Mexico City in 72 Hours
Mexico City, otherwise known as D.F. (Distrito Federal), is a big, sprawling city made up of unique neighborhoods, each with its own personality. It’s very much like Los Angeles in that way, and also in the infamous-for-its-terrible-traffic kind of way. But once you pick a neighborhood to explore, it’s easily walkable and Uber is prevalent and safe. There is greenery and and outdoor living everywhere, built into the design of restaurants, shops, and parks. I particularly appreciated the thoughtfully planned outdoor spaces, with benches and tables available for public use. Cash is king, though most restaurants I listed below do take credit card.
This year, we’ve been making an effort to take advantage of every opportunity to get out of town. Even if it’s just for a long weekend, it’s surprising how much you can do once you get past the whole “I don’t have enough time to do this place justice!” hump. So when I saw an opportunity to spend three days in Mexico City, I jumped at the chance.
I’ll break down my favorites by the two neighborhoods we spent the most time in.
ROMA NORTE
Roma is the number one neighborhood that most of my friends recommended, by far, and it didn’t disappoint. It feels distinctly European, with hip cafés and restaurants with outdoor patios, shaded by trees and surrounded by street art. This is a great spot to walk (or bike) around, sip a coffee, and eat some of the best seafood you’ve ever had. Book a charming Airbnb in the neighborhood, and most importantly–pet all the cute pups out for walks!
WHAT TO EAT/DRINK
Abarrotes Delirio (deli/cafe) – Freshly baked pastries in-house. We ended up there for iced Americanos two days in a row.
Lalo! (brunch) – Chilaquiles at family-style tables with colorful wall murals. Get there early on weekends, there was a (short) wait by 11AM on a Sunday
Contramar (seafood) – Tuna tostada and shrimp/octopus tacos. Always packed, so make a reservation or get there really early. We went at 2PM on a Sunday and luckily snagged seats at the bar immediately.
Other food and drink that we sadly didn’t get to, but came highly recommended:
Blanco Colima, La Docena, Rosetta, El Parnita, and Fonda Fina.
WHAT TO DO
Relax. Grab a drink on a patio and people-watch. Wander the shaded tree-lined streets while you wait for a seat at a highly sought-after restaurant. Shop a few of the trendy boutiques you pass along the way.
EL CENTRO
We stayed in Centro right next to the park (Alameda Central) and absolutely loved exploring the bustling streets day and night. The busy pedestrian streets, the beautiful historic buildings, and the street food made it one of my favorite neighborhoods.
WHERE TO STAY
Chaya B&B (boutique hotel)- Yes, it’s adorable and photogenic and charming. But it’s not just a pretty picture; the staff was super friendly and helpful, it’s perfectly centrally located, and the amenities were on point.
Free breakfast, hammocks on the patio, and pet-friendly.
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
The following three places are actually in the same renovated historical building, which makes it an easy place to stop no matter what time of day.
Azul Histórico (modern Mexican) – Tables are set up in a magical courtyard under a canopy of candlelit trees. The presentation is imaginative, the tortillas freshly made in front of you, and Chef Zurita makes traditional Mexican dishes with a fresh perspective. Like everywhere else, make a reservation, show up early, grab a drink at the rooftop bar (Downtown México) while you wait.
Puntarena (modern Mexican) – This courtyard is graced with a stunning multi-story living wall. You enter through a tiny bakery, and then the ceiling just opens up to fresh air and natural light and greenery.
Downtown México (bar) – Rooftop bar with comfy seats and a great view of Casino Español across the street and the cobblestone street below.
WHAT TO DO
Grab an ice cream cone from Sorveteria Santa Clara and join the crowds walking down the pedestrian streets towards Zocalo Square. Wander around the cobblestone roads and snack on some tacos or huaraches from a small corner shop (don’t worry, you’ll smell them a mile away).
Must-do: stop in at the Palacio de Correos de Mexico (it’s a post office!). The architecture inside is stunning, particularly the grand staircase, and you will hardly be able to believe it’s a fully functioning post office.
OTHER FAVORITES
We also spent a little time in the neighborhoods of Polanco and Coyoacán, as well as Chapultapec Park, but not nearly enough.
Cafebrería El Péndulo (Polanco & all over the city) – Bookstore/café/restaurant combo with comfy chairs and the bookshelves of my dreams.
Mercado de Coyoacán (Coyoacán) – Vendors selling fresh produce, meat and seafood, street food, costumes, and artisanal goods all crowded together under one roof. It’s a little far of a drive but just a few blocks from the Frida Kahlo house if you’re planning to make a stop there.
Chapultapec (giant city park) – A castle, a lake, gardens, a zoo, a market, and museums, all wrapped into one. This is a gold mine if you love museums, there are several within walking distance of each other. The architecture of Museo de Arte Moderno makes it a can’t-miss, and Museo Nacional de Antropología is fascinating if you’d like some more insight into the older civilizations of Mexico.
I can’t wait to go visit D.F. again so if you have recommendations that I missed, please send them my way!
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All photos by Andy Fortson 2017.
