The canal boat tours are not only a must-do activity for tourists but locals too! Xochimilco is a small area of Mexico City (45 mins from La Condesa) famous for colorful "trajinera" boats that fill its canals. As you float, you'll run into floating mariachis, ranchero trios, and marimbas who will offer to play you songs. Music isn't all you will find in Xochimilco - there are boats filled with flower crowns, plants and trees for sale, and floating chefs where you can buy elote (corn), tamales, and beer. Xochimilco was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and houses one of the most unique animals in Mexico, the Ajolote, a rare amphibian that regenerates not only its appendages but also its internal organs. Tourism in this area helps fund the preservation of these animals. Both of the below tours come highly recommended: https://abnb.me/bb2gw2XiCzb https://abnb.me/rHlFmA0iCzb Tyler and I used “Airbnb experiences” when we visited Mexico City and had phenomenal experiences.
If you keep your activity list small during your visit, we recommend adding Chapultepec to your short list. The castle is located in one of the best parks in Mexico City and close to other tourist attractions. Consider walking over to the Sky Bar at the Ritz afterwards for a drink and expansive city views!
You can find Frida's home, which is now the Frida Kahlo Museum ‘Casa Azul’, in Coyoacán, her favorite neighborhood. Not only does it safeguard her most cherished works of art such as Viva la Vida and Frida y su Cesárea, it also is home to her diaries, clothes and even the artist’s bed. We recommend buying tickets online ahead of time to ensure they're available (and to skip the line).
If you're not too hungover on Sunday, it's a great day to bicycle! The city shuts down La Reforma, the arterial Paseo that goes from the historic city centre all the way to Polanco. You will bike through the city's high-rise buildings, passing the monument of the Angel de Independencia, the Palacio Bellas Artes, Chapultepec Park and the Archeological Museum. It's a great way to get the lay of the land. Download the App "Mobike" and you will be able to see bikes plotted around Condesa, Polanco, and Roma Norte, or get an Uber Jump bike through your Uber App.
We decided to sign up for this Lucho Libre excursion through Airbnb Experiences and had such an amazing time. We met our group at a local taco shop where we had free tacos and beer, then headed to a speakeasy where we had some more drinks, tasted mezcal, and received our very own Lucho Libre masks for the fight, and finally we headed over to the arena where we watched the electric match. This excursion might not be for everyone, but if you’re looking to get rowdy and enjoy some tacos, drinks, and wrestlemania style action - we recommend it.
On Saturdays, this market in San Angel is filled with local artisanal goods including paintings, jewelry, and hand-embroidered fabrics. The interior part of Mercado Carmen is a gastronomic experience filled with food stalls that range from tapas to tacos to Japanese buns.
Cool urban market with lots of cute food stalls and a beer garden on the roof.
Visit the Sky Bar at the Ritz Carlton for some of the best views of Chapultepec Park and Mexico City. Don’t believe us, Google it!
Pop into Limantour for a few craft cocktails before heading to dinner or stop for a rest and have a drink between activities. Limantour has a large selection of craft cocktails and great indoor/outdoor seating.
Delicious Italian in a beautiful building on our favorite street in Roma Norte.
A few steps away from the JW Marriott, this cafe is great place to relax and enjoy your morning coffee and a pastry.
If in Roma Norte for breakfast or brunch this is a solid option with lots of indoor/outdoor seating, great coffee, and delicious pastry and brunch items. Tyler and I stayed near this cafe when we first visited Mexico City and every morning this place was packed.
Recommend stopping into Campobaja for a few drinks and maybe a snack before or after dinner if you’re in the area. The restaurant is located on the rooftop with an open air, lively vibe and friendly staff - you won’t regret stopping in.
Highly recommend making a stop at Cafe de Raiz for breakfast. This cute little hole in the wall has delicious coffee and authentic Mexican breakfast options. This is definitely a local spot with very few (if any) tourists and friendly staff.
Cute, shabby chic restaurant in front of a park in Polanco.
French Mexican cafe in Polanco.
Great international food for breakfast or dinner in Polanco.
Breakfast spot in Polanco with delicious chilaquiles.
Very famous Michelin Star Mexican restaurant in Polanco, it's famous for its aged mole. Recommend booking now! Watch an episode about it on the Netflix series Chef's Table.
Great vibe and beautiful restaurant in Polanco.
Blanco Colima is a fan-favorite restaurant in Roma Norte for the beautiful building that it's in. There's an equally beautiful one in Polanco too.
Go here for drinks if you love Gin and cocktails.
This is a classic mariachi bar in a plaza filled with Mariachis. A bit touristy, but absolutely worth it. We recommend ordering a Palermo.
Bar in Condesa that serves delicious champagne-based cocktails.
A fave of our wedding planners. This is a very small loungey / club that plays unique electro-cumbia. Highly recommend turning up extra early (11pm). The party will get going closer to 12 / 1 am.
Another great rooftop bar if the weather permits in Roma Norte.
Very cool speakeasy in Juarez with artisanal cocktails behind a small restaurant. When you arrive you will think you're in the wrong place - but you're right! You have to walk through the cold drinks fridge to be seated. You need to make a reservation by FB message.
Gorgeous restaurant with indoor trees, fairy lights, and delicious food. Always busy so make sure to book in advance. Hotel Downtown is upstairs and has a great rooftop bar for cocktails.
Great for dinner and drinks with a fabulous view of the Monumento de Revolucion.
Overlooking the Zocalo, this place is great for dinner and drinks. It's a bit pricey but worth it for the best view in Mexico City.
Similar view to Balcon Zocalo but in the Gran Hotel which has an incredible stained glass ceiling unlike any you've seen.
French restaurant with small plates. The Chef is from the famous Pujol. We recommend walking in for lunch or an early dinner as reservations are difficult to get.
Local Mexican fusion food in Roma Norte.
Contemporary rooftop restaurant with classic dishes that have unique twists in Roma Norte.
Great spot for groups in Roma Norte with delicious pork that falls off the bone and Jamaica tacos.
We are told this Roma Norte spot has the best seafood! You must order the pulpo (octopus). Go as soon as they open at 11am or expect a 20 - 30 minute wait.
Super local, great tacos in Roma Norte. Highly recommend!!
Fancier lunch or dinner spot in Polanco - try to get a reservation now.