Mexico City is a place that deserves all the praise it gets. From vibrant neighborhoods to world-class dining and luxury shopping, it has something for everyone. We spent five days exploring the city before heading to Punta Mita for a beach break, and it felt like just the right amount of time. While I wouldn’t call myself an expert after one trip, I wanted to share some highlights and recommendations to help you plan your own visit.
Shop
- El Palacio de Hierro (Polanco) – A super luxury department store, more like a mall. Think Hermes, Chanel, and an entire floor of restaurants. Block out half a day to explore.
- Polanco Neighborhood – The equivalent of Madison or Fifth Avenue in Mexico City. You’ll find all the major Latin American designer flagships, plus plenty of upscale cafes and restaurants. It’s a great neighborhood for luxury shopping and people-watching, with beautiful streets lined with boutiques and galleries.
- Roma Norte Neighborhood – This neighborhood reminded me of the West Village. Independent boutiques, galleries, and restaurants line the streets. I loved Proyecto Republica, a co-op featuring Latin American designers with exceptional craftsmanship and design. Right across the street is Eno, perfect for a casual bite while shopping.
- Vintage Shopping: Mexico City has so many vintage stores that it was a bit overwhelming. I struggled to pinpoint the best spots for my taste. Next time, I’d consider hiring a guide to curate a shopping experience.
Eat
- Contramar – Incredible lunch spot. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was lively. Definitely make a reservation.
- Carmela y Sal – Fantastic haute Mexican cuisine. Reservations are essential.
See
- La Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo’s House) – Tickets are controlled by scalpers, and I couldn’t get the three tickets I needed for the dates I wanted.
- Museo de Arte Moderno – Instead, we visited the Modern Art Museum. They had a few Kahlo paintings, and it was the perfect size to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. We spent under an hour here.
- Museo Nacional de Antropología – Worth a visit for 1-2 hours. The museum is expansive and filled with fascinating artifacts from across Mexico. It’s a beautiful and immersive experience, located in Chapultepec Park, Mexico City’s equivalent of Central Park.
Stay
- St. Regis Mexico City – No complaints, but not particularly memorable.
- St. Regis Punta Mita – Absolutely beautiful property with great service, but again, not especially memorable.
