Christina & Timothy
Things To Do
Hot Air Balloon Ride over Teotihuacan
Ride a hot air ballon over the pyramids of Teotihuacan! It's absolutely beautiful - but keep in mind, it is a 4:30am pick up as the balloons rise with the sunrise. Our experience with Volare was fantastic! They were super accommodating and safe - and even picked us up and dropped us off at our hotel. We both loved the ride despite our fear of heights. It's so gentle you don't even feel when you're lifted off the ground. Keep in mind, the flame that creates the gas to lift the balloon off the ground can feel fairly warm on your back.
Lucha Libre
The luchadores (traditional Mexican masked wrestlers) are ICONIC and designated as an intangible cultural heritage - it's a must do on our list when visiting CDMX. It's very much like your classic 90s/00s American wrestling, only with much more camp and acrobatics. You can get tickets on Ticketmaster - a ticket costs $5-$40 USD depending on your seat. There are two venues, Arena Mexico (much larger stadium, hosting shows on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday) and Coliseo (much smaller venue, hosting shows on Saturdays). We recommend catching matches at Arena Mexico if you can. We highly recommend Daniel Alenjandro's Airbnb experience (linked here) - he dropped all the lore over tacos and got us fantastic ringside seats. He also escorted us to and from the venue to ensure we got into our Ubers safely! Bring cash (there are walking concessions, including instant ramen and beer), but leave your camera and valuables at home.
Resiliente Bazar
Our favorite artists' bazaar we stumbled upon, full of more modern handicrafts and local artisans compared to more traditional markets you'll find in CDMX. You can find really cool small businesses that create really unique clothes, jewelry, home decor, wines, and bites. It's a ballroom that's been converted into a market space! This bazar is only open every other weekend, so we will update with dates once they're announced. Open from 11am-8pm.
El Bazar Sábado
Another amazing indoor and outdoor handicraft market in the historic San Angel neighborhood is artsy and colorful - showcasing some incredibly talented local artists (art, jewelry, clothing, decor, and other accessories). You KNOW Christina loves an "artist alley" of all kinds - not just anime convention ones. 10-7pm every Saturday @bazaarsabado on instagram
Chapultepec Castle
This a must do when coming to CDMX! You can purchase tickets online, or at the castle with cash or card (Entry is about $5 USD). Additionally, there are lockers if you would like to store your personal items before entering the castle. Chapultepec was a sacred place for Aztecs, and the buildings atop it have served several purposes during its history, including serving as a military academy, imperial residence, presidential residence, observatory, and since February 1939, the National Museum of History. It's ABSOLUTELY stunning with gorgeous wood work and gardens. This is the set for the Capulet family mansion where Romeo meets Juliet at the costume party. Keep in mind that it is a bit of a hike from the entry gates up the hill to get to the castle - please wear comfy sneakers for this.
Xochimilco Boat Rides
Hop aboard a colorful gondola and sail down the Aztec-built canals of Xochimilco, a neighborhood in Mexico City! (Keep in mind, depending on where you're staying, it is about an hour ride out of the city center). Decorated with motifs from the 32 States of Mexico, the famous trajineras, once used for the transportation of flowers, fruits and vegetables grown in floating gardens, have now become a means of transportation and a cause of joy for all those who come to Xoximilco looking for a unique moment they can only experience in Cancun. We did a tequila and mezcal tasting with XXX (linked here), learned to make some iconic drinks, enjoyed mariachi, and saw some sights (including the viral haunted scary doll island). This is closer to Coyocan, so we suggest you knock out the art markets and the Frida Kahlo museum in the same day to lessen the travel.
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
Another absolutely UNREAL church of baroque architecture - it's one of Latin America's oldest and largest Roman Catholic churches. Even if you're not particularly religious, you can't deny that the Catholics really know how to do an aesthetic well.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Enter the Sears across the street and head up to the 8th floor - there's a coffee shop where you can get the perfect photo. They have guests line up, order drinks, and then rotate them from tables to the ledge every 40 minutes so everyone gets the perfect shot. The Palacio Bellas Artes does 2 performances of folk dances a day.
National Art Museum
This museum has a huge collection of artwork ranging from ancient times to the present. The most important collection of Mexican art - even the exterior is stunning.
