I’m no stranger to Mexico Travel: we got married in Los Cabos, Tulum is a fave, and last year I fell in love with Merida. That being said, Mexico City is in a league of its own. It’s the largest city (by population) in North America and after spending 5 days there to celebrate the opening of Sofitel Mexico City Reforma, I need about 5 more trips to even begin to wrap my head around the extensive list of incredible restaurants and activities. 

Needless to say most of us don’t have 25+ days to spend exploring the city (although my friend did a whole month there and told me she STILL wasn’t able to eat at all the yummy spots). If you’re planning a long weekend, you’ve landed in the right place. Here’s a weekend guide that includes the essentials for an enjoyable 72 hours in Mexico City plus I included over 15 food recs from the EDPfam and my amazing friend/ chef Flannery Klette-Kolton (with her notes! ) Make sure to scroll to the way bottom for travel tips/things to keep in mind and my thoughts on safety!

First things first: CDMX. You’ll see this acronym everywhere in Mexico City and anyone who has been will also refer to it as CDMX. It stands for Ciudad de México. I don’t know if I just didn’t have enough coffee on my first day or what, but it took me a minute to get it!

WHERE TO STAY: Sofitel Mexico City Reforma

Sofitel Mexico City Reforma is your spot! The hotel hosted me during our trip and it was such a treat. I’ve been pegged as an Airbnb gal when it comes to international travel but to be honest, when I’m visiting a big city for the first time I ALWAYS opt for a hotel. All in all it’s just safer and you have the luxury of having the concierge/amazing hotel staff as a resource.

Sofitel Mexico City Reforma is the first luxury hotel in CDMX in over a decade. Crazy to think considering it’s such a big city and a hot spot for travel. The hotel is right in the heart of Mexico City’s historic Reforma avenue, steps away from the Angel of Independence and Castle of Chapultepec.

All of the rooms have insane views of the city and the hotel itself is-oh-so-chic, with nods to it’s French Heritage (and CDMX’s French history). You can see a tour of my room and tons more on my Mexico IG highlight. One of my biggest takeaways of Sofitel Mexico City Reforma was that there’s SO much to do within the hotel that you could literally spend a whole day inside and not even realize it. Not that you’re visiting CDMX to stay in your hotel for a whole day but it’s nice to know there’s options: 5 bars and restaurants (more on them below), a spa, and an insane indoor swimming pool. 

Your Weekend Guide

Day 1:

Stop for breakfast at Superette: a creperie in the boho chic neighborhood of La Condesa. Both the savory and sweet crepes are to die for!

Explore La Condesa then head to Polanco (Beverly Hills of CDMX) for shopping, people watching, and all around luxe vibes. There’s tons of great cafes, parks, and gorgeous houses to oogle at. Some lunch suggestions: Eno or Ivoire.

Grab pre-dinner Cocktails at Cityzen and take in the incredible 180 degree views from the 38th floor of Sofitel Mexico City Reforma. Delish cocktails and the best chicharrones I’ve ever had. 

Eat dinner at one of the 15 recs from the EDPfam at the bottom of this post! I really don’t think you can go wrong.

Day 2:

Churros for breakfast? Yes, please! Stop at El Moro for a morning treat (there’s a few locations) and walk around the neighborhood to take it all in.

Do a downtown Tour: hit Palacio de Bella Artes (Palace of Fine Arts), Palacio de Correros de Mexico (Postal Palace of Mexico City) and Zocalo. All city landmarks that have beautiful architecture and so much history. It’s great just to spend a few hours walking around downtown Mexico City to see all the hustle and bustel. Tip: head to the cafe at the top of SEARS (Cafe Don Porifiro) to get a gorgeous view of the city. 

Late lunch at El Cardenal: traditional Mexican lunch with fresh tortillas, cheeses I’ve never tasted before (but they were so yummy), and a cerveza or two. 

A little spa or pool time? You’ll def need a siesta after your packed morning/afternoon.

Embark on the tasting menu at Bajel, the fine dining restaurant by chef Ljuis Escamilla at Sofitel Mexico City Reforma. It was hands down one of the most unique meals I’ve ever had. The chef incorporates fermentation in really cool ways, seafood, and more. Plus each course is accompanied by different mezcal, spirits and wine pairings - it’s an indulgent meal to say the least but one I would not miss out on. 

Day 3: 

Breakfast at Balta located at the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma. Choose from incredible pastries, breakfast buffet, or al la carte options. I may or may not have had the chilaquilas two days in a row!

Visit Museo Casa Studio of Deigo Rivera and Frida Kahlo to see some of the amazing work from Diego + Frida. It’s the last place both artists lived/worked. The buildings themselves are a site to see and are great for photo opps. Spend some time walking around the area because there’s great architecture to catch! And if you need a little taste of home there’s a Starbucks right next door -hah.

Have dinner at SUD 777: probably the best meal I had in CDMX. For the past 4 years SUD 777 has been on Latin America’s Best 50 Restaurants list and it did not disappoint. I honestly would’ve loved to visit before sunset because the restaurant itself is a piece of art. Maybe do an earlier dinner so you can check it out!

