Okay, I’m literally 50 years late with this post, but better late than never… right?
I planned a trip to Mexico with my family earlier this year and had to squeeze a Mexico City moment in because it’s been on my list for a while now. After we left, we jetted over to Puerto Vallarta, which was so amazing that my mom actually started talking to realtors about buying a vacation home down there… so yeah, A+ destination, fr.
Honestly, Mexico might be one of my favorite places to visit because it offers so many different vibes and landscapes. From Mexico City to Puerto Vallarta to Oaxaca to Tulum, you’d be hard-pressed to not find a little pocket of the country that you don’t absolutely love.
But anywho, let’s get to the good stuff.
Why Mexico City is Top Tier
Mexico City is the oldest, most densely-populated city in North America, and one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Please, put some respect on her name. It’s home to a ton of palaces, the only royal castle in the Americas, and over 150 museums… not to mention the world’s largest university and also the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, UNAM (sorry, Harvard). She’s a cultural and historical behemoth if that’s what you’re into, but this only scratches the surface of what the city offers.
Mexico City has hundreds of little neighborhoods and they all offer a different vibe. In a “history and culture” kinda mood? Head over to Centro Historico. Foodie who loves an artsy, aesthetic moment? Be my friend, and let’s go to Roma. Looking for Roma’s chill, but just as hip big brother with tree-lined streets and picture perfect cafes? Enter Condesa. Are you here to blow a bag on some high-end shopping? Polanco it is. Again, this only scratches the surface.
Of course, there are places you probably shouldn’t venture after nightfall, just like any big city. But for the most part, CDMX felt very safe, and the neighborhoods I mentioned are pretty popular amongst travelers.
How We Spent Our 24 Hours in the City
Let me preface by saying that 24 hours is absolutely not enough time to explore all the gems this city has to offer. I’m usually not pressed to visit a place over and over again because I love to experience the pieces of the world that I haven’t already, but I could see trips to Mexico City being a regular thing for me. I loved it.
Our AirBNB was in Juarez, a small and quiet yet up-and-coming neighborhood about 10 minutes from Condesa. We only had one full day in the city, and we started it at La Ventanita, the cutest little café in the heart of Roma Norte. I had the chilaquiles, because of course I’m always looking for ~la experiencia autentica~.
After we filled our bellies, we made our way through a street market nearby. These little markets are all over the city, and you can find literally anything from tacos to fresh fruit to souvenirs in them.
For lunch we stopped by Mercado Roma, a three-story foodie paradise. You can indulge in all kinds of goodies here, from Mexican tapas to authentic tacos and churros to a variety of beers, wines, and cheeses. We had tacos, of course!
We did a little shopping in both Roma Norte and Condesa, stopping for an afternoon pick-me-up at another charming café and of course settling down for a happy hour moment at an adorable indoor-outdoor bar. Y’all know me — I’m a sucker for an aesthetic, and Mexico City is brimming with it.
We ended the day at Madre Roof, another Roma Norte restaurant with the most gorgeous drinks. The food was also great, as most of it is in Mexico City.
Ciao — For Now!
Had we had a couple more days, I would have definitely sailed the colorful Xochimilco canals aboard a trajinera, taken an authentic street food tour or tequila mixology class, or visited the Tolantongo hot springs. I also didn’t get to Polanco or Centro Historico like I wanted to. Needless to say, I’m already planning my next trip.
Have you visited Mexico City? If so, what were your favorite parts of your trip? If not, what destinations are on your travel list? I’d love to chat in the comments below!
