Things to do in CDMX
CDMX = Ciudad de México = Mexico City
Mexico City has everything (it is the 7th most populated city in the world - of course it has everything). We have noted below some of our favorite restaurants to eat at, places to visit, and attractions to see. If you have any questions, just let us know! We can help you navigate it all.
Restaurants
Shown below based on some of the different areas of the city.
Yes, almost all of these places will have menus in English.
Everywhere
Farolito (Mexican ‘fast-food’ tacos, their Al Pastor is amazing)
Polanco
This is the area where the hotels reside. Do us a favor and avoid any restaurants on Masaryk (the name of the street) – these are more of your typical “tourist traps”.
Siembra Comedor or Taqueria (we are huge fans, the taqueria is casual and the restaurant is one step up)
Murakami (Japanese comfort food, we love this place)
Aúna (there is a restaurant that we like, but there is also a café for breakfast)
Pato Manila Taqueria (super small spot, but multiple locations – known for duck tacos)
El Chapulin (fancier Mexican – very good)
Raíz (fancy, you can do a chef’s menu if you want)
Entremar (great seafood, lunch spot)
Er rre (it’s one block from our house but we can’t get in, it’s so busy, French food)
Pujol (fancy, chef’s menu)
Quintonil (fancy, chef’s menu)
Garabatos (the only casual place we like on the touristy street, but they have multiple locations – great chilaquiles/breakfast food)
Roma
Kasina Café (great Korean food)
Sartoria (good Italian)
Contramar (great seafood, same owner as Entremar in Polanco)
Migrante (modern Mexican)
Condesa
Juarez
Other
San Angel Inn (authentic Mexican in a pretty place)
Sud77 (fancy, chef’s menu)
Azul Histórico (there are a few locations, but the one in Centro is beautiful)
Places to Visit | Attractions to See
Centro Histórico
You could do all of these in one day. On Sundays, from about 8:00am-2:00pm, Reforma is closed (this is the street that connects most of the below). You can bike/walk down the street and see all the sites. Sundays are very busy though, fair warning. Additionally, keep your belongings close, you don’t want to get pickpocketed here.
Catedral Metropolitana
In the same square/plaza is the presidential ‘palace’
Templo Mayor
Palacio Nacional & Diego Rivera Murals
Palacio Bellas Artes
MUNAL
...and on your way to these things, make sure to see the Angel of Independence (on Reforma)
Bosque de Chapultepec
Chapultepec is a massive park (much bigger than Central Park in NYC). This park has many cool things noted below. It depends on what you’re into, but it’s worth seeing the Castle at least. The park opens early but does close at 5:00pm each evening. It is CLOSED on Mondays.
Castillo de Chapultepec: This is the must see castle! Go earlier in the morning before it gets busy. You can see down Reforma (main street through downtown) from the castle and see the Angel of Independence.
Museums:
Museo Nacional de Anthropoloía: I recommend going as it does have some great exhibits – a lot around the ancient civilizations from Mexico including the Aztecs and Mayans.
Art Museums:
Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo
Museo de Arte Moderno
...there are more museums if you’re interested, just search for Chapultepec park online and it will give you more information. It’s important to note that all of these are in “section 1” of the park, so they are close together. The castle is also in this section.
Zoológico de Chapultepec: Only cool if you’re an animal lover.
Other sites and monuments:
Monument a los Niños Héroes (worth seeing)
Lago (lake): You will see this in the first section of the park if you cross into the park from some of the museums.
Ferris Wheel: This is brand new and it’s in the upper section of the park. That part of the park is beautiful to walk around. There is another small lake, some museums, etc. The view from the Ferris Wheel is supposed to be amazing.
Other In-City Attractions
Lucha Libre: Get tickets to watch the famous wrestlers - tickets are usually for Fridays and Sundays (sometimes during the week).
UNAM: It’s a public university with beautiful architecture (stadiums, auditoriums, museums, etc.)
Coyoacan: Walk around the central plaza, there is a Frida Kahlo house/museum there if you want.
San Angel: Very pretty artisan market that is open on Saturday, very pretty neighborhood and has the San Angel Inn which is beautiful and has great traditional food.
In Polanco:
Jumex Museum (contemporary art)
Soumaya Museum (modern/classic art)
Polanquito: This is just an area in Polanco with a lot of restaurants (many tourist traps), park (Parque Lincoln), and shops.
Roma and Condesa: These are two more ‘hipster’ areas. Very pretty and worth staying in those areas if you like that vibe. Lots of restaurants.
Other Attractions [just outside of the city]
Teotihuacan: These are the big pyramids near the city. Very worthwhile. We are organizing a tour the day before the wedding if you’re interested!
Xochimilco Floating Gardens: You will see people drinking, eating, and buying stuff while riding down the canal.