Publishing date: Mar, 05, 2021
To suggest that Mexico City, the 7th largest city in the world, is almost impossible to get to know in one lifetime, might be an understatement! It is a city deserving of multiple visits, whose rich cultural history permeates every aspect of life; the cuisine, the architecture, and the sounds; all distinctively Mexican, yet welcoming to anyone open to discovery.
If it seems like everyone you know is blowing up your Instagram Stories with their own Mexico City trips in recent years, you are not wrong! The city has evolved into a vibrant cultural travel destination thanks in large part to its dedication to urbanism and an abundance of thoughtful public spaces, an inventive and modern culinary scene, and a long tradition of influential contemporary art, that will satisfy travelers looking for something beyond the typical Mexican beach/resort vacation.
Music is an ever-present part of daily life in the city. Traditional Mariachi music is ubiquitous in any tourist area and you will hear modern Latin pop and rock on the radio spilling into the streets from every car, store, and bus you pass.
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DESTINATIONS
Frida Kahlo Museum/The Blue House
(Calle Londres 247, Colonia Del Carmen)
The house where the world’s most famous Mexican artist was born and died is an essential experience for any fan of contemporary culture and for anyone who ever went to art school! Located in the historic Coyoacán neighborhood and close to the amazing artisanal Mercado de Coyoacan (Ignacio Allende, between Malintzin and Xicoténcatl) The Museum is one most popular places to visit in the city, book your tickets in advance online, you’ll still have to wait, just not as long!
Canals of Xochimilco
(Calle del Mercado 133, San Jerónimo)
Xochimilco, ‘the Venice of Mexico’ is a truly unique experience. Rent a boat by the hour, be serenaded by live Mariachi bands, and order freshly made food and drinks from boats floating right beside you. Equal parts relaxing and equal parts party!
Casa Luis Barragan
(Calle General Francisco Ramirez 14)
It is impossible not to be moved by this masterpiece of modernist architect and pioneer of emotional architecture, Luis Barragan’s house and studio. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is extremely popular, and limited spots are available for the English tour, so book online ahead of time.
Parque Mexico
(Av. Mexico, Cuauhtemoc, Colonia Hipódromo)
Speaking of those aforementioned thoughtful public spaces, this park is one of the most beautiful and relaxing refuges from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated in La Condesa, a charming and walkable neighborhood with many Art Deco buildings. Take a loop around lush Amsterdam Avenue and imagine your potential new life as a resident of Mexico City!
Museo Jumex
(Avenida Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 303, Miguel Hidalgo)
One of the largest private collections of contemporary art in Latin America – featuring some of the heaviest hitters in the contemporary art world, housed in a striking building designed by British architect David Chipperfield, a work of art itself.
EATS & DRINKS
Rosetta
(Calle Colima 166, Roma)
Perhaps the most beautiful restaurant in the world, located within a renovated colonial-era townhouse in the Roma neighborhood. The menu is Italian with a Mexican sensibility and changes seasonally. For a very special occasion, or just to live your best life, and give yourself the gift of a magical dining experience!
Hotel Condesa
(Avenida Veracruz 102, Colonia Condesa, Hipódromo)
Even if you can’t afford to stay in this boutique hotel, head up to the rooftop bar for a relaxing day-time drink (tequila!) and a fantastic view of the tree-lined streets of Condesa. Bonus: they have a sushi menu!
Tortas Al Fuego
(Avenida Sonora 205, Colonia Condesa, Hipódromo)
Cheap, casual hole in the wall with delicious tacos, tortas (Mexico’s version of the Italian sandwich) and open all day. A local spot (so brush up on some Spanish ordering skills) and definitely order the tacos al pastor.
NIGHTLIFE
Patrick Miller
(Merida 17, Colonia Roma)
Hidden behind an unassuming warehouse façade, every Friday night (the only night it is open) the space becomes a wild disco party, complete with dance-off style battles! Drawing a diverse, mixed crowd, the dancers who take up the spotlight do not come to play. Best seen to be believed!
El Plaza Condesa
(Calle Juan Escutia 4, Colonia Condesa, Hipódromo)
A 1600 capacity concert venue right in the heart of Condesa that plays host to buzzy international acts that you probably wouldn’t get a chance to see in such an intimate venue in your hometown, as well as regional artists about to hit it big!
Local party collective who throw dance parties with a rotating lineup of DJs and special guests, both local and international. Location and guest list are somewhat of a secret, you have to RSVP to the Facebook page with a message to get in, so don’t forget to download Google translate!
SHOPPING
Tianguis Cultural del Chopo
(Cuauhtemoc Buenavista 06350)
Mexico has a well-documented love for all rock subcultures and The Smiths, and these aesthetic choices culminate here at the city’s goth-punk-metal-etc-themed flea market. Only open on Saturdays, you’ll find some definitively underground live music, vinyl, and band t-shirts galore.
Retroactivo Records
(Jalapa 125, Colonia Roma)
A comprehensive and well-priced selection of used vinyl in every genre, located in Roma. Be prepared to dig! And if the thrill of the hunt isn’t your thing and you are in the neighborhood, head over to Roma Records (Álvaro Obregón 200 Bis 1, Col. Roma) for the latest releases and reissues.
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