Mexico City
So let’s talk about one of my NEW favorite places! Mexico City!
Mexico City definitely is a special place that grabs you and pulls you in. There are places in the world that just have it. I can’t quite explain it but if you’ve been and explored I’m sure you can relate. From the scenery, the amazing plants and trees, the FOOD, the service and more. I could literally live in this place. A perfect day here? Wake up, grab some pastries at a corner bakery, lunch and tea at a local restaurant with a patio with your dog (so many people with dogs!). Next a walk at the park. Dinner at a 5 star restaurant (honestly, there are too many to mention!). Lastly, drinks at one of the top bars known around the world!
I went to Mexico City a couple days before Christmas and stayed until a couple days after New Years and when I tell you this was one of the best trips of my life, it truly was. I honestly can’t wait to go back.
I have to say, it’s best to learn some of the basic phases in Spanish to have the best experience. About 20% or less of the people in service speak English so before you go hop on Primsleur or Babbel and practice. My most used phase was “pardon, solo hablo un poco espanol” lol! Funny story, we go into a live Jazz lounge. We ordered guacamole and our waitress didn’t speak much English and us being nice non Spanish speaking head shakers, just shook our heads yes to a couple questions. We’re sitting there enjoying the amazing live music I must say and she brings out thee gauc. It’s pretty dark so we can barely see and we start eating. I taste something a little different and slightly crunchy and I see something dark inside the gauc. I grab my phone to shine a little light and OMG, there’s crickets in our guacamole and I think I may have eaten one. I was traumatized! lol
Guacamole w/crickets
Be careful! Crickets are a normal ingredient in Mexico. Great source of protein supposedly.
We stayed in La Condesa and Roma Norte. Both are really nice areas for visitors to stay. La Condensa was a little more quiet but had many nice restaurants and shops to visit. Roma Norte is a well know area with older buildings and great restaurants and bars to visit. The airbnbs are pretty nice in these areas. Honestly, wherever you stay, there’s usually at least a couple restaurants and shops within walking distance. BUT! Ubers are only $2-$10 tops! It’s very cheap, so don’t worry about renting a car. Plus, cops in Mexico can spot a tourist driving very quickly and may stop you and force you to pay a “fee” for just being in Mexico 🤷🏽♀️.
I also stayed at the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma during New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. This was probably one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in. The service was amazing from the doorman to housekeeping, the decor was very nice, the room was immaculate. I went to the spa for a massage and it was probably one of, if not the best I’ve ever had. I actually felt like the place was super clean. I highly recommend Sofitel even if it’s just for one night. Their roof top bar was also nice with breathtaking views!
Here is my list of spots I recommend while in Mexico City. I’m dropping true gems here so save this!
Breakfast/Brunch:
Mandolina Polanco
Ojo De Aqua
Maque
Chillpa (create your own Chilaquiles)
FRITUUR
Bakery/Cafe:
Panaderia Rosetta
Bou
Shops:
Cardon
Headquarter
Goodbye Folk Vintage Boutique (amazing vintage finds)
180 degree Shop (super cute stuff)
Churros:
Churreria El Moro
Markets:
Bazar Resiliente
Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela
Roma Bazar
El Bazar Sabado
(Amazing Art Market, every Saturday)
at the El Bazar Sabado
Lunch/Dinner:
Maximo
Pujol
Contramar
Rosa de Negra
Ryoshi
Cityzen (views!)
Taqueria Orinoco (the Inn & Out of Mexican food)
Belmundo
Quintonil
Huset
Alba Cocina Local
Bars:
Licoreria Limantour (get the Gauc!)
Xaman Bar
Casa Franca
Restaurante Rosetta
Tlecan Mezcaleria
Hanky Panky (speakeasy, looks like a small Mexican restaurant on the outside)
Must Visits:
Xochilmilco (canals and colorful boats, drinks, mariachi bands)
Chapultepec Castle
Any of the beautiful parks! Like Parque Espana or Parque Mexico.
Please keep in mind the food in Mexico City is very cheap in comparison to the US. You’ll probably spend less than half as much for dinner and drinks majority of the time.
I want to also mention that at least in the areas I stayed and visited, there are many Americans living in Mexico City. The natives are very nice and patient with tourists. I took a couple walks alone in La Condesa and Roma Norte and felt completely safe. I walked to Walmart for groceries with no issues.
Halfway through my trip we went to Xochilmilco for an Airbnb experience we booked. It was a group trip with about 8-10 others. Before you head off there’s shops and restaurants for a quick bite. It included tequila and mezcal tasting, lunch, a stop at a bar in the middle of no where (best margarita I’ve ever had!), mariachi band (extra cost), and a chance to view the sacred salamanders native only to the fresh waters of the Xochilmilco lake complex. These boats are operated and driven by young locals some as young as 11 or 12 I believe. It’s amazing how tough these kids are pushing these boats along the waterway. I highly suggest giving them an extra tip! Xochilmilco is a must see in my opinion because you learn about the history and get to enjoy the colorful boats along with others in good spirits!
The Chapultepec Castle was also amazing! The history, the architecture, the decor, and the views are incredible here. Take a day or afternoon to go immerse yourself, I promise it’s worth it.
The one thing I was most afraid to do was try the street food. I still can’t recommend it but if you’re in the mood to take a chance, go ahead and try the street food there. I tried some tacos and they were actually really good! I can’t even lie, I was so scared and just knew I would get sick. But I actually didn’t! I was careful about not drinking any water that was not purified. I have to admit I did not avoid the ice as I was told but I didn’t get sick. I think it’s different for everyone so be careful! Even in the shower or washing your face, do not drink the water. I also drink some probiotic drinks in the days before my trip to help.
The Bars, Bars, Bars! I loved the drinks in Mexico City as well. Who doesn’t love a good margarita and when I tell you you’ll have the best margarita ever here, it’s true! Limantour had one of my favorite drinks of my trip. Each drink recipe is different and this bar is ranked as one of the best in the world. So I highly recommend having a couple drinks here. An unexpected surprise?? The guac is amazing!
Some clothes available in my Amazon storefront:
https://amzn.to/407cUyi
My favorite drink! Forgot the name, sorry…but it wasn’t one of the specials and it was a margarita on the last page…
All and all Mexico City is one of my favorite places and if you haven’t been, I highly recommend!
