Elliot and I are in Mexico City this week, and every time we come back, I’m reminded why this is one of my favorite cities in the world. The energy, the food, the neighborhoods. It’s a place I never get tired of. We’ve visited many times, and each trip still feels fresh.
If you’re planning your first visit, here’s my personal Mexico City travel guide. These are my favorite luxury hotels in Mexico City, the restaurants I love most, and the must-see things to do in Mexico City for first-timers.
For your convenience, I’ve added all my recommendations in a downloadable Google Map. You can click and download it here, and have every hotel, restaurant, and attraction from this guide saved to your phone before you go.
Best Hotels in Mexico City
I’ve stayed in the city multiple times, and these are the hotels I personally recommend to clients and friends.
Andaz Mexico City Condesa (5★) My Go-To Stay
This is my spot. Every time I’m in CDMX with Elliot, we stay here. The design is modern and stylish, the rooftop pool is one of the best in the city, and Condesa’s tree-lined streets, cafés, and galleries are right outside the door.
The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City (5★) For Pure Luxury
For travelers looking to splurge, the Ritz-Carlton is a showstopper. High above Paseo de la Reforma, it has panoramic views of the city and mountains, a world-class spa, and one of the chicest sky bars in town.
Casa Polanco (Luxury Boutique, 5★) A Chic Favorite
I haven’t stayed here yet, but it’s at the top of my list. This restored mansion in Polanco feels like a private residence, with elegant interiors and personal service. Surrounded by luxury boutiques and some of the best restaurants in Mexico City, it’s a perfect boutique option.
Neighborhoods to Explore in Mexico City
One of the best parts of CDMX is that every neighborhood has its own character. These are my favorite areas to recommend:
Polanco – Upscale, polished, and full of luxury shopping and fine dining.
Condesa – My personal favorite. Leafy, walkable, filled with cafés, rooftop bars, and art deco architecture.
Roma Norte – Trendy and artistic, with mezcalerías, galleries, and some of the top restaurants in Mexico City.
Centro Histórico – The historic heart of the city with plazas, cathedrals, and buzzing markets.
Coyoacán – Bohemian, colorful, and home to Frida Kahlo’s iconic Casa Azul.
Best Restaurants in Mexico City: My Favorites
CDMX is one of the best foodie destinations in the world. These are the restaurants I personally love and recommend to my clients:
Contramar – My ultimate lunch spot in Roma. Order the tuna tostadas and the famous half-red, half-green pescado a la talla.
Ticuchi – Enrique Olvera’s mezcal-focused restaurant. Dark, sexy, and creative, perfect for cocktails and small plates.
Rosetta – On Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. Chef Elena Reygadas (World’s Best Female Chef 2023) blends Italian and Mexican flavors. The guava and cheese pastry is a must.
Taquería El Califa de León – The world’s first MICHELIN-starred taco stand. The taco de gaonera is legendary.
Taquería Orinoco – My favorite late-night taco stop in Roma. The al pastor and chicharrón always hit.
Sud 777 – On Latin America’s 50 Best. A destination for bold tasting menus that highlight Mexico’s biodiversity.
Azul Histórico – A beautiful courtyard restaurant in the Centro Histórico. I love the mole poblano and, in season, the chiles en nogada under twinkling lights.
Quintonil – Ranked among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Chef Jorge Vallejo’s tasting menu is one of my favorite fine-dining experiences in Mexico City.
Things to Do in Mexico City for First-Timers
If it’s your first visit, these are the must-see attractions in Mexico City I always recommend:
Chapultepec Castle & Park – The only royal castle in the Americas, with sweeping city views. The surrounding park is twice the size of Central Park.
Teotihuacan Pyramids – A day trip to the ancient city is unforgettable. Climb the Pyramid of the Sun early before the crowds.
Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul – Frida’s colorful home in Coyoacán, filled with her art and personal history. Tickets sell out quickly, reserve online.
Leon Trotsky House Museum – Just a short walk from Casa Azul. This is where Trotsky lived in exile and where he was assassinated in 1940. The house remains frozen in time.
Museo Soumaya – A futuristic silver building housing over 60,000 works from Rodin, Dalí, and Rivera.
Xochimilco Boat Ride – One of my favorite experiences. We floated the canals with mariachi bands and tacos from passing boats.
Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors
Here are the Mexico City travel tips I share with clients to help them feel like locals:
Health & Safety
Don’t drink the tap water – Always use bottled or filtered water, even for brushing teeth.
Street food smarts – Tacos are essential, but stick to stands with a line of locals and clean prep areas. Food tours are a great way to sample safely.
Stay aware at night – Petty theft can happen in busy areas. Keep valuables secure and use rideshares after dark.
Getting Around
Use Uber or DiDi – More reliable and safer than street taxis.
Metro is efficient – Great for crossing the city, but avoid rush hour (7–9:30 a.m. and 5:30–7:30 p.m.) when trains are packed.
Reforma on Sundays – Paseo de la Reforma closes to cars and turns into a giant bike lane. Amazing if you want to cycle, but avoid driving across town that day.
Cultural & Practical Tips
Stay in the right neighborhood – For first-timers, I recommend Roma, Condesa, Polanco, or Centro Histórico.
Carry pesos in small bills – Handy for taco stands, markets, and tipping.
Pack layers – The altitude means warm days, cool nights, and surprise rain showers.
Why I Keep Coming Back
Every trip to Mexico City brings something new, a hidden market, a rooftop bar, or a restaurant I’ll talk about for months. At the same time, I love returning to my staples: the Andaz Condesa, a long lunch at Contramar, and a festive afternoon on the boats in Xochimilco.
If it’s your first time in CDMX, this itinerary is my favorite way to experience the perfect mix of luxury hotels, top restaurants, and unforgettable things to do in Mexico City.