With a population of over 20 million people, it’s no wonder Mexico City’s mesmerizing sprawl has a corner for every personality and has been the 2025 winter trend of travel.
Though I have been to many places in Mexico, the capital always seems so much farther than it actually is – yes, I know I’m a flight attendant and can look at a map, which I did, in July, after my partner approached me with the idea. Then, that nosy algorithm kicked in, and suddenly, everyone was in Mexico City eating and drinking and touring; we booked our accommodations and flights as fast as we could.
I don’t have a negative thing to say about Mexico City, other than, I wish we had longer/a car. For those of you able to branch outside of the city, the Teotihuacan archaeological site is much-talked about (I’ve seen Chichén Itzá in Yucatan and was blown away), and the Tolantongo Hot Springs are, as well. Both sites are a full-day visit and can be booked online or through Klook. As always, plan ahead for these tours. Another must-see, we didn’t get around to, is the Lucha Libre wrestling. Shows can be viewed at the Arena Mexico on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Again, plan accordingly, because we didn’t and left saddened we missed out (we will be back).
For those of you using your Chevrolegs, here’s everything we did in four days sans car (the public transportation is easy – just purchase a Metro card in any station using a card or pesos):
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK:
1) El Farolito: The only late night option for us after arriving late. No frills, yet bustling and bright with locals after midnight. El Farolito is a tried and true Mexican chain with menu items like nopal (cactus) tacos, Faroladas (a registered trademarked quesadilla using pita bread), and toasted, open-faced tortillas with your choice of meat and cheese. Best yet? The multitude of salsas, including a warmed tomato-based one that was beyond delicious; I think about it at least once a day. You can also order horchata and beer to wash everything down. For two of us, we didn’t spend more than $20 USD on two drinks and four dishes. Highly recommend for a late night bite.
2) ANOTHeR Cafe: Set in the quaint neighborhood of Hipódromo, ANOTHeR is a bustling cafe with a live DJ spinning for brunch and dinner next to the kitchen staff. One of the more unique coffee environments I’ve found myself in, and I’m so happy we stumbled upon it. I ordered the seasonal pepita latte with pecan milk and can honestly say it was the creamiest latte I’ve ever had. Other notable menu items include the middle eastern bowl and chilaquiles with ham and bacon. There is also an extensive drink menu in the evening including Mexican wines and tea infusions. Make sure to ask for a table outside and do some dog watching – there will be many.
3) Literally any vendor that sells chamoy mango/burritos: I mean, need I say more?
4) ARO Cafe: This quaint Roma Norte wine bar was the perfect stop after walking all day. Though we only had a delicious glass of Mexican Tempranillo, we could have taken several bottles to go, as well as mezcal, imported olive oils, and snacks from across the globe. If you’re hungry, the shop has a deli with artisan meats and cheeses to craft your perfect sandwich. Like most places in Mexico, you won’t break your bank. We left having spent only $15 on two glasses of wine.
5) Yeccan Restaurante/Cerveceria: Per a local friend’s recommendation, this brewery and restaurant was a highlight of cuisine for me. While I’m not much of a beer drinker, the rotating taps were impressive, including an imperial red, several stouts and sours, as well as a pastry lager. For kombucha fans and non-beer drinkers, there is a sangria kombucha available; it was delicious. For food, we ordered the Korean braised ribs, pulled pork taco with birria, and guacamole con chapulines (grasshoppers). If you’re anti-bugs in your food, I have nothing to say, save for, “grow up.” This is a newer spot in Roma Norte, so spots fill up quickly. Make sure to make a reservation for a spot outside, you won’t regret it.
6) Brewklyn Coffee & Bagels: Cafe culture is rampant in Mexico City, and where there are cafes, there are bagels aplenty. If your palate needs a cleanser, a well-rounded bagel with cream cheese ought to do the trick. I’m not much of a bagel person (I know, sue me), but I do love a glazed pastry, so I opted for an in-house pistachio roll the size of my head. Would I come here again? Probably, if I was in a hurry and starving. I can almost guarantee there’s another, better cafe just around the corner.
7) La Catrina: An inexpensive churreria with enough sugar to put the entirety of Mexico City in a diabetic coma. Choose from traditional or chocolate in amounts of 1-20, or blended drinks with a mini churro. If you’re hungry hungry, the menu includes burgers, tortas, quesadillas, and rellenos. This is definitely a fast food stop I wish we had in the US.
8) Ocelotl Tradicional Mexican Coffee: If you’ve found this spot, then congratulations, you’ve cleared the Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela. Hidden amidst the market, this grungy spot features an abundance of expertly-crafted Mexican coffees, as well as mezcals and tequilas. We went really bold with our order:
The above shot is black-wasp soaked mezcal. Traditionally, it was thought the poison from the wasp would elicit hallucinations. Sadly, I did not hallucinate, but I did enjoy the smooth flavor of the mezcal. I highly recommend this spot for the dog-watching (there are so many!!!!), as well as the very queer soundtrack (Gaga and ABBA on rotation). I could have spent an entire day vibing here. 20/10 recommend.
9) Farina: For me, crust is the crucial component in what makes or breaks a pizza. I need a little char atop a blend of crisp and doughy, and Farina gave me exactly that. These traditionally Neapolitan pizzas are left to rest and ferment for 72-hours, giving them a distinct flavor profile, unique to Mexico City. I highly recommend the artichoke and sun-dried tomato pizza, the truffle mushroom with mozzarella pizza, as well as the wood-fired bolognese lasagna, and the pesto arancini. If you’re like me and need to add spice to literally everything, Farina has an incredibly flavorful blend of table-side chili oil. There’s enough for you to be as liberal as you want on any and all dishes. End your night with a fig cake and vanilla gelato – you’ll head home happy you made this choice.
