Things To Do
Handshake Speakeasy
Handshake Speakeasy is a world-renowned, award-winning cocktail bar in Mexico City's Zona Rosa, famous for its Prohibition-era vibe, Gatsby-esque decor, and innovative molecular mixology from its in-house lab, offering complex, theatrical drinks and a unique, exclusive experience hidden behind an unmarked door. It consistently ranks among the world's best bars, known for theatrical service and a focus on high-quality, research-driven cocktails, with distinct upstairs (Gatsby) and basement (hip-hop) experiences. Handshake Speakeasy is one of the most celebrated cocktail bars in the word right now. Intimate, inventive, and reservation-worthy! A reservation 2 weeks in advance is highly encouraged!
Hanky Panky Cocktail Bar
A hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar known for its inventive drinks, intimate atmosphere, and stylish vintage vibe. Reservations are recommended for this award-winning Roma Norte favorite.
Tlecan
A contemporary Mexican restaurant centered around heirloom corn and open-fire cooking, celebrating traditional techniques with a modern, elevated approach to regional flavors.
El Califa de León
Awarded a Michelin Star in 2024—the first ever for a street-food vendor—Taquería El Califa de León is a legendary, no-frills taco stand in Mexico City’s San Rafael neighborhood. Awarded a Michelin Star in 2024—the first ever for a street-food vendor—it’s known for its perfectly cooked Gaonera beef tacos, simply seasoned with salt and lime and served on fresh corn tortillas. Despite its humble setting (cash only, no seating, small space), it's celebrated for high-quality ingredients, technical skill, and consistency, attracting massive crowds after its Michelin recognition.
Salón Palomilla
A lively, modern cantina known for elevated Mexican comfort food, great tacos, and mezcal-forward cocktails—perfect for a casual night out with big flavors and good energy.
Hugo
Located in San Angel, right next to Coyoacan. Easy to get to, perfect if you're satying nearby or want a relaxed night close to home base. Chill, Artsy, NYC-Style vibes and a great bottle list. Wines by the glass & creative bites offered in a straightforward space with outdoor tables. This is the most convenient nightlife gem in Coyoacan.
Contramar
A quintessential Mexico City lunch spot, praised by many for excellent dishes like octopus carnitas and tuna tostadas. The concept of Contramar is the coast, so all the dishes evoke those recipes. Over time, it has been perfected to the point of being one of the best known seafood restaurants in Mexico City. Known for fresh, flavorful seafood (especially the tuna tostadas and whole fish with two sauces), The must-have dish in Contramar is undoubtedly charbroiled fish, very popular on the Pacific coast
Máximo
A beloved neighborhood spot for a reason! Known for its seasonal, farm-driven menu and consistently excellent food. The vibe is relaxed yet elevated, making it perfect for a long lunch or intimate dinner. Don't skip the cheeseburger or a classic cocktail - everything here is done thoughtfully and well.
Restaurante Rosetta
Set inside a charming townhouse, Rosetta offers Italian-Mexican Cuisine with a cozy, romantic feel. A beautiful spot for a slower, intimate meal.
HOMARE Cocina Tradicional Japonesa
A refined, intimate spot for sushi lovers—serving traditional Japanese cuisine with precision and care, perfect for when that sushi craving hits.
Pujol
Led by Chef Enrique Olvera, is a world-renowned Mexico City restaurant (Polanco neighborhood) celebrated for its innovative, contemporary take on traditional Mexican cuisine, blending ancestral techniques with modern artistry, offering tasting menus (including the famous Mole Madre) and a unique taco omakase counter in a refined, minimalist setting, requiring advance reservations for a deep dive into Mexico's culinary heritage. Thoughtful, refined, and a true culinary experience.
Fifty Mils
Fifty Mils is an award-winning, sophisticated cocktail bar located inside the Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City, known for its creative, high-quality drinks, innovative menus, and stylish ambiance. World-class cocktails in a stunning indoor-outdoor atrium with luxurious seating, consistently ranking among the world's best bars. It offers a premium experience with unique cocktails, premium spirits, and locally sourced ingredients, focusing on craft mixology, and has also developed a specialty in Mexican coffee. Refined, relaxed, and consistently excellent.
Hiya Wine Bar
Hiya is a trendy, intimate Japanese fusion wine bar in Mexico City's Roma Norte, known for its speakeasy vibe, inventive cocktails, and robata-grilled dishes blending Japanese and Mexican flavors, offering a cozy spot for dates or small gatherings with curated wines, sake, and unique bites. A laid back wine bar focused on great bottles and good vibes. Casual, cool, and perfect for an easy night out.
Shhh
A minimalist listening bar where the music takes center stage. Clean design, thoughtful cocktails, and impeccable sound.
ANOTHeR
A fun, trendy Condesa spot for cocktails and social energy. Great for starting - or ending - a night out. A trendy, cozy specialty coffee shop in the Condesa/Anzures area known for amazing coffee, brunch (chilaquiles, eggs), desserts, and natural wines in the evenings, offering a cool vibe for digital nomads and locals, transforming from daytime caffeine spot to an evening wine bar with great music and artisanal drinks.
