Mexico City

Nicki Post

Available for hire

Updated ago

Historic Center

What to do/see

Templo Mayor Museum

@nicki

I really enjoyed this museum, and thought it was done very well. Super informative. You can easily find the museum a couple minutes walk from the center of the Zocalo. The entrance takes you down a flight of stairs. The cost of entry is 90 pesos, and you can pay with a credit card. There is information in both English and Spanish. The first part of the museum is a small room with a ton of information about the history of the Aztec/Mexica people and how they came to settle in Tenochtitlan (present day Mexico City). They explain what the Templo Mayor meant to the people and how it was built. The second part of the museum is the archeological zone. There are also several signs as you walk through the zone explaining about different aspects you are seeing. After the archeological zone, you'll come to the third section: A massive museum with even more history and information about the area. Make sure to save your entry ticket so you can get into this second museum for free. I spent about 2.5 hours total between all three sections. I highly recommend a visit here.

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Zócalo

@nicki

The Zocalo, also known as the Plaza de la Constitución, is the main square and heart of Mexico City. It is one of the largest city squares in the world, measuring approximately 240,000 square feet. Surrounded by some of Mexico City's most iconic landmarks, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, and Templo Mayor, the Zocalo is a hub of cultural and political activity. It is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, offering a lively atmosphere with street performers, vendors, and food stalls. It's very cool to see. It really does feel huge when you're standing in the center of it.

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Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral

@nicki

The Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, is a stunning architectural masterpiece and one of the most important landmarks in Mexico City. It is the largest cathedral in Latin America and one of the oldest and most important Catholic churches in the Americas. Built over the course of three centuries, from 1573 to 1813, the cathedral features a blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical. Inside, visitors can admire its ornate altarpieces, religious artwork, and impressive stained-glass windows. The Spanish built this cathedral right on top of many of the Aztecan landmarks, such as the ball court. All these important places to the Mexica people now lie deep below the cathedral.

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Palacio de Bellas Artes

@nicki

The Palacio de Bellas Artes, or Palace of Fine Arts, is one of Mexico City's most iconic landmarks and cultural institutions. Located in the heart of the city, it is renowned for its stunning architecture, which combines Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and neoclassical styles. The building houses a theater and museum, featuring works by some of Mexico's most celebrated artists, such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Rufino Tamayo. The theater is also home to the National Symphony Orchestra and the Mexican Folk Ballet, which regularly perform for audiences from around the world. Entry is 90 pesos and you can pay with a credit card. I've heard that you should go to Sears (the dept store) across the street as they have a cafe on the 8th floor where you can get a great view of Bellas Artes.

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Alameda Central

@nicki

This is a big rectangular park just next to Bellas Artes. There are several statues, fountains, and benches in the park. There are also several vendors in the park for drinks or snacks. It is definitely worth taking a stroll through here. It is in the center of the city, but still quite peaceful.

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Shopping

Mercado moneda

@nicki

This is an indoor market just a couple blocks away from the Zocalo. Most of the shops are CASH ONLY but you can find some of the absolute best prices here. There are electronics shops, shoe stores, and clothing stores. It's a great place to get the Mexican-style embroidered shirts, as I found them to be of good quality and low prices. I saw several items such as clothing, toys, and hats here that I saw in other parts of Mexico, but here they had the best prices. For example, I bought a hat in Querétaro for 250 pesos, but I found something very similar for 150 pesos. This market is not chaotic. It's a leisurely stroll through the market. There are also restaurants on the second floor.

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Mercado de Granaditas

@nicki

There are SEVERAL markets in this area. Blocks and blocks of markets between Mercado de Granaditas and Mercado Moneda. Each block is a section for different items. The Mercado de Granaditas is where I found to be the shoe market. Thousands of shops with different shoes, including a few shops to buy huaraches- the beautiful leather sandals.

