CDMX Guide
A passport, the weekend, $300, and some spending money are all you need for a quick Mexico City getaway. I spent just over 72 hours in this city and can’t wait to return. Getting around in CDMX is ridiculously easy; you can take an Uber almost anywhere for under $5.
Eat & Drink
Quintonil (Polanco): Make your reservations here. Now. Quintonil ranks 12th on the world’s 50 best restaurants list and is a Michelin two-star restaurant. All the ingredients were unique and very fresh, and it was the first time I had tried either cactus or escamoles (ant larvae). The food was both incredible and affordable — we ended up only spending $45 per person here. We opted not to do the tasting menu (~$80) because of dietary restrictions but it looked incredible.
Recommendations: cactus ceviche, string cheese soup (yes, it’s a thing and it’s good), squash in homemade mole, chuck eye roll beef
Contramar (Condesa): If you’re a seafood lover, you have to go here. If you’re not a seafood lover, you should still really consider going here, if only for the dessert table. Fun fact: the chef from Contramar, Gabriela Camara, also opened up Cala in SF.
Recommendations: contramar red snapper; tunas tostadas; aguachiles de camaron
Lalo! (Roma Norte): I wish I got to eat a full meal here instead of just grabbing drinks and a snack. This spot is super cute with very artsy walls, $5 ceviche, and cocktails that cost almost the same as water. SOLD.
El Fogon: El Fogon is said to have the best tacos al pastor in all of CDMX. It’s a slight trek outside of the main city but definitely worth it. Their al pastor tacos came with a little slice of pineapple on top which I was hesitant about at first but ended up loving.
Calle Viveros de La Quebrada 293 B, Hab Viveros de la Loma, 54080 Tlalnepantla, Méx., Mexico
Gin Gin Bar (Polanco): The bar culture in CDMX is way different from SF’s. My friend’s cousin kept telling us that we had to get to the bar early otherwise we wouldn’t be able to get a table and my reaction was just “can’t we stand? why do we need a table?”. Turns out, you have to have a table. It’s like eating at a restaurant but with lots of alcohol instead of food.
Street Tacos (Everywhere): My only regret is that I didn’t eat more street tacos. If you see them: buy them, eat them, and eat extra for me.
Churreria El Moro (Roma Norte): They have locations all over CDMX but I went to the one inside Mercado Roma, which allowed me to explore the cute market and its other offerings. Sadly, I missed the photo op with the large rolls of churros but my churros still tasted great.
El Parnita (Roma Norte): Definitely on the pricier side as tacos were almost SF taco prices. However, ceviche was only $5, so I guess it all evens out. Plus, this spot was packed with locals at 3pm on a Sunday.
Rosetta (Roma Norte): Not that I would ever get sick of eating Mexican food but after a few days, I was craving noodles. Rosetta’s hit the spot.
La Blanco Condesa (Roma Norte): This place is right next door to Rosetta – perfect spot to grab a drink or two before dinner with gorgeous interiors. Very bohemian and hip.
Fonda Margarita: This is a great spot filled with locals. I showed up at 7am on a Saturday, and it was already a full house with live music playing. I wasn’t quite sure how to eat everything, so I just mushed it all on a tortilla.
Recommendations: chicharrones en verde (amazing), frijoles y huevos
Belmondo (Polanco): I was walking around Polanco looking for tacos (#typical) when I saw Belmondo. Immediately, I knew I had to go inside. I ended up coming here twice in one day, the first time I just got a drink and the second time I dragged all my friends back here for dinner. I love their Belmondo Mule — they use two different types of ginger and it is super refreshing.
Catamundi (Polanco): I came here for brunch with a friend even though I’d already eaten breakfast that day. We split their smoked salmon and avocado toast (two things that you can not go wrong with) and chilaquiles verde. I would recommend both.
Ojo de Agua (Polanco): So, I’m pretty sure that my stomach disagreed with the acai bowl here. But, I would recommend the enchiladas verde. I never order enchiladas because I’m just not a fan of the taste but discovering enchiladas verde (green enchiladas) has broadened my horizons.
Spots to try on my next trip: Pujol, El Tono, Azul Historico
Do & See
Museo Soumaya: This is a must-see if only for the museum’s architecture itself. This art museum contains works primarily from European artists from the 15th to 20th centuries. My friends and I only spent an hour and a half here and we felt like it was more than enough time. If you’re a serious art enthusiast, you may need longer.
Mercado De Coyoacan: Prepare to be overwhelmed by the number of booths and options here. You’ll find a ton of locals here enjoying tostadas, ceviche, blue corn quesadillas, and more.
National Museum of Anthropology: I didn’t have time to go here but it’s on my list for the next time.
Stay
Polanco: I spent the first part of my trip at an Airbnb in Polanco. I would definitely recommend staying in Polanco because it’s like the Rodeo Drive of CDMX with luxury boutiques all up and down the street. There were also tons of restaurants, clubs, and bars within walking distance from my Airbnb. Plus, there was a spin studio (Siclo) that was two blocks away from my Airbnb and classes are only $15!!
Hostel Suites DF: I spent the final night of my trip at Hostel Suites DF. 10/10 would recommend. It is the cutest and chicest hostel I’ve ever been to with plenty of outdoor spots to hang out at. There’s also killer carne asada street tacos less than half a block away.