{"id":22550,"date":"2018-03-05T09:00:12","date_gmt":"2018-03-05T17:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=22550"},"modified":"2025-08-19T21:31:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T04:31:15","slug":"mexico-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/mexico-city\/","title":{"rendered":"5 MUST-DO’S FOR YOUR FIRST TRIP TO MEXICO CITY"},"content":{"rendered":"

Five years ago, no one I knew was talking about Mexico City and now it seems everyone is in on the secret. Mexico City has everything going for it and is an effortless escape for a dose of something comfortingly familiar yet unique in its own way. It\u2019s an easy hop over for a long weekend for those living Stateside.<\/p>\n

For those traveling in from further away, ensure Mexico City is a stop on your visit to North or South America. With its explosive food scene, trendy bars, grand tributes to ancient civilizations, and diverse neighborhoods, Mexico City is everything you would want for a quick urban getaway. In this article, I share five things you must-do on your first trip to Mexico City!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

1) Eat Your Way Through The City <\/h2>\n

When I asked fellow tourists who have come back to Mexico City on multiple occasions why they chose to come back, the answer was unanimous. The food! And I could see why.<\/p>\n

While I had known I was a fan of the Americanized version of Mexican food, eating my way around Mexico City gave me a whole new appreciation for the flavor and drama of Mexican food, evident in every bite.<\/p>\n

Calling the restaurant scene in Mexico City happening would be an understatement; apart from the world-famous Pujol<\/a>, there are plenty of restaurants fusing the best of traditional Mexican ingredients and flavors with new twists and techniques.<\/p>\n

As a vegetarian, I was also pleasantly surprised by the abundance of options. Spots like Japanese fusion Los Loosers<\/a> and the row of vegan food stalls like La Pitahaya Vegana<\/a> at La Quimera had me addicted to the bursts of zest and innovative takes on Mexican food.<\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

Pay Less, Travel More eBook<\/h2>

Subscribe to get our FREE eBook with tips on saving money when you travel!<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/h6>\n

The heart and soul of any cuisine is best experienced on the streets and Mexico City takes it to another level. Mouthwatering flavors and aromas abound on every street corner where locals line up at all hours of the day.<\/p>\n

I opted for a street food tour with Club Tengo Hambre<\/a> to experience the best of what Mexican cuisine is renowned for \u2013 quesadillas, tamales, and tacos made with fresh, local produce topped with spoonfuls of colorful, fiery salsas. If like me, you have a perennial craving for spicy food, you are in for a real treat!<\/p>\n

\"5
\n2) Peek Into Frida Kahlo’S Life At Casa Azul <\/h2>\n

I will admit that while I knew Frida Kahlo as an iconic figure, I didn\u2019t know the depth of her tumultuous life until I visited the Frida Kahlo museum in the picturesque Coyoacan neighborhood, about eight miles from Centro.<\/p>\n

Walking through the beautifully maintained Casa Azul, Frida and Diego\u2019s home, you get a glimpse into the vibrant and volatile lives they led. The curators have done an exceptional job of distilling Frida\u2019s life – the passion, the angst, the agony – into exhibits that flow seamlessly from one corner of the house to the next.<\/p>\n

Casa Azul is well worth a visit to delve deeper into understanding the powerhouses that Frida and Diego were.<\/p>\n

Related Post: <\/strong>3 Days In Mexico City<\/a><\/div>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t buy tickets in advance, make sure you get to the house by 9:45am<\/a> to line up for tickets before the crowds hit. After the museum visit, you can enjoy the Coyoacan neighborhood; head to Mercado de antojitos de Coyoacan<\/a> for some delectable Mexican snacks.<\/p>\n

If you are in the mood for a more luxurious meal, walk over to Jardin Centenario, a lovely square lined with restaurants. Grab brunch at the Los Danzantes Coyoacan with its eclectic d\u00e9cor and delectable menu. Finally, be sure to grab warm Nutella-filled churros at Churreria De Coyoacan.<\/p>\n

\"5
\n3) Discover The Best Of Pre-Hispanic History In The Region<\/h2>\n

Plan a half-day trip to see the pyramids of the sun and moon at Teotihuacan \u2013 Aztec name meaning \u201cPlace of the Gods\u201d- once one of the most prominent cities of the Western Hemisphere.<\/p>\n

