Mexico City

A personal guide to Mexico City — favorite tacos, neighborhoods to walk, museums, day trips, and a few honest tips — plus a handful of favorite places around Mexico. I am always happy to talk CDMX over coffee.

Starter tip: Don’t go crazy on the food on day one. La maldición de Moctezuma es real.

🌮 Favorite Tacos

• El Remolkito — absolute favorite
• Tacos Orinoco — gentrified but still solid
• El Califa — always good, consistent
• Los Parados — classic and satisfying

Centro Histórico

Must-sees

• Cathedral & Templo Mayor — built atop Aztec ruins. Visit the archaeological site behind the cathedral and grab an elote nearby; they’re excellent.
• Palacio de Bellas Artes — beautiful, and a great example of how parts of the city are slowly sinking (Mexico City was built on a lake).

Where to eat

• Sanborns de los Azulejos — traditional, fair prices, pretty building.
• Azul Histórico — slightly touristy but delicious. Try Chiles en Nogada if available.
• Café La Ópera — historic and often recommended.

Avoid traffic by leaving before 6:00 PM.

Reforma & Chapultepec

• Paseo de la Reforma — iconic avenue, ideal for walking.
• Angel of Independence — national monument.
• Chapultepec Castle & Park — a large green space with museums, lakes, and a historic castle.
• Museum of Natural History — also inside the park.

Where to eat

• SAMOS at the Ritz — rooftop, great view, upscale but not outrageous.
• Bishara — a local spot I like in Colonia Cuauhtémoc.
• El Bajío — reliable option for classic Mexican food.

Roma, Condesa & Polanco

These neighborhoods are perfect for walking, day or night — beautiful, safe, and vibrant.

Highlights

• Lincoln Park (Polanco) — chic and peaceful.
• Mercado Roma — upscale food court.
• La Rotonda (Condesa) — cozy café & restaurant area.
• Soumaya Museum — stunning from the outside; a quick photo stop is enough.
• Antara Fashion Hall — shopping + restaurants.

Breakfast

• 100% Natural — healthy
• El Bajío — traditional Mexican
• Los Canarios — a bit pricier, but very nice

Lunch & Dinner

• Villa Rica — seafood
• El Japonez — sushi
• Las Hijas de la Tostada — seafood

Coyoacán & San Ángel

• Frida Kahlo Museum — must-see if you’re into art/history.
• Coyoacán Center — charming area to walk. Skip breakfast here; overpriced.
• San Ángel — walk from Pizzería Cancino toward ITAM for a real neighborhood vibe.
• Café Ruta de la Seda — excellent pastries and coffee.
• San Ángel Inn — a bit upscale, but lovely for breakfast.

Xochimilco (optional)

• Ride a colorful trajinera boat with snacks and music. Fun and Instagram-worthy.

🛕 Teotihuacán Pyramids

• Worth a day trip. Take a tour if you want historical context, or catch a bus — and go early!

🌄 Small-Town Day Trips (pick one)

• Tepoztlán — hike to El Tepozteco and walk around the town.
• Malinalco — small mountain town, pretty and peaceful.
• San Miguel de Allende — a bit far, but stunning. Go during Día de Muertos if possible.

Safety & Getting Around

• Safest areas: Polanco, Condesa, Roma, Reforma, Juárez.
• Avoid: Tepito, Doctores, Buenos Aires, and parts near the City Center at night.
• Getting around: Metrobús is efficient; the Metro is safe but crowded; Uber is best — avoid regular taxis.
• Rush hours: avoid travel from 8–10 AM and 6–8 PM.
• Currency exchange: airport rates are surprisingly good.
• Rooftop dining: always a win in CDMX’s mild weather.