Mexico City
Time of dwelling: December 2021, March – April 2024
Details
Payment – Mexico City is very apple pay and credit card friendly. You don’t need cash, unless you are going to smaller markets or paying for bathrooms. It’s always great to have some cash on hand, since there were a select few restaurants that were “cash-only”.
Tipping – Tipping culture is active here. Of course it’s not “necessary”, but nowadays 10% is considered a standard tip in restaurants and cafes.
Getting Around – I would consider CDMX to be very walkable if you’re walking within one neighborhood, but uber is available and is relatively cheap to use compared to the U.S. This is a great option for going between various neighborhoods.
Environment – If you’re sensitive to pollution, watch out! After a week of being here, I started developing sensitivity to the pollution and had to take allergy medications. It should be just fine for short stays, but make sure to rinse off, wash your hands and try to avoid the dust if possible!
To Stay
Mexico City has great Airbnb options, though I did find the housing here to be slightly more expensive than other cities I have travelled to, as the city requires vacation rentals to have a special vacation rental tax.
A few other options I have heard of, or stayed at if your budget allows:
I’ve never stayed here, but Outsite is a chain that provides colivings around the world. It’s pricey, but it may be worth checking out an Outsite branch in Mexico City if you’ll be staying here a while.
To Eat
MUST GO: Mind-blowing food
I’m a self-proclaimed foodie, and these were my favorite places that I’d run to if I was to return. I still think about these places on a regular basis.
Barron
They make their food with love, and you can see it in the presentation, creativity of their menu, and the music that they play. I’ve been here twice and I can’t wait to return. Get the french toast for dessert.
Odette
This is the best bakery I have ever gone to. Period. And that’s saying something, because I love exploring bakeries around the world. I even question sometimes if the baker at Odette invented bread. There’s not a single thing that is a miss at this place. Get their focaccia, the ham and cheese croissant, and if you like bananas, their banana bread is dense yet so moist!
Antolina
I recall coming here and really exploring what Mexican food really was all those years ago. I had Pozole and a tostada sampler, but it was beautiful presentation and great flavor.
Taqueria Orinoco
Great branding with the white tiles and bright red text, this place has lines out the door and I don’t know if I’ve ever seen someone visit CDMX and not post this spot. But this place deserves the hype, they put out solid, delicious tacos quickly and for a good price.
Comal Oculto
This place has three tables, and that’s it. The place has been mentioned on multiple foodie lists online, so it is quickly gaining popularity. It gets crowded because of the limited seating, so I recommend going before noon to snag a seat. When I overheard people nearby speaking, I heard them mention that they had come here the day before. People return to this place on the same trip – it’s that good!
Marigold
This was a trendy Indian/Mexican fusion spot that seats customers in one narrow venue. I loved the bright colors, but also the fact that their dishes were a burst of flavor, and that it brought two cultures together. I had a beautiful time here. Their chicken wings were great.
Balandra
My boyfriend and I worked from a cafe, then walked over here for some food. The menu was creative and extensive. We had a live performer singing while we ate. I’ll remember this spot warmly.
Mi Compa Chava Marisqueria
This is for all my seafood lovers. Come here! They have a large selection of seafood tacos, tostadas, ceviche, and shrimp dishes. My brother and my boyfriend got a gigantic seafood tostada, while I enjoyed my ceviche and fish tacos. There’s something for everyone here (as long as you like seafood). I did see a long wait on weekends, so try to come on the weekday if you can.
To Do
One thing about Mexico City is that there is something for everyone. Whether you want to dive into the culture, enjoy Mexican City life, or if you’re an art lover, there is so much for you to explore. Here are my favorite things to do, and the places that I have taken my visitors to check out.
Visit the Biblioteca Vasconcelos
Palacio de Bella Artes
Museo del Templo Mayor
Palacio Postal
Museo Nacional De Arte
La Laguna
Castillo de Chapultepec
Museo Nacional de Antropologia
Museo de Arte Moderno
Museo Soumaya
Casa Giraldi
Le Laboratoire
Frida Kahlo House
Coyoacan Market
Other Cultural Things to do:
– Watch a Lucha Libre Show
– Go on a taco tour
– Teotihuacan Pyramids