Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is a vibrant and exciting destination that offers something for everyone. However, it is often overlooked as a travel destination, with many visitors instead opting to travel to Mexico's beaches for an all-inclusive resort. From its rich cultural heritage and stunning historical landmarks, and art galleries, to its delicious food, there's no shortage of things to see and do in this bustling metropolis - the 5th most populated in the world!
I had the opportunity to spend four nights in Mexico City in July 2022 with my mom and can confirm that it is a wonderful city waiting to be explored. I was able to dine at some of the city's most renowned restaurants including Pujol, Maximo Bistrot, Rosetta, and Contramar, each of which offered a unique and delicious culinary experience. I also had the pleasure of staying at the La Valise Hotel, a boutique hotel part of the Small Luxury Hotel’s collective.
Where to Stay:
When it comes to luxury accommodation in Mexico City, there are a few standout options:
The Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City and The St. Regis Mexico City are both located in the heart of the city's financial and cultural district, close to the Chapultepec Park, one of the largest city parks in the Western Hemisphere and a cultural and historical landmark of Mexico City. Both hotels offer panoramic views of the city and easy access to the city's major business and cultural areas. As both hotels are in the Virtuoso network, you can receive exclusive benefits when booking with WLT.
On the other hand, La Valise, a boutique hotel that is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, is located in the trendy Roma Norte neighbourhood, known for its fantastic dining options and quieter atmosphere. I personally had the pleasure of staying at La Valise and can attest to its luxurious and charming atmosphere. The hotel features individually decorated rooms and suites, all of them large and very well-decorated. We stayed in the “moon suite” which was 95 sqm and beautifully decorated with a blend of Mexican elegance and unique decor. The location of La Valise is perfect for those looking for a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere, but still want to be close to the city's best restaurants and bars.
Where to eat (fine dining):
Mexico City is a food lover's paradise, with a wide variety of cuisines and dining experiences to choose from. During my trip to the city, I got to dine at some of the best restaurants in the city, including Pujol, which is consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world, sitting at number 5 in the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2022.
Pujol: was one of my most memorable dining experiences. The 2 Michelin star restaurant offers a unique take on traditional Mexican cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients from all regions of Mexico and modern cooking techniques to create a truly memorable dining experience. Be sure to try the mole madre, a sauce that's been aged for over 2,851 days at the time of my visit.
Maximo Bistrot: serves contemporary French cuisine with a Mexican twist. The menu changes seasonally, but you can't go wrong with any of the seafood dishes or the steak with bone marrow.
Contramar: is an excellent option if you are a seafood lover. The restaurant is known for its fresh, sustainably caught seafood and ceviche. The restaurant also has a great atmosphere, with a lively and casual vibe. Be sure to try the Tuna Tostada.
Rosetta: is a great option for those looking for Italian food. The restaurant serves contemporary Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu changes regularly, but be sure to try one of the pasta dishes. - my favourite was the squid ink pasta!
What to do and see:
Explore the city’s various neighbourhoods: From the upscale Polanco district to the hip Condesa, Mexico City has a wide variety of unique areas all with a different appeal. My mom and I personally loved the Roma Norte district for its tree-lined avenues, plentiful restaurants, parks, art deco buildings, and art galleries. The historical center is also a must-visit with landmarks such as the Zócalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Visit the city’s historic sites: Being the former capital of the Aztec empire, Mexico City has a ton of historical sites worth visiting including Templo Mayor and the pyramids of Teotihuacán.
Discover the museums: Mexico City’s museums really impressed me. My personal favourite was the Museo Soumaya with its vast collection of art, including works by Rodin, Picasso, Van Gogh, Da Vinci and so many more. Additionally, I also recommend the Frida Kahlo Museum and the Museum of Anthropology.
Enjoy Chapultepec Park: One of the largest city parks in the world, Chapultepec Park offers numerous attractions such as Chapultepec Castle, the Chapultepec Zoo, and several museums, as well as boating on its lakes.
Visit Xochimilco: Known for its colourful trajineras (boats), Xochimilco offers a unique experience of floating gardens, mariachi music, and a lively atmosphere.
EAT and EAT: Mexico City is a foodie paradise with options ranging from street food stalls to the aforementioned upscale dining.
If you are interested in visiting this amazing metropolis, please contact us for a complimentary consultation!
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