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Where to eat & drink

El sazoncito Veracruz

@nicki

Admittedly there are a TON of small restaurants around this area, all very similar. But I came here and had a great experience. Each lunch order comes with a main, a huge pitcher of flavored water (I got watermelon), lentil soup, and spaghetti. For my main I ordered the camarones- shrimp. They did come with the shell on, so you should know that in advance if you don't like to work for your food. But the flavor was excellent! I was very satisfied and happy. I was able to pay with a credit card. For all of that food (watermelon juice, spaghetti, lentils, tortillas, shrimp), the total was 163 pesos (including tip). I would go back. The restaurant is on the second floor of the Mercado Moneda, and you can get a table next to the window overlooking the busy street with a view of the church across the street.

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Chapultepec

What to do and see

Bosque de Chapultepec

@nicki

Bosque de Chapultepec, or Chapultepec Forest, is a vast and sprawling urban park located in the heart of Mexico City. Covering over 1,600 acres, it is one of the largest city parks in the world. The park is home to numerous attractions, including several museums, the Chapultepec Castle, a zoo, a lake, and various gardens. Visitors can also explore miles of walking paths and jogging trails, making it a great place to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. Bosque de Chapultepec is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Mexico City and immerse themselves in nature. The park gets its name from grasshoppers (chapulines). It was once called the Grasshopper Hill. You will also see dried chapulines being sold all over the park. There are many paths in the center of the park lined with stalls selling trinkets and souvenirs, as well as snacks, fruit, and drinks. You can also see the Danza de los Voladores, which is the traditional ritual, where 4 men climb a pole and swing down. There is a pole for this in the park section in front of the Museo de Antropologia. This is a great place to have a picnic, or just stroll around. You can get a great view of the entire park from on top of the Castill de Chapultepec.

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Castillo de Chapultepec

@nicki

The Castillo de Chapultepec, or Chapultepec Castle, is an historic castle located inside the Bosque de Chapultepec. Built in the 18th century as a summer residence for the Spanish Viceroy, it later served as the official residence of Mexican presidents before being converted into a museum. The castle's architecture is a stunning blend of various styles, including neoclassical and romanticism. Visitors can explore the castle's impressive interior, which houses a variety of artifacts and exhibits that showcase Mexico's rich history and culture. The first half of the tour has ONLY information in Spanish. However, once you exit and then re-enter the Alcazar section, you'll begin to find information in both English and Spanish. The cost of entry is 90 pesos, and you can pay with a credit card. You can either purchase your ticket at the window, or at the machines in the entry office. After purchasing your ticket, you'll need to get your bag checked. There are lockers if you would like to leave it behind. Then you walk uphill about a 10 minutes to reach the castle. There are stunning views of the park from the castle's gardens, and windows on the upper floors.

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Museo del Caracol

@nicki

This is another history museum, which you will find along the path on the way up to the Chapultepec castle. The cost of entry is 90 pesos. All of the information is in Spanish only. The museum serves as an introduction to the Chapultepec Castle.

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Museo de Arte Moderno

@nicki

The Museo de Arte Moderno, or Museum of Modern Art, is a cultural gem located in Chapultepec Park. Founded in 1964, it houses an impressive collection of Mexican and international art, with a particular emphasis on modern and contemporary works. Visitors can view pieces by renowned artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros, as well as contemporary artists from around the world. The entry cost is 90 pesos, but free on Sundays.

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Museo Nacional de Antropología

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Polanco

What to do and see

Soumaya Museum

@nicki

The Museo Soumaya is a stunning art museum located in the upscale Polanco neighborhood. The museum is renowned for its striking architecture, which features a distinctive exterior made of thousands of hexagonal aluminum tiles. Inside, visitors can explore an impressive collection of over 66,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The collection includes works by some of the world's most celebrated artists, such as Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh, as well as Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo. There is even a 1:1 replica of Michelangelo's David. The museum is 5 stories and PACKED with art. It's a little overwhelming, to be honest. It would be impossible to see all of it with great attention, in one day. The entrance is free.

