Mexico City’s combination of fine cuisine, warm people, cultural gems, and breathtaking sights is truly unrivaled. Walk around the zoo, take a stroll through Chapultepec Park, stroll around the streets of Coyoacán, or go bird-watching in a variety of destinations nearby. Take a look at some of the wonderful places Mexcio City has to offer.
Long term travelling
For me, the best farm-to-table, fair-trade places are all in the Polanco area: Pujol, Raiz, and Quintonil. To have a more local experience, all you need to do is go to Lake Xochimilco, where many restaurants provide locally sourced produce and delectable Mexican fare. And take note of our botana culture: A few local bars provide delectable, original dishes provided for free with each drink that you order. For example, get a beer, and you could get a plate of carnitas tacos, chicharrón, or chipotle meatballs.
Take the essentials I always have a small flashlight. Even if you do not study bats like me, a flashlight is always handy to find that USB you dropped under the bed, look into a tree hollow, or brighten the menu in a dimly lit restaurant.
Local craft markets La Ciudadela is guaranteed to have the best of traditional art. I constantly have visitors there and they all leave more than satisfied. There are some craft markets in Coyoacán and downtown, but La Ciudadela has everything. Books you have to read For a feel of Mexico City culture I always suggest La Región Más Transparente (Where the Air Is Clear) by Carlos Fuentes.
Another great fiction story is Las Batallas en el Desierto (Battles in the Desert) by José Emilio Pacheco. If you prefer police thrillers I really love El Complot Mongol (The Mongolian Conspiracy) by Rafael Bernal. The book talks about things that are often happen in Mexico City’s Chinatown.
Travel ethics- Don’t mock the locals. This may sound obvious, but this does happen on occasion. If they want to communicate with you or are just in a simple conversation with each other, do not mock them (unless of course if the situation is very funny indeed). Be a cheerful giver (15 percent throughout mid and upper range restaurants, 12 percent at the lower end). Greet people with buenos dias, buenas tardes, or buenas noches. Say adios. Always try to mix your English with a few words of Spanish!
Local manners- Take off your hats when you enter a church. Always wear a smile when you meet people, and always strive to speak a few Spanish words. We Mexicans always appreciate people who make an effort to do that. Do not be shy—it’s very important to listen to people who try as opposed to people who never even try. When you enter a restaurant, have a casual smile and just say buen provecho (bon appetit). It may be a bit strange but it is going to add quite a nice touch to your stay. You can say it again when leaving the restaurant.
Sample the flavors- Don’t get out of Mexico City if you have not eaten tacos al pastor. If you live far away from the city, this delicacy is the thing I crave the most. Ask your concierge where you can locate it, or you can go to the nearest El Tizoncito, Taco Inn, or El Fogoncito.
Get off the Beaten Path- Being the megacity that it is, Mexico City has plenty of places that are not found on the usual tourist path. The botanical garden in the university (UNAM in Ciudad Universitaria) is especially beautiful in the mornings. La Clandestina Mezcaleria in Condesa is a definite hit if you like great quality mescal and simple food.
Cultural heritage- The Interactive Museum of Economics (also known as MIDE) in the historical downtown district is amazing. Outdoor Exploration- The oldest national park, Desierto de Los Leones, can be reached by Uber or taxi. Time travel- Proceed to the Teotihuacan pyramids and have lunch among the local restaurants there. Ciudad Universitaria located south of the city is very alluring.