta - best pastries we ate, the guava one is a must try
Eno - great spot for brunch, created by the owner of Pujol (one of the top restaurants in the world)
Speaking of Pujol, if you can’t get in, try some of their stuff at Molino el Pujol
Tiera Garat for casual coffee
Lardo or Mythos Estiatorio if you need a break from Mexican food
El Cardenal (locations around the city) for old school dining but great and affordable food
El Huequito for carnitas tacos
Pasillo de Humo for oaxacan inspired food
Chureria el Moro - delicious churros and chocolate, locations around the city
Licoreria Limantour - great cocktails, was recently named the 4th best cocktail bar in the world
We got a million recommendations, so here are a few others we didn’t get to but came highly recommended: Taqueria Orinoco, Rosetta, Contramar, Expendio Maiz sin Nombre, Mercado Roma, Pigeon, Amaya, and Tichuchi.
Things to do in Mexico City:
You may find it surprising, but we did do plenty of things other than just eat. And there are endless things to do in and around Mexico City.
Chapultepec Park - Walk through the park, go to the anthropology museum, and the castle
Walk down La Reforma
Go to the centro historico and see all the main sites
Visit the artisan market
See the stained glass ceiling in the Gran Hotel
Walk around Condesa and Roma Norte
Go shopping on Colima
Window shop in Polanco
Visit the Frida Kahlo museum and the Coyoacán market (best tortas of the trip here)
Take a day trip to the Teotihuacan pyramids
Go on a food tour with Club Tengo Hambre - I did the Best of Condesa and got four tacos, two quesadillas, coconut water, and a full stomach
One thing we didn’t do but was recommended was Xochimilco
There are so, so many museums and parks that you could never be bored in this city
If these long lists and words don’t convince you enough, then I don’t know what else I can say. If you’re thinking about it or get the chance to go to Mexico City - go for it.