10) Cafebreria el Pendulo: I did not know I needed a bookstore with a full bar and restaurant, until stumbling into this late night find. As someone who spent high school weekends at Barnes & Noble, perusing until the sun went down, I could not believe my eyes as patrons sipped on margaritas, while reading the latest literature. Throughout the month, forums are held in each of the seven locations where you can learn art, music, and even talk to local authors.
11) Chiquitito Cafe: Yet another cafe with delictable pastries and freshly-ground, local coffee. Though we didn’t spend a lot of time here, we can recommend the gluten-free chocolate cake, the black and white concha, and the oat milk flat white – all for the price of $15 USD. Excellent!
WHERE TO CATCH A VIBE:
1) Walking Roma Norte (and honestly every neighborhood): Take your time, get lost in the vibrant colors, the music of the city, and the stunning architecture. Just make sure to have a charged phone. Or a charging block.
2) San Miguel Chapultepec Art Galleries: If you’re looking to bring home some local artwork for friends and family, San Miguel Chapultepec has a gallery on every corner. Art is supposed to speak to you, and so, we took our sign in the form of a cute dog bounding toward us on the sidewalk. Lita led us into Fervor, run by its owners: artists Euri Lorenzo and Arantxa Solis. Lorenzo and Solis combine gold leaf foil on canvas with paint. Though simple, the paintings invoke a sense of solace and otherworldliness, especially the landscapes; in them, I felt transported to another planet. Some of their paintings can be found on MOONI and retail for $70-$1700USD.
3) Chapultepec Park: This 1,700-acre city park is Latin America’s second largest, behind Chile. The fall weather and tropical rain married to create a peaceful environment of green foliage and crisp air. Because we were in Mexico during its celebration of the 1910 Revolution against Porfirio Díaz, the park was crowded with celebration, including old couples dancing near the Lago del Bosque de Chapultepec, cyclists, and families perusing the many vendors lined with food and tchotchkes. If you have time, I highly suggest laying a blanket down with a good book, and finding some time to unwind.
4) Pinguino Mexico: An art collective featuring sculptures from artists spanning Yucatan to Guanajuato. Starting in 2020, curators Renata and Santiago decided to travel Mexico in search of art that, “drove us crazy just by seeing them.” One step inside this eclectic store and you’ll know exactly what Pinguino is all about. My partner and I both left with fun sculptures we just couldn’t stop smiling about. I mean, look at this thing created by Michoacan artists:
5) Avenida Amsterdam: One of the most popular walkways in Condesa, Avenida Amsterdam is a little over one mile of art deco buildings and lush landscape for pedestrians to enjoy. The colorful scenery is perfect for the shot you’ll be sharing on socials for your friends to gawk over.
6) Jane Again Tattoo: After hunting the socials for local artists in Mexico City, we landed on Jane, a transplant from Moscow, whose unique blackout work stood out amongst the rest. Jane’s work can be seen below in the gallery. If you want a one-of-a-kind souvenir (she never repeats) made with precision and care, you can book through her Instagram.
7) Parque Mexico: Built in 1927 by Leonardo Noriega and Javier Francisco Stávoli Llamas, the Parque Mexico is another quaint park amongst the many strewn across the capital. I preferred this park to Chapultepec for its quiet. A big plus is being surrounded by trendy cafes and vintage stores.
8) Revuelta Queer House: A rooftop bar is to queer culture what sports are to the hets. And after matching with a cute local on Hinge, my partner and I were off to this very gay establishment set with erotic, red lighting and paintings of naked women. Notable menu items include the Mezcal Vulva with orange liqueur and a mint/worm salted rim, the Golden Showr with mezcal, hazelnut liqueur, turmeric, and a fennel flower, and most surprisingly, the chicken karaage. Sadly, we weren’t allowed to stay, because the bar was hosting a private party, but I could tell the vibes were just immaculate. We will be back!
9) Palacio de Bellas Artes: This stunning piece of architecture sits in the middle of Centro, beaming down toward its onlookers with an unmistakably neoclassical flair. If you’re into art museums, tickets can be purchased onsite for ~$5 USD. Check the official Instagram for up-to-date exhibits and events.
10) Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela: Enter this traditional market via its entrance on Emilio Dondé across from the Parque de la Ciudadela. This open-air market features 350 local vendors from 22 Mexican states selling artwork, clothing, food and drink, and even gag gifts to bring home. I felt like I was in a colorful labyrinth where every turn led us down a new alley with whimsy and panache. Eventually we made our way out, but not before spending a lot of time and money. I highly recommend this experience!
11) Palacio de los Deportes: A giant stadium highlighting sporting events, as well as shows, and, even…bullfighting? We happened to be in town for Cirque du Soleil’s OVO, a Brazilian acrobatic feat inspired by bugs with the most insane contortionist I’ve ever laid eyes on. Since we weren’t able to see the Lucha Libre, this was the next best alternative. As always, Cirque blew me away. If you somehow end up with OVO in your city, snag a ticket immediately.
12) Cueva Boutique: Local designer Tatiana Cueva is the brainchild behind this eclectic boutique/coffee shop. Cueva upcycles and reworks a wide array of materials to craft original pieces you won’t find anywhere but Mexico City. Because of the process, pieces range from $100-$2000 USD. Follow the Instagram for new drops, some of which can be purchased and shipped through the website.
I hope this was somewhat insightful in helping plan a trip to Mexico City. If you have any questions or comments. Please reach out at huangbaum@gmail.com. Thanks for reading!
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