Mexican Hospitality

AUTHOR

Lanre A

CATEGORY

Destination Guides

SEASON

Summer

LOCATION

Mexico City

DATE

5/8/23

woman stading in front of sign

Discover Mexico City: A Traveler’s Guide to Hidden Gems and Unforgettable Experiences!

When you ask people about their impression of Mexico, they often mention crime, cartels, or Cancun. However, this beautiful country offers so much more than these cliches. One of its brightest gems is Mexico City!

I spent three months living in Mexico, predominantly in Mexico City (CDMX), in 2023. I chose to go because I realized I didn’t know much about this North American country beyond the usual stereotypes. I wanted to see Mexico on my own terms and form my own opinions.

Those three months were some of the best times I’ve ever had, and I can’t recommend a trip to Mexico enough! Since you’re reading this, I’ll assume you’re planning to visit CDMX. Even if you only have two weeks, you can still have an incredible experience. Here are some tips to make the most of your trip.

crowd surrounding Zócalo de la Ciudad de México

Prepare for a vibrant adventure in the heart of Mexico! As one of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City (CDMX) offers a perfect blend of historical grandeur, modern attractions, and rich cultural heritage. This guide will help you explore safely and discover the best of this enchanting metropolis, including its world-famous Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix.

Safety

Whenever I tell people I visited Mexico City, the first question is, “Did you feel safe?” My answer is always an emphatic YES! The people are kind and welcoming, and I didn’t have a single bad experience during my stay.

Mexico City is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it’s important to stay vigilant. Follow these tips for a smooth and secure trip:

  1. Neighborhood Awareness: Stick to well-known areas like Polanco, Condesa, Roma, and the Historic Center. Avoid wandering alone at night.

  2. Transport Safety: Use authorized taxi apps like Uber or Didi, as street taxis can be risky.

  3. Pickpocket Precautions: Keep valuables in secure, hidden places, especially in crowded areas or on public transport.

  4. Health Measures: Drink bottled water, avoid raw produce from street vendors, and pack sunscreen and a light jacket for the changing weather.

  5. Emergency Contacts: Know the local emergency number (911) and keep a list of your embassy’s contact details.

With that out of the way, let’s dive into the fun stuff: where to stay, what to see, and where to eat!

Where to Stay

Which neighborhood you decide to base yourself in on your trip to Mexico City is a key consideration when it comes to planning your vacation.

To help you pick the right area, I've pulled together my favorite walkable neighborhoods that are full of character and charm.

  1. Polanco: For luxury and proximity to museums, parks, and high-end dining.

    • Recommendation: Hotel Las Alcobas or W Mexico City.

  2. Roma & Condesa: Trendy neighborhoods with hip cafes, boutique hotels, and vibrant nightlife.

    • Recommendation: Nima Local House Hotel or Casa Decu.

  3. Centro Histórico: Close to historical landmarks and budget-friendly.

    • Recommendation: Gran Hotel Ciudad de México or Zócalo Central Hotel.

  4. Santa Fe: For a modern and business-centric vibe.

    • Recommendation: JW Marriott or The Westin Santa Fe.

I recommend staying in the Condesa, Roma Norte, or Hipódromo neighborhoods. These areas are known for their colonial-style buildings, walkable streets lined with trees, fantastic restaurants, and countless coffee shops. You’ll feel like you’re in a city within a city.

Whether you choose an Airbnb or hotel, you can’t go wrong in these neighborhoods.

Where to Go

Mexico City offers countless attractions, limited only by your time and interests. Fun fact: the city boasts an impressive number of museums—reportedly the most in the world! Here are some highlights:

  1. Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución): This central square hosts major events, including the Día de los Muertos parade in November. If you visit during a big event, plan ahead to avoid overwhelming crowds.

