Must Do in Mexico City: A guide for the adventurous traveler
- Amanda Bloomquist
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
Why Visit Mexico City
Mexico City is a destination that truly has it all. From its rich culture, showcased through world-class museums, historic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods, to its incredible food scene that spans from street tacos to gourmet dining. Beyond the city limits, Mexico City offers easy access to nature, whether it’s a quick drive to the Xochimilco canals, or a day trip to unforgettable hot springs. Mexico City is the perfect blend of culture, nature, and adventure, making it a must-visit city in Mexico and a destination you cannot miss.
In this blog, I am going to guide you through some of the best accommodations, adventurous activities, and must try food spots in Mexico City. I am going to share places that I have actually stayed at, been to, and ate at. There is so much more to do in Mexico City then I am going to tell you about, but this is a great place to start for your first time visiting.
Where to Stay in Mexico City
Whether you're looking for a more luxurious hotel, or a budget-friendly hostel, Mexico City has something for everyone. I had the pleasure of staying at a few different places that are all across the board of different kinds of stays.
Here are a few of my top spots to consider for your stay
This is for the people looking for a more high end stay, Andaz Mexico City is a modern hotel in the Polanco neighborhood. This hotel is perfect for travelers who enjoy luxury with a local touch(my favorite taco spot is right down the street). It has a rooftop pool and bar/restaurant that provides stunning views of the city skyline. The rooftop views and cocktails is definitely what makes this spot extra special.
Barrio Downtown If you’re either A. on a budget, and/or B. traveling solo and looking to make friends, Barrio Downtown is a great go-to. Located in the heart of the historic center, this hostel is perfect for those who want to be close to the cultural and historical landmarks of the city. This hostel has a mix of dorm style rooms as well private suites. The dorm room beds are box beds, so you have full privacy once in your bed which is ideal. The hostel has a lot of community space and also hosts events/excursions which makes it great for meeting people.
Another hostel that is more known for their parties and social aspect is Apapacho located in the Roma neighborhood. Known for their lively rooftop bar and hostel events that top all of the others in vibes. They have dorms and private rooms available as well as a good amount of community space.
If you're on a budget and/or working remote, Hostel Juarez is a great option. Located in the Juarez neighborhood is located near a bunch of great food spots and a quick Uber away from must see spots in the city. It is a quieter hostel more focused on spaces to work remotely then the social aspect which can be nice if you are looking for a more quiet atmosphere. They also have dorm and private rooms available.
Things to Do in Mexico City
Mexico City is an endless pit of things to do and see but I will give you a glimpse into what I chose to do with my week there. A lot of the activities I did were a bit of a drive outside of the city but Mexico City is a good hub to stay in for these excursions. Most excursions I used GetYourGuide to book so that transportation and extras were all included which made for less planning on my end. Although you may be able to do all of these excursions for cheaper if you book directly with the tour operators and take your own transportation.
My #1 recommendation if you are staying in Mexico City hands down is a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Teotihuacan Pyramids. As the sun rises, you get a bird's-eye view of the ancient ruins but an even more unique site is seeing hundreds of other hot air balloons all around you. It’s an experience that combines history, nature, and breathtaking views. I will be doing it again next time I am in Mexico City. You can easily book this activity through GetYourGuide or directly with a company like Globos Aerostáticos Teotihuacán. I personally like to book through GetYourGuide because it includes a champagne toast, breakfast, visiting the pyramids by foot, as well as transportation. Sunrise Kayaking on Xochimilco Canals
For a more nature forward adventure, you can wake up before the sun rises to kayak on the Xochimilco Canals. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. I specifically recommend booking with Xolito Xperience Tours as Alan, our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the area. Alan’s Father is a biologist, so he has so much information about invasive species and the issues that the government has had with protecting this area. Don’t let the early start time scare you away, as it will be worth it. Little side note, the meet up location seems really sketchy when it's dark and quiet but trust me this is a safe company and tour.
About a 3 hour drive from the city is Grutas Tolantongo Hot Springs, a hidden gem nestled in the mountains of Hidalgo. Known for its thermal waters (pools, rivers, and waterfalls) and natural caves, this destination is a must for relaxing and exploring with beautiful mountain views. If you are on a time limit it is fully worth it to book a full-day tour through GetYourGuide for a smooth and hassle-free experience or directly through Epic Journey Tours. If you book directly I suggest an earlier start so you can get there before the crowds. We did a private tour and it was worth the extra money so that we could start earlier and explore on our own time. Looking back now, if I had the extra time I wished I had booked a night in Hidalgo and spent two days exploring this area. They have hotel and campsite options right at the hot springs. There is so much more than just the soaking pools to explore and I wished we had more time to do it all more slowly. There are great food options right at the hot springs. I recommend trying barbacoa (pit-cooked lamb), which is a specialty in this region.
Walking Around the City
Mexico City itself is an incredible place to explore on foot. From the historic downtown to the hip Roma and Condesa neighborhoods, there’s endless places to explore. We enjoyed checking out boutiques and cute cafes as they are plentiful. Be sure to visit landmarks like Chapultepec Castle, Frida Kahlo's Blue House, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Must-Visit Food Spots in Mexico City
No trip to Mexico City is complete without indulging in its world-renowned food scene. From street food to fine dining, the city offers a range of delicious options. I leaned more towards street food and more traditional options. If you plan to do more fine dining make sure you get reservations as the popular restaurants book up fast.
Tamales Madre
For a true taste of traditional Mexican comfort food, head to Tamales Madre. This small but popular spot serves up some of the best tamales in the city. Whether you like them sweet or savory, they offer a variety of fillings and flavors. Don’t miss their delicious atole (a traditional warm drink) to pair with your tamales and if you are lucky their freshly baked cookies. This spot was on the same block as Hostel Juarez, so I frequented it to try all of the tamales they offered.
Jenni’s Quesadillas
If you’re a fan of quesadillas, Jenni’s Quesadillas is a must-visit. Known for its homemade tortillas and fresh ingredients, Jenni’s serves up crispy, cheesy quesadillas with an assortment of fillings. It’s a local favorite, and once you try it, you’ll understand why! This spot is street food, so you are able to eat it on the go.
Tacos La Chula Roma
Tacos La Chula Roma serves up some of the best tacos in Mexico City. With a variety of meats to choose from, including carne asada, al pastor, and carnitas, the tacos here are bomb. Pair your tacos with a cold Mexican Coke, and you’ve got yourself the perfect street food experience. This spot was just around the corner from the Andaz Hotel.
El Moro Churros
When in Mexico you have to try some churros and El Moro Churros is the spot to go. They have been serving freshly made churros since 1935. They have multiple locations in Mexico City so you can find the one that is most convenient for you. The churros are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with a variety of dipping sauces like chocolate and caramel. Open 24/7, El Moro is a go-to place for a late-night snack or a sweet treat at any time of day.
El Lugar del Mariachi
Located in the Garibaldi Plaza, El Lugar del Mariachi is a lively spot known for its authentic mariachi performances and traditional Mexican food. The food is good but the star of the show here is the live music. Typically there is live music every evening, starting around 6:00 PM and continuing into the night. The exact times may vary, so it's best to check ahead if you're planning a visit. The singing, dancing, and instruments were all so amazing and really touched on true Mexican culture. They say when you see all locals in a restaurant it's a good sign and this was one of them. Get ready to dance, enjoy the music, eat some good food, and drink margaritas as you can easily spend hours here.
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