The fabulous, mysterious, undeniable Mexico City

View of Reforma

HEY! If you are here - don’t read this ;) It’s not finished! Thanks in advance!

WHERE TO STAY

Mexico City is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own charms, adventures, dangers, and challenges. Look, I’m not going to say Mexico City city is the safest city in the world. As a matter of fact, there are areas of CDMX where you just shouldn’t explore. However, for one of the largest cities in the world, it is as safe, if not safer than many American cities. Just be smart, be aware, and most of all … don’t be a spoiled American.

LA CONDESA

Condesa is my favorite neaighborood in CDMX. Tree-lined parks, thousands of dogs, more coffee shops than people it seems - the Condessa neighborhood is a wonderful location for your home base in CDMX. Most AirBnBs or VRBOs in Condessa will be centrallly located. However, for the best experience, I attempt to always try to stay near the Hippodrome - a circular park system with stunning streets, and a very European-like experience.

If you must stay at a hotel, one of my favorite hotels in Condesa (Condesa is not really known for many hotels) is the charming and modern FlowSuites Condesa. Large rooms, some with beautiful balconies, and a free handmade breakfast from a tried and true Mexican Grandmother make this a fantastic place to stay. It is not inexpensive, but far more affordable than the large hotels in Reforma.

Another hotel/airbnb hybrid option would be ******

Do some research, and find a quiet place to stay near the Hippodrome, and I promise you will not be disappointed.

REFORMA

I’ve never stayed in Reforma, but the bustling, modern, insane energy that permeates this neighborhood is perfect for a first-time visitor to CDMX. Reforma is, in essence, the central tourist district of CDMX, more modern than Centro, and more akin to NYC than other areas of the city. Home to many large hotels - the Ritz, Four Seasons, Fiesta Americana, Reforma is an exciting place to stay, although be prepared to spend more.

ROMA

Ever since the movie Roma brought new attention to this neighborhood, the district has become much more traveled and chic. Prices have gone up as well. But if you are looking for a truly authentic, yet comfortable experience, Roma is a good pick. Much more energetic than sleepy Condesa, Roma is a sought-after neighborhood for nice AirBnBs and outstanding restaurants.

But do be aware, with its revival, comes increased prices. I would recommend a more adorable neighborhood such as Condesa or Champaluma.

But, if your budget allows, you really cannot go wrong in Roma. Be careful to not book an apartment overlooking Insurgentes - the busiest street in CDMX - unless you plan on no sleep.

CASTLE COMMUNITY

POLANCO

I’ve never stayed in Polanco, mainly due to finances. But, the Beverly Hills of CDMX is highly sought after for it’s shopping, malls, stunningly beautiful (and expensive) five-star hotels, and upscale apartments.

Polanco is beautiful - but for my taste - a little out-of-the-way of areas in CDMX you’d like to visit.

EL CENTRO

I’ve also never stayed in the Central Business District of CDMX, but if you are truly looking for an authentic Mexican experience, El Centro might be for you. Americans likely avoid the area as its a little more culturally unique, and has a large, and slightly gritty city feel, but there are amazing hotels and places to stay.

ZONA ROSA

I’ve stayed in Zona Rosa once, and to be honest, it’s lost much of its charm. Although, there are still some great deals for this centrally located neighborhood. Check out EuroStars for a lovely suite at a ridiculous price. A good chunk of CDMX’s thriving LGBTQ+ scene is also located here. But, most of the funky eateries, shops, and experiences have found their way to other neighborhoods. Zona Rosa is still worth a visit though, if anything, for it’s interesting assortment of colorful folks.

FOOD

Food is why we are here right? CDMX is the home of some of the most amazing restaraunts in the world. More thrilling food adventures than you can possibly even inventory, and more culinary options than perhaps any other city in the world, there is a price and cuisine for every single diner who makes their way to this amazing food city. Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order.)

