Mexico City, Mexico
With nearly 20 million people in the greater Mexico City population, you can spend a day exploring 1-2 neighborhoods. It is particularly fun to be there during the national holiday of Dia De Los Muertos (the first days of November).
- More about your oliver guide: Monica Coakley
- Trip type: Adult, City
- Activity level: moderate
- Ideal length of trip: 2-3 DAYS
to & from
United has a direct flight from SFO to MEX, as well as AeroMexico. Taxis are reliable from the airport and the fare needs to be purchased ahead of time. After your initial taxi ride, Uber is very reliable and unbelievably inexpensive (i.e., 1 hour ride for $7USD). No need to rent a car, as the traffic is horrible and Uber/taxi is such a deal.
Where to Stay
Where to Eat and Drink
- Maque (Condesa)
- Eno (Polanco)
- Cabanna (Polanco)
- El Balcon del Zocalo (great place to have brunch before/after viewing the Cathedral and Zocalo Square)
- Huset
- Azul Historico
- Maximo Bistro
- Biko
- Casa Virginia
- Contramar
- Pujol
What to Do
- Lucha Libre (Mexico Wrestling)
- Museo Frida Kahlo
- Palacio Nacional
- Palacio De Bellas Artes
- Zocalo
- Casa Barragan
- Chapultepec Park
inside scoop
- Get tickets in advance (online) for all museums. The Frida Kahlo museum is worthwhile it's in her home but is very popular.
- Sundays Mexican familes congregate in indoor markets to have lunch and shop. Buy a Mexican bottled Coca Cola and walk around the market, a great way to get a feel for the culture.
- Sunday is a great DAY to explore the city because traffic is much better, so driving to/from different areas will take 1/2 the time then during the week.
- Sunday PM's most restaurants close by 5:00pm- so consider having a late lunch and if hungry later, eat at your hotel.
- Don't drink the water. Always drink bottled water. Most of the hotels are safe, but you can never be too careful.
- Take ubers and always account for traffic. It can take 60-80 minutes to drive across the city depending on traffic, which is one of the most congested city's in the world.
- Take out pesos. While most places accept credit cards, it's much easier and more accepted to pay in cash.
skip it
Unlike most other cities, I recommend NOT staying in the downtown Centro Historico part of town. There are really interesting other neighborhoods with more culture and more to do during the day and night.
Mexico City, Mexico - Suggestions from the Oliver Community
Los Dazantes – a short walk from the Frida Kahlo Museum. Delicious Oaxcan Food. House made Mezcal. Taste a flight of tequilas and buy your favorite bottle to bring home as you’ll not find anywhere else.. (worth the room in your suitcase!)
Ask any hip local friend you make about the secret speak easy’s around the city… enter the small club through an unsuspecting mexican store front or a refrigerator cooler door for some late night fun! You’re welcome.
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