Mexico City (CDMX) is one of Latin America’s hottest up-and-coming travel destinations. The metropolis is a fascinating mix of ancient architecture and urban development. You won’t find any beaches here, but we guarantee you’ll have the best-tasting tacos of your life. CDMX is alive and muy caliente right now.
The Best of Mexico City Travel Guide Quick Links
- Best Time of Year to Visit Mexico City
- Best Neighborhoods to Stay In Mexico City
- Best Coffee Shops and Cafés With Free Wifi in Mexico City
- Best Places to Grab a Drink in Mexico City
- Best Local Festival in Mexico City
- Best Areas for Shopping in Mexico City
Best Time of Year to Visit Mexico City
The charm of Mexico City is that the best times to visit depend on what kind of trip you want to have. The average temperature in Mexico City year-round hovers around 68°F (20°C) and 85°F (30°C). While the temperature is promising throughout the year, there is a wet season and a dry season to keep in mind.
If weather is a key factor for you, visit Mexico city in the spring months of March, April, and May. The flowers are blooming, the temperatures are soaring, and the city is calm (and dry!).
If you’re looking to vacation on a budget, the summer months of June, July and August are optimal. Spend your time sheltered from the rain (because it is going to rain, a lot) wandering through museums, and indulging in local cuisine.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Mexico City
Great parks, culture, cafés, and a vibrant community all come packaged in two bohemian neighborhoods, Condesa and Roma Norte. The tree-lined streets bring life to the area and pave the way to art galleries, trendy restaurants, and secret bars.
Here’s why we love these two hot spots.
The parks are huge and there are lots of dogs. Parque México is a dog lover’s paradise and it also features Art Deco architecture, ponds, fountains, and a variety of flora and fauna. Bosque de Chapultepec is located just beside Condesa and is even bigger than New York’s Central Park.
Spots so cool you’ll forget about the heat. Hidden bars like Hanky Panky are so secret that you need to send a message on Facebook just to get the address. But we promise, it’s worth the hassle. If bars aren’t your thing, there’s no shortage of trendy restaurants like Azul Condesa and Fonda Fina that serve traditional foods with a modern twist.
Tacos. Need we say this again? Tacos, tacos, tacos. Local gems like Tacos Don Juan are loved by visitors and locals alike. Do not miss your opportunity to eat the best Al Pastor (pork and pineapple) tacos of your life.
These neighborhoods are also generally safer than the city center, but it doesn’t hurt to keep your stuff close by with a solar-powered sling for those hours of exploring.
There are so many great cafés to choose from in Mexico City, some of which are more laptop friendly than others. We’ve found the perfect balance between good coffee, great atmosphere and strong wifi.
- Cardinal Coffee House. This cafe has two locations (one in Condesa and one in Roma Norte) and is great for those who love fresh air, a little bit more space and interesting decor.
- Freims. An old house opens up to a gorgeous garden space, where there are lots of tables and the best brunch you’ll find in Mexico City.
- Blend Station. A digital nomad’s paradise, this cafe is full of remote workers busily typing away on their computers. It also helps that they have excellent coffee.
- El Péndulo Condesa. A combined library and coffee house with a relaxing atmosphere and buzzing with art, history, and culture.
Best Places to Grab a Drink in Mexico City
So you want a margarita? There’s more to Mexico City than tequila and Corona. Try something new, something more authentic. We’ve done our research and are here to tell you what are must-try cocktails and where to get one.
Ruso Negro. Contrary to popular belief, these Black Russians are in fact not from Russia at all. This drink is a mix of vodka, Kahlúa, and a whack of ice cubes. Patio Aurora in Roma Norte features low-lights, lots of plants, and live music
Michelada. Don’t flinch before you try it. Yes, we’re recommending a beer-based cocktail. It’s a mix of beer, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, clamato, and salt. You’ve got to go to Chilakillers where you can wash your breakfast chilaquiles down with this beer cocktail.
Paloma. Think of a Moscow Mule but with vodka swapped with tequila and ginger beer swapped with grapefruit soda. La Clandestina is a cool bar with great cocktails.
Best Local Festival in Mexico City
Mexico is famous for many things, among them Día de los Muertos, The Day of the Dead. The celebrations last for just a couple of days at the beginning of November. The parade of painted faces, vibrant colors, flowers, altars, and joyful rituals is all to honor deceased loved ones. The holiday is best experienced in the historic center of Oaxaca, but the celebrations in Mexico City are definitely worth checking out.
If we haven’t given you enough reasons to love Roma Norte, shopping is one more to top the list. From clothing to vintage furniture, Mexico City is shopping bliss for design-lovers.
- Decada Muebles Vintage. Vintage furniture that specializes in mid-century pieces. By appointment only.
- Carla Fernández. A brand that works with indigenous women in Mexico that produce handmade textiles and clothing, located in the historic city center.
- La Increíble Librería. A bookstore founded by famous Mexican graphic designers featuring floor to ceiling shelves and all the books your heart desires.
Mexico City is the side of Mexico the world ought to know about. Modern, forward-thinking and, well…tacos. It’s no wonder visitors are enthusiastic about visiting this awesome city year-round.
