One of the most frequently asked questions I get from my community is “I’m visiting CDMX for the first time — what should I do?!” I’ve always directed everyone to my saved Instagram story highlights, but after 6 years of traveling to Mexico’s beautiful capital, I figured it was finally time to release a comprehensive guide of everything you must do in Mexico City.
I’ll start by reiterating that when it comes to travel, I’m a city girl through and through. Once in a while, I like to dabble in a resort getaway, but I’ll always be drawn to the hustle and bustle of a metropolitan destination. And that is exactly why this city has captured me wholly. I’ve highlighted some of my all-time favorites when it comes to eating and imbibing, but I also wanted to include some must-experience sights and activities. Happy planning!
Restaurants
Contramar: This should come as no surprise, but dare I say this just might be the most perfect restaurant in the world. I make it a point to dine here every time I visit, and somehow each experience gets better and better. If you’re not able to snag a reservation here, I’d try arriving 10-15 minutes before they open. I’ve done this the last few times and had no issues getting seated right away! I also recommend coming for lunch—I’ve never dined here for dinner but this is definitely more of a daytime spot. Below are the must-order dishes when you finally make your way over to this institution.
Tostada de Atún: No matter what you do, this is a MUST order dish. The ingredients are ever so simple (marinated tuna, chipotle mayo, crispy leeks, and fresh avocado), and the dish is consistently one of the best bites of the trip.
Pescado a la Talla: This is the iconic whole grilled fish cooked with their homemade rubs. I’d recommend ordering the Contramar style—half with red adobo rub and the other half with parsley rub. It’s hard to pick a favorite style because they’re both truly so delightful. They recommend ordering 1 kg for two people (and the final price depends on the weight of your fish).
Fig Tart: This is a truly perfect dessert—sweet, tender, ripe fresh figs atop a tart with a delicious cookie-like, buttery crust. I could eat 3 of these in one sitting. Please make sure you save room for this as it’s totally deserving of its hype.
Meringue with Fresh Strawberries: I’m not usually huge on meringue desserts, but this one is definitely a knockout. There’s a plethora of freshly sliced strawberries, and the unsweetened whipped cream is airy, light, and addicting.
Máximo: This is a true culinary gem in CDMX. Located in La Roma, the space is low-lit and boasts a gorgeous half-open kitchen. The menu changes frequently and highlights seasonal ingredients. While the ambiance is upscale, it’s quite approachable and unpretentious. The service has always been excellent, and the food is consistently outstanding. It’s hard to recommend specific dishes given the rotating nature of their menu, but I believe there are a few staples that are always featured on the menu.
Sweet Onion Cooked in Whey (Comté Cheese, Cruffin): This is basically a French onion soup that’s been transformed into a spectacular dip. Served with a freshly baked cruffin, the indulgent dish is oozing with rich comté cheese. Order this for the table.
Jenni’s Street Quesadillas: It’s no secret the street food in Mexico City is perhaps some of the best in the world. This is a quintessential street food vendor—they do not accept credit cards, and you’ll have to make do with your broken Spanglish. Located at the corner of Colima & Merida in Roma Norte, the quesadillas here are, well, otherworldly. The blue corn tortillas are prepared fresh on the spot, masterfully pressed and grilled. Try a little bit of everything—and don’t sleep on the huitlacoche. Do be careful because the hot sauces here are not for the faint of heart
Mi Compa Chava: Another haven for seafood lovers, there are two locations (though I’ve only dined at the Roma location myself). To my knowledge, they don’t take reservations on weekends, but I believe they do accept them on weekdays. I’ve previously waited anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or so for a table—and trust me the wait is worthwhile. The menu is quite expansive and there’s an incredible array of seafood dishes to choose from. The restaurant transports you to a tropical Baja scene, and the cocktail list is equally as impressive as its food. The main event, of course, is the seafood, and while everything is outstanding, below are a few of my favorites.
Aguachile Verde de Camarón: I’ve ordered this a couple of times and it’s always bursting with so much flavor. It’s light and refreshing with a touch of acidity, and the perfect way to kick off your meal.
Costra de Camarón: This dish is quite honestly a thing of beauty. The exterior is perfectly crispy, and the flavors in the shrimp are masterfully balanced—a true crowdpleaser.
Galanga: If you’re somehow tapped out on Mexican food, I recommend a visit to Galanga Thai House. The restaurant itself is lush, vibey, and extremely photo-worthy, but the food also stands out. Get the Thai royal dumplings, panaeng duck curry, and any of the unique cocktails.
Churreria El Moro: A Mexico City institution with several locations throughout the city, this is a must visit churro shop when you feel your sweet tooth coming on. The churros are chewy, crispy, and simply addictive. The menu also offers eight different types of hot chocolate, as well as an ice cream sandwich option.
