Warning!! This may be information overload, but that's where I come in.
Below is just a taste of what these cities offer.
Connect with me for a tailored trip. I'll work to understand your vibe and what you're after to design your dream getaway, complete with VIP benefits and priority status at the city's best hotels.
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Transportation: Stick to official taxis (go to a designated taxi stand or have your restaurant or hotel call one for you) and Uber Black (the lower categories are not as reliable).
Best time to visit: Mexico City is beautiful year-round.
Ideal length of stay: You can spend a long time here, but it’s great for a three- or four-night stay — or even a long weekend. You could also easily add it on as part of a longer Mexico trip.
Signature dishes: tacos al pastor (pork tacos commonly served with onion, cilantro and pineapple), frutas en tacha (syrup-covered fruit), tlacoyos (thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese and beans), elote (corn on a stick), peneques (deep-fried, cheese-filled masa boats bathed in tomato broth)
Dress code: Trendy and chic — something fun and artsy. Bring light layers for mild evenings spent on romantic outdoor terraces.
Hotel San Fernando
Hip, youthful and effortlessly cool. Fora’s Standard Secret Agent partner perks include $25 food / beverage credit for stays of at least three nights.
Estimated rate: $150–$200/night
Hyatt Regency Mexico City
A comfortable stay with an approachable price point, in the heart of the lively Polanco neighborhood. Fora’s Hyatt Privé partner perks include $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and early check-in whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $200–$250/night
Brick Hotel
A moody, chic and sexy 19-room stunner. Fora Perks include $25 food / beverage credit, a welcome amenity, an upgrade and late check-out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $300–$400/night
Colima 71
An art-forward boutique getaway in Roma. Fora’s partner perks include a complimentary one-way airport transfer, a welcome amenity, an upgrade whenever possible and guaranteed late check-out.
Estimated rate: $300–$400/night
La Valise Mexico City
An eight-room hidden gem in Roma, where each room is a single, design-forward floor. Fora Perks include welcome amenities, complimentary minibar beverages and an upgrade whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $400–$450/night
Condesa DF
A 20-room hotel with a historic façade and a contemporary interior. Fora Perks include welcome amenities, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $350–$450/night
Andaz Condesa Mexico City
Vibrant and modern, with an Art Deco flair. Fora’s Hyatt Privé partner perks include $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and early check-in whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $350–$450/night
Mondrian Mexico City Condesa
A stylish bold stay at the intersection of Condesa and Roma. Fora’s Accor Preferred by HERA partner perks include $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $350–$450/night
Casa Polanco
A sleek, contemporary 19-room mansion with beautiful outdoor spaces. Fora’s VIP perks include $100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $500–$650/night
Las Alcobas, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Mexico City
An intimate boutique option great for couples and solo travelers. Fora’s Marriott STARS partner perks include $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $500–$600/night
Sofitel Mexico City Reforma
A modern glass building with spacious rooms and massive bathtubs. Fora’s Accor Preferred by HERA partner perks include $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $500–$700/night
One of the best ways to experience Mexico City is simply by eating your way through it and soaking in its beautiful parks. Parque México is a personal favorite for morning strolls and people-watching. Bring your workout gear and you can even join a local exercise class. For a larger green space, head to Bosque de Chapultepec, often compared to NYC’s Central Park. This vast forested area is home to lakes, monuments, several museums, and even a historic castle perched atop a hill.
Speaking of museums, Mexico City’s museum scene is world-class, and many of the best are located in or around Chapultepec Park. You could easily spend half a day at the Museo Nacional de Antropología, the country’s most visited museum, which explores Mexico’s rich pre-Hispanic civilizations. Also within the park is the Museo Nacional de Historia, housed inside Chapultepec Castle, with stunning views and centuries of Mexican history to explore.
Another must-do cultural day trip is to Coyoacán, once a separate town but now a charming neighborhood within the city. Here you’ll find Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s former home and museum, as well as Museo Anahuacalli, Diego Rivera’s dramatic studio filled with pre-Hispanic art. Round out your Frida-and-Diego itinerary with a visit to Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo. Just be sure to book tickets a month in advance, or I’m happy to take care of that for you. Another excellent stop is Museo Dolores Olmedo, the former estate of Dolores herself—businesswoman, patron of the arts, and rumored lover to both Frida and Diego—which also showcases their work.
