Mexico City: Must Do’s
The iconic Casa Gilardi, by famed Mexican architect Luis Barragán.
You just landed in Mexico City; Where do you go first?
Mexico City is one of my favorite cities in the world; I have been lucky to visit 4 times thus far and leave every time with a dream of returning pronto! This lush city offers a vibrant food scene, some of the top museums in the world and cultural sights for days. It’s a perfect city to visit for a long weekend or longer stays, with plenty of grounds to cover. Stay in the neighborhood of Condesa or Roma Norte for the ultimate CDMX charm and see my list below for a few ideas of where to head first.
A meal at Expendio de Maiz Sin Nombre is an absolute must when visiting.
My love for Mexico City runs deep and I am always excited to share the magical places I have come across on my journey.
There is so much to uncover in this beautiful city located in the Valley of Mexico, at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 ft). Yes, you might even experience altitude sickness but I have found myself that this will be very subtle. The best months to visit Mexico City is generally considered to be March, April, or May as this period offers the most pleasant weather with warm days, cooler evenings, and less rain compared to the summer months, making it ideal for outdoor activities; however, it can also be a busy time for tourists. Now, let’s get into where you’re headed first on your stay.
Expendio de Maiz Sin Nombre is a must for an innovative and authentic Mexican meal. This unassuming restaurant does not take reservations and is first come first serve. My recommendation is to come early for breakfast to beat the crowds. Once seated they will ask about dietary restrictions before proceeding to bring you delicious dish after dish until you’re full; there is no menu. Remember to bring cash!
Parque Quetzalcóatl. This stunning park is situated about an hour drive outside the city and offers a unique insight into the imagination of Mexican architect Javier Senosiain.
Biblioteca Vasconcelos. A unique library in the Buenavista neighborhood of Mexico City famous for its captivating architecture. Dedicated to José Vasconcelos, the philosopher and former president of the National Library of Mexico.
Casa Gilardi. A stunning house designed by Mexican minimalist architect Luis Barragán. Appointments are by reservation only and time slots book up fast.
Hot Air Balloon ride. If you are not scared of heights I cannot recommend enough experiencing riding a hot air balloon over the Teotihuacan pyramids. There are multiple companies that offer these rides, I flew with Flying Pictures and had a wonderful time(book with the breakfast buffet to enjoy a traditional Mexican breakfast inside a cave)!
Teotihuacan pyramids. Situated about an hour outside the city, these temples are the oldest known ‘pyramids’ in the Northern hemisphere. They date back to the Olmec culture, one that is previous to the Aztecs.
Frida Kahlo Museum. A visit to the blue house is an absolute must to learn more about one of Mexico’s most important fine artists; Frida Kahlo. Buy your tickets in advance, directly from the official website. After your visit, make sure to check out the Coyoacan market nearby.
Chapultepec Castle. Located on top of Chapultepec Hill in Mexico City's Chapultepec park you will find the only castle to house royalty in North America. You enter for a small fee and can roam this beautiful castle that offers great views of both the city and the forest.
Ride a Trajinera in Xochimilco. You will find Xochimilco about an hour drive out from the city center depending on traffic. Here you can rent a Trajinera for 750 MEX (price is per hour for the entire boat, not per person) and you will be brought down the river to experience the ultimate party with music playing and some boats even carrying Mariachi bands. Great activity for groups. Again, bring cash!
Dinner at Choza. Immaculate vibes and delicious Thai-influenced food. Walk-ins only, open Saturday, Sunday and Monday(listening bar). At Choza, music is a priority, and there is a custom hi-fi system always grooving.
This list only scratches the surface of what Mexico City has to offer and I will be slowly adding to my list of recommendations in separate blog posts. You can can check out my TikTok below for more visuals from the above list, and feel free to go to my page where I share more frequent insights from my travels and adventures.