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Museo Jumex

@nicki

The Museo Jumex is a contemporary art museum located in the Polanco neighborhood of Mexico City. It is just next door to the Soumaya. The museum is housed in a stunning building designed by British architect David Chipperfield and features a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art. Entry is free. Be prepared to walk up several flights of stairs. They do not allow you to use the elevators. Also, be prepared for the security guards to scrutinize you and look at you like you are on the verge of committing a crime. There is a cafe on the first floor. It's a bit overpriced and the service is pretty bad, but the food is good.

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Parque Lincoln

@nicki

Parque Lincoln is a beautiful urban park located in the upscale neighborhood of Polanco in Mexico City. The park is a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists, offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as jogging, picnicking, and people-watching. The park is also home to several sculptures and art installations, including a monument dedicated to Abraham Lincoln, for whom the park is named. This is a long, thin park in Polanco, and you can find fancy, upscale restaurants and cafes all along the edges of the park. There are several paths and a lake, inside the park.

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Where to eat and drink

Cafebrería El Péndulo

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Narvarte

What to do and see

Where to eat & drink

Cha Cha Chá Café

@nicki

This is a super cute café right on the corner between two diagonal streets. There is a patio with outside seating, full of plants. Good music plays, and the workers are very sweet. I was even happy to find they have chai tea lattes. There are some pastries and a few breakfast options: molletes and emparedados. I ordered a chai and emparedado. The total was: 150 pesos Chai 60 Breakfast 90 A mollete is like a small biscuit. An emparedado is like a sandwich with baguette bread.

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Bazar con Aroma de Café

@nicki

This is a fantastic neighborhood cafe and breakfast spot. There is outdoor seating on the sidewalk. The workers are very friendly, and the food and coffee are delicious. Highly recommend.

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Hop The Beer Experience 2

@nicki

This is a fantastic brewery in the Narvarte neighborhood. It is a large open space with many large picnic tables. They have a TON of different craft beer options. As for food, you can choose pizza, hamburgers, or chicken nuggets. I got the nuggets with garlic sauce and they were really delicious.

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Kowloon Delight Narvarte 九龍餐廳

@nicki

This is a Chinese restaurant with a VERY Mexican vibe. When I went there was mariachi music playing. But the food was so good. The portions were huge, and I was able to eat leftovers for another 2 meals. I got a wonton soup, and a beef with broccoli and other vegetables for a total of 250 pesos. If you're tired of eating so much Mexican food, and you're in the mood for something different- this is a great alternative. They also do take-away and deliveries.

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Coyoacán

What to do & see

Frida Kahlo Museum

@nicki

This is easily one of the more famous tourist attractions in Mexico City, and with good reason. You absolutely need to reserve tickets in advance. You can reserve online here: https://www.boletosfridakahlo.org/ Click on "Comprar boletos," which will then take you to a calendar. You can select the day you're interested in, then the time, and purchase with a credit card. However, you will need to either create an account or login with Facebook. "Boletos Agotados" means the tickets are exhausted and not available. Once you see a green "comprar boletos" button, you will be able to purchase tickets. Once the purchase is complete, you'll receive the proof of ticket in your email. Tickets are 250 pesos (270 pesos on the weekends). However, the total ended up being 267 pesos for the 250 pesos ticket. Taxes. The earliest entry time is 10am, which I suggest. I also suggest booking well in advance. On May 4, I looked for tickets hoping to go on May 5. However, I wasn't able to get tickets until May 10.

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Viveros de Coyoacán

@nicki

Viveros Coyoacán is a beautiful urban park located in the southern part of Mexico City, known for its stunning botanical gardens and lush greenery. The park covers over 40 hectares and is a popular destination for joggers, walkers, and families looking to spend a day in the great outdoors. The park is home to a wide variety of plants and trees, including several rare and endangered species, making it an important center for conservation and education. You can find playgrounds, picnic areas, and a small lake. It's definitely worth it to have a walk through this park. You can get there easily on the metro. The stop Viveros/Derechos Humanos is just next to the park.

