A short list of the places we love most: where to eat, where to drink, and where to lose an afternoon.
Mexico City is a sprawling, complex, and always changing metropolis, a true study in contrasts. Whether you are visiting for the first time or have already fallen in love with the city’s epic street food or its chef-driven restaurants, Mexico City is one of the most exciting culinary scenes in the world. Its art scene, folk and cutting-edge contemporary, is equally dynamic. Across the city, relish in the rich history as the oldest occupied capital in the Americas, its sophisticated hotels, grand public parks and boulevards, and chic shopping streets that rival those of Europe. There’s no way you can see, taste, and do all you’ll want to in one visit, but we have put together a guide of some of our favorite museums, activities, and bites to make the most of your time in Mexico City.
“There is nowhere in the world like a Mexico City evening.”
Enrique Olvera’s world-famous tasting menu, home of the legendary mole madre, aged for years.
The essential Roma Norte lunch. Order the tuna tostadas and the half-and-half grilled fish.
Inventive, ingredient-driven tasting menus just outside Polanco, one of the best meals in the country.
A candlelit townhouse in Roma. Mediterranean-Mexican cooking and the city’s most beautiful dining room.
Elevated, market-driven French-Mexican cooking in a bright Roma corner.
One of the city’s most exciting newer tables, with elevated Mexican cooking and a beautiful room.
The casual, all-day sibling to Rosetta. Perfect for a relaxed, delicious lunch.
A former hacienda turned iconic restaurant, with colonial courtyards and famously good margaritas.
Inventive, produce-forward cooking that blends Mexican and Mediterranean influences.
Some of the best tacos in the city. Worth the trip and the wait.
A beloved, buzzy spot for Sinaloan-style mariscos. Go early, the line grows fast.
The classic Mexican breakfast institution. Order the hot chocolate and sweet breads.
The city’s most famous bakery. Do not leave Mexico City without the guava and cream roll.
The Roma Norte institution that put CDMX on the world’s best bars list. Order the Margarita al Pastor.
A hidden-door bar with theatrical, inventive cocktails, routinely ranked among the world’s very best.
An intimate Condesa favorite. Perfect for a slow, late-night nightcap.
Polished, expertly made cocktails inside the Four Seasons, a short walk from the hotel bar.
An intimate hidden bar with beautifully made cocktails and a room worth lingering in.
A dim, vinyl-driven listening bar where the music is as considered as the drinks.
A hi-fi listening lounge for a slow, stylish night of records and cocktails.
A bookshop by day and a charming bar by night. One of the city’s most delightful surprises.
A moody, low-lit spot for late drinks when the night refuses to end.
Clase Azul’s restored Polanco mansion, offering a guided tequila tasting where Mexican tradition meets contemporary craft. By appointment only.
The heart of the city, one of the largest public squares in the world, surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, and Templo Mayor.
An architectural gem with a stunning Art Nouveau and Art Deco facade. Don’t miss the Diego Rivera murals inside.
Immerse yourself in Mexico’s musical culture: mariachi bands, live performance, and a lively atmosphere.
The “green lung” of the city and one of the largest urban parks in the world. Check out the botanical garden’s cacti.
Freestyle wrestling, Mexican-style, with colorful masks, flamboyant costumes, and high-flying acrobatics.
Winding canals originally made by the Aztecs, now a fun excursion to grab a drink with friends and explore.
The world’s largest anthropology museum, anchored by the Aztec Sun Stone. Worth at least half a day.
The Frida Kahlo Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the artist. Reservation required. Pair it with a walk to Coyoacán Market.
Conceived by muralist Diego Rivera: part studio, part museum, part temple for his personal pre-Hispanic art collection.
A contemporary art museum in the heart of Chapultepec Park, anchored by founder Rufino Tamayo’s collection.
A contemporary art museum in Polanco, designed by British architect David Chipperfield.
A studio of interconnected artisans creating playful, versatile clothing, started in 2018 by Britt Maton.
One-of-a-kind designer items curated by our friend Elena: vintage bags, shoes, and accessories. By appointment only.
An independent handbag label by French designer duo Aude Jan and Charles Gout, based in Mexico City.
A creative space where unique designs and art pieces dialogue, curated by sisters Andrea, Paula, and Malena de la Torre.
Contemporary fashion blended with traditional craftsmanship: vibrant textiles and ethically made pieces.
A contemporary art foundation supporting emerging and established artists across visual art, craft, and performance.
Artisanal homeware, with reinterpretations of traditional domestic items. A great place for gifts.
A charming candle store in Centro with a captivating selection of handcrafted traditional Mexican candles.
One of the city’s most unique shopping destinations, with notes of copal, agave, and other local scents.
Another amazing perfume experience, originally from Milan, with local ingredients made into the perfect scent.
A whitewashed home with sleek bookshelves, offering a curated selection of indie magazines, journals, and books.
One of the city’s biggest markets. On Sundays, antique dealers and flea market vendors line the street.
A 24-hour heaven for flower lovers, with colorful stalls overflowing with fresh blooms and plants.