Frida Kahlo Museum
Also known as 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. Kahlo's birthplace and childhood home, and where she and Diego Rivera lived for a number of years. Contains artwork by both icons, as well as the couple's collection of Mexican folk art, pre-Hispanic artifacts, photographs, memorabilia, personal items, and more. Wonderful display of Kahlo's recently-discovered clothing collection as well. Advance tickets strongly advised! Open Tues & Thurs-Sat 10am-5:30pm, Weds 11am-5:30pm The neighborhood, Coyocan, is a beautiful area that is full of small and local artists - we highly suggest you checking out some of these silver workshops and artist fleas.
Church of San Francisco
This quaint church is located in one of the busiest streets in Mexico City. You can’t miss it's architectural design and beauty! Again, the religious aesthetics just pop off in this hidden church.
The House of Tiles
An 18th-century Baroque palace in Mexico City, built by the Count of the Valle de Orizaba family. The building is distinguished by its facade, which is covered on three sides by blue and white colonial Talavera tiles from Puebla state. It's now a cafe, but still a sight to behold. If you get lucky, on certain days or nights, they put away the tables so you can get some beautiful photos right up against the walls with the tiles as a background.
Palacio Postal
A working post office that is an architectural dream that you must see, especially If you're a fan of art deco design. If the second floor is open at the time of your visit, definitely head up because the photos from above are STUNNING.
Museum of Tequila and Mezcal
We are HUGE fans of tequila and mezcal, especially the local ones in Mexico. Would highly recommend a trip to the museum - which is located in the Historical Center and fairly close to the venue. The tour includes a tasting at the end, but if you choose to select a guided visit, you can opt for a larger tasting.
Museo Nacional de Antropología
Contains the world's largest collection of ancient Mexican art and also has ethnographic exhibits about Mexico's present-day indigenous groups. If you were a fan of the costume design in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, you can see quite a bit of the Meso-American art that inspired a many of looks the Talokan and Namor wear in the film. (Fun fact, Ruth E. Carter was nominated for an Academy Award for her work on this very film). Open: Tues-Sun 9am-7pm
Hello Kitty® Café Château
We love a good cafe, especially when there's a theme. Who doesn't LOVE Hello Kitty? This is a large greenhouse chateau devoted to our favorite Kitty and friends with gorgeous pink decor, themed sweet treats, and plenty of photo ops. Highly recommend for all Sanrio guys and gals - make sure you make a reservation for the best experience!
Tolantongo
Take a day trip to soak in nature at its best —Grutas Tolantongo is home to hot springs and a cave and tunnel complex, surrounded by lush, tropical vegetation. We suggest booking an excursion from the city where they'll transport you there and back instead of staying in a hotel in the area. For the more adventurous, there’s a suspension bridge, zipline, and a cave system with shoulder-deep water and bats flying overhead. Wear appropriate shoes with enough grip to handle the slippery rocks and tunnels. You’ll find several restaurants and bars and shops to purchase provisions. Bring sufficient cash—even the hotels in the area don’t accept credit cards.
Good (Fancier) Eats
These need a reservation: ________ EM ($$$$) Tonalá 133, Roma Norte Our favorite spot in CDMX with omakase style 8-9 course meal with fantastic wine pairings and cocktails. Mexican and Japanese fusion. Make a res and be prepared for a 3 hour dinner! PUJOL ($$$$) 133 Tennyson, CDMX World famous restaurant, where reservations are required a month or more in advance for primetime. Allow at least three hours for the full meal. MAXIMO ($$$) Av. Álvaro Obregón 65 Bis, Roma Norte Authentic Mexican cuisine in an upscale dining location. MASALA Y MAIZ ($$$) Calle Marsella 72, Juárez Fantastic Mexican and Indian fusion - it can get a little loud in here with the music jsyk! ROSETTA ($$$) Colima 166, Colonia Roma Norte 06700 Cuisine is based on a deep respect for Mexican ingredients and one of Aunt Nina's favorite spots. Botánico ($$$) Alfonso Reyes 217, Colonia Condesa Modern Mexican with fresh seasonal dishes.
