Mexico City is not the Mexico of former college spring breaks. No beach in sight, and yet, it was my favorite experience in the country thus far. Despite being the largest city in North America, the neighborhoods feel small and welcoming (we especially enjoyed staying in Roma Norte). Luckily, Uber is safe and cheap ― like really cheap ― making it easy to navigate and get to know this giant metropolis.
EXPLORE
Museo Nacional de Antropologia blew me away. This museum is one of the best I've ever visited. Come for treasurers such as the Aztec sun stone, but stay for the awe-inspiring architecture and outdoor spaces.
Teotihuacán is worth the short trip outside the city and the aching legs. Book a local guide (we found one on Airbnb experiences) to take you to this UNESCO World Heritage site to get to know the ancient city.
Casa Azul was home to Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera and is now a house museum. Book your tickets in advance as lines are long.
Lucha Libre at Arena Mexico is one touristy thing you won't feel bad about doing, it's just too damn much fun. Easy to get tickets at the box office not long before a show, snag some beers, and get enjoy.
EAT
Contramar specializes in seafood and does not disappoint. Make a reservation for this perfect lunch spot and order the "red and green" whole fish and the tostada atun.
Rosetta offers something a bit different. With menu items like venison, chicken liver pasta, and ant butter, it's a fun departure from the traditional Mexican.
Lardo is a sister restaurant to Rosetta and good for any meal of the day. Their homemade bread is a must , other recommendations include the pulpo curry, ricotta and figs, and the lamb kabob tacos.
La Docena is a little happy hour oasis, complete with an oyster bar. Pop in for aguachile and some tostada atun.
Forever Vegano ended up being a go-to breakfast stop. Friendly staff run this lovely little neighborhood cafe with lots of healthy, but delicious options.
DRINK
Gin Gin has a couple of locations and knows their way around a great cocktail, mostly gin of course. More American price-point, but a nice upscale drink spot.
Condesa D.F. is a trendy hotel in Condesa, but you don't have to be a guest to enjoy a martini on their rooftop bar. Perfect for a pre-dinner sip or night cap.
La Clandestina serves up all your mezcal dreams, in a little hole-in-the-wall setting. Trendy people tuck themselves into the small front patio with wooden benches and stools.
Azotea Acapulco can be found by wandering up a spiral staircase to the top floor. Try cool cocktails surrounded by vaulted ceilings and hanging plants.
Licoreria Limantour offers a vast menu of interesting cocktails along with fun illustrations of each one. Another hip drink spot great for groups or a date night.
SHOP
San Angel Market is a Saturday well spent. The markets, only open on Saturdays, are indoor and outdoor, bougie and budget. Expect to find textiles, jewelry, artwork, ceramics, and street food. Look out for adjacent permanent shops like Tocamadera and Maria Bonita. Before or after you shop, pop into one of the many local eateries for some fuel. Bonus, the surrounding neighborhood is a lovely place to explore, with cobblestone streets and big gated homes.
Coyoacan Mercado is located right near Casa Azul and makes for a great post-museum lunch. The classic market hosts tons of great food stalls, but do not sit until you find Tostadas Coyocan. Yellow counters, trimmed in green, with enormous mounds of seafood are worth the search through the narrow aisles. Pop over to Plaza Hidalgo afterwards for more shops and restaurants.
Goodbye Folk has several floors of great vintage and upcycled clothing if the more traditional textiles in most of the markets aren't your bag.