Mexico City Guide 2024
Sitting outside Compay, an amazing coffee shop in CDMX
Here’s what I know
Ok, I’ve spent a decent amount of time in CDMX—and by that I mean about a year.
A lot of peeps ask me about where to go and what to do in Mexico City.
And I know a place or two or three,
But I have something to admit to y’all:
I’m not a foodie.
Do I like food ?
Of course.
Do I go on active quests to find the tastiest taco/cocktail/service in the whole damn city and make a fuss about the place if they don’t have 5-star service?
Hell, naw.
I’m a DJ and music person, k? I’m about the vibes. Nevertheless, here’s a list of things to do and places to go in CDMX, and that includes la comida.
Here’s a big list of my personal faves and/or places recommended to me from other chilangxs.
Most of it is in Roma/Condesa bc that’s where I spend the majority of my time, but there are other reccos sprinkled in, and a bit of advice about neighborhoods. There’s a lot of concern about tourists and gringo-fication of Roma/Condesa, since so many places are gentrifying and pushing out the locals. But, in my opinion, it still feels like Mexico. Roma/Condesa are extremely walkable and you can spend the whole day just bopping around both neighborhoods.
I also have a good friend Sergio down there who does AMAZING airbnb tours throughout all the best holes in the walls and parts of CDMX. Find his company here.
Neighborhoods
In case you haven’t heard… Mexico City is freakin’ huge. And everyone in CDMX groans about how tourists only go to Roma Norte and Condesa. And, well, Roma and Condesa feel European and bougie (and yeah, there’s a lot of white ppl, and it’s more expensive).
But here are some additional nice neighborhoods you could stay in / explore / still have a great time. Again, these are just the tip of the Mexican iceberg…
Roma Norte has turned into the most-frequented area for tourists, particularly younger folks and party-goers. Prices have surged to nearly be the same as the US, but you can still find PLENTY of Mexicans here.
Roma Sur, just south, feels more “authentic,” but you still get a solid influx of tourists and young folks
La Condesa is a gorgeous neighborhood with tons of upscale restaurants and bars, but without the club/party vibes that you’ll find in Roma Norte
Coyoacan, where the Frida Kahlo museum is, tends to have a more bohemian feel, but it is about 30 min south of Roma Norte, and sleepier at night
Juarez, right next to Roma Norte, is a fast-growing, posh-feeling zone with similar vibes and tons of bars/restaurants
Zona Rosa, the gay zone, is a fun place to go out, but can also be fairly dangerous (watch your drinks and be aware of your surroundings - an American was kidnapped here recently)
El Centro is a little less safe at night but totally poppin’ during the day- here you’ll find Palacio de Bellas rates, the 500-year-old Catedral, and all the fun government / oldschool stuff
Escandón/Hipódromo are neighborhoods just south of Condesa that are a little more affordable and still chock full of restaurants and bars
Polanco is ultraposh but also very safe and lovely - def worth a visit, and you can find surprisingly well-priced apartments here. It’s just kind of far from Roma
Other hoods:
Lomas de Chapultepec
Col. Del Valle
Narvarte
San Pedro de los Pinos
Santa María la Ribera
I lived/live in Roma Norte, which also happens to be lit/where all my friends live, so most of my reccos are around there.
Getting around
It’s very easy and generally safe to get around using the CDMX Metro
There’s also the Metro Bus
Rent an EcoBici! This is a great way to see the city and you can but an entire year’s worth of rides for only ~$25 USD.
Or, go anywhere via Uber (super cheap as a foreigner) or DiDi (which many Chilangues use).. although going by car can be annoying AF during CDMX traffic hours (anywhere between 3-8 pm on weekdays)
Salvajes Mezcaleria (basically a speakeasy where u need a PW to get in)
Best clubs, venues and/or events
Vinyl/music bars
Kaya (reggae bar reopening March 2024)
Bars/cocktails
Gin Gin (there are several)
Reclusa
Oropel (street bar)
Artemisia (also doubles as a venue)
Restaurants
Casa Balandra
Casa de toño (there are many)
Tacos
El Compita is my favorite as of late in Roma Sur
Those tacos on the corner of Alvaro Obregon and Insurgentes
La Costilla (Condesa - strictly ribs)
Wine
Terruño
Mezcal
Los Salvajes (speakeasy)
El Palenquito
Xuni
Beer
Bacon Bar
Falling Piano brewery
??? I don’t drink that much beer anymore - mostly a lil corona and mezcal is all you’ll find me going for
Terrazas/Rooftops
Killer view from Terraza Catedral in Centro, Mexico City
Coffee shops to work / sip / eat
A note about coffee shops: While the vibes are usually all good and remote-work friendly, make sure you watch your stuff. Don’t get up and leave your new Macbook hanging out on its own. As much as I love Mexico, the reality is that there is a lot of theft/crimes of opportunity.
Compay (BEST coffee)
Panaderia Rosetta (there’s a few)
Blend Station: this place is super gringo but i enjoy it for the fast wifi and food options. I’ve also heard of multiple people getting their laptops stolen here, so be careful
Brew brew Espresso & Vinyl bar
Museums
Frida Kahlo museum (Make sure to get a reservation in advance)
Palacio de Bellas Artes (it’s in El Centro, an amazing area to explore)
Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera
Vintage / Shopping
Yo, i LOVE vintage and there are some great vintage shops in CDMX. That being said, a lot of them are fuckin’ ridiculously expensive garbage. Here are some with reasonable prices and/or a killer selection.
Goodbye Folk (spendy but good)
Things to do
Bike down Reforma on Sundays (they close down the entire street)
Day trip to Tepoztlan
Day trip or hot air balloon ride at Teotihuacan (this is a MUST-SEE)
Chapultepec Park and the Castillo (The Castle)
I will continue updating this list as inspiration flows :)