Destination Guide: Mexico City
Where to sleep, eat, drink, and visit in CDMX.
Hola Mexziners,
Cristina here, your Managing Editor, proudly presenting my hometown today. Mexico City, as you know, is a gigantic, chaotic, incredible metropolis – home to more than 20 million people and more art, food, architecture, and history than one can absorb in a lifetime. Although I was born here and I’ve lived here for most of my life, the city still surprises me every day, and I’ve loved watching it get the attention it deserves these past few years–finally!
As hard as it is to encapsulate Mexico City’s offerings in any guide, I like to think this selection is a lovely snapshot of its many layers – history, hospitality, gastronomy – as experienced in places rich with backstories and inspiring concepts. And worry not – we will revisit Mexico City many times over the next weeks and months.
You can view our subscriber-only Google Map of all these locations here.
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
Octavia Casa (Condesa) // The beauty of simplicity shines at this Condesa boutique hotel. Envisioned by Mexican designer Roberta Maceda – creator of Octavia women’s apparel brand – and executed by architect Pablo Pérez Palacios, the house’s zen-like atmosphere comes courtesy of neutral hues, clean lines, and plenty of natural light, each space thoughtfully accented with details like Encrudo pottery. After a day of urban thrills, Octavia’s serenity is the perfect balm: a glass of natural wine on the rooftop before retreating to one of only six suites.
Casa Polanco (Polanco) // It’s hard to think of a better setting than Casa Polanco. Placed by Parque Lincoln, the hotel is housed in a gorgeous Neocolonial mansion from the forties, restored and reimagined with contemporary touches. Every detail of its uniquely styled 19 rooms and suites is impossibly tasteful, mixing modern furniture with pieces of Mexican art and much-coveted amenities like Dyson hair dryers and Xinú bath products. Make sure to carve an afternoon to sip a glass of wine at the library –and perhaps pretend this is actually home.
Hotel San Fernando
Hotel San Fernando (Condesa) // The dream of Condesa’s Art Deco is alive and well at this Bunkhouse property, set in a former apartment building from 1947. Refreshed by Mexican studio Reurbano, the building maintains its most iconic elements – stained glass, cheeky floor tiles, spiral staircase – and features 19 coral-hued guest rooms furnished by La Metropolitana. For longer stays, several of them offer kitchenettes and dining tables. Every morning, breakfast awaits at the rooftop (included in your rate), while downstairs, Lounge Fernando offers light bites, craft cocktails, and excellent people-watching.
UMA Casa (Lomas) // The mostly residential Lomas neighborhood is rarely on travelers’ radars, which makes staying at UMA Casa feel like such a special discovery. As its name promises, the property is owner Claudia González’s family home –the place where she grew up, hospitality as part of her DNA. Beautifully designed by Guadalajara-based Estudio Claudina Flores, each corner of the house – including its nine ingredient-themed suites – is a tribute to Mexico through color, art, and design. Details like in-suite massages, morning yoga, and rooftop breakfasts feel equally warm and luxurious.
Where to Eat
Where to Eat
Em // Life has taken chef Lucho Martínez to work in kitchens from Mexico City to Cancun, but it is his native Veracruz that inspires the menu at his fine dining spot in Roma, named after his young daughter. The state’s incredible natural diversity –from its foggy mountains and jungles to its long coastline – and rich ingredients, like coffee, mamey, and fresh seafood, are translated into a meticulously prepared eight-course tasting menu, each one a delightful surprise.
Comal Oculto // What started as a tiny kitchen with a sidewalk communal table has now evolved into a proper brick-and-mortar restaurant, maintaining its casual charm and original mission: to honor the art of antojitos. Hot off the comal, creations like chamorro tacos, gorditas de chicharrón, enmoladas, and salsa verde-bathed flautas ahogadas (my favorites) are perfect for fueling up before a day of city adventures. Pair with housemade aguas frescas and aromatic café de olla.
Botánico // Amidst towering cacti and lush greenery, this Condesa eatery honors its name by offering one of the most enchanting settings in town (it’s great for dates, by the way). Helming the kitchen are chefs Alejandra Navarro and Ernesto Hernández, whose fantastic use of fresh ingredients results in a delicious and comforting blend of seasonal creations and timeless favorites – think mussels in a coconut-lemongrass sauce, Hollandaise-bathed ribeye burger, and crisp green salad with sage leaf dressing.
Castacán // Beyond the ever-popular Contramar, Chef Gabriela Cámara has built a solid presence in the city, including this wonderful taco spot in Roma Norte. A temple for all things pork, Castacán serves comfort at its finest in the form of cochinita tacos, lechón tortas, and castacán-topped chilaquiles, plus a great array of salsas to kick things up a notch. Save room for the yogurt soft serve at the end. Top it with olive oil and Maldon salt and thank us later.
