Ok so here is the deal…Mexico City is such an unsung hero, a “hidden” gem (though not so hidden), the crème de la crème. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited and is filled with culture, colors, delicious foods and some of the nicest people I have ever met. My mom, sister and I planned a girls weekend – after it was vetoed by the men in our family over Christmas (???). It just so happens the weekend we went down was the Flower Festival (you will see me reference this a lot) – so there were hundreds of floral installations all around the city. We packed a TON in, in 3 days and soaked up every minute of sun, touring and tequila. Check out our itinerary below with some of my “insider tips!”
Day 1
Morning walk to Lincoln Park in Palanco to see the start of the flower festival
Went to el Centro (the historic city center) and toured the Metropolitan Cathedral (free for entry)
Toured Templo Mayor which is an Aztec ruin recently discovered under the city center. The museum was really great and the signs were both in English and spanish so no need for a tour guide. For those of you that don’t know, I was a history major in college so this really got me going (~$2.50 for entry)
Lunch at El Templo Mayor Restaurant which is a rooftop that overlooks all of the ruