Backpack Mack

I will caveat this list with the fact that there is so much more to see in Mexico City and this will just scratch the surface if you have a few days to explore. That being said, here are a few of my favorite spots: 

To Eat / Drink 

• Panaderia Rosetta: The most delicious pastries, the guava danish is my all time favorite but there is a cinnamon roll type pastry that is a close second. 
• Contramar: Very popular seafood restaurant. Not necessarily cheap eats but good value for what you get. The whole fish (red & green sauce) is a must try. *make a reservation in advance
• Mariscos “Mi Compa Chava”: delicious seafood restaurant with lots of raw options. The ceviche or the tower are delicious alongside a michalada. 
• El Esquite Azul: This was temporarily closed when we visited, but on a prior visit they had really delicious exquisite and elote. On this trip I discovered that often the elote carts are only out in the afternoon so its nice to have a brick and mortar restaurant when a craving hits.  
• Los Cocuyos: The best cheap tacos in downtown Mexico City. The suadero are what they are best known for but they have every meat (and one or two vegetarian friendly options). 
• Taqueria El Califa: This is a chain but has great tacos and is open late. 
• Taqueria Orinoco: Similar to El Califa in that it is a local chain but simple menu and cheap, fast, yummy tacos. 
• La Casa de Tono: This is also a chain but serves really delicious pozole. 
• Baltra Bar: Cute cocktail bar in La Condesa neighborhood; expect US prices but better quality 
• La Clandestina: Cute cocktail bar in La Condesa neighborhood; expect US prices but better quality 
• Lardo: Delicious upscale restaurant in Condesa
• El Pujol: Very famous (and expensive) upscale restaurant on the edge of Condesa and Hipodromo neighborhood

Activities

• Bazar Resiliente: This was a new find! Its an artisan flea market only held on certain days. Check their instagram for upcoming events. 
• Centro Gallego de Mexico: Local flea market with vendors selling everything on Saturdays
• El Parian: This is a very cute walking street filled with boutique stores and restaurants. Candidly the stores were a little pricier than what I wanted to spend but the vibe is very cool. The general area of Roma Norte is similar.  
• Xochimilco: This is a day event, but you can get an uber about 45min to an hour from downtown and take the colorful boats out on the water. The boats are gondola style with a man pushing with a stick. This is best with a group of people and a cooler full of beer, snacks and tequila. There are mariachi bands that can board your boat to play for you or you can bring your own speaker. Basically it is a big party, especially on the weekends. 
• Frida Khalo House: This is a half day event given the distance from downtown AND requires advanced reservations. 
• Bosque Chapultepec: The central park of CDMX, I highly recommend riding ecobici bikes through and stopping at the museums in the park. 

Museums / Galleries 

• Museo Nacional de Antropologia: Incredibly rich museum filled with the history and culture of Mexican and Latin American people. 
• Cara de Planta Esculturas Vivas: Ceramics studio and store 
• Palacio de Bellas Artes: The palace of fine arts in Mexico City. This museum is located in a central square where vendors sell street food and there is an adjoining market in the park area. 
• Modo Museo del Objeto del Objeto: This museum has a rotating display but very cool and topical exhibits in a great location for strolling. 
• Museo Soumaya: The building itself is a display but inside there is an extensive art collection. 

Hotels

• Hotel Condesa DF: Very cool design hotel in an excellent location in Condesa. 
• Umbral Curio Collection by Hilton: If you are looking for a trendy hotel downtown this is the spot. There is even a rooftop pool and bar. 
• The St. Regis Mexico City: A bit of a splurge but if you have the hotel points this is top notch and located right next to the park. 
• Four Points by Sheraton Colonia Roma: Standard hotel in a good location