When it comes to art and culture, few cities rival what Mexico City has to offer. With over 150 museums, a never-ending list of events, and world-famous cuisine, the Mexican capital has grown into one of the hottest travel destinations. Additionally, its geographical location makes it a great option for American tourists, as a flight there can be as short as a couple of hours, making even a weekend getaway possible. Plus, there are so many highlights that you’ll keep wanting to come back.
Visiting for the first time can be overwhelming, particularly if you don’t speak the language. Luckily, we’re here to help. Here’s a list of favorites by both locals to Mexico City and visitors who have been drawn to the city’s charm multiple times. From trendy lodgings to exciting activities, read on for My Modern Met’s art and culture guide to Mexico City, and get ready to explore.
Where to Stay in Mexico City
Casa Polanco
Casa Polanco brings together the amenities of a five-star resort with the serenity of a boutique hotel. Located in a Neocolonial mansion from the 1940s across the street from Lincoln Park, Casa Polanco allows you to kickstart your day in the heart of one of the most beautiful and upscale areas of the city, surrounded by high-end restaurants and shops.
Octavia Casa
Located in Amatlán street, Casa Octavia offers a cozy hideaway in the middle of the bustling neighborhood of Condesa. With a minimalist atmosphere offset by wooden accents and plenty of plants, this small hotel celebrates the luxury found in simplicity. Casa Octavia only has six rooms, each named after an organic material.
Brick Hotel
Situated in a renovated mansion in the heart of Roma Norte, Brick Hotel is small and luxurious. Drawing from its Belle Époque origins, it boasts a neutral palette with art deco-inspired details, like its full-length mirrors and floor-to-ceiling windows. It also boasts a spa, a gym, and plenty of spots to drink or grab a bite.
Condesa DF
Located in the corner of Veracruz and Guadalajara, Condesa DF has a privileged spot in the heart of its namesake neighborhood. Its restaurants and bars, such as El Patio, are favorites among locals and visitors, creating a lively atmosphere almost every night of the week. Its views of Parque España and Chapultepec Castle are unbeatable.
Where to Eat in Mexico City
Contramar
A staple of Roma Norte, Contramar has turned seafood into a community experience. Created by chef Gabriela Cámara in 1998, this restaurant marries traditional dishes with innovative twists, luring everyone with its enticing menu from everyday locals to celebrities like Dua Lipa. Some favorites include pescado a la talla and tuna tostadas with chipotle mayonnaise.
Ling Ling
Just because you’re in Mexico City doesn’t mean you have to stick to Mexican food. As a global metropolis, there are plenty of top-of-the-line international offerings, like Ling Ling. Located on the 56th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, one of the tallest skyscrapers on Paseo de la Reforma avenue, this restaurant offers sushi rolls, nigiris, and sashimi, among other delicacies.
Taquería Orinoco
Taquería Orinoco is a contentious point for people who live in Mexico City, but a highly reliable spot at the end of the day. Originally from Monterrey, this taco chain arrived in the Mexican capital with its Instagram-ready locales and long lines. Regarding it as the best taco in town may be met with an eye roll, but it’s undeniably tasty and convenient. And there are vegetarian options for your pals with meat-free diets.
Quintonil
Created in 2012 by Alejandra Flores and Jorge Vallejo, Quintonil has long been a staple of the The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and a favorite in the Polanco area. Inspired by the myriad of ingredients found around Mexico, Quintonil has come to define contemporary Mexican cuisine. Constantly evolving, the tasting menu is always packed with pleasant surprises.
Must-See Museums in Mexico City
Frida Kahlo Museum
The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as Casa Azul (Blue House) is located in the home in the Coyoacán neighborhood where Kahlo was born, lived for most of her life, worked, and died. There you’ll be able to browse paintings and Kahlo’s personal objects, thoroughly chronicling the artist’s life. We recommend getting your tickets at least a month in advance, as they regularly sell out.
