Mexico City: Food, Culture, and Adventure

Mexico City. The name evokes a vibrant blend of history and modern buzz. Forget

stereotypes – the city offers a captivating energy, a place where Frida Kahlo's spirit

dances on colorful walls and the aroma of sizzling street food hangs deliciously in the

air. Two days might seem like a blink, but with a little planning, it's just enough to get

gloriously lost in its soul and leave you yearning for more.

Day 1: History, Art, and Frida's Spirit

Our adventure started in the Centro Histórico, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stepping

onto the Zócalo, one of the world’s largest city squares, felt like entering a living,

breathing history book. We marveled at the colossal Metropolitan Cathedral rising on

one side, and the Palacio Nacional adorned with Diego Rivera's murals depicting

Mexican history. We lingered for hours just soaking it all in.

Next, we wandered through the excavated ruins of the Templo Mayor, trying to picture

the ancient Aztec city that once stood here. It was a powerful connection to the past.

Our next stop, the Palacio de Bellas Artes took our breath away. It’s truly an

architectural marvel inside and out, housing more stunning murals from Mexican

masters.

In the afternoon, a journey to Coyoacán felt like stepping into a different world. The

charming and bohemian neighborhood and colorful streets led us to the iconic blue

walls of Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo's home. This was a must-see (pilgrimage!) on our list

and it did not disappoint. Walking through those rooms, seeing her belongings and

artwork, gave us a profound sense of her life, spirit, and artistic vision. One could easily

lose a day within these walls, soaking in her enduring legacy. (A word to the wise: if

Casa Azul calls to you, heed its call with pre-booked tickets.)

Day 2: Neighborhood Vibes

We begin the day with what we consider an essential ritual: churros con chocolate at

the legendary Churrería El Moro. Since 1935, this beloved institution has been serving

crispy, golden churros alongside cups of thick, velvety chocolate for dipping. With

several locations throughout Mexico City, you're never far from this delightful

experience.

With satisfied taste buds, we found ourselves happily lost in Roma Norte, a

neighborhood that quickly charmed its way into our hearts. The district feels like a living

gallery of architectural wonders—Elegant Art Nouveau buildings, adorned with intricate

details, stand gracefully alongside colorful colonial homes, all shaded by magnificent

jacaranda trees.

Roma Norte's creative energy is palpable as we browse its independent boutiques,

vintage stores, and art galleries. The vibrant atmosphere makes even window shopping

an adventure in cultural discovery. And then there’s the food scene. From chic cafes to

moody cocktail bars and innovative restaurants and mouthwatering street food, Roma

Norte offers a delicious adventure at every turn. Whether you choose to explore these

gastronomic treasures at your own leisurely pace or delve deeper with a guided food

tour, prepare for a delicious adventure.

Late lunch brought us to Contramar, our personal favorite! This was at the top of our

list of places to eat in Mexico City. The anticipation of experiencing Gabriela Cámara's

legendary Pescado a la Talla Contramar had been building since we planned this trip.

And it didn't disappoint: a masterfully butterflied fish, grilled to perfection with one half

glistening in vibrant green parsley sauce and the other coated in a rich red chili adobo.

When it arrived on its grand wooden platter, the artistry was as impressive as the

flavors—delicate yet assertive, with that perfect char that speaks of expert hands at the

grill.

Pescado a la Talla Contramar

Contramar has been a Mexico City institution since 1998, winning hearts, critics, and

awards along the way. Cámara's philosophy resonates through every dish: pristine

seafood prepared with respectful simplicity, served in a space that buzzes with the

energy of a Mediterranean seaside celebration. Her influence extends beyond these

airy, light-filled dining rooms—she's a celebrated cookbook author and passionate

advocate for sustainable fishing practices. With its impeccable seafood and infectious

energy, chef and owner, Cámara captures the essence of Mexico City's culinary soul.

Leaving behind the culinary delights of Contramar, we ventured into the elegant world of

Polanco. The contrast with Roma Norte is striking yet complementary—where Roma

Norte exudes bohemian charm, Polanco embraces refined sophistication. We strolled

along Avenida Presidente Masaryk, Mexico's Rodeo Drive. Even without indulging in

retail therapy, the window-shopping and people-watching provide endless

entertainment.