A UNESCO World Heritage site<\/a>, it is just 30 miles outside of Mexico City and is easy to get to with or without a tour group. If you opt for a do-it-yourself trip like I did, it\u2019s easy enough to catch a bus from the Autobuses del Norte bus station (look for the sign that says Autobus Teotihuacan).<\/p>\n

Once you are there, you can easily orient yourself walking down the main street \u2013 Avenue of the Dead. It is great that you can still climb the pyramids which is not possible at other archeological sites like Chichen-itza.<\/p>\n

The remains of this Mayan city will take you back to a world we couldn\u2019t possibly fathom now but is enthralling all the same. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and lather on the sunscreen. <\/p>\n

Book Your Tour: <\/strong> Hot Air Balloon to Teotihuacan
\n<\/a><\/div>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

Even if you are not a museum person you will want to check out the Museo de Anthropologie<\/a> for one of the most spectacular travels through pre-Hispanic history and a journey through the lives of the civilizations that have progressed and been decimated through it.<\/p>\n

The 23 exhibition rooms spanning 33,000 square meters and civilizations from the Mayans to the Aztecs to the Toltecs are like a passage through time. Some exhibits like the iconic Aztec sunstone weighing around 24 tons and the life-size replicas of temples and tombs are nothing short of jaw-dropping.<\/p>\n

The focal point of the central courtyard is the El Paraguas (the umbrella) water installation: a single concrete pillar with ornate carvings. Realistically, you could spend at least half a day wandering through the museum and its beautifully landscaped gardens.<\/p>\n

\"5
\n4) Explore The Different Neighborhoods By Foot<\/h2>\n

I love exploring any city on foot and fortunately, Mexico City makes it delightful. In fact, it makes it a better option compared to sitting endlessly in traffic. With over 21 million inhabitants, Mexico City\u2019s roads are chockful of vehicles, but it makes up for it with its tree-lined streets and ubiquitous parks.<\/p>\n

\"5
\nWalk the tree-lined, luxurious streets of Condesa complete with chic restaurants, cafes and parks. Strolling around the central pedestrian walkway on Avenida Amsterdam, you\u2019ll chance upon countless dogs and their hip owners.<\/p>\n

Neighboring Roma Norte is equally stylish if a bit edgier. Both of these neighborhoods experienced more damage than other parts of central Mexico City in the earthquake in September 2017<\/a> causing alarm and concerns for safety.<\/p>\n

When I was there two months after the earthquake, I found things were a bit quieter than usual but these neighborhoods were still a great place to stroll around.<\/p>\n

\"5
\nThe historic center is equally enticing with its buzzing streets lined with historic buildings and graceful churches. Start off wandering through the lush and expansive Alameda park culminating in the gorgeous art noveau-style Palacio del Bellas Arte.<\/p>\n

Cross over to see the impressive fa\u00e7ade of Casa del los Azulejos (house of tiles). Continue wandering over toward plaza Zocalo, people-watching along the way. In the evening, grab a drink at Bosforo<\/a>, a hole in the wall bar with serious vibes and an abundance of mezcal.<\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

 <\/h3>\n

5) Get Drinks On A Rooftop<\/h2>\n

Just like mountains offer unparalleled views of the surrounding scenery, rooftop bars are the quintessential city offering to get an aerial view of the urban sprawl. Rooftop bars around Mexico City offer up delicious cocktails, trendy vibes and views that showcase the diverse architecture of the city.<\/p>\n

In Centro, head to the rooftop lounge at the Downtown hotel<\/a> for delicious cocktails and views of elegantly aging facades. The rooftop at Hotel Condesa df<\/a> is a great place to relax during the day with a cucumber mojito in hand.<\/p>\n

On the rooftop of Barrio Alameda, an eclectic shopping mall full of independent stores, find yourself at the cozy La Azotea<\/a> at sunset with a beer in hand. If the air gets nippy, you can swaddle yourself with colorful blankets under heated lamps.<\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

\n
\n

We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Mexico City. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below. <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Visit our<\/i><\/b> Contribute<\/i><\/b><\/a> page for guidelines and to submit your article.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\n

Pay Less, Travel More<\/h2>

Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with tips for saving money when you travel!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/h6>\n

\n

Read More About Mexico <\/em><\/h4>\n