National Anthropology Museum
The largest and most visited museum in Mexico, the Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Anthropology Museum), houses the largest collection of pre-Columbian Mexican artifacts. Some of the highlights include the Aztec Calendar or Sun Stone, the Recreation of Pakal’s tomb in the Mayan wing, and ethnographic exhibits about present-day Indigenous groups. The building alone, designed by Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, is worth the visit.
Soumaya Museum
Located in Polanco, the Museo Soumaya (Soumaya Museum) houses the personal art collection of magnate Carlos Slim, and is named after his late wife, Soumaya Domit. Inside, it boasts a wide array of artworks from Rodin, Dalí, and Renoir in a circular display. However, its most alluring element is its curved, glittering facade, designed by Fernando Romero.
Jumex Museum
Located next door to Museo Soumaya is Museo Jumex (Jumex Museum), which hosts rotating contemporary art exhibits, drawing thousands of visitors a year and closing the gap between world-famous artists and the Mexican public. Recently, the museum welcomed a Jeff Koons exhibit and a retrospective on the work of artist Gabriel Orozco.
Museum of Modern Art
Should you want to see the work of as many Mexican artists from the 20th century as possible, the Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art) is the place to visit. Here, you’ll see the work of Frida Kahlo, Leonora Carrington, Francisco Toledo, José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, María Izquierdo, and Jorge González Camarena, among others, in a beautiful mid-century building.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
This art nouveau building has been a Mexico City icon since its opening almost 90 years ago. Known for its ornate facade, the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) boasts 17 murals by Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Rufino Tamayo, Jorge González Camarena, Manuel Rodríguez Lozano, and Roberto Montenegro, as well as two museums and three auditoriums.
Cultural Activities in Mexico City
Teotihuacán
Located about an hour north of Mexico City, the Teotihuacán Archeological Zone is a must-see for those hoping to better understand Mexico’s past. Teotihuacán thrived between 200 BCE and 650 CE before being abandoned for reasons not completely understood yet. The best option to get there is to take a bus from the Central de Autobuses del Norte (Northern Bus Station). Bring a hat and sunscreen.
Club Tengo Hambre Food Tour
If you’d like to take in the street food scene in Mexico City, but aren’t sure where to start, check out Club Tengo Hambre food tours. They’ll take you on a foodie adventure through authentic food stands beloved by locals. It’s also a great chance to share a meal with fellow visitors from all over the world.
Centro Histórico
A stroll around Centro Histórico, Mexico City’s historical downtown, is a must for any first-time visit, even if you just walk around to the Zócalo, the main square. Home to some of the oldest and most important buildings in Mexico City, we recommend checking out the Cathedral, the Postal Palace, the National Art Museum, and the National Palace. As general advice, try to stay west of the National Palace and south of República de Cuba street.
Biblioteca Vasconcelos
Designed by Alberto Kalach, Biblioteca Vasconcelos is a mind-boggling temple of books, and one of the most striking libraries in the world. Opened in 2006, Biblioteca Vasconcelos consists of three aligned structures of seven levels each, evoking a series of interconnected floating shelves.
El Péndulo
If you’re looking for a casual afternoon or the perfect book to join you on your Mexican getaway, pay a visit to El Péndulo. This chain of bookstores boasts striking designs, whatever branch you’re visiting. Book lovers can browse titles for hours on end, and if you make a purchase, you can get a coupon for their café, where they serve dishes named after famous authors.
Unmissable Events
Mexico City Art Week
Every year, in the first week of February, Mexico City Art Week turns CDMX into one big gallery. ZONA MACO is the largest and most famous art fair, gathering hundreds of artists from all over Latin America and the world. To check out emerging and exciting creators, pay a visit to Salón Acme, Feria Material, and BADA .
Music Festivals
Mexico City’s music festivals rival those of the rest of the world, and there are countless events for any genre of music you’re interested in. In February, the Electric Daisy Carnival gathers fans of electronic music, while Corona Capital, in November, brings the top names in rock and pop music to Mexico City. And that’s not even taking into account the dozens of shows of all sizes taking place all over the city every day.
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