Zefrio

So far, my favorite restaraunt experience in CDMX is the truly amazing Zefrio. Part of a major culinary school, the restaraunt trains chefs, servers, and managers to continue on to some of the highest rated restaraunts in the world. And at Zefrio, they get to try out their skills on us! And let me tell you, those skills are abundant.

Serving a fixed price menu, usually four courses, there is something for everyone at Zefrio, and I’ve never had a meal that hasn’t blown me away.

For English speakers, they are quite accommodating, mostly because the servers are training to serve in English-speaking establishments.

It is rather funky to find - hidden away in the courtyard of an old convent-turned-culinary-school, but once you do, and enter it’s comfortable, not terribly fancy dining room, you are in for a treat.

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t miss this wonderful (and remarkably affordable!) dinging experience in Centro.

El Greco Taqueria

The Quesadilla Donkery at El Greco

My favorite tacos in the entire world. Yes, the entire world. This unique taqeruia serves meat seasoned in a more Mediterranean style (where do you think the idea of meat served from a tromp came from?) and, frankly, blows away every other casual taquiera I’ve experienced.

But, the tacos are not what I receommend! If it’s your first time, I would order the very first item on the menu - the **** - which, in essence is more of a quesadilla.

Prepare yourself for some of the most amazing fillings stuffed into a unique tortilla you’ve experienced.

Then, explore the menu from there. Order multiple times. It’s ultra cheap, so get as much as you want.

Be aware - the restaraunt has very limited dining options on-site - just a few tables - and opens at 2pm. So, get there early, and prepare to wait.

Trust me, it’s worth it.

Meroma

An upscale experiment, yet still accessible and affordable, Meroma is one of my favorite places for a nice meal in CDMX. I have been blown away each time by the service, the quality of dishes, and the clientele.

Nestled on a beautiful Condesa street, the restaurant is modern, with an ever-changing seasonal menu.

The crudite at Meroma

The crudite, which seems to be a menu staple, has been a go-to appetizer each time I’ve dine here. And it always delights.

Any grilled meat on the menu, or any fish, will surely delight.

It’s not inexpensive, but for the experience, well worth a little extra cash.

Spend a little time in the bar downstairs, and let their wonderful bartenders treat you to some delightful and unique cocktails.

Tout Chocolate and the other hot chocolate place

Central Mexico is known for their hot chocolate. And Tout Chocolate is one of the finest places to experience this unique drink. No, not overly sweet like American hot chocolate, Mexican hot chocolate is nutty, spicy, and layered. Tout’s is quite lovely, warm, and comforting, as are its incredible pastries.

It’s also wedged into a lovely corner of Condesa, surrounded by trees, walkers, dogs, and parks.

Or, skip the coffee chains, and indulge (often!) at ….. the “Starbucks” of CDMX for chocolate. They are everywhere - their drinks are fantastic (the best mocha ever?) - inexpensive - and with solid WiFi. What more can you ask for?

El Moro

When in Mexico, you must try the birthplace of the churro! If you don’t know what a churro is, think of a long, skinny, crunchy yet tender Mexican donut. And El Moro is the motherland.

Patience is a MUST at this popular tourist stop. The wait can sometimes be challenging. But, wait, and you’ll be rewarded with a perfect bag of churros, and your choice of dipping sauces (just get the chocolate.)

Can’t decide? Try the massive Medellín Market in Roma!

If you want a truly unique experience, visit one of the largest indoor markets in Mexico in Roma. Explore their aisles and aisles of vendors, and try more food from more stalls than anyone should. Why not - it’s dirt cheap. Find a corner (or a table) if you are lucky, and chow down on as many plates as you can. Don’t care for it? Try the next stall!

English is NOT spoken, so be prepared to know what you want, and don’t be annoying. This is not a tourist spot.

Stuff to See

Castle

Cathedral

Anthropology Museum

Science museum

That mall in Polanco

Pyramids

The creepy dolls

Centro mall

Independence memorial

All memorials in Reforma

Zona Rosa