Let me first start with the postivies - Mexico City is a perfect city for a weekend of eating and drinking. The food is delicious and the locals are friendly. 

However, Mexico City fell short for us because

1. It’s not that cheap. Prices have steadily been rising. Tacos are fantastic and still only $1-3 or so, but many of our meals out matched New York prices. 

2. It’s filled with other Americans… I know, I’m a snob, but this is my travel website and I will be truthful where my priorities are!

3. We got food poisoning. Maybe this is what tainted it for me, but Montezuma definitely had his revenge.

Mexico City has become basic, and I stand by this. That being said, it’s worth going for a weekend, especially for a party weekend. Below is my hit list of basic and nonbasic things to do :) 

Also Disclaimer: We were working during the majority of our time in CDMX so we didn’t hit some of the other top activities (frida kahlo, luis barragan house, etc) but we did go to templo mayor and thought it was cool to learn about how it was discovered but wasn’t a top hit.

Ultimately, we pivoted to spend a week in Cabo and time in Querétaro / San Miguel which were both amazing!

Fancy Meals

1. Contramar - I complain about CDMX being basic and then I buy a Contramar sweater. That’s how good this seafood place is. 

2. Masala & Maiz - started by Americans and serve Mexican / Southeast Asian fusion. Super tasty and different.

3. Tezontle - less expensive than Contramar and Masala and Maiz, and still relatively unknown. Fantastic food the appetizers were not to be missed and they had a fantastic hibiscus cocktail.

4. Pujol - honorable mention because it was tasty but tbh not worth the price and would bag it!

Less Expensive

1. Churros el Moro - best churros I’ve ever had.

2. Had amazing tacos from Jeni’s (went here several times in our few days)

3. There’s this food called Gorditas (little fatty) and it’s a mix between a pupusa and a taco. Fantastic fantastic fantastic and only a dollar from this place

4. Rosetta Bakery - also a basic pic but MAN they had this blueberry focaccia type bread that blue my mind. Quite memorable and went back for seconds.

Our time in Mexico City was relatively tame, so we didn’t go out much! I’ve included my trusted friends’ recs if you’re looking for more of a pachanga.

1. Licorea Limantour (I liked the Roma location, amazing gin & mezcal)

2. Gin Gin Bar - great cocktails, gin focused but has other options

3. Departemento

4. Hanky Panky speakeasy

5. Patrick Miller (club for dancing)

6. Casa Franca (jazz bar)

7. Rooftop Hotel Condesa DF

8. Cicatriz (natural wine, bites)

9. Paramo

1. Pyramids (half day tour). We did a hot air balloon over the pyramids in teotihucan and it was such a highlight for me. SO cool and beautiful, felt like a wonder of the world bucket list item for me.

2. Lucha Libre - hysterical wrestling and was quite a show

3. Taco & Mezcal Tour - we did a fun tour and the mezcal was delicious. Highly recommend.

4. Mercado de Antigüedades - really amazing antique market that was recommended to me by my friend Georgia! It’s an outdoor market with great pieces and furniture.

5. El Castillo de Chalpultapec - picturesque castle in middle of CDMX’s largest park, Chapultepec

6. Anthropology Museum - overview of Mexican and world history

More things to do!

1. The Frieda Kahlo Museum in Coyoacan, and the Diego Rivera studio and Leon Trotsky house

2. Luis Barragan house - amazing architecture

3. Casa Bosques - collection of boutiques and art

4. La Langunilla - open air market on Sundays

5. La Ciudadela - artisinal market with art / decorations

6. Xochimilco - day drinking cruise

More food!

1. maximo bistrot - condesa (not too fancy)

2. blend station - good coffee/food and a place you can do work at

3. el tizoncito - birthplace of tacos al pastor

4. Restaurante Nicos - heard amazing things, super popular