Mexico City

6.18.2025–6.22.2025 || Mexico City (CDMX) | Mexico

The theme of our four-night, three-day stay in Mexico City was markets, museums and mezcal. There is SO much to do and SO many amazing places to eat! I gathered way too many recommendations for the amount of time that we had. We focused each day on a couple of neighborhoods to explore the city by walking. We walked everywhere except for the time we went to the Frida Khalo museum in Coyoacan. Here is a summary of how we spent our time in Mexico City.

Where We Stayed:

We booked the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma through Elizabeth at Souvenir & Far. There are so many amazing hotels in Mexico City (abbreviated CDMX in Spanish), but I have been loving Sofitel properties. Remember my recent trips to Rome and Paris? By booking through Souvenir & Far, we received daily breakfast for two. We received a hotel credit that we used at Cityzen, the rooftop restaurant. We were also upgraded to a fantastic view on the 35th floor. Thank you to Souvenir & Far for the welcome treat that greeted us upon arrival. Located near the Angel of Independence in Reforma, the hotel was central to everything we planned to do.

We didn’t realize the American Embassy was located next door to the Sofitel. The American flag made a lot more sense once we figured that out!

What We Did:

Historic City Center Sights: We did a self-guided walking tour. Starting with the Monument to the Revolution and a walk through Alameda Central park.

The Palacio de Bellas Artes was a beautiful building at the end of the park. We saw the Torre Latinamericana for the first time. Later, we would head to the top for the view and a mezcalerita.

Next, we headed to Zocolo, the main plaza to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral.

After visiting the cathedral, we checked out the Templo Mayor ruins from the outside.

Markets:

We went to the San Juan market near the city center but I was too busy looking for souvenirs to take photos. We checked out the markets and surrounding area in Coyoacan after the Frida Khalo museum. Our walk was cut short when a bird pooped on my shirt. I found a great souvenir and replacement shirt at the market.

Museums:

Frida Kahlo Museum: This museum is dedicated to Khalo’s life and her art. It is located at her former home in Coyoacan. I learned more about Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera in the hour we spent at the museum than I did in a college Latin American art history class. It is a nice break from the city center. Be sure to get tickets in advance to queue for your entry time.

The Modern Art Museum located within Chapultepec Park is a great way to spend an hour or so. The round structure reminded us of the Modern Art Museum in Washington, D.C.

The National Museum of Anthropology is also located within Chapultepec Park. Some of my favorite experiences include the Aztec Sun Stone, the detailed murals, and replica temples.

The Chapultepec Castle is a short walk uphill from the Anthropology museum. I was drawn to the views and didn’t take a picture of the full castle. The walk uphill was worth it for a view of the park and the surrounding area. We explored the outside area and enjoyed the view before heading back down.

Where We Ate:

Balta: We started each day with a “sampler” plate that consisted of quesadillas, eggs, croissants, fresh juices and more. I loved trying all the different salsas and having sliced avocado to start the day.

Chetito: A taqueria near the Sofitel in Reforma. A very popular first come, first served taco spot with excellent mezcal drinks. A friend recommended the Alis (shrimp) and Jones (tuna) tacos. We also ordered the tuna ceviche to share. Everything was delicious. The Alis was the best bite of the trip.

Cityzen: The Sofitel’s rooftop restaurant located on the 38th floor. The mushroom and crispy kale tacos were delicious, especially when paired with their mezcalerita. I would go to Cityzen just for their snacks. They served two different kinds of vegan chicharrón snacks that I will be looking for in markets near us.

Coyoacan Market: A two-story marketplace near the Frida Khalo museum. We ate at a tostada food stall that had decent ratings. I was expecting a raw tuna tostada and instead was served a tuna fish tostada. It was quick and cheap late morning snack.

El Huequito: Our lunch destination after tostadas at the market. We went to the Condesa location featured in a Somebody Feed Phil episode. I got the mushroom quesadilla and tried ALL the salsas.

Fugaz: A Michelin Guide recommended cafe in Roma Norte with half dozen tables and some bar stools. A great spot for lunch after sight-seeing in the historic center. I got the shrimp tostada. This would be my neighborhood spot if I lived in CDMX.

Rosetta: A Michelin star restaurant in Roma. We secured a reservation for outdoor dining on our 15th wedding anniversary. The outdoor dining space was cozy and decorated beautifully. I had the tamales to start and the sea bass as my entree. I posted a video of the sea bass on my Instagram stories. The fish was covered in a pesto sauce and cooked in a pie crust. The server cut it out of the crust table side. He placed just the fish on top of some fresh greens. Then he sprinkled it with olive oil. This dish is one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. They gave us a special dessert on the house to celebrate our anniversary.

Taqueria Los Cocuyos: A Michelin Guide taco shop in the Historic Center. This place is not for vegetarians. We went anyways as it was highly recommended by many for having “the best tacos” in CDMX. The classic al pastor did not disappoint the meat eater among us.

Where We Went for Mezcal:

Cityzen: The Sofitel’s rooftop restaurant located on the 38th floor. Our favorite spot was the view facing the Angel of Independence. The mezal and vegan chicharrón snacks were the best we had while in CDMX.

Miralto: Located at the top of the Torre Latinoamericana skyscraper. You do not need to purchase a ticket to reach the top. Entry is free if you are heading to the restaurant. This is the best spot in the Historic Center for a panoramic view of CDMX while enjoying a mezcal cocktail. We ordered the tamarind mezalerita.

Tierra Seca Mezcaleria: A quaint mezcal bar in Roma Norte that was recommended by a friend. The margarita coyote was a spicy and sweet way to end the evening.

Tokyo Music Bar: A fun speakeasy in Roma Norte. I think we were a couple of hours early to really experience the vibe. The mezal cocktails were great but no comparison to the mezcalerita at Cityzen.

That’s how we spent four nights and three full days in CDMX aka Mexico City. I don’t think there is a direct comparison. CDMX stands out on its own. Hopefully I will be lucky enough to return one day. There are a lot more sights and restaurants to explore.

Question: What is the best thing you ate or your favorite experience in CDMX aka Mexico City?