To dive into Mexico City's deep historical roots, head to the Centro Histórico, one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world. Anchored by the Zócalo, this neighborhood is home to major landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Templo Mayor, the ruins of the main Aztec temple of Tenochtitlan. Don’t miss the stunning Palacio de Bellas Artes, with its Art Nouveau design and cultural exhibits, or the Palacio Nacional, where you can view some of Diego Rivera’s most famous murals. If you’d prefer something quieter, check out the nearby Museo Mural Diego Rivera for a more intimate experience.
If you're visiting on a Saturday, carve out time for El Bazar Sábado in San Ángel—a little outside the city center, but totally worth it for high-quality local art and crafts. You can pair it with lunch before or dinner after at nearby Sud 777, a Michelin-starred restaurant (just make sure you’re not lugging too much art afterward!).
For something especially fun and uniquely Mexican, catch a Lucha Libre match. These theatrical wrestling events—complete with masked luchadores—are vibrant, loud, and full of energy. You can come and go as you please, and matches are held at venues like Arena México throughout the city. Another fascinating outing is to explore the canals of Parque Ecológico de Xochimilco, where you’ll see remnants of the Aztecs’ chinampas, or floating agricultural gardens - a unique window into Mexico’s agricultural history.
ODETTE If I could go here every morning for the rest of my life, I would be a happy gal. This bakery is fantastic and hosts a line around the corner daily. Go early, and remember this is a local neighborhood—tread lightly and be respectful.
Panadería Rosetta Another favorite bakery—flaky, rich, and always buzzing. A must-visit for pastry lovers.
Chilpa Create your own chilaquiles bowl. Casual, fun, and super satisfying.
Lardo A lovely, rustic-chic café perfect for a delicious sit-down breakfast with great coffee and fresh ingredients.
El Mundo Excellent vegan food. The watermelon tartare lives in my head rent-free.
Botánico Leafy, local, and beautifully designed. Excellent Mexican food in a serene setting.
El Tigre Silencioso A hip, gourmet cantina with a creative menu and a cool vibe.
Azul Histórico Near the Zócalo—great ambiance, traditional flavors, and a fun spot to refuel during sightseeing.
Galanga Thai House Bib Gourmand, Thai food in a cool, casual space. Cozy and flavorful.
Pizzería della Madonna Craving pizza? This place hits the spot. Trendy, satisfying, and stylish.
Páramo A lively cantina with great tacos, great music, and the best vibes. A must-visit for a fun night out.
Quintonil 2 Michelin-Starred sleek, tasting-menu hotspot helmed by the übertalented Alejandra Flores and her husband, chef Jorge Vallejo.
Pujol 2 Michelin-Starred Enrique Olvera’s iconic and unforgettable spot with an exquisite tasting menu in chic environs.
Em Michelin-Stared, cozy, dimly lit, and focused on seasonal fare sourced from small local producers. Understated and special.
Sud 777 Michelin-Starred and a perfect Saturday lunch destination—especially if you're already heading to El Bazar Sábado for art shopping.
Restaurante Máximo Michelin-Starred Mexican food with a French flair. Inventive, stylish, and delicious.
Rosetta Michelin-Starred and stunning. Mexican ingredients shine in elevated, Italian-inspired dishes.
Havre 77 Sophisticated French dining in an elegant space. A go-to for Francophiles.
Transportation: Walk when you can! It's the best way to see the city. Uber, Lyft, or Curb (app for official yellow taxis) - the rideshare world is your oyster. However, with traffic, the subway can often be a quicker way to travel long distance.
Best time to visit: Late spring, May and early June, when everything is starting to bloom - the mood is happy and the weather is just right. October is another sweet spot for weather — it’s cozy. The holidays are magical, but a bit nippy. Summer is fun, too, but can get hot, humid and sticky, especially in the subways and crowded streets.
Ideal length of stay: Anywhere from a long weekend to a full week. Because New York is also an airport hub, it makes for the perfect stopover location before/after a trip.
Dress code: It’s New York. You do you. From eclectic thrifts to comfortable street wear to sophisticated suites - individuality is key. However, if New Yorkers had a dress code, it would be black.