  2. MUNAL (Museo Nacional de Arte): Near the Zócalo, this stunning museum tells Mexico’s history through art.


    sculpture at the Museo Nacional de Arte


  3. Museo Nacional de Antropología: A treasure trove of artifacts from Mexico’s diverse civilizations. Plan multiple visits to truly appreciate it.


    ancient sculpture at the Museo Nacional de Antropología


  4. Frida Kahlo Museum: This iconic museum chronicles the life of the legendary artist. It’s a must-visit, just a 20-minute Uber ride from Roma Norte.

  5. Xochimilco Canals: Enjoy a colorful boat tour while sipping drinks. Look for tour packages on Eventbrite or Airbnb for a social and fun experience.


    group on a boat having fun


  6. Teotihuacán Pyramids: While I didn’t visit personally, many friends highly recommend this site.

  7. Mercados (Markets): Experience local life at vibrant markets. I recommend Mercado Roma and Medellín Market in Roma Norte.


    busy shopping street in Mexico city

 

Where to Eat

Staying in Condesa or Roma ensures you’ll be surrounded by amazing food. Here are some of my favorites:

  1. Coffee: Palo de Rosa Café in Roma Norte offers cozy vibes, great coffee, and delicious pastries. Don't miss Lalo!'s Vibrant breakfast and brunch. Huevos con chorizo (eggs with sausage), French toast with seasonal fruits, and fresh juices or café de olla (spiced coffee) are just some of the mouth-watering dishes on offer.

  2. Street Food: Los Compas Tacos is unbeatable for taste, friendliness, and value. Honorable mention: Tacos El Puma near the Zócalo.


    street food in Mexico city


  3. Restaurant: Balandra Cocina de Puerto serves the best seafood tacos I’ve ever had. Don’t miss their fish of the day. A lunchtime hotspot, Contramar is famed for its fresh seafood and lively atmosphere. If seafood is your thing, the tuna tostadas, pescado a la talla (grilled fish with red and green sauces), and carajillo cocktails.


    seafood meal at Balandra Cocina de Puerto


  4. Fine Dining: Kaaj provides an unforgettable experience with its dimly lit ambiance, traditional music, and exquisite mezcal selection. Located in the Polanco neighborhood, Pujol is a 2-star Michelin restaurant with a world-renowned tasting menu but at an incredible price – about $130 USD per person. Book weeks (or even months) in advance in order to get a reservation. Last but not least, Chef Jorge Vallejo’s Quintonil showcases sustainability and local ingredients, elevating Mexican cuisine to an art form. It’s an ideal spot for foodies seeking inventive flavors with a focus on healthful and environmentally conscious dining.


Must-try dishes include:

  1. Tacos al Pastor: Found at El Vilsito or Taquería Orinoco.

  2. Chiles en Nogada: Seasonal, try at Azul Histórico.

  3. Pozole: Traditional soup served at La Casa de Toño.

  4. Quesadillas: Without cheese by default—add your choice of fillings at any street stand.

  5. Tamales and Atole: Perfect breakfast options from street vendors.

  6. Churros and Hot Chocolate: Visit El Moro Churrería for a sweet treat.


The Mexican F1 Grand Prix

If you are a Formula 1 fan and even if you are not, the Mexican Grand Prix is a spectacular event held annually at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, typically in late October or early November that should not be missed. This F1 event has some of the cheapest tickets in North America and so is one of the best opportunities to experience the event without breaking the bank.

Just make sure to book your tickets early as they can go very quickly. And bring some ear protection for the roaring engines.

 

man standing in front of a formula 1 car


Mexico City is a kaleidoscope of colors, flavors, and experiences. Choosing which places to include in this guide was the hardest part. Mexico City and its people left a lasting impression on me. The memories I made there are dear to my heart.

If you’re planning a trip and need tips, feel free to reach out. There’s nothing I love more than sharing my experiences. ¡Buen viaje! What will you pack first?

P.S. I also visited other amazing places in Mexico, like Oaxaca, Guadalajara, Palenque, and Taxco. Let me know if you’d like to hear more about them in future posts!

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