27/02/2024
Our new favorite destination- Mexico City!
We recently took a road trip in Mexico that finished up in Mexico City. Many people think of Mexico as a place to party, bask in the sun on the beach, eat cheap food, drink margaritas and view ancient ruins; all of which are true; however, there are other aspects to this many-faceted country and one of them is the urban megalopolis of Mexico City, or CDMX as it is commonly referred to.
Taken as a whole, this is a city that can be overwhelming, but we found that settling in to some of the centrally located neighborhoods gives you a sense of place and helps you to get oriented easily. We were surprised at the fairly quiet, tree-lined streets with wide sidewalks, trendy bars and restaurants, sidewalk cafes, local markets, boutiques and flashy shopping complexes that are mixed in with vintage, architecturally interesting buildings, churches, parks and apartments along with a lively street food scene; some of the best we have had in Mexico!
Although there are many great areas to stay in the city, we recommend these areas as a starting point. They are all within walking distance of each other but the last two are a bit of a trek. From here you can access all the iconic sites throughout the city.
In order of our favorites:
1. Roma Norte and Juarez- it contains all that you need at a reasonable cost; hotels, Airbnb’s, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, parks, near the metro and it has a great vibe
2. Condesa-Similar but a bit more upscale and artsy. Beautiful houses. Nightlife is a little more evident here. Near to Xochimilco, the island in the lake that is a remnant of the Aztec Empire capital city.
3. El Centro-the name says it all. Near the Main Plaza or Zocolo, many museums and historic sites. Lots of famous eateries. A little rougher around the edges and a lot more touristy, this can be a good and possibly cheaper option if you find the right place to stay.
5. Polanco-This is a neighborhood for the well-heeled set in the city and the prices do reflect that. Some top-rated restaurants are in this area.
For transport from the airport, which is a major international hub, Uber is a great option costing around $10 depending on the time of day. The metro is near all these areas and busses are ubiquitous. Walking was our favorite way to get around and it gave us a feeling of belonging there. We were even recognized at several places that we frequented!
For food we loved the kiosks on the street and the places catering to local residents. Every cuisine is pretty much available and delivery is also an option. We highly recommend a little YouTube research to help you sort out the many eating options.
Mexico City won our hearts and we plan to return and explore here many more times! We highly recommend a visit.