Blanco Colima: Set in a stunning and ornate mansion, Blanco Colima masterfully fuses the flavors of Europe and Mexico without being fussy or pretentious. Aside from the beautiful interiors, the food and beverage program here is quite superb. I recommend ordering a variety of the shared plates—trying out a different dish from each section (cold apps, hot snacks, vegetables, and seafood/meat). Their menu changes often based on seasonality, and the space boasts an inviting and convivial atmosphere.
Rosetta: This is another standout restaurant in a city blessed with a phenomenal culinary scene. Not only is the space absolutely a vision, but the food here is quite special. If you order one thing here, you absolutely must order the corn tamales with celeriac and smoked cream—it’s hard to believe something so simple could bless your palate in this way, but just trust me on this. There’s also a heavy Italian influence on the menu so make sure to order an assortment of fresh pastas that are sure to delight.
Expendio de Maíz: Another cash-only restaurant that doesn’t take reservations, as its namesake states, this spot puts corn at the very center of the dining experience. There’s a stunning wood-fired comal and stacks of clay pots in the narrow open kitchen, with the team serving up some unforgettable dishes. There’s no menu, but the staff can accommodate any allergies or dietary restrictions. You simply tell them how hungry you are, and they take care of the rest. The tortillas are quite unlike anything you’ve ever had in the U.S., and the whole experience is a must.
Páramo: While this isn’t necessarily the best of the best when it comes to tacos, the lively cantina is the ideal setting for sipping on well-crafted margaritas and snacking on approachable Mexican food. It’s centrally located, open late night, and offers a trendy atmosphere.
Taqueria Los Cocuyos: Located in Centro Histórico, this is an unassuming taco stand that is patronized by both locals and tourists alike. Served on perfectly grilled corn tortillas, each taco will cost you about $1 making this a true bargain. This is the quintessential street taco—topped with chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and a generous serving of meat. You can also make your way over to the condiments station and load up on fresh lime, salsa, and radishes. I personally prefer the suadero (brisket) and lengua (tongue), but I hear the longaniza (sausage) is also quite tasty.
Meroma: I dined here with a few friends on my most recent trip to CDMX, and I have to say it’s the perfect spot for sharing some small plates over fantastic cocktails. It’s a small and intimate space, yet airy and inviting. The shrimp toast and agnolotti with fresh cheese, mushrooms, thyme, and sage were to die for, and the carajillos here were also masterfully crafted.
El Turix: It truly saddens me to write about this spot as I no longer eat pork, but whatever you do, you have to visit this beloved gem located in Polanco. If you’ve never had cochinita pibil, it’s super juicy, tender, pork rubbed with achiote and citrus then slowly smoke-roasted. I wholeheartedly mean it when I say this is one of the best things I’ve consumed in my lifetime, and I find myself dreaming of this meal more times than I’d like to admit. The meat is served on panuchos, which are essentially open-faced tostadas smeared with beans. You can add red onions, a fresh squeeze of lime, and salsa to your panucho to round out the amazing flavors. Bonus points for being pretty much the only affordable restaurant in the otherwise swanky neighborhood of Polanco.
Restaurante Saks: I’ve only visited Saks for brunch, but the Mexican classics here are definitely sure to please even the pickiest of diners. Our hungover group ordered a little bit of everything, and were all impressed by the rich flavors and simple execution of the dishes. With 6 locations throughout the city, the San Angel location, in particular, is conveniently located adjacent to El Bazar Sábado, another must visit market that takes place every week on, you guessed it, Saturdays.
Bars
La Clandestina Mezcaleria: This is a dimly lit, trendy bar that offers a selection of 25 mezcals from different regions of the country, primarily from Oaxaca. The bartenders are super knowledgeable and the vibe is intimate and cozy. It’s a great spot to begin your evening.
Gin Gin: With an expansive menu highlighting 30+ gin labels, this bar boasts multiple locations throughout CDMX, as well as friendly and welcoming staff. I was a big fan of my “Little Bastard” cocktail, which was served with Bombay Sapphire gin, lime juice, ginger dash, basil perfume, fresh grapes, and tonic. They also offer a pretty robust food menu that’s perfect for snacking (though I haven’t tried the food myself), and it’s a great spot to start your evening.
Casa Franca: A multi-room jazz and blues bar with an unmatched ambiance in the heart of Roma Norte? Be right there. This is a fantastic bar with top notch live music, that’s open late night Tuesdays-Saturdays. I suggest making a reservation, but they do also accept walk-ins.
Traspatio: This is a beautiful, open-air restaurant located in Roma, and it’s a greenery-filled oasis serving up some unforgettable cocktails. Their avocado cocktail was one of the best drinks I’ve had in recent memory. I will absolutely be returning here on my next visit to Mexico City, and you should make it a point to try it for yourself.
Supra Rooftop: Providing 360-degree views of the city, Supra is a must-visit bar located in Roma Norte. The atmosphere is super fun and lively—I visited with a group of friends and had an unforgettable evening here. The crowd is quite international, and it’s a really great place to mingle and dance along to the talented DJs.
Cafés + Bakeries
Cafe Trucha: The pastries here are stellar, and the coffee is strong and bold. The space itself is adorable, and it’s a great spot to post up for a few hours and get lost in a good book or simply people watch.
