Mexico City
Mexico City has quickly become one of my favorite cities, even after just one visit (so far). It’s a place where rich Mexican culture meets the energy of a vibrant city. In many ways, it reminded me of Europe, with its walkability, stunning architecture, and endless things to do.
I visited in December 2025 for a long weekend (Thursday through Monday) during Christmas, and it felt like the perfect amount of time to get a good taste of the city, literally. This city made me fall even deeper in love with food. And as a Mexican-American, the experience held an even more meaningful place in my heart. It felt like a deeper connection to my roots in a way I hadn’t experienced before.
But truly, the food is that good. I didn’t have a single bad meal while I was there. From local street vendors serving tlacoyos and tacos to more upscale dining experiences like Baldío, everything was exceptional. And the pastries? Absolutely unforgettable. I grew up eating pan dulce, so getting to try it fresh and authentic, especially the conchas felt both nostalgic and elevated at the same time.
Considering it’s only about a four-hour flight from Los Angeles, I’m honestly surprised I hadn’t visited sooner. If Mexico City isn’t already on your list, it should be. Use my guide below for where to eat, stay, and explore while you’re there.
Where to Stay
A stylish, design-forward hotel located in the heart of La Condesa, one of Mexico City’s most charming neighborhoods (more on this below). I’d easily rate my stay here a 10/10. I especially appreciated the well-appointed rooms, comfortable beds, peaceful nights, and welcoming staff.
The hotel features several on-site dining options, though I didn’t have a chance to try them as I was too busy exploring the city’s food scene. The gym is moderately sized and includes a dedicated yoga room, which I loved. I also treated myself to a massage that was incredibly relaxing.
Overall, the hotel strikes a nice balance that feels equally suited for families and couples looking for a more elevated, laid-back stay. I would absolutely choose to stay here again.
Where to Eat
Every once in a while, a restaurant comes along that changes the way you think about food, and for me, that was Baldío. It highlights Mexican cuisine through a creative, modern lens. According to its website, it is the first and only Michelin Green Star restaurant in Mexico due to its zero-waste and a strong emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
You won’t really find flavors like this anywhere else in the city. For starters, I highly recommend the corn focaccia and the charred kale salad; the accompanying sauces are heaven. For my main, I had the yellow corn tamal, which was the softest, most decadent tamal I’ve ever had. And as always, when I travel, I couldn’t skip dessert—the chocolate sandwich is a must.
Reservations: Recommend booking in advance.
If I could, I would fly back to Mexico City just to go back to Voraz. My husband and I ended up eating too much during the day leading up to our reservation, so we were full by the time we sat down. We ordered a few sides and the Taco McAllen, a beef taco made with a flour tortilla inside and a crispy corn exterior. And honestly, it was incredible. We sat there the entire meal wishing we could magically create more space in our stomachs, just so we could keep ordering.
Reservations: Recommend booking in advance.
A popular, cozy restaurant in La Condesa serving all-day comfort food. I originally chose this spot to try the chilaquiles, but our reservation was just past the breakfast cutoff at 11:00 a.m. Instead, I ordered the ceviche, which was good, but my husband’s short rib tacos completely stole the show and was easily a 10/10.
Reservations: Recommended, especially for brunch and peak hours.
A cozy yet refined Italian restaurant located in Roma Norte. Led by Italian chef Massimo Bottura, Sartoria focuses on handmade pastas crafted with seasonal ingredients. I ordered the tortellacci, which were stuffed with shrimp and came highly recommended—and they absolutely lived up to the hype.
Reservations: Recommended
Trendy, casual spot in Roma Norte serving handmade, Neopolitan-style pizzas. The crust is light and airy, with a really nice depth of flavor which exactly how I like it. It’s a great lunch stop, especially if you plan to keep wandering through the nearby streets lined with local shops and cafés.
Reservations: Recommended, but not required. Walk-ins are possible, though there may be a wait during peak hours.
A must-visit if you’re a taco lover. Tacos Atarantados is a local favorite that originally expanded from Monterrey and brings a slightly different style of tacos compared to what you’ll find elsewhere in CDMX. With multiple locations across the city, it’s an easy spot to fit into your itinerary. The best way to describe it is simply the flavor; everything is bold, satisfying, and full of character, whether you order tacos or fries.
Reservations: Walk-in only. It can get busy, especially during peak dining hours.
If you search “best tacos in CDMX,” Maizajo will almost always come up. This Michelin-recommended concept functions as a research project, a tortillería, a taquería, and a restaurant all in one. Often described as a “corn temple,” it celebrates heirloom Mexican corn through traditional nixtamalization, fair-trade sourcing, and a deep respect for ingredients.
The taquería on the ground floor is standing-room only, but that’s part of the experience, as you can watch the tortilla-making process in real time. I highly recommend the ribeye taco with crispy shoestring fries inside and the agua de jamaica (pictured above). Upstairs is a full restaurant with a separate menu, which we didn’t try on this visit.
