Currency: $, Mexican peso (MXN)
Language: Spanish
Airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Benito JuĂĄrez (MEX)
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.Â
Ideal length of stay: You can spend a long time here, but itâs great for a three- or four-night stay â 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), pozole (a warming soup made with hominy)
Key phrases: hola (hello), mucho gusto (nice to meet you), estuvo delicioso (it was delicious), quĂŠ tal (whatâs up), gracias (thank you), por favor (please), salud (cheers)
Dress code: Trendy and chic â something fun and artsy. Bring light layers for mild evenings spent on romantic outdoor terraces.
Where to stay in Mexico City
đ° Budget (Under $250/night)
Hotel San Fernando
Hip, youthful and effortlessly cool. Foraâs Standard Secret Agent partner perks include $25 food / beverage credit for stays of at least three nights.
Estimated rate: $150â$200/night
Hyatt Regency Mexico City
A comfortable stay with an approachable price point, in the heart of the lively Polanco neighborhood. Foraâs Hyatt PrivĂŠ partner perks include $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and early check-in whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $200â$250/night
đľ Mid-Range ($250â$450/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: $300â$400/night
Colima 71
An art-forward boutique getaway in Roma. Foraâs partner perks include a complimentary one-way airport transfer, a welcome amenity, an upgrade whenever possible and guaranteed late check-out.
Estimated rate: $300â$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: $400â$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: $350â$450/night
Andaz Condesa Mexico City
Vibrant and modern, with an Art Deco flair. Foraâs Hyatt PrivĂŠ partner perks include $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and early check-in whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $350â$450/night
Mondrian Mexico City Condesa
A stylish bold stay at the intersection of Condesa and Roma. Foraâs Accor Preferred by HERA partner perks include $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $350â$450/night
đ Luxury ($450+/night)
Casa Polanco
A sleek, contemporary 19-room mansion with beautiful outdoor spaces. Foraâs VIP perks include $100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $500â$650/night
Las Alcobas, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Mexico City
An intimate boutique option great for couples and solo travelers. Foraâs Marriott STARS partner perks include $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $500â$600/night
Sofitel Mexico City Reforma
A modern glass building with spacious rooms and massive bathtubs. Foraâs Accor Preferred by HERA partner perks include $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Estimated rate: $500â$700/night
What to do in Mexico City
One of the best ways to experience Mexico City is simply by eating your way through it and soaking in its beautiful parks. Parque MĂŠxico 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 NYCâs 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 Cityâs 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 AntropologĂa, the countryâs most visited museum, which explores Mexicoâs 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 CoyoacĂĄn, once a separate town but now a charming neighborhood within the city. Here youâll find Casa Azul, Frida Kahloâs former home and museum, as well as Museo Anahuacalli, Diego Riveraâs 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 Iâm happy to take care of that for you. Another excellent stop is Museo Dolores Olmedo, the former estate of Dolores herselfâbusinesswoman, patron of the arts, and rumored lover to both Frida and Diegoâwhich also showcases their work.
To dive into Mexico City's deep historical roots, head to the Centro HistĂłrico, one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world. Anchored by the ZĂłcalo, this neighborhood is home to major landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Templo Mayor, the ruins of the main Aztec temple of Tenochtitlan. Donât 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 Riveraâs most famous murals. If youâd 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 SĂĄbado in San Ăngelâa 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 youâre not lugging too much art afterward!).
For something especially fun and uniquely Mexican, catch a Lucha Libre match. These theatrical wrestling eventsâcomplete with masked luchadoresâare vibrant, loud, and full of energy. You can come and go as you please, and matches are held at venues like Arena MĂŠxico throughout the city. Another fascinating outing is to explore the canals of Parque EcolĂłgico de Xochimilco, where youâll see remnants of the Aztecsâ chinampas, or floating agricultural gardens - a unique window into Mexicoâs agricultural history.
Where to eat in Mexico City
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 neighborhoodâtread lightly and be respectful.
PanaderĂa Rosetta Another favorite bakeryâflaky, 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 cafĂŠ 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.
BotĂĄnico 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 HistĂłrico Near the ZĂłcaloâgreat 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.
PizzerĂa della Madonna Craving pizza? This place hits the spot. Trendy, satisfying, and stylish.
PĂĄramo 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 Ăźbertalented Alejandra Flores and her husband, chef Jorge Vallejo.
Pujol 2 Michelin-Starred Enrique Olveraâs 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 destinationâespecially if you're already heading to El Bazar SĂĄbado for art shopping.
Restaurante MĂĄximo 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.