Qūentin Café: There are four locations (Roma Norte, Condesa, Roma Sur, and Juárez), and each outlet is tastefully designed and welcoming. They offer good quality Mexican coffee, friendly baristas, and a dog-friendly environment—what’s not to love?
Niddo Café: Part of the larger group (The Niddo Group), this painfully adorable and Instagrammable café is effortlessly chic, with pale pink walls adorning the space. Their matcha was quite lovely, and I immediately fell in love with the charming interiors. I’ll definitely be making my way back to try their pastries next time.
Sightseeing + Activities
Museo Frida Kahlo: There’s not much of an introduction needed, but this an obligatory stop on your first trip to CDMX. The historic house/art museum is dedicated to the life and work of legendary artist Frida Kahlo, and located in the beautiful neighborhood of Coyoacán. Make sure to buy your ticket in advance on their official website.
Mercado de Coyoacan: One of the city’s most iconic markets established over 100 years ago, this massive market features stalls selling everything from produce, jewelry, textiles, to handmade art. Plan for a few hours here and go with a curious (and hungry) mind, as there’s plenty of delicious food vendors as well.
Xochimilco: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xochimilco is an area that is truly unlike anything you’ve experienced. There’s so much natural beauty, and there’s a reason this spot is so popular among tourists and locals alike. There are a number of available tours of Xochimilco, where the guide will take you along the floating gardens for a few hours on a trajinera. I’ve outlined some key points to consider for your visit:
Book with a reputable tour group. We purchased tickets through this Airbnb experience (which I’d highly recommend), and had such an incredible time.
Be prepared to drink. If you decide to book a similar group experience, there will be lots of alcohol and shots to be taken. Of course, you can tailor your experience however you please, but do keep in mind that this is a very lively, social setting.
Carve out at least an hour to travel from the central neighborhoods of CDMX. If I remember correctly, it took about two hours round trip to travel to/from Xochimilco—definitely make sure you plan appropriately to ensure you account for travel time.
Lucha Libre: This is truly a must-do activity when visiting Mexico’s capital. It’s a unique, quirky, and unforgettable cultural experience that’s quite a spectacle. The luchadores wear flamboyant masks, the crowd is ever-so animated, and the entire theatrical production is not to be missed.
El Bazaar Sábado: Located in San Ángel, about ~40 minutes south of the city, this neighborhood comes alive at the Saturday bazaar. The cobblestoned streets are undeniably charming, and the artisanal market is filled with local vendors selling art, jewelry, crafts, textiles, and more. Make sure to set aside some time to explore the neighborhood and take in the beauty of the colorful mansions.
Palacio de Bellas Artes: This is a spectacular cultural center that’s home to a theater, concert hall, and museum, featuring large murals by Diego Rivera and other famed Mexican artists. Located in Centro Histórico, this behemoth landmark building is rich in heritage and history, and a must-visit for any first timer.
Parque México: Situated in the ever-so charming neighborhood of Condesa, Parque México is a prime example of the importance of public parks. Boasting an expansive and well-manicured green area filled with dog parks, ponds, waterfalls, and beautiful Art Deco architecture, I could truly spend an entire day here relaxing in this urban oasis.
Soumaya Museum: This museum boasts over 60,000+ piece of art, primarily focusing on Mexican art, historical documents, and religious works. Deemed one of the iconic museums of CDMX, the giant silver building is also a striking marvel. It’s also completely free, making it perfect for any traveler regardless of budget.
Castillo de Chapultepec: Once a sacred site for Aztecs, this is one of the only royal palaces in North America once inhabited by monarchs. This opulent castle is perched high above the city, offering panoramic views of the breathtaking skyline. Reservations are not accepted so make sure to arrive early, as lines do begin to form about an hour before opening (they open from 9 to 5 on Tuesdays-Sundays).
Shopping
Revolver: There are plenty of cool vintage shops throughout the city and you could certainly spend a whole day exploring the many beautiful boutiques. Revolver has remained a favorite over the years, and they have a great selection of women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, and trinkets. The pieces are well-curated and prices vary.
Xinú Perfumes: This luxury perfumery is truly one-of-a-kind, and the Polanco boutique is absolutely a must-visit spot for any fragrance lover. The scents are unique, captivating, and bold, and even the packaging offers something to marvel at.
180º Shop: There’s plenty of up-and-coming (primarily) local Mexican designers featured, as well as unique home goods and accessories. This trendy boutique is located on a hard-to-miss bustling street in Roma Norte.
IKAL: This is a standout boutique in the heart of Polanco, with a unique curation of clothing, accessories, and home goods. The pieces are a bit on the pricier side, but the chances are good you’ll find some treasures you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Proyecto Rufina: Rooted in fair trade practices and sustainability, this local boutique sells gorgeous artisan goods ranging from clay pieces to organic cotton clothing. The monochromatic interiors are warm and welcoming, making it a worthy stop in Condesa.