Mexico City, “the City of the Palaces”, is a metropolis that has it all at an altitude of 7,350 ft. The cosmopolitan spirit makes this destination an exciting place. No longer a “crime-ridden urban jungle”, the Mexican capital is now considered to be one of the safest and most dynamic cities in Latin America. Intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and artists have moved in from across Mexico and abroad, effortlessly blending the old with the new.
The Small List
Best Places to Stay
Four Seasons Hotel – Surrounded by lush greenery near the upscale and trendy Polanco neighborhood, this hacienda style hotel is a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the vibrant capital city. The stunning inner courtyard garden is an oasis. Head to Fifty Mils bar, one of the 50 Best Bars of the world, for a nightcap where mixologists design one-of-a-kind cocktail creations, while reinventing classic drinks with a modern twist.
Casa TEO – Casa TEO, by chef Enrique Olvera, is a cozy and quiet apartment, which encourages creativity and rest. Located in the Polanco neighborhood, one of the most cosmopolitan areas of the city, Casa TEO was created to foster the exchange of ideas. The space is simple and airy. The design revolves, explicitly around the dining room. The professional kitchen is open and expansive with a communal table, perfect for sharing and celebrating. In addition, Casa TEO has a library, which houses a series of gastronomy books and related topics, which serves as inspiration for the work team close to chef Enrique Olvera. An intimate stay with connections, guests of the home have special access to his culinary projects in the city, including a chance to secure priority access at Pujol, the top restaurant in Mexico City.
Best Restaurants
Contramar – Only fish and shellfish caught fresh each day make the cut at Contramar, a Mexico City seafood institution. Weekend lunchtimes pack out at this trendy locals hotspot.
Pujol – Enrique Olvera’s Pujol tops pretty much every list when it comes to dining in Mexico City. Ranked number 5 of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022, Pujol’s offering boasts a varied seven course tasting menu that packs an incredible punch. The signature Mole Madre, Mole Nuevo is two concentric rings of the traditional Mexican preparation, one of which is aged for 2,500 days. Alongside is a steamy dish of baby corn with chicatana ant mayonnaise. A remarkable and intimate splurge.
Rosetta – Set in an eclectic and large Roma mansion, Rosetta is easily the most stunning, romantic restaurant in town. Get a taste of Chef Elena Reygadas’ Italian cuisine, with a Mexican twist.
Máximo – A star of Mexico City’s food scene, chef and owner Eduardo Garcia brings to the eatery a skill set that’s impressive. He apprenticed both at Mexico City’s famed Pujol as well as at Le Bernardin in New York City. The result is exquisite food which fuses classic European techniques with traditional Mexican ingredients, creating extraordinary flavors.
Lardo – Lardo is a sister restaurant to chef Elena Reygadas’s Rosetta. The hip Mexican-European fusion joint serves brunch and more, inspired by Italy and the Mediterranean.
Best Bar
Ticuchi – Located in the old Pujol space, Ticuchi is very dark and super sexy. Renowned Mexican chef Enrique Olvera is behind it, but it has more of the feel of a bar than a restaurant. There is an extensive list of mezcals and an impressive selection of cocktails to match.
Museums to Visit
Palace of Fine Arts – The Museo del Palacio des Belles Artes is the national forum for performing arts in Mexico. The “Cathedral of Art in Mexico” is best known for its murals by Diego Rivera and Siqueiros, as well as the many exhibitions and theatrical performances it hosts.
Museum of Anthropology – The iconic building is a space for reflection on the rich indigenous heritage of Mexico’s multicultural nation. It is the largest museum in Mexico and one of the most outstanding in the world. Markedly, it contains significant archaeological and anthropological artifacts.
Castillo de Chapultepec – The National History Museum preserves the memory of the history of Mexico, from the conquest of Tenochtitlan to the Mexican Revolution. Installed at Chapultepec Castle, the museum is a national heritage site.
Museo Soumaya – The giant silver building is one of the most iconic museums in Mexico City, and not only because of its art. Tiled with thousands of silver hexagons, the museum is one of the showiest pieces of architecture in the city.
Museo Jumex – The newest contemporary art museum on the scene, Jumex contains works from Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, and more. It is one of the largest private contemporary art collections in Latin America.
Something to Do
Aura Galleries – Since 1981, Aura Galleries is one of the most recognized contemporary art galleries in Mexico and one of the most exclusive in Mexico City. Aura Galleries features a wide range of established and emerging Mexican and international artists.