Cana // Drawing inspiration from her own stories across places like Northern Mexico, New York, and the Mediterranean, chef Fabiola Escobosa’s welcoming Juárez bistro is one of those places where everyone at the table is bound to find something they love. Everything is equally delicious and beautifully presented, from shareable appetizers like fresh oysters and pan de yuca, to mains like steak frites and an excellent Caesar salad. The carefully curated wine list focuses on low-intervention labels.
Mexzine Guide to Mexico City
Where to Drink
Tlecán // I hate waiting in line, but Tlecán is one of the very few places I’m willing to do it for (it moves fairly quickly, too). Once inside, the prehispanic-inspired decor, the scent of copal, and a fabulous playlist immediately set the mood: it’s time to dive into the universe of agave. Sourced from small producers across the country, explore artisanal liquids like mezcal, sotol, and bacanora with the help of the incredible bar team. Don’t sleep on the cocktails, either – I always get the Martini de Papantla, with mezcal and vanilla-infused vermouth.
Mauro (pictured) // The brainchild of Limantour alums Ricardo and Eduardo Nava, this bar is a tribute to their grandfather, Mauro, a master of the art of aperitivo. Since its opening, it’s been racking up the awards, and with good reason – it’s that rare place where the drinks and the atmosphere are equally fantastic. Try the Basilico (tequila, vermouth rose, basil, and peach) or the Negroni 1929 (with cacao nib-infused Campari and a touch of strawberry water).
Salón San Luis // With almost 90 years of history, this family-run dance salon welcomes you with old-school booths, white-coated servers, and a dance floor bathed in red light that begs for your presence – no matter your level of expertise. From salsa and merengue to cumbia, the live bands (two each night) keep the floor busy til the wee hours of the morning, populated by a healthy mix of locals, longtime customers, visitors, and very serious dancers.
Bósforo // Hidden behind a curtain in Centro Histórico is this paradise for mezcal lovers – a place that forgoes PR and publicity and remains an icon in its own right. Low-lit, bohemian, and moving to the rhythm of an eclectic world music playlist, this is the place to explore artisanal mezcal from places like Oaxaca, Puebla, and Guerrero, led by the experts behind the bar. Fun fact: this is where I had my first date with my husband.
Form + Matter (pictured) // With a healthy blend of creativity and mad scientist vibes, this Roma bar was conceived by restaurateur Po Tsai and Handshake grads José Olivas and David Rocha. Inspired by regions like Argentina and the Mediterranean, each cocktail is the result of carefully executed techniques like fat-washing and clarification, many of which take place inside a custom-made lab. I especially love the Miso Honey, a strong yet balanced concoction of bourbon, browned butter, red miso, and honey.
Where to Visit
Mexican folklore at El Bazaar Sábado
Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso // Since its origins in 1583, this stunning baroque building has served many purposes: Jesuit school, military barracks, the first Escuela Nacional Preparatoria, and finally, a museum in 1994. The building itself, with its arches and leafy courtyards, is a beauty to behold, but its greatest treasures await on its walls and ceilings. Known as “the cradle of Mexican Muralism,” the museum is home to spectacular work by artists like Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, José Clemente Orozco, and Fernando Leal.
Mercado Coyoacán // Among Mexico City’s many, many markets, Coyoacán is one of my favorites. Right in the heart of Coyoacán, it’s really easy to reach and navigate, its stalls lined with everything from fresh fish, bright fruit and produce, and colorful crafts, to a wide array of esoteric offerings (think herbs and love potions). The main draw might just be the celebrated Tostadas Coyoacán, a group of stalls doling out crunchy tostadas with toppings like shrimp cocktail, tinga de pollo, ceviche, cochinita, and al pastor pork.
Museo Nacional de Antropología // The city’s most-visited museum, it’s home to the world’s largest collection of prehispanic artifacts from Mexico and Mesoamerica, housed in an impressive building designed by Mexican architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez. Distributed across 23 exhibition halls, the collection can be a bit overwhelming, but don’t skip the Mexica or Maya rooms if you’re a bit short on time. If you visit before August 30, check out Futbol 2026, Annie Leibovitz, featuring a series of soccer-centric images by the legendary photographer.
El Bazaar Sábado // Housed in a lovely building in San Ángel, this craft market has promoted Mexican design every Saturday since it opened its doors in 1960. Browsing its hallways, you’ll find a dizzying display of creativity spanning across all sorts of styles and regions of Mexico: papier maché sculptures, rich textiles, clay Nativity scenes, beaded Wixárica sculptures, and contemporary houseware, just to name a few. In between vendors, you can sample mezcal or Mexican chocolate. A successful souvenir hunt is guaranteed.
Have questions or want to pitch a story? Shoot a message over to Brandon@Mexzine.com or Cristina@Mexzine.com
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