As evening approaches, both neighborhoods transformed again, with cocktail bars and

restaurants casting warm glows onto the streets. But that's another adventure entirely,

and one well worth discovering on your own Mexico City journey.

Notable Eats

Pujol (Coyoacán): For a modern masterclass in Mexican flavors, indulge (and snag a

reservation) at Enrique Olvera’s Pujol. Their tasting menu reimagines the classics that

makes for truly unforgettable experience earning it two Michelin stars and a perennial

spot on global best-of lists.

Taquería Los Cocuyos (Centro Historico): A legendary Anthony Bourdain-approved

taqueria operating since 1980, where skilled chefs slice through bubbling cauldrons of

succulent meats with mesmerizing cleaver work—a carnivore's essential

pilgrimage. Standing by a cauldron of meats bubbling away, a chef at the front wields a

cleaver with lightning speed.

Guzina Oaxaca (Polanco): An elegant showcase of Oaxacan cuisine's rich heritage,

offering meticulously crafted moles, tlayudas, and mezcal in a setting that honors

Mexico's most celebrated culinary region.

Panaderia Rosetta (Roma Norte): One of the best places in the city for pastries or

bread. A Locals and tourists alike queue for Elena Reygadas' ethereal pastries and

crusty breads—arrive early, grab your treats to go, and savor them at the picturesque

Plaza Rio de Janeiro nearby.

Jenni’s Street Quesadillas (Roma Norte) : A beloved and popular street food

institution on Calle Merida where handmade blue corn tortillas are stuffed with your

choice of fillings and crowned with stretchy, molten queso Oaxaca—street food

perfection worth the wait.

Finally, don’t overlook the many bustling taquerías. Mexico City's soul resides in its

countless taquerías where the longest lines lead to tacos al pastor carved from spinning

trompos and meltingly tender carnitas—follow the crowds to discover your own favorite

corner of taco heaven.

Forty-eight hours flew by in a delicious blur - a whirlwind of ancient history, world-class

art, unforgettable flavors, and vibrant energy. Mexico City didn't just impress us; it left an

indelible mark on our travelers' hearts. Fortunately, it’s a quick flight from California's

shores. As our plane lifted off, we were already planning our return—there are still

countless mercados to wander, colonias to explore, and tacos to devour in this

endlessly fascinating capital. Mexico City doesn't reveal all its secrets in one visit, but

that first taste guarantees you'll be back for more.

Bonus Tip

Should your journey allow for an extra day or the city’s vibrant energy calls for a

momentary pause, a day trip to Teotihuacan is an absolute must. Just an hour from

Mexico City lies one of Mesoamerica's most breathtaking treasures—an ancient

metropolis whose massive stone pyramids pierce the sky.

Founded around 100 BCE, Teotihuacan predates the more famous Chichén Itzá by

centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage site once thrived as a sophisticated hub of

culture, commerce, and spirituality, its influence stretching across ancient Mesoamerica. Then, around 750 CE, came one of archaeology's greatest mysteries—the entire city was suddenly abandoned, leaving behind only silent stone monuments and countless unanswered questions.

Stand in awe before the Pyramid of the Sun, one of the largest pyramids in the world, or

climb the steps of the Pyramid of the Moon for panoramic views of the entire complex.

As you walk the Avenue of the Dead, imagine the bustling ancient city that once

flourished here, home to over 100,000 people in its golden age. The sheer scale and

profound history of this archaeological site are nothing short of breathtaking.

Getting there: Consider the flexibility of a taxi or Uber for a self-guided exploration, or

join a guided tour to delve deeper into the rich history and enigmatic secrets of

Teotihuacan.

Fora Hotel Highlights

Based on all our data, these are the three hotels that rose to the top of the rankings in their

category.  Luxe: Andaz Mexico City Condesa

 Budget-Friendly: Hotel San Fernando

 Trending: Mondrian Mexico City Condesa

We have partnerships with numerous brands, from luxe to budget-friendly and smaller,

independent boutique hotels – let’s explore your many options. Travel the way you

want, but better.

Ready to discover Mexico City? ¡Sale! Let’s chat!