LA VISTA
Dark, moody, atmospheric, with strong drinks and an intimate feel. (Just the way we like it) La Vista in Mexico City is a curated electronic music venue, focusing on techno and house with local and international DJs, creating a "home for sound" for the city's EDM scene, though there are other places with similar names (like a Zihuatanejo restaurant). It's a spot for serious electronic music lovers, featuring renowned artists and fostering the local scene, unlike typical tourist spots, emphasizing sound quality and artistic contribution over general nightlife.
Quintonil
Michelin-starred and unforgettable. Many consider this the best meal in Mexico City. Perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime dinner. A contemporary Mexican restaurant in Mexico City's Polanco district, led by Chef Jorge Vallejo and Alejandra Flores, celebrated for its innovative cuisine focusing on fresh, local ingredients, often sourced from their nearby urban garden, blending traditional Mexican flavors with modern techniques for an elegant, culturally rich dining experience.
Taquería Orinoco
A reliable late-night favorite for classic northern-style tacos. Fast, casual, and always satisfying.
Frida Kahlo Museum
La Casa Azul (The Blue House) was the place where Frida Kahlo, the most renowned Latin American artist in the world, came into this world, lived, and took her last breath. The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the The Blue House for the structure's cobalt-blue walls, is a historic house museum and art museum dedicated to the life and work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. It is in the Colonia del Carmen neighborhood of Coyoacán in Mexico City.
A Grutas
A breathtaking natural escape known for its turquoise hot springs, thermal river, steamy caves, and cliffside pools carved into the mountains. Nestled in a remote canyon in Hidalgo, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation—ideal for a day trip or overnight soak.
Teotihuacán
Explore the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán, then dine at La Gruta—a unique cave restaurant just outside the ruins serving traditional Mexican cuisine in an unforgettable setting.
La Gruta Restaurante & Spa
Explore the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán, then dine at La Gruta—a unique cave restaurant just outside the ruins serving traditional Mexican cuisine in an unforgettable setting.
Chapultepec Castle
Learn about Mexico's fascinating history at Chapultepec Castle, a grand 18th-century palace atop a hill in Mexico City. The palace houses the National Museum of History, which showcases impressive murals and stunning stained glass galleries. You can also take a leisurely stroll through the castle's manicured gardens and enjoy the panoramic views of downtown. Make sure to set aside enough time to relax and enjoy the sprawling Chapultepec Park nearby, too. Take a guided tour to learn about the building's rich history, and consider visiting on a tour that also includes the nearby National Museum of Anthropology. Get there early for fewer crowds.
Museo Soumaya
Museo Soumaya showcases a significant private art collection in Latin America, spanning over thirty centuries. It promotes dialogue and reflection through social initiatives, featuring notable Western art, Mesoamerican artifacts, and Asian ivory. The collection includes Rodin's prominent pieces, Impressionist landscapes, European Avant-garde, and Mexican art from various periods. The museum presents numismatics, textiles, photography, and advertising prints. Inspired by Carlos Slim's vision of accessibility, Museo Soumaya aims to enrich and share art, culture, and history with all.
Xochimilco Canals
The Xochimilco Canals are a historic network of waterways in Mexico City, remnants of the Aztec lake system, famous for their colorful, gondola-like boats called trajineras that offer lively tours past floating gardens (chinampas) and floating vendors, creating a festive "Venice of Mexico" atmosphere. The area is also ecologically significant as the last wild habitat of the Axolotl, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors rent trajineras from piers like Embaradero Nativas, enjoying food, drinks, and mariachi music while floating through the canals, a unique cultural experience blending history, nature, and party vibes. Tips 1. Go with a group to share costs, consider adding a mariachi band, and enjoy food/drinks from other vendors. 2. Accessible via public transport (Metro Blue Line to Xochimilco/Tlalpan), with Embaradero Nativas being a popular entry point. UNESCO Site: Respect the environment by not littering
Palacio de Bellas Artes
The Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) in Mexico City is a stunning cultural center, famous for its blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture, housing major Mexican murals by artists like Diego Rivera, Orozco, and Siqueiros, plus museums and hosting major performances like the Ballet Folklórico de México, serving as Mexico's premier venue for arts and culture.
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City is a major Catholic pilgrimage site on Tepeyac Hill, famous for housing the tilma (cloak) of St. Juan Diego, miraculously imprinted with the Virgin Mary's image from her 1531 apparition, featuring both an old baroque basilica and a modern circular structure with a moving walkway to view the sacred image, attracting millions seeking faith and cultural connection.
Zócalo
Mexico City’s historic main square and cultural heart, surrounded by grand architecture, museums, and lively energy — perfect for exploring landmarks, people-watching, and soaking in the city’s history.
Templo Mayor Museum
An archaeological site and museum revealing the ruins of the ancient Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, offering a fascinating glimpse into Mexico City’s pre-Hispanic past right beside the cathedral.
Museo Anahuacalli
A dramatic volcanic-stone museum designed by Diego Rivera, showcasing his collection of pre-Hispanic art and offering beautiful architecture, peaceful grounds, and panoramic city views.