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Cove Team
Cove Team
A true original yet constantly changing, a historic giant yet cutting-edge, a dynamic, bustling town yet sophisticated and chic, Mexico City is the only place where contrasts meet and find a way always to harmonise.
If you are considering the capital city of Mexico as a destination for your next adventure, then you are off to a great start. However, because Mexico City has to offer way too much to enjoy throughout one vacation, you’ll need our thorough guide to the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions in Mexico City to enjoy on your first visit to the Latin American beauty.
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Best time to visit Mexico City:
The best time to visit Mexico City is between March and May because the weather is at its best, and you can avoid the chilly winters and rainy summers. However, to catch the Day of the Dead, you might aim for late October when pink and orange take over the town.
Best hotels:
New Mexico houses all types and kinds of hotels, from world-class 5-star resorts to more budget-friendly accommodation options.
Here are some of the best hotels you can stay at in Mexico City:
- Hotel Downtown
Right in the middle of the historic city centre stands this 17th-century construction filled with modern luxuries. While there, check out the sweeping fresco by the Mexican muralist Manuel Rodriguez Lozano. Aside from a terrace restaurant and a rooftop pool, the rooftop of Hotel Downtown offers incredible views of the city’s beautiful skyline.
- InterContinental Presidente Mexico City
This hotel is for you if you are going for fancy and classy. Located in the upscale Polanco neighbourhood, the Intercontinental Presidente Hotel is near the town’s best shopping spots. Inside the hotel, you can enjoy fine dining at any hotel’s restaurants, including Au Pied de Cochon and Chapulin.
- Nima Local House Hotel
In the La Roma neighbourhood, Nima Local House features a classic Mexican-French fusion design called Porforoan architecture. Aligned with its design style, Nima offers open-air terraces, art nouveau-inspired wrought-iron railings, and a marble-lined breakfast nook. Thanks to its excellent location, staying in Nima Local House Hotel will put you quite close to multiple local parks, popular shops, and restaurants.
- El Patio 77
Housed in an 1890s historic mansion in the San Rafael neighbourhood, El Patio 77 is a cosy, charming 8-room hotel with rooms styled and decorated after different states around Mexico City. El Patio 77 maintains its luxury status while being one of the most eco-friendly hotels in Mexico City, as it has a rainwater collection system and a greywater recycling program. Some of the furniture is even upcycled.
Best Restaurants:
The Mexican culinary experience isn’t like any other. So bring your appetite along because you’ll need it, especially if you plan to visit any of the following restaurants.
- Comedor de los Milagros
Right from the heart of the La Roma neighbourhood, Comedor de Los Milagros takes you on a virtual trip all around Latin America with meals like Colombian aborrajados, Argentinian chorizo, and Mexican volcanoes. So, plan to visit if you like diving into Latin American cuisine.
- Café de Tacuba
The most popular restaurant in Mexico City’s historic centre, Cafe de Tacuba, is over 100 years old and is the go-to hub for presidents and artists alike. So, if you want to try an authentic traditional Mexican meal, you couldn’t pick a better place to dine.
- Pastelería Maque
This French-inspired pasterleria near the leafy Parque, Mexico, is where you want a relaxed, low-key, fancy brunch. Thanks to its large glass windows, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and its people while sipping your delicious cappuccino.
- Contramar
Contramar is usually picked as one of Mexico City’s best restaurants for serving the freshest seafood in town. The most recommended dishes are the tuna tostadas and the Pescado a la Talla, split in half and topped with red chilli sauce on one side and parsley sauce on the other.
Best Attractions and Things to Do
Mexico City is a city of many names, some of the world’s best artists, breathtaking nature, great food, and undeniably significant history. Therefore, there are countless things to see and do in this capital city of Latin America.
Here are some of the best ones to help get your Mexico City itinerary on track:
Palacio de Bellas Artes
One of the highlights of Mexico City’s most significant landmarks, Palacio de Bellas Artes, is famous for its immense murals painted by world-famous Mexican artists decades ago. This is in addition to the building’s arts centre and concert hall commissioned by Mexican President Porfirio Diaz.
Palacio Nacional
Aside from being the home to the offices of the Mexican president and the Federal branch of the Mexican government, the Palacio Nacional (National Palace) is also the home to the country’s most significant libraries: Biblioteca Miguel Lerdo de Tejada, as well as exceptional murals covering its walls. However, the Palacio Nacional is probably most famous for containing a collection of stunning artworks by Diego Rivera, one of the world’s most renowned Mexican artists.
Museo Frida Kahlo
You can’t make a trip to Mexico City without paying a visit to where the renowned Mexican artist and feminine icon Frida Kahlo was born, lived, and died. Casa Azul (Blue House), now a museum, lets you into the artist’s world and gives you a better chance at understanding the phenomenal painter. You can even closely examine the artist’s mementoes, personal belongings, and things that inspired some of her art.
Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo
A 15—to 20-minute car ride from Museo Frida Kahlo stands her other home, where she lived with her husband, Diego Rivera, and their architect and painter friend, Juan O’Gorman, from 1934 to 1940. Frida, Diego, and O’Gorman each had a separate house, but a hallway joined all the houses. As for the inside of the houses, Rivera’s abode preserves his upstairs studio with tools and papier-mache figures; Frida’s and O’Gorman’s, on the other hand, have been cleared out for temporary exhibits.
Catedral Metropolitana
Started in 1573, Catedral Metropolitana remained a work in progress throughout the colonial period. Therefore, it features what could be called a catalogue of architectural styles. 109m long, 59m wide, and 65m high, Catedral Metropolitana is one of Mexico’s most iconic structures and monumental buildings.
Neighbourhoods to Explore
Mexico City is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its distinct character and charm. One of the most popular districts for visitors is Coyoacán, a bohemian neighbourhood with cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and a vibrant arts scene. In addition to the Frida Kahlo Museum, Coyoacán is home to the Plaza Hidalgo and the Jardín Centenario, two lively squares surrounded by cafes and markets.
Roma and La Condesa are trendy neighbourhoods known for their tree-lined streets, Art Deco architecture, and many cafes, bars, and galleries. These areas are also hotspots for nightlife, with a wide array of rooftop bars and clubs catering to locals and tourists alike.
For a more traditional experience, the neighbourhood of San Ángel offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial past. Its narrow streets and charming plazas are filled with historic buildings and artisanal markets. The San Ángel Market hosts a vibrant art fair where local artists display their works every Saturday.
The Vibrant Nightlife
Mexico City’s nightlife is as diverse as its cultural offerings. Whether you’re looking for live music, contemporary clubs, or traditional Mexican experiences, the city has something for everyone.
Roma, La Condesa, and Polanco neighbourhoods are the go-to spots for trendy bars and nightclubs. Licorería Limantour in Roma is an internationally recognised cocktail bar, while Polanco’s Jules Basement is a speakeasy with an air of mystery. Meanwhile, El Palacio de los Deportes and Foro Sol are two of the city’s most prominent venues, hosting major concerts and events.
Visiting a cantina is a must for those seeking a more traditional Mexican experience. These lively establishments are part of Mexico City’s heritage, offering a mix of food, drinks, and live mariachi music. La Ópera is one of the most famous cantinas in the city, boasting a storied history and a bullet hole in the ceiling said to have been fired by revolutionary leader Pancho Villa.
Conclusion: A City of Endless Possibilities
Mexico City is where history, culture, and modernity converge in a seamless blend of sights, sounds, and flavours. From its ancient Aztec roots and colonial splendour to its thriving arts scene and vibrant street life, the city offers many experiences for travellers to explore. Whether wandering through its historic districts, indulging in its world-class cuisine, or immersing yourself in its lively nightlife, Mexico City promises to leave an indelible mark on all who visit.
The places to see and things to try in Mexico City could fill an entire book. So, if you still need to know more about the enchanting Mexican capital, stay with us for more information about the best attractions in Mexico City.
