Earth Regarded Guide to Mexico City
Me in a hot air balloon above Teotihuacan
There is a reason everyone who goes to Mexico City is so enchanted by it - there is something there for everyone. The city is absolutely massive, and I could (and would) have spent months just trying to taste all the amazing restaurants… alas I only had just short of a week. Still, I was able to accomplish a lot - one of the many benefits of traveling solo - and now I’m sharing some of my favorite spots with you!
Working in Chapultepec
best quiet spot: librería porrúa
While mixing business with pleasure is not always fun, as a freelance writer and blogger, I often have to work while traveling. It isn’t so bad when I can find a beautiful, local spot, rather than stay in my hotel, and enjoy a gorgeous view. In Mexico City, I found the above peaceful spot to be productive at the Librería Porrúa located in Chaputlepec Park, also known as “the lungs of Mexico City.” The bookstore has an open-air café in the back with views of the park lake.
Wine at Meroma
Best Restaurants in Mexico city: roma norte neighborhood
If you want good food in Mexico City, head to the Roma Norte neighborhood, where both of the below local spots are located.
An upscale, contemporary and sustainable restaurant, I indulged in the tasting menu with wine pairings, reasonably priced at $100 USD. I love putting my tastebuds in the hands of a chef by selecting tasting menus — it’s a great way to sample a variety of different flavors and let the chef showcase what is in season and most delicious at the time of your visit. Every bite was worth it!
Another contemporary spot with a focus on Mexican ingredients from the land and the sea that are sustainably sourced. I opted for a more traditional meal consisting of an appetizer, entreé and glass of red, of course. I highly recommend you accept the complimentary bread served with chili-blended butter, one of the restaurant’s unforgettable takes on classic Mexican flavors. A favorite moment of mine while dining here was when two little girls jumped on a stool next to me at the bar and asked for water. In a gesture of neighborly love, the waiter was happy to serve them. It was heartwarming to see this generosity at such an upscale spot, often a rarity in big cities.
Early morning hot air balloon flight!
best sightseeing in mexico city
Museo Nacional de Antropología -
The building itself is visually stunning, and if you’re a history nerd like me it’s the perfect place to gain a deeper understanding of Mexico’s ancient to recent history.Teotihuacan…by Hot Air Balloon - One of the most magical things I’ve ever done, even though I’m terrified of heights! Even on a cloudy day the views of these ancient pyramids from above were stunning. You can add a walking tour of the pyramids, but I just grabbed a meal afterward and went back to the city (about 45 min. by car each way)
See a Sunset Over Plaza de la Constitución - Grab a cocktail or glass of wine at the rooftop bar of the Zocalo Hotel and watch as the sun sets over this central square in downtown Mexico City with views of the Palacio Nacional as well as the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral.
Get Outside the City - I booked a cooking class that took me to a forested, mountain village only 20 minutes outside Mexico City (more on that here!). It was such a pleasant change of pace and I had such a great time with my host. If you have the chance, taking a couple mini trips is a great way to break up your trip and escape the pollution of Mexico City for the day. I didn’t get a chance to go, but the lovely couple from my hot air balloon journey (pictured above) recommend Taxco, a European town nestled in the mountains nearby known for being a silver mining town (and decorated accordingly!).
Things to Know if traveling alone
I traveled while “alone and female” to Mexico City and had plenty of people warn me how dangerous it is. While I never once felt unsafe, I also took precautions to ensure that. I didn’t take off walking somewhere if I wasn’t sure the route was on safe, main roads. I didn’t stay out much past 8pm at the latest, and never had more than a couple glasses of wine at dinner. Overall just be alert and aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts.