A couple of weeks ago, I took a quick trip to Mexico City and felt something I'd been missing – that unmistakable spark of big city energy. You know the feeling: the hum of possibility, the creative buzz that comes from millions of people building, creating, and living at full volume. As someone who's built a life around location independence, I've learned that sometimes you need to plug into that urban electricity to recharge your own batteries.
Mexico City doesn't immediately come to mind for many Americans when they think about vacation destinations or international exploration. Part of that is the reputation Mexico gets in US media – a narrative that's often more about fear than facts. But here's what I discovered on this trip (and on previous visits): CDMX is one of the world's most dynamic cities, a place where ancient history sits comfortably alongside cutting-edge art, where street tacos and Michelin-worthy dining coexist, and where international business happens on a scale that might surprise you. One of my associates worked for a Chinese bank here. This isn't just a tourist destination – it's a global hub.
Where to Stay in Mexico City: Finding Your Perfect Home Base
This time around, my teenage son joined me, and we were in town primarily so he could attend the Corona Capital Music Festival. (Mexico City always has world-class music happening – my first visit back in 2019 was to see Chronixx in concert, and over the years I've caught Gary Clark Jr., seen Lenny Kravitz perform, and this year Kendrick Lamar brought his artistry to the city.)
I opted to stay at Capitalia, an aparthotel in the Juárez neighborhood, because I wanted the comforts of home with the amenities of a hotel. The accommodation itself became part of the experience. Our apartment had a king-size bed (not the norm across Mexico), a separate bedroom, and a living area with a twin sleeper sofa – perfect for traveling with my son. The full kitchen, dedicated workspace, high-speed wifi, and blackout curtains meant I could actually work if needed, though mostly I just enjoyed the space. Two televisions kept the peace with a teenager. A balcony gave us our own slice of city views.
But Capitalia offered more than just a well-appointed apartment. The building itself was thoughtfully designed with beautiful artwork throughout, lovely seating areas on multiple floors, and a rooftop that featured a hot tub, Bali beds, fire pits, and gathering spaces with stunning views. You could schedule in-room massages. The gym included a sauna and steam room. The aesthetics throughout struck that perfect balance – modern but warm, soothing colors that made you feel cocooned rather than sterile.
Here's what I love about Mexico City's lodging options: there's something for every budget and travel style. Whether you're a backpacker looking for a hostel in Roma Norte, a mid-range traveler wanting a boutique hotel experience, or seeking ultra-luxe accommodations in Polanco, you'll find it. The city meets you where you are.
Exploring Mexico City Like a Local
Here's the thing about this particular trip: I didn't actually do much in the traditional tourist sense. And that's exactly what made it perfect.
We trekked over to Condesa one morning for café, then wandered through Parque México. Later, I met up with a friend for chilaquiles and café de olla at Cafeteria ConSentino Cafe. We sat there for at least an hour, catching up and soaking in the ambiance. While we lingered over our meal, we were graced with the presence of a mariachi band – and then, in quintessential Mexico City fashion, a hip-hop cypher broke out. Gotta love this city.
Afterwards, my friend walked me around to some of her favorite spots in her neighborhood. At her local park, we settled in for more conversation, interrupted periodically by "regulars" who stopped to greet her and introduce themselves to me. This is the Mexico City that doesn't make it into travel guides – the one where locals are warm, where neighborhoods have rhythms and rituals, where community still means something.
She invited me to Safe Space, a meditation center offering device-free guided meditation in both English and Spanish. The fact that such a place exists – and thrives – tells you something about the city's consciousness and the international community that calls it home.
Instead of venturing out for dinner that evening, we ordered groceries (wine and coffee – the essentials) and Uber Eats. We indulged in Popeyes (which we don't have in Mérida – sometimes you just need those biscuits) and some exceptional Indian food from Desi Tadka Condesa. It was perfect: cozy, easy, exactly what we wanted.
Mexico City's Creative Scene: Fashion, Art, and Literature
One of the things that makes Mexico City so captivating is its thriving creative community. This is a city where fashion, art, and literature aren't just appreciated – they're lived.
Fashion Forward
The fashion scene here is electric. Designers like Carla Fernández are redefining Mexican fashion by working directly with indigenous artisans to preserve traditional textile techniques while creating contemporary, wearable art. Her pieces blend cultural heritage with modern design in ways that have captured international attention. Meanwhile, Bárbara Sánchez-Kane is pushing boundaries with gender-fluid designs that challenge Mexican stereotypes and reimagine "macho" tailoring with soft drapes and curves. Her work has been featured in galleries and art spaces, blurring the line between fashion and performance art.
Wandering through neighborhoods like Roma Norte and Polanco, you'll find boutiques showcasing both established and emerging designers. The city's fashion week draws international buyers, and local designers are increasingly recognized on global stages.
Art Everywhere
Mexico City's art scene is simply extraordinary. The National Museum of Anthropology houses one of the world's most significant collections of pre-Columbian artifacts, including the famous Aztec Sun Stone. For contemporary art, Museo Jumex in Polanco – designed by David Chipperfield – showcases world-class modern and contemporary art with a focus on Latin American artists.
But the art isn't confined to museums. Walk through neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa, and you'll encounter stunning street murals. Gallery spaces like kurimanzutto and OMR have helped establish Mexico City as a major player in the contemporary art world. The annual Zona Maco art fair attracts collectors and curators from around the globe, solidifying the city's reputation as Latin America's art capital.
Diego Rivera's murals at the Palacio Nacional tell Mexico's history in vivid color, while the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) in Coyoacán offers an intimate look at one of the world's most beloved artists.
A Literary Haven
For readers and writers, Mexico City is paradise. The city has produced Nobel Prize winners like Octavio Paz and has been home to literary giants like Gabriel García Márquez. Bookstores are woven throughout the fabric of the city.
Cafebrería El Péndulo is iconic – a multi-story bookstore with a café, perfect for spending hours browsing and sipping coffee. For English-language books, Under the Volcano Books in Condesa is a treasure trove named after Malcolm Lowry's classic novel. Another favorite of mine in Condesa is Clarice Cafe y Literatura, a charming bookstore-café where you can lose yourself in literature while enjoying excellent coffee. The Centro Cultural Elena Garro in Coyoacán is a stunning cultural center with a bookstore, exhibition spaces, and regular literary events.
Book presentations (similar to readings in the U.S.) happen frequently, and the government provides substantial support to writers through annual grants. For authors and educators visiting the city, the literary community is welcoming and vibrant.
Things to Do in Mexico City: Tourist Attractions and Local Experiences
One thing you need to understand about Mexico City: it's endlessly versatile. While I chose to go slow this trip, the city offers everything you could possibly want from an urban destination.
Want the classic tourist experience? Take the hop-on-hop-off bus. Visit the wax museum. Catch a lucha libre match (Mexican wrestling is pure spectacle and absolutely worth it). Float through the canals of Xochimilco on a trajinera boat while mariachis serenade you. The city delivers.
History and culture? You're standing in one of the world's great civilizations. Ancient Aztec ruins sit right in the middle of the Zócalo, the main plaza. You can visit Chapultepec Castle perched on a hill overlooking the city – especially if you're a US visitor who's never seen a real castle. The Templo Mayor museum houses artifacts that remind you this place has been a power center for centuries. There's even a real meteorite you can touch at certain museums. The National Museum of Anthropology alone could occupy you for days.
Culinary Excellence
Fashion, literature, fine dining, street food – it's all here, and all world-class. The culinary scene in Mexico City rivals anywhere on earth. At the pinnacle, you have two-Michelin-starred restaurants like Pujol and Quintonil, both in Polanco. Chef Enrique Olvera at Pujol has redefined Mexican gastronomy with his famous mole madre, aged for over 3,000 days. Just blocks away, Chef Jorge Vallejo at Quintonil champions seasonal, local ingredients with dishes like blue corn and crab tostada.
But you don't need to drop hundreds of dollars to eat exceptionally well. You can browse independent bookstores in Roma, shop high-end boutiques in Polanco, eat tacos al pastor from a street cart at 2 AM, or enjoy street food tours that showcase the incredible range of Mexican cuisine. The range is staggering.
Jenita's Hit List for Mexico City
Whether you're planning a quick weekend or an extended stay, here are my must-dos:
- Hop-on-hop-off bus tour to get your bearings and see the major landmarks
- Historic walking tour through the Centro Histórico to understand the layers of history
- Street food tour (because tacos al pastor don't find themselves)
- Coffee on a sidewalk café in Condesa – people-watching included
- Wine on a rooftop with those stunning city views
- Park hopping – from Parque México to Chapultepec, the green spaces are gorgeous
- Visit Chapultepec Castle – especially if you're a US visitor who's never seen a real castle
- Wear loose pants so you can eat your way around town (trust me on this one)
Getting to and Around Mexico City: Transportation Tips
Let's talk logistics, because this matters. Mexico City now has two airports. We flew into the newer Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), which is about an hour outside the city center. Here's a tip: plan your transportation carefully. We paid 900 pesos for a taxi from the airport; Uber rates at arrival were running 1,300 pesos. But for our return trip to the airport, we scheduled an Uber in advance and paid only 450 pesos. Timing and planning make a difference.
Once you're in the city, getting around is easy and affordable. The Metro system is extensive and efficient. Buses run everywhere. You can rent bikes and scooters. Taxis and rideshares (Uber, Didi) are readily available. Choose based on your comfort level and budget.
Is Mexico City Safe? What You Need to Know
Let's address the elephant in the room: safety. Yes, like any major city – Paris, New York, London, Barcelona – you need to be aware of your surroundings. The primary concerns in Mexico City are pickpockets and scammers, particularly in tourist-heavy areas and on public transportation. Keep your valuables secure. Don't flash expensive jewelry or electronics. Use ATMs inside banks rather than on the street. Be smart about where you're walking at night. These are the same precautions you'd take in any urban environment with millions of people.
The Mexico City I've experienced across multiple visits is vibrant, welcoming, and remarkably safe when you exercise basic common sense. Don't let US media narratives keep you from one of the world's most exciting destinations.
Why Mexico City Keeps Calling Me Back
Mexico City is rare in its ability to be whatever you need it to be. Need a quick weekend escape to feel that big city energy? Come for three days, stay somewhere fabulous, catch a concert, eat incredible food, and head home recharged. Want to slow down and really live somewhere? Rent an apartment for a month, find your neighborhood café, make friends with the park regulars, take meditation classes, and discover the city layer by layer.
Whether you're looking for a sophisticated quick getaway or ready to immerse yourself in a new place for weeks, Mexico City delivers. You can design your experience around luxury and convenience, or adventure and budget travel. You can go full tourist or play local. The city doesn't judge – it just offers itself up, endlessly interesting, always evolving.
For me, coming from Mérida where life is slower and quieter, Mexico City provides that jolt of urban energy I sometimes crave. It reminds me why I fell in love with the freedom to move between different rhythms and experiences. It challenges my thinking, sparks new ideas, and connects me with people building interesting things.
If Mexico City isn't on your radar yet, it should be. This is a world-class destination that deserves to be in the conversation alongside Tokyo, London, and New York. The food scene rivals anywhere on earth. The cultural offerings are deep and diverse. The business opportunities are real and international. And the energy – that intangible spark that makes great cities great – is absolutely electric.
Maybe it's time to reconsider what you think you know about Mexico City. Book that flight. Pick your neighborhood. Decide if you want to go fast or slow. The city will be ready for you either way.
Ready to experience Mexico City for yourself? Let us curate your journey to Mexico City – whether you need a perfectly planned weekend itinerary, help finding the right neighborhood and accommodations, or a custom multi-week exploration designed around your interests.