Reservations:
Taqueria: No. Usually has a line outside, but it moves quickly.
Restaurant: Recommended.
This is more than a restaurant as it also functions as an art gallery, library, and wellness space, set in the former horse stables of a home designed by architect Luis Barragán. The design thoughtfully preserves the natural geology of the area, which you immediately notice upon entry, with a glass floor revealing volcanic rock formations beneath you.
Located in the Jardines del Pedregal neighborhood, about 30–45 minutes south of La Condesa, it’s an easy Uber ride from most central areas. It is directly adjacent to another Barragán masterpiece, Casa Pedrega, and you can book a private tour of the house and follow it with a meal at Tetetlán.
We came for breakfast and had the chilaquiles, which were excellent. A basket of pan dulce is also brought around for you to choose from, which makes the experience feel even more special. Like many other CDMX restaurants, the kitchen focuses on sustainable, local ingredients, so you can’t go wrong with anything you order. This was one of the most unique dining experiences of the trip and is absolutely worth a visit.
Reservations: Recommended, especially for breakfast and weekends.
Intimate and cozy cafe located in the Juarez neighborhood of CDMX. It is owned by the same group that owns the world-famous Panaderia Rosetta, so they are definitely known for their pastries!
We arrived around 10:30 a.m., hoping for chilaquiles, but they were already sold out. Instead, I ordered the huevos en mole, which were still delicious and beautifully balanced. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients in every bite.
Reservations: Not typically required for breakfast or brunch, but expect a short wait during peak hours.
Where to Get Dessert
I visited Pasteleria Ideal as part of the food tour I did (see below). It is a local bakery with a massive selection of traditional Mexican pastries, including pan dulce and conchas. The process is simple: grab a tray, choose everything you want, then head to one counter to have it priced and packaged, and another to pay. Of all the panaderías I visited, this one stood out the most because it felt authentic.
A more modern panaderia located in Roma Norte Gala offers beautifully crafted pastries in a thoughtfully designed space. It’s on the smaller side, but no matter where you sit, you can watch the team preparing fresh pastries in the open-concept kitchen, which adds to the experience.
A true Mexico City staple, El Moro is known for its freshly made churros and rich hot chocolate. The original location is in the Centro Histórico, though you’ll find several outposts across the city, making it easy to stop in whenever a churro craving hits.
Sites to See
This is a historic castle that previously served as the site for the military academy, a residence for the Austrian archduke, Maximilian I, and a presidential home. Now, it houses the National Museum of History. Situated atop Chapultepec Park, you can find gorgeous panoramic views of the city.
This museum showcases Mexico’s evolution from the Spanish Conquest to the 1920 Revolution. A ticket will get you entry to see the grand imperial rooms, beautiful gardens, and a collection of artifacts, paintings, and historical documents.
Museo Nacional de Antropología
Regarded as one of the world's premier archaeological institutions, this museum is dedicated to Mexico’s diverse pre-Columbian heritage. It has a massive courtyard and specialized halls that offer a deep dive into the civilizations that shaped the region before European arrival. I wasn’t able to see this place myself yet, but have it on my list for my next trip!
This is a stunning cultural landmark in Mexico City that serves as the city's primary opera house and concert hall. You can also find murals by the likes of Diego Rivera. It is located in the Centro Histórico so you can’t miss it.
Located in the "Blue House" (Casa Azul) in the Coyoacán neighborhood, this was the lifelong home of the celebrated artist Frida Kahlo. The museum preserves her personal belongings, folk art collections, and several of her paintings, providing an intimate look at her creative process and the physical challenges that influenced her work. I really wanted to see this museum when I was in CDMX. However, by the time we looked for tickets, they were already sold out. Definitely get yours in advance!
Things to Do
Go on a Food Tour
For a more authentic food experience, I highly recommend doing a food tour when you’re in CDMX. It’s an incredible way to connect with local vendors and learn the history behind street staples like tlacoyos and esquites. I did the “Downtown Food Tour” with Mexico Underground and can’t recommend this one enough. Our route included traditional panaderías, several taco stops, and ended with churros—giving us a true taste of the city in just a few hours.
Coyacan Market
This is a lively local market with various stalls selling artisanal crafts, fresh foods, and seasonal fruits. You can find things here, such as unique fruits that you may not have heard of or can’t get in the states.
Walk Around
Some of my favorite memories in CDMX, outside of the food scene, came from simply wandering through its charming neighborhoods. Two areas I especially recommend are Colima Street in Roma Norte and Amsterdam Avenue in Condesa, both known for their tree-lined streets, boutique shopping, and cozy cafés.
On my list for my next trip…
Sites:
Xochimilco’s Chinampas floating gardens tour
Tolantongo Caves
Pyramids of Teotihuacan
Places to workout:
The Mat MX
Blanco Yoga
Restaurants:
Tacos de Valle
Pujol
Masala y Maiz
La Once Mil
Panaderias
Panadería Rosetta
Odette