Night cap at FreeHouse which is the speakeasy in Sofitel Mexico City Reforma. They made me an amazing mocktail that really satisfied my cocktail craving. It’s a cool little spot with a very different vibe than anything else at the hotel/spots we visited in CDMX.

EDPfam recs:

Mexico City dining + drink recs from the Everyday Pursuits Community including some clutch spots from my amazing friend and chef Flannery Klette-Kolton (with her notes!)

Chef Flannery Recs

CONTRAMAR: Contramar is a must. Try and get a res. Get the tuna tostada, grilled fish with two sauces, sautéed soft shell crab (comes with tortillas).

DON VERGAS: Look this up on instagram since they have moved from their Mauriscos spot inside the Merced de San Juan.  Do yourself a favor and go early on Friday, like by 11am.  There are only nine seats at the counter and it gets slammed and turns into a party.  Best octopus,  Great aguachile (tho spicy you can ask if he can do not spicy) and crab.  He also does grilled mauriscos and all sorts of grilled tacos

JENI: This is a street vendor on the corner of Colima and Merida.  It is one block from the Doc Martens store so you can use that as a gps/uber reference.  She does (usually) blue corn quesadillas.  I always get setas and espinaca.  Her chicken mole verde is also very good. 

LA DOCENA: Get the aguachile tatemado.

SUSHI ROKAI: Actually one of the best omakases I have ever had! And lets be honest.. sometimes it is nice to take a break from all the tacos.  Definitely do the deluxe omakase that comes with sashimi and items from the kitchen. 

TACHINOMI: This is a natural wine bar and Japanese whiskey bar.  It is done by the rokai restaurant group.  There is usually some sort of small bite offered there.  It is a chef hangout and late night spot

CICATRIZ: They usually have a couple great salads on the menu (which I am always THRILLED to find) and a renowned fried chicken sandwich.  Also baked goods. 

LOS COCUYOS: Street meat at its finest.  Open until the wee hours of the morning practically.  All of their tacos are out of these world.  If you are not feeling risky the Saudero is just slow cooked meat, but I highly recommend trying sweetbreads, tripe, tongue... whatever you fancy. 

ROSETTA BAKERY: Known for their guava pastry and their rosemary pastry.  They also have coffee and sandwich type stuffs.

OJO DE AGUA: This is a juice and smoothie place.  They also have a small healthy menu you can order from and very delicious guava pastry there.

HELADOS COMETA: This place is close to Rosetta and Jeni.  They have a crazy and delicious double chocolate sorbet that is mind blowing.  Also on this block there is a woman who sits on the street and sells beautiful woven handbags with wooden handles.

BARBACOA: On Sundays you will see lots of street vendors doing barbacoa.  Grab some! They usually serve a caldo (soup made from the bones) that has chickpeas in it.  You can get soft (suave) of hard (dorado) tacos.

ELLYS:  Mediterranean - stop in when you need a break from Mexican

Recs from the fam

SALÓN RÍOS - were mezcal and late night food, accompanied by local music give continuity to the soiree

TICUCHI - were the creative team behind of Cosme, Atla and Pujol led by of chef Enrique Olvera make a comeback to their restaurant origins in the street of Petrarca, Polanco

To Drink:

• ELLYS Bar –  Cuauhtémoc 

• XAMAN – Cuauhtémoc

• TOKYO MUSIC BAR- Cuauhtémoc

• CAFÉ PARAISO Club - Condesa

• BALTRA Bar – Condesa

• REPÚBLICA Club – Polanco

• HANDSHAKE Bar - Polanco

things to keep in mind when visiting Mexico City

FAQ + Tips:

Safety: be smart! I never felt unsafe, although I was with a large group most of the time. Buddy system! Some tips: 

• Leave your engagement ring and large jewels at home (not at hotel… literally don’t bring them to Mexico!)

• Carry your purse close and keep an eye out for pick-pockets

• Overall, be aware and stay in populated places

• Utilize Ubers or cars scheduled by the hotel 

Traffic: considering it’s the largest city (by population) in North America it’s no surprise that traffic is a problem. For some reason I was not even thinking about it before we got there but it’s definitely something to keep in mind. If you’re from LA the the best way describe it is the 405 at rush hour almost ALL day long. Plan your day accordingly and try to focus blocks of times in certain areas vs. going across town multiple times a day. 

Elevation: CDMX is located 7,500 feet above sea level and you can definitely feel it. The best way to prevent altitude sickness is hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. When I visited I was 6 months pregnant and went through almost a bottle of water (in my re-usable bottle!) every 2 hours and never had a problem with the altitude. Best believe my skin looked amazing after the trip too!

Air Pollution: is real! CDMX has been plagued by air pollution for decade and it was definitely noticeable some days. I personally didn’t have any problems with it but I know a few people who experienced stinging eyes and congestion after spending a handful of days in the city.

P:S: Check out my friend Caroline’s larger guide to CDMX if you have more time on your hands and are looking to adventure a little out of the city. 

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