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Fuente de los Coyotes

@nicki

Coyoacán means "Place of Coyotes," so it is fitting that there would be a coyote statue in the center of the neighborhood. The Fuente de los Coyotes, or Fountain of the Coyotes, is a historic fountain located in the Coyoacan neighborhood of Mexico City. It is one of the oldest fountains in the city, dating back to the 18th century. The fountain features a central pedestal with a sculpture of two coyotes. The fountain is situated in a charming square surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings.

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Plaza Jardin Hidalgo

@nicki

Plaza Jardín Hidalgo, also known as Jardín Centenario, is a charming and lively square located in the heart of the Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City. The square is named after Miguel Hidalgo, a national hero who played a crucial role in Mexico's fight for independence. It is surrounded by colorful colonial-style buildings. The square is home to a variety of vendors, street performers, and cafes, making it a great place to people-watch and soak up the local atmosphere. It is in this plaza that you can find the COYOACAN letters to take a nice photo.

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Where to eat & drink

Júpiter Cervecería

@nicki

This is a nice, small little restaurant/brew pub. The food is good and there are a few craft beer options. There is also a small bar with both indoor and outdoor seating. You can sit at the bar but also enjoy the nice outside ambiance. The street is quiet and having a beer here is a pleasant experience.

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Coyoacan Market

@nicki

This is a very big market and a great place to get gifts and souvenirs. However, I found prices in this market to be much higher than in other places in the city. The best-priced markets in CDMX are near the Zocalo, like the Mercado Moneda. But it's still fun to have a walk through the market. There is also a large section for food in this market and the prices are fair. I had delicious chicken mole tacos for 80 pesos. I could only eat half and took the rest home to have later.

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Condesa

What to do & see

Amsterdam

@nicki

This is the name of the street that goes in a big loop around the Condesa neighborhood. There is a walking section between the two lanes of traffic that are lined with greenery. This street truly is stunning and worth taking a walk around it.

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Where to eat & drink

Taquería Orinoco ( Condesa )

@nicki

There are a few Taquería Orinoco's around the city, but I absolutely loved this one. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. The vibe feels old school eatery with all the red and vintage lettering. The food was spectacular. They also have hibiscus water available in massive metal cups. I spent 160 pesos for a hibiscus drink, two tacos, and a quesadilla.

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Canton Mexicali 廣東墨西加利

@nicki

If you're tired of tacos, come to this place. It's a great Chinese/Mexican fusion restaurant. A retro vibe with great fusion dishes with big servings.

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Teotihuacán

San Juan Teotihuacán

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Roma

Abarrotes Delirio

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Tierra Garat

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Bar Las Brujas

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Cabrera 7

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicki Post

Available for hire

I have been traveling the world for 20 years, and I want to help you do the same. I am originally from Colorado, though I took off as soon as I graduated from university. Since then I have lived in ten countries and traveled through dozens more. I have learned languages, tried several new foods, walked across Spain, trained across Russia, worked on farms, and in pubs, taught English, and anything else that allowed me to keep going. My life motto is to be fearless and I try to live up to that every day. I’m currently traveling around Tunisia. I spent an entire year traveling around Argentina so I know it quite well. I want to help you discover what makes this country incredible as well! Shop my Argentina travel guides: https://share.thatch.co/Cijz I offer travel consultations too! Book here: https://nickipoststravelstuff.com/contact/ “Wow. Nicki is super knowledgeable about Argentina and actually travel in general. We discussed everything from general safety to the cost of renting an apartment long-term. My biggest takeaway was her ideas for using social media as a resource for learning about the people from the people. Great idea. Real nice gal too.” -Ray “Nicki’s consultation was amazing. She is extremely knowledgeable and answered all my questions and concerns with ease and intelligence. She’s definitely someone to talk to before you visit or relocate to Buenos Aires or other locations in Argentina.” -Paul “My family and I are about to embark on a 3 month trip through Argentina, we had been binge watching youtube videos from Nicki so we scheduled a call to dive deeper. Nicki helped give feedback to our itinerary and gave great local perspective from cell phones to don’t miss desserts. It was super beneficial to get the added insight.“ -Andi

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