Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico, City is truly a hidden gem. If you ever been to Europe, you would love Mexico City because it’s very similar (in my opinion). Mexico City offers so much art, culture and amazing museums. Everything is so reasonably prices for luxury upscale bars and restaurants. I remember walking into Handshake bar (speakeasy) and spending $20 (USD) for four mixology drinks. Mexico City is also a perfect place to do a Hot Air Balloon Experience.
Airport & Transportation
Hobby Airport or IAH Bush Airport (Houston main airports)
Uber or Lyft (transportation)
- United Airlines – Mexico City, MX (MEX) or Mexico City, MX (MLU)
- Uber (driver pick-up/drop off app)
Need to Know
- As a first step in planning any trip abroad, check the Travel Advisories to receive updated Travel Advisories and Alerts, at travel.state.gov/stayingconnected
- Check out the U.S. Department of State: Travelers Checklist
- It is important to keep in mind every country has its own laws and regulations, please be mindful of each country laws while traveling. For more information visit, Mexico City Laws- Local Laws & Special Circumstances
Frequently asked Q’s and Resourceful Information
- Do I need a Passport? Yes (make sure it’s updated and not expired)
- Do I need a Visa? No (If visiting more than 180 days, YES)
- Vaccinations? No
Bloggers Disclaimer — Please Be Advised Some Tours or Locations/ Restaurants Are Subject to Change/Close. I Recommend Double Checking Available Times and Spots for All Locations Listed.
Where to Stay?
(Most popular area to stay in is, “Polanco” and or “Reforma Roma”)
Please note: If you decide to stay at an Airbnb some host do have curfews
Airbnb’s
- Dream in Quetzalcoatl Nest 7 (VERY UNIQUE- outside of Mexico City)
- Penthouse Skyview Terraza Av. Refoma
- Breathtaking Duplex in the heart of the Roma
Where to Eat?
My Restaurant List
- Contramar
- Azul Historico Restaurant
- Nima Local House
- Tetetlan
- La Unica Polanco
- Cityzen Bar (inside Sofitel- great breakfast AM spot))
- Supra Rooftop (Popular- great brunch spot w/ view, book in advance)
- Takotl Restaurante Roma Norte (popular)
- Animal Masaryk (popular-A Magical Dinner)
- Parole Polanco (best seafood and carbonara)
- Romita Comedor (beautiful)
- Karpos Polanco (Mediterranean)
- IIios Greek Estiatorio Polanco (Mediterranean)
- Taboo Polanco (popular, same as in TULUM, MX)
- Burger House Atelier
- Los Danzantes Coyoacan
- Chamabao Polanco (beautiful)
- Sonora Grill Reforma (steakhouse)
- Sepia Cucina Italiana
Bars & Lounges
- Handshake Speakeasy (popular-must make reservations– months out)
- Hanky Panky Cocktail Bar (speakeasy through soda can machine- book reservations)
- Tokyo Bar
- LooLoo Studio (hip-hop)
- Toledo Rooftop
- Limantour Roma
- Gin Gin (Roma)
- Licoreria Limantour (Roma)
- Xaman (Zona Roma)
- Casa Franca (Roma)
- Fifty Mils (Four Seasons)
- Mano Santa Mezcal (Roma)
Tacos
- Taqueria Orinoco (Roma/Zona Rosa)
- Tacos El Califa (Reforma)
- Taco Naco (Insurgentes)
- El Tizoncito (Juarez/Condesa)
- El Huequito (Several)
- Beatricita (Juarez)
- Taqueria Gabriel (Cuauhtemoc)
Rooftop Bars
- Supra Rooftop (popular-MUST-book reservations early)
- Cityzen Rooptop Kitchen (popular)
- Toldeo Rooftop (Juarez)
- Fiera (Juarez)
- Palmares (Roma)
- Balmori (Roma)
- Jardin Paraiso (Roma)
Breakfast
- Lardo (Roma)
- El Cardenal (Centro)
- Ojo de Agua (Condesa)
- Maque (Condesa)
- Niddo (Juarez)
Drinks, food and ambiance
- Sonora Prime Grill (Reforma/Roma)
- Cambalache (Polanco)
- Blanco Colima (Roma)
- La Docena (Roma)
- Soul La Roma (Roma)
Local Restaurant Suggestions
Over the years, I’ve built close friendships in my professional career with clients that are Mexico City residents. Here’s a curated local list form local residents that live and or were born in Mexico City. I hope you escape the tourist gems and explore local restaurants / bars.
Mexican Regional
- Casa de Toño: pozole (Several)
- El Mexiquense: barbacoa (Roma)
- La No 1: cabrito (Roma Doctores)
- La Polar: birria (Roma)
Vegan / Vegetarian
- Forever (Roma)
- La Pitahaya (Roma)
- Vegamo (Roma/Centro)
- Fat Vegan (Roma)
- Gatorta (Roma)
Seafood and Drinks
- El Compa Chava (Roma)
- Fishers (Roma)
- La Zaranda (Roma)
- La Pescaderia (Roma/Cuauhtemoc)
- Merotoro (Condesa)
Fine Dining
- Quintonil (Polanco)
- Maximo Bistro (Roma)
- Rosetta (Roma)
- Masala y Maíz (Juárez)
Great Bites/Dessert
- Churreria el Moro (many locations)
- Joe Gelato (Juárez)
- Ice Cream Nation (Roma)
- Maison Kayser (Reforma)
What to wear?
Mexico City is a lot of walking especially in the Polanco Area, I definitely recommend wearing comfy shoes: sandals, sneakers, chunky low heels, etc. If booking the day trip to Tolantongo (full-day hot springs) be sure to pack swimsuits, towels, change of clothes and swim shoes. Also, you will need a water case for your phone.
Explore/ Things to do?
- Lucha Libre (fight night mask popular-purchase tickets early)
- La Ciudadela (Market w/ tons of artisan crafts/Souvenirs)
- Lagunilla (street market)
- Myst (Theater in polancosee a show)
- Pyramids of Teotihuacan
- Must-see Buildings & Palaces of Mexico City Tour
- La Torre Lantino Americana: Miralto (skybar), Mirador Torree Latino (Sunsets/viewing sky deck lookout),
- Sanborns de los Azulejos (restaurant, bookstore, store, pharmacy)
- XochimilcoTequlia, Mezcal & fun (boat ride)
- Bike Taco Tour
- Secret Mexico Bars (pub crawl)
- Hot Air Balloons (early morning booking)
- Tolantongo (full-day hot springs/subterranean caves)
- Churros Masterclass with Chef
**Note: pack swimsuits, towels, change of clothes, water phone case cover and swim shoes.
Museums
Travel Tips
- Bring small bills and peso bills to try some street food
- Double check the distances between your itinerary locations
- Book restaurants, tours, museums, bars/speakeasy’s in advance
- Always carry portable charger for your phone
- Go to the restroom in packs, if on a group trip
- Don’t take drinks from strangers
- Don’t leave drink un-attended
- Always be aware of your surroundings
- Don’t wonder off in unfamiliar territories
- Share location with a friend in area and back home
- Carry small or cross body handbags for women
- Carry hotel business card with to show driver, in case your phone and charger dies.
- Have Fun but don’t let your guard down