Prices can vary greatly depending on day of the week, time of year, and events (ie. the holidays, Fashion Week, US Open, United Nations General Assembly)
Hotel 50 Bowery
A stylish Lower Manhattan stay with an approachable price point. Fora’s Hyatt Privé partner perks include $75 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade & early check-in whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $250–$350/night
The Standard, East Village
Cheeky and hip, a beloved mainstay in NYC’s ever-cool and edgy East Village. Fora’s Standard Secret Agent perks (2+ nights) include $100 food / beverage credit, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $300–$350/night
The Civilian
Theater District boutique stay with dramatic flair, inspired by Broadway design. Trendy yet accessible. Fora’s partner perks include a welcome amenity, upgrades & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $250–$325/night
The Roxy Hotel New York
A cool downtown haunt with the best taste in music and a subterranean jazz bar. Fora Reserve perks include $50 food/beverage credit, waived amenity fee, breakfast daily & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $400–$500/night
Soho Grand Hotel
Playful, modern and trendy, with a legendary retro diner to boot. Fora’s VIP partner perks include $50 food/beverage credit, waived daily amenity fee, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $400–$550/night
ModernHaus SoHo
A playful modernist stay filled with art from renowned artists. Fora Reserve perks include a welcome amenity, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $450–$600/night
The Ned NoMad
An exclusive Art Deco stay / private members’ club with a handsome, stylish aesthetic. Fora Reserve perks include $100 hotel credit (2+ nights), a welcome amenity, $70 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $500–$650/night
The Bowery Hotel
Cozy and timeless, with a moody lobby and old-school charm. The East Village staple is in the heart of the action, steps from NoHo, SoHo and the Lower East Side. Fora partner perks include breakfast daily, upgrades & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $450–$600/night
Hotel Chelsea
A funky, eclectic NYC icon with the legendary Spanish restaurant, El Quijote. Once home to New York legends like Patti Smith and Bob Dylan. Sister property to The Greenwich, but with rock-and-roll edge.
Estimated rate: $400–$600/night
The Greenwich Hotel
Discreet and luxurious, with a popular Italian hotspot and one of the city’s best spas. Many celebrities stay here when they come to NYC: Beyoncé, Rihanna, Michelle Obama, Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato, Pink, Miley Cyrus, Nick Jonas, George Clooney. 1 Michelin key. Fora’s partner perks include $100 hotel credit, $45 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $900–$1,300/night
Crosby Street Hotel, The Whitby Hotel & Warren Street Hotel (Firmdale)
Kit Kemp’s posh, playful British design in SoHo, Midtown, and TriBeCa. 3 Michelin keys. Fora Reserve perks include $100 food / beverage credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $800–$1,200/night
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
An elegant New York City icon on the Upper East Side, home to the equally iconic Café Carlyle and Bemelmans Bar. Known to host celebrities during Met Gala season. 2 Michelin keys. Fora’s Rosewood Elite perks include $100 food/beverage credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily & an upgrade whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $900–$1,200/night
(Other than the classic Central Park, Statue of Liberty, MoMA and Met)
Greenwich Village Tour: Arts, Activism and Social Justice - Discover the village's vibrant bohemian history with an urban historian
New York City Cocktail Tour and Tasting: From Prohibition to the present day, enjoy the complicated story of the American cocktail
Architecture Tour of New York: Tour with a local architect or historian down 42nd street, one of the most famous main streets in America
Tenement Museum: my favorite museum in New York City. Unlike most museums, this one is all about the people who actually lived in the tenements and helped build the city. All visits are guided tours, and each tour highlights a different set of families and their stories. What I love is that you could take the same tour multiple times and still come away with new insights—it’s a living history experience that never feels the same twice.
Everyone debates whether to go to the top of the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock(efeller), or The Edge. My opinion -
Empire State Building: not worth it — you miss an iconic landmark because you are inside it.
Top of the Rock: great view of the Empire State Building, the City, and Central Park.
The Edge: ideal for daredevils who want to walk out over a glass window and see it all.
Do a self-guided walking tour using my Google Map recommendations 🚶♀️➡️🚶♂️➡️
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