MEXICO CITY TRAVEL GUIDE
Turibus Mexico City
The Mexico City "Turibus" is a very easy going way of seeing this huge and interesting city, with a reasonable price. This is a hop-on hop-off type of bus, which lets you discover history, architecture, culture and great food spots in Mexico City. The buses have audio guides in 8 different languages, including English. They have 5 different tours, which are all very interesting, but the most important and recommended one is called MEXICO CITY’S ALL-TIME MOST POPULAR TOUR. You can buy tickets online (or onboard the bus) and catch the bus at any of the stops. The popular tour has 19 different stops, and the closest one to the wedding venue where you can catch it is stop # 15 called "Reforma/Rio de la Plata", which is the intersection you see if you walk out of the hotel and immediately make a left. The tours run all day 9 am to 9 pm and are a great way to see a lot of Mexico City without worrying about transportation, and you will see some of the recommendations we've listed below.
XOCHIMILCO
This is a MUST! Mexico City's Venezia is full of folklore, and is a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Mexico. Enjoy some great quesadillas, micheladas, elotes, and have a blast! The best way to catch a Xochimilco boat (or, the correct word in Spanish, a "trajinera"), is to get to "Embarcardero Nuevo Nativitas". This is an easy access point, which also has some stores for great souvenirs. Feel free to ask us for more details if you want to plan a Xochimilco excursion. This attraction is in the southern part of the city (45-60 minutes from the wedding venue), and you'd typically hire the "trajinera" for 2-3 hours. Great for large groups too! You can bring your own liquor if you want, or buy cervezas on board! You can also buy food onboard. Enjoy elotes and quesadillas!
San Juan Teotihuacán
The famous Pyramids are located just an hour drive away from Mexico City, and is a true must-see if you're staying in the city for the first time.
PASEO DE LA REFORMA
This is the avenue where the wedding venue is located. Paseo de la Reforma is one of Mexico City's main street, runs through an upscale residential neighborhood as well as many business areas, and the city's historic district. Along Reforma, you will be able to find Touristic Police, who speak multiple languages, including English. If you exit the wedding venue hotel and make a left, you can walk on Reforma for about 10 minutes and get to the Angel of Independence, one of Mexico City's most famous and iconic statues. While heading there, you will also pass by a famous fountain, called "La Diana Cazadora" (Diana the Huntress). If you exit the wedding venue hotel and make a right, and walk on Reforma, you will get to some of our other recommendations, like the Chapultepec area, as well as some of the museums, the Zoo, the National Auditorium and some other things. Every Sunday, a portion of Reforma is closed for bicycles. Go ahead and explore!
CHAPULTEPEC CASTLE
Very close walk from the wedding venue!
CHAPULTEPEC PARK
When you go visit Chapultepec Castle, allow yourself some time to explore Chapultepec Park! Watch the cool video by clicking "View" right below this!
Zoológico de Chapultepec
Located along Paseo de la Reforma, and part of the Chapultepec Park area, you will find the Zoo, which is considered one of the most visited zoos in the world, with more than 5.5 million visitors per year.
Museo Nacional de Antropología
Located on Paseo de La Reforma, across the street from the Chapultepec Zoo. This is considered the largest museum in Latin America.
Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo
Located along Paseo de la Reforma, by the Chapultepec Park area.
Auditorio Nacional
National Auditorium (Spanish: Auditorio Nacional) is an entertainment center at Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City, right past the Chapultepec area. The National Auditorium is considered among the world's best venues. Typically has great concerts and shows, so make sure to keep an eye at their lineup in case you are interested.
Zócalo
Downtown Mexico City, home to some of the city's most famous landmarks and sites, such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes, el Museo del Templo Mayor (Aztec Ruins), the National Palace and Santa Veracruz Cathedral.
La Ciudadela
The Ciudadela Market is a traditional style Mexican market which specializes in the sale of Mexican handcrafts and folk art, located in the southwest corner of the historic center of Mexico City. This is a fun Market to explore and buy authentic Mexican things. It is about a 15 minute drive away from the Wedding Venue Hotel (or about a 35 minute walk), and it is very close to the other Downtown attractions.
MARSO GALERÍA DE ARTE CONTEMPORÁNEO
Contemporary Art Gallery, with high-quality exhibitions. The building itself is worth the visit.
SAN ÁNGEL SATURDAY BAZAAR AND ART FAIR
The Saturday Art Bazaar and Market at San Angel its a great place to spend a Saturday morning. There is a bunch of restaurants in the main area of the plaza that are really nice for breakfast and the bazaar is full of authentic Mexican artists selling their products. This is in the southern part of the city, about a 20-30 minute drive from the wedding venue. While you are in that part of the city you can also visit Coyoacán (the main plaza) which is also great for strolling around its cobblestone streets and colorful cafes, bookstores and stores. Restaurant Los Danzantes in the main plaza is a really great option for lunch. The Frida Kahlo museum and the Trotsky Museum are located in Coyoacan.
Frida Kahlo Museum
Centro Cultural Elena Garro
Amazing bookshop/library for the bookworm.
Soumaya Museum
Museo Soumaya is a combination of spectacular architecture and even more impressive art collection, and one of Mexico's newest and most visited museums. It is free to enter and once there, it’s easy to see the influence of famed architect Frank Gehry in the $70 million Soumaya building. This museum is located near the Polanco area, about a 15-20 minute drive from the Wedding Venue Hotel.
Antara Fashion Hall de Polanco
Antara Polanco, is an upscale open-air shopping center in Polanco. It is composed of 3 separate stories and is home to over 100 stores, 6 gourmet restaurants, and a Cinemex movie theater. It is a very scenic shopping center with stores like Burberry, Hugo Boss, Tony Burch, Zara, Adidas, Nike, Sephora and many others. This shopping center is about a 15 minute drive from the wedding venue hotel, and it is around the corner from the Soumaya Museum.
Avenida Presidente Masaryk
Presidente Masaryk is the "Rodeo Drive" or the "Fifth Avenue" of Mexico City. It stretches from Calzada General Mariano Escobedo in the east to Avenida Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca in the west, passing along the north side of the Polanquito restaurant district that borders Parque Lincoln. Some of the best restaurants in Mexico are located in this Polanquito district. Masaryk is of the most expensive shopping districts in the world. You will be able to find plenty of high end stores, extraordinary restaurants, as well as many different bars. Take the time to explore it. While doing so, make sure to check out "Pasaje Polanco", a smaller but historic collection of shops around a courtyard, built in the 1930s. The eastern end of Masaryk (corner with Mariano Escobedo) is only about 1 mile away from the wedding venue hotel. If you want to do some more shopping, make sure to check out the "Palacio de Hierro" while in Polanco (Mexican version of a Nordstrom).
Cocina Abierta "Multi-Kitchen" Restaurant
Cocina Abierta is a new restaurant concept which gathers a few different cuisines in a single place, for all of your cravings. You can get anything from Sushi, to Steaks, Seafood, Pizza, Sandwiches, Burgers, Mexican Food, Salads...any much more. This place is less than a block away from the wedding venue hotel. If you exit the hotel and make a right, you will quickly see the escalators to go down to Cocina Abierta. Enjoy!
Puerto Madero
One of the best steakhouses in Mexico, Puerto Madero is an outstanding Argentinian restaurant (steak & fish). If you have time and enjoy a nice steak, make sure to include a stop here when you are visiting Presidente Masaryk Avenue in the Polanco Area. You won't regret it.
Pujol
If you are reading this, stop what you are doing and make reservations now! Ranked as number 20 on the list of the World's top 50 restaurants. Pujol offers Mexican haute cuisine for the true food lover. If you don't want to go for the formal dinner, the taco-tasting at the bar is a good option.
Quintonil
Ranked no. 22 on the World's top 50 restaurant list, Quintonil offers a modern interpretation of traditional Mexican flavors and dishes.
Villa María
This is truly a must dine-in experience, especially if you are staying in the Polanco area of Mexico City. They have a large assortment of different tequilas, make their tortillas from scratch, everything is fresh and they have some delicious authentic dishes! Their mole hits the spot, as do the tamarind margaritas, and this place has SUCH a Mexican ambiance. Enjoy!
El Farolito Polanco
Safe for EVERYONE IN THE US and the best taco chain in Mexico City. One word: pastor. It's as mouthwatering as it sounds, and these so so good. Try all of the different salsas as well and if you are craving something sweet, treat yourself to fresh Mamey juice. This location is in Polanco, which is a short drive from the wedding venue, but there are plenty of them around the city.
EL TIZONCITO
A must for trying the Mexico City specialty "tacos al pastor". Possibly some of the best tacos you'll try in town. This location is close to the wedding venue, but there are plenty of them around the city.
Azul Historico
The restaurant of Chef Ricardo Muñoz, who has taught the best chefs in Mexico. Try the cochinita pibil, the sopa de tortilla, or try out pre-hispanic flavors by ordering a guacamole topped with crickets if you dare!
Contramar
Amazing seafood restaurant. Make sure to try the tuna tostadas.
Licorería Limantour
Top 14th bar in the world, famous for their cocktails. GO GO GO!
FELINA
A little bird told me that this spot has some kick-ass cocktails and an amazing selection of mezcal, but that the best thing about the place is the music. Enjoy!
La Condesa
If you are visiting Mexico City for the first time, this is an area worth visiting. Located about 1 mile south of the wedding venue hotel, this posh neighborhood is very popular for "Chilangos" (people from Mexico City) to hang out, both during the day and for nightlife. During the day, you will experience its chill vibes with cafes, restaurants and parks, and during the night you can bar-hop around some of the best venues in the City. Your only problem is that you will not have enough time to check them all.
La Roma
Visit la Roma and its multiple shops and restaurants, La Roma is considered the hip neighborhood today in Mexico City with its early XX french influence and its fashionable atmosphere, its a great place to go in the late afternoon or to dine.