Mexico City is an incredibly vibrant city. It’s rich in culture, has an amazing art scene, and delectable gastronomy. It’s a beautiful mix of history and cosmopolitan culture. I’ve visited Mexico City multiple times. This most recent trip was only 3 days and I was there during one of the busiest times of the year. Without reservations it was impossible to visit many of the popular sites, so if you plan to visit during the month of December, plan ahead. Today, I start by sharing the places I visited on my most recent trip and will continue to update this city guide with my favorite CDMX places. I also highly recommend, This Is Mexico City, a gorgeous travel book by designer, Abby Clawson, with an incredibly curated list of what to see and explore while in Mexico City.
EAT
Eno Loncheria | Chihuahua 139, Roma Norte
Eno is a cafe owned by Enrique Olvera (Chef & Owner of world-famous Pujol). In keeping with his signature style, the cafe features traditional Mexican dishes with a modern interpretation. Brunch hour is packed so be prepared to wait.
No Name | Luis Moya 31, Cuauhtémoc, Centro, Mexico City
This restaurant quite literally has no name. Inspired by an era in which someone would tell you about a place and tell you “it’s by the blue house” or “across from the big tree”. The restaurant, owned by Chef Sofia Garcia Osorio, is true to the slow food movement. It’s recipes are rooted in tradition, ingredients are sourced locally, and its production is artisanal. The first thing you see when you walk in is a comal and metate, very traditional kitchen tools used to make tortillas.
*After dinner, I highly recommend visiting its neighboring watering hole, Bosforo, for some delicious mezcal. Bosforo is tiny, with very few spots to sit and is loud so don’t expect a quiet lounge.
Cafe Tacuba | Calle de Tacuba 28, Centro Histórico, Centro
Breakfast at Cafe Tacuba has become a tradition everytime I visit Mexico City. Cafe Tacuba is an institution. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in Mexico City and not much has changed since its was established in 1912. Housed in what was once a convent, Cafe Tacuba transports you to a different time and place the moment you walk in. The recipes themselves haven’t changed in the last 50-60 years. No matter the hour, expect to be serenaded by mariachis.
Por Siempre Vegana Taqueria | Manzanillo, Roma Norte, Roma Nte.
Street tacos in Mexico City are delicious and these vegan tacos are so good you won’t miss the meat. Come prepared to wait in line and be okay with no place to sit.
Churreria El Moro | Several locations throughout Mexico City
You cannot visit Mexico City and not make a stop at Churreria El Moro. With its minimalist white & turquoise interiors and bright lights, it beckons you to its heavenly churros.
Dulce Patria | Anatole France 100, Polanco
Dulce Patria is a feast for the eyes. Chef and owner Martha Ortiz has created a space and menu that is avant-garde and exuberant. The food is bold and colorful and a wonderful representation of contemporary Mexican cuisine.
Tetetlán | Av. de Las Fuentes 180, Jardines del Pedregal
Tetetlán is located in a beautiful suburb just outside of Mexico City and is well-worth the trip. Sitting right next door to Luis Barragan’s Casa Pedregal, Tetetlán is an inspiring place to eat shop, and simply experience. The moment you enter, your breath is taken away by its architecture and design. The stand out feature - a glass floor that showcases the lava field underfoot. The food is Mesoamerican-inspired and its brunches are spectacular. You may come here for the food but you also stay for the yoga classes, its listening library, and its shop, Tienda de Barrio, where you can find incredibly-sourced Mexican wares.
DRINK
Buna | Orizaba 42, Roma Nte
One of my favorite coffee roasters in Mexico, Buna, is one of the key players in Mexico’s artisanal, third-wave coffee scene. Buna is a B Corporation and work hand-in-hand with farmers to harvest the coffee beans.
Bosforo | Luis Moya 31, Colonia Centro
Bosforo, a small clandestine mezcaleria in the heart of downtown Mexico City, is a treasure for mezcal aficionadas. This is not the place to expect an elaborate mezcal tasting but rather have a fun evening out and enjoy mezcal. This little bar gets packed and very noisy. It’s energy is infectious but definitely not the place to lounge and have a conversation.
Bar La Opera | 5 de Mayo 10, Centro
If you want to step back in time, to Mexico’s revolution era, Bar La Opera is a must. The bar dates back to 1895 and became a convenient site for Zapata and others to plan strategies during the Mexican Revolution. Trios are always present to serenade you with ballads as you sit in awe of La Opera’s beautiful Porfiriato architectural details.
Restaurante y Bar Parque Mexico | Av México 133, Hipódromo
This bar & restaurant is located on the rooftop of Hotel Parque Mexico on a beautiful residential street just outside of the trendy Roma neighborhood. Hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city this bar is a great little escape.
CULTURE
Museo Nacional de Antropologia | Av. Paseo de la Reforma s/n, Polanco, Bosque de Chapultepec
Located in Chapultepec park, the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, is the most visited museum in Mexico and features important archeological and anthropological artifacts of Mexico's pre-Columbian period.
Zócalo
The Zócalo is the main square located in the heart of the Centro Historico (Historic Center). Prior to the colonial period, it was the main ceremonial center in the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. While in historic downtown, make sure to visit the following:
- Catedral Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México
- Palacio Nacional
- Museo Nacional de las Culturas
SHOP
Latitud Gallery | Plaza Río de Janeiro 69, Roma Nte
Latitude Gallery is a unique shop right off of Parque Río de Janeiro in the trendy Roma neighborhood. It is part fine art photography gallery and part boutique, carrying sought-after fashion accessories and jewelry by designer, Daniela Bustamantes.
Tetetlan - Tienda de Barrio | Av. de Las Fuentes 180, Jardines del Pedregal
Tienda de Barrio is the name of the small shop inside Tetetlan. Here, you’ll find a wonderful selection of Mexican wares, fashion, spirits, and books.
El Grifo | Calle Juan Escutia 24 B, Condesa
El Grifo is the perfect little shop to source artisanal Mezcal and Mexican beer. The service is super friendly and they will pour you a samples to try.
Xinú Perfumes | Alejandro Dumas 161, Polanco
Xinú, meaning “nose” in Otomi, is an elegant niche Mexican perfume company, that pays homage to Mexico’s rich natural resources. The boutique is a sensorial experience like no other.
Ikal | Av. Pdte. Masaryk 340A, Polanco
Ikal is a modern concept store in the posh Polanco neighborhood. A must-stop shop if you’re looking to find the best Mexican design - from homewares to fashion.
Lago DF | Av. Pdte. Masaryk 310, Polanco
Lago DF is a chic boutique in the Polanco neighborhood that highlights Latin-American high-end design, from homewares to fashion.
Cafebrebría El Pendulo | Alejandro Dumas 81, Polanco
Cafebrebría El Pendulo is listed as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. You can spend hours in this incredible two-story cafe and bookstore.
El Bazar Sabado | Plaza San Jacinto 11, San Ángel
Take a trip to the picturesque San Ángel neighborhood on Saturday morning to visit the popular El Bazar Sabado. Start by eating brunch in it’s center courtyard while being serenaded by live musicians. Then enjoy a day of shopping. Here you’ll find beautifully crafted Mexican crafts - from traditional to contemporary.