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Writer's pictureShelly Maffia

An Insider’s Guide to Where to Eat, Stay & Play in Mexico City

Updated: Jul 10

Entrance to hotel La Valise Mexico City
Image courtesy of La Valise Mexico City

Welcome to Mexico City, a vibrant metropolis perched 7,000 feet above sea level. This city is a fascinating blend of ancient and modern, built atop the historic ruins of Tenochtitlán. The legacy of the Aztec capital, conquered by Hernán Cortés in the early 16th century, is woven into the fabric of CDMX, where ancient ruins sit beside Spanish cathedrals and cutting-edge art museums.


Mexico City is a living, breathing history book, adorned with stunning architecture, lush green spaces, trendy shops, and some of the best cuisine on the planet. Here’s a glimpse into what makes this sprawling city so enchanting. With so much to explore, you’ll probably want to come back again and again. Reach out to me for a personalized itinerary that matches your interests, style, and budget, ensuring you make the most of your visit.


Need to know:


  • Currency: Mexican peso (MXN)

  • Language: Spanish

  • Airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (MEX)

  • Transportation: Use official taxis (from designated stands or arranged by your hotel/restaurant) and Uber Black for reliability.

  • Best Time to Visit: Year-round

  • Ideal Length of Stay: Perfect for a three- or four-night stay or a long weekend, though you could easily add it to a longer Mexico trip.

  • Signature Dishes: Tacos al pastor, frutas en tacha, tlacoyos, elote, peneques, pozole

  • Key Phrases: Hola (hello), mucho gusto (nice to meet you), estuvo delicioso (it was delicious), qué tal (what’s up), gracias (thank you), por favor (please), salud (cheers)

  • Dress Code: Trendy and chic. Light layers are ideal for mild evenings on romantic terraces.


Where to Stay in Mexico City


Images courtesy of Casa Polanco


  • Casa Polanco: A sleek, contemporary 19-room mansion with gorgeous outdoor spaces. Enjoy VBS Travel’s VIP perks: $100 food/beverage credit, daily breakfast, room upgrades, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

  • Brick Hotel: A moody, chic, and sexy 19-room stunner. VBS Travel Perks include: $25 food/beverage credit, a welcome amenity, room upgrades, and late check-out whenever possible.

  • Hotel San Fernando: Hip, youthful, and effortlessly cool. Standard Secret Agent partner perks: $25 food/beverage credit for stays of at least three nights.

  • La Valise Mexico City: An eight-room gem in Roma with design-forward rooms. VBS Travel Perks: Welcome amenities, complimentary minibar beverages, and room upgrades whenever possible.

  • Las Alcobas: A Luxury Collection Hotel, perfect for couples and solo travelers. Marriott STARS partner perks: $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, room upgrades, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

  • Condesa DF: A 20-room hotel blending historic charm with contemporary interiors. VBS Travel Perks: Welcome amenities, daily breakfast, room upgrades, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Image courtesy of Brick Hotel
  • Sofitel Mexico City Reforma: A modern glass building with spacious rooms and massive bathtubs. Accor Preferred by HERA partner perks: $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, room upgrades, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

  • Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City: A classic with a central courtyard and fantastic restaurants. Book with me to access exclusive Four Seasons Preferred partner perks.

  • The St. Regis Mexico City: Luxurious with stunning views. Marriott STARS partner perks: $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, room upgrades, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

  • Andaz Condesa Mexico City: Vibrant and modern with Art Deco flair. Hyatt Privé partner perks: $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, room upgrades, and early check-in whenever possible.

  • Hyatt Regency Mexico City: Comfortable and well-priced in lively Polanco. Hyatt Privé partner perks: $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, room upgrades, and early check-in whenever possible.

  • Mondrian Mexico City Condesa: Stylish and bold at the Condesa-Roma intersection. Accor Preferred by HERA partner perks: $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, room upgrades, and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

  • Colima 71: Art-forward boutique in Roma. Partner perks: Complimentary one-way airport transfer, welcome amenity, room upgrades, and guaranteed late check-out.


What to Do in Mexico City


Casa Estudio Luis Barragán & Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo


  • Museums and Historic Sites: Explore the Museo Nacional de Antropología for Mexico’s pre-Hispanic history, or visit Museo Nacional de Historia Castillo de Chapultepec. Art lovers should check out El Museo Tamayo, Museo Jumex, and Museo Soumaya.

  • Modern Design: Visit Casa Estudio Luis Barragán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and nearby Galería Archivo Diseño y Arquitectura and LABOR.

  • Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera: In Coyoacán, explore Casa Azul and Museo Anahuacalli. In San Ángel, visit Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo.

  • Centro Histórico: Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor ruins, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and Palacio Nacional for Diego Rivera’s murals. For a quieter experience, try Museo Mural Diego Rivera.

  • Lucha Libre: Experience the thrill of masked wrestling at a Lucha Libre match.

  • Eco-Tours: Explore the canals of Xochimilco’s Parque Ecológico.

  • Markets: Visit Mercado Roma and El Bazaar Sábado for unique finds.


Where to Eat in Mexico City

Pujol
  • Quintonil: Sleek tasting-menu hotspot by Alejandra Flores and chef Jorge Vallejo.

  • Pujol: Enrique Olivera’s exquisite tasting menu in chic surroundings.

  • Botánico: Leafy, local spot for excellent Mexican cuisine.

  • El Tigre Silencioso: Hip gourmet cantina with great food.

  • Azul Histórico: Fun refuel spot near Zócalo.

  • Em: Cozy, dimly lit restaurant for seasonal fare.

  • Galanga: Casual spot for great Thai food.

  • Sartoria: Trendy place for refined Italian cuisine.

  • Rosetta: Michelin-starred restaurant with top-tier Mexican ingredients.

  • Pizzería della Madonna: Must-try for pizza lovers.

  • Havre 77: Sophisticated French dining.

  • Restaurante Máximo: Mexican food with French flair.

  • Lardo: Lovely, rustic-chic breakfast spot.

  • Páramo: Lively cantina with great tacos and vibes.


Above is just a taste of what Mexico City has to offer. For a custom-designed trip with VIP perks and insider tips, connect with me. I’ll craft your perfect CDMX getaway, tailored to your unique style and preferences.

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