Mexico City, CDMX locally, has a plethora of museums and top dining destinations, in the world.  Feed your belly and mind.  You’ll want to walk, just to make room for more food!

If Mexico City isn’t a top culinary destination for you, add it to your list. No, do it. Right NOW!  This a vibrant city full of culture, modern conveniences, top public transit, world class museums, as well as edgy hip neighborhoods that are on the forefront of dining, service, and people watching. Oh and don’t worry, street tacos until you drop.

First things first,  speak like a local.  Mexico City is officially known as El Districo Federal. Locally, CDMX for Ciudad Mexico. See there, you just learned some Spanish.  See what other terms you can pick up in the article without a translation.  Taco is always taco– that one is simple.

Polanco

Museo Soumaya-  This museum named after chief financier Carlos Slim’s wife and an architectural creation of Fernando Romero, the building alone is a site to behold.  A vast private collection the works of Rodin and local hero Diego Rivera are heavily featured. Don’t miss: Dahli’s “Triumphant Angel.”

Pujol-  You’ll want a reservation for dinner and a little sparkle than your daily streetwear.  This should be your special occasion or celebratory dining experience.  While not inexpensive, Pujol is one of the best values for top dining in the world. Lunch is a slightly more casual affair.  Expect 5 star service that will absolutely WOW you.

Area don’t miss: This is the high-end neighborhood of CDMX. Expect high prices, facilities catering to Western Tourist and best for those seeking a  more ‘normal safe environment” Cafes and restaurants are heavily feature. Beautiful homes akin to Bel Air or the Upper East Side in Manhattan.

From here, enjoy the walk to the next neighborhood: Chapultepec.

Chapultepec

While not technically a neighborhood, this is a can’t miss in CDMX.  This park often gets compared to Central Park, but it really deserves its own designation.  Known as the “Lungs” of the city, you will find glorious walking trails, public art, trees, green areas and such. Importantly, there are several museums of note.  

Chapultepec Castle houses the National Museum of History, on a hill guys. A museum in a castle on a hill… amazing. The only castle in North America that was occupied by royalty and various other uses over the years, the museum features several fantastic Mexican murals.  This was also a filming location for the 90’s flick Romeo & Juliet.  Also in the park you’ll find the zoo, the Museo Nacional de Antropologia (home of the Aztec Calendar/Sun Stone), museo de Arte Moderno Museo Rufino Tamayo (Tamayo, Picasso, Warhol), and others

Note: many Mexican museums are free to residents and citizens on Sundays. This results in large crowds and long lines.  It may be best to plan to visit Monday-Saturday.

Of special note is the Niños Heroes memorial at the entrance of the park. This area commemorates the six teenage cadets who defended the castle against invading U.S. forces in 1847.  This is a popular legend amongst locals. Several street names around the neighborhood are also named after the boys, who were cadets located at the castle.  

In this area, partake in some street food from a local vendor or pack a lunch for a picnic at the park!

Next, walk East into Roma Norte and Condessa barrios.

Barrio Roma Norte & Condessa

Roma Norta is hip and edgy where Condessa is chic.  Either way they are both barrios, neighborhoods, with something to offer everyone. These neighborhoods together are the most popular for tourist in the DF area, for a reason. Skewing to a crowd who enjoy trees, culture, cafe, culture, distinction, and quirky character the neighborhoods deliver.   

As you walk from Chaputepec towards Roma Norte, you’ll walk through Barrio Condessa.  Pay attention to the buildings and architecture. You’ll notice the colorful facelifts, the tree lined streets, and probably imagine yourself living here.  Most people will say to visit Rojo Boistrot and while it is great French food, I really adore Bonito Popfood. It’s in a great building but the interior is the star. Featuring gardens, terraces, private rooms alone make for a fantastic experience. Add in an exciting and creative menu that never disappoints and you won’t regret it.

In the “Barrio Magico” of Roma Norte, you’ll find the Mercado Medellin for any type of food that you may want. There’s lots of personality here any many food options to try. The Mexican snacks are always a good way to go, stock up though because you’ll want a snack as you wander the neighborhoods. Also a less ‘real’ version that leans more towards a food hall, you’ll find Mercado Roma.

To feed your mind on this one, and use a little of your new Spanish to discuss the art, El Museo del Objeto del Objeto is one of the top museums in Mexico City. Here you’ll find varying exhibitions that will be totally unlike anything else you’ve ever seen. You’ll find old books, containers, communication devices, marketing items for days gone by and the like. It’s really a great spot and has something for everyone.

Also of note in Roma Norte, you’ll want to stop by Mama Rumba for salsa dancing and late night parties. They also offer salsa lessons on certain days of the week.

A great photo opportunity is at the Plaza Villa de Madrid. Here you’ll find a colorful CDMX sign for you typical tourist photos–remember if you don’t have a selfie in front of one of these tourism signs, did you even go!?  Ask your Touri language instructor to help you learn how to ask a passing stranger for a photo.  At this óvalo you’ll find a host of various restaurants. Crepes and Waffles is a good choice for all meals and the Tuna Tostadas at Contramar really are worth the fan fare. Never be scared of the line of people at Contramar.. The service is top notch and FAST.

In the next article we’ll feature the Historic Center and Xochimilco

These two will be featured as they are vastly different areas of Mexico City each with splendid appeal.  From walking the route of the damned from the Spanish Conquistadores to a Venice style riverboat area with 5 times the party and food–you won’t want to miss it!

One more don’t miss:  Lucha Libre.

While not what the upper class would call “culture”  this is one hell of a party and an experience.  Do grab a group of new friends and head on over to Arena Mexico. You can leave your spandex at home and pick up a mask to take home to mom–or scare your dog. Either way. This is certainly a different way to spend a Friday night in a world-class city.

You Saw It: Learn it

Words to observe, learn, and practice with your instructor:

Museo, niño, restaurante, la cuenta, libre, ciudad, bellas artes, barrio, menú, bebidas, la dirección, centro histórico

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