Good (Casual) Eats
CAFE NIN ($$) Havre 73, Juárez, CDMX Chic cafe serving pastries, small plates & sandwiches alongside a thoughtfully sourced wine list TACOS AL CARBÓN. LOS PICUDOS ($) 230 Moras, CDMX 03200 Quick and cheap hole in the wall known for amazing tacos and salsa. FONDA MARGARITA ($) 1364 B Adolfo Prieto, CDMX 03100 Famous breakfast spot! Line up early; Fonda Margarita typically runs out of food by 10a TACOS EL HUEQUITO ($) 21 Ayuntamiento, CDMX 06050 A 59-year-old hole-in-the-wall restaurant with famous tacos al pastor (pork). JENNI’S STREET QUESADILLAS ($) 83 Merida, CDMX 06700 Literally a woman that posts up on the corner of Colima and Merida every day around 11a. EL MORRO CHURROS ($) Many locations You can't go to CDMX without enjoying some churros and horchata NEVERIA ROXY (Condessa) ($) Avenida Mazatlan #80, CDMX 06140 Old school ice cream parlor that makes its own ice cream and sherbet onsite, including tropical flavors as zapote (sapodilla) and guava
Great Drinks
Deleted Souls: Super cool cocktails, fantastic atmosphere - cash only Handshake: #1 on the World's 50 Best Bars list - definitely a bit more expensive than others Hanky Panky: Mexico City's first speakeasy bar. No. 13 in The World's 50 Best Bars Alquimia Cafe: Next to Hanky Panky - great coffee based drinks Ticuchi: A little pricier, but really unique drinks, fantastic food and great atmosphere Falling Piano: A cool craft brewery for those looking for beer instead Rayo: THE it cocktail bar in CDMX right now - get a reservation Baltra: Ingredients were super inventive and great flavors - smaller neighborhood spot Kaito del valle: Japanese post-punk, kawaii grunge bar known for their pop culture cocktails like Godzilla and Pikachu Tokyo Music Club: Cocktail bar known for their vinyl collection Casa Prunes: Their chamonille daiquiri is amazing, so is the chile morita negroni Bosforo: Very heavy on the mezcal here - with great bites (try the bone marrow)
Even More Great Drinks
Colmillo: Amazing cocktails, apps and steaks located on one of the busiest streets in Polanco Licorería Limantour: World famous cocktails in Roma Norte (maybe a little pretentious LOL) Supra: Rooftop in Roma Norte, highly recommended for endless views of CDMX Cafe de Nadie: A chic and upscale coffee shop during daytime and a cocktail bar in the evening Páramo: A nighttime cantina with great drinks, food, and music located in Roma Norte Balmori: Rooftop restaurant and bar in Roma Norte, set on top of the traditional publishing house Felina Bar: Located in Condesa, a specialty cocktails bar with a little bit of a Mad Men feel Miralto: Famous bar and observation deck in Centro Historico with amazing views Cantina Tío Pepe: Set on a corner in the two-block Chinatown area in Centro, this old cantina is a local favorite La Ópera: One of the most storied bars in Mexico City history known for its classic tequila service
Dancing
Keep in mind, some spots require a res here in CDMX! Freek Nuu: Heavy on the R&B here Blaq Planet: Afrobeats and Hip Hop - all around great vibes Diaspora: Hip hop, reggaton, and dance hall Cometa Disco: Very aesthetic with melted candles and disco balls - head here for house music Jardin Paraiso: Think Rainforest Cafe if it blasted reggaton and hip hop Loo Loo: For ravers who love electronic music, deephouse and technohouse Departmento: More relaxed electronic beats - with a little Spanish flair thrown in Funk Club: Intense laser light shows - funky, disco and garage house Yu Yu: House and electronica - hidden in the basement of a bar La Puri: 🏳️🌈 - More pop music focused, drag queens don't come on til quite late (like 2am late)
Perfumeries
Mexico has an incredible fine fragrance scene that marries culture and artistry - Vogue considers it to be one of the THE up and comers in the space. We both are BIG fans of beautiful colognes and perfumes and have listed a few spots where you can partake as well! We will admit these bottles can be a bit pricey, but the scents alone are incredible even just to sniff. Xinu The biggest player in the Mexican scent space with gorgeous bottles Alejandro Dumas #161 Polanco Fueguia Córdoba 25, Roma Norte Arquiste Scents carried in Casa Caballeria Havre 64, Juárez ___________ Unfortunately these last two no longer have physical stockists at the moment in CDMX, but check out their sites: House of Bō https://houseofbo.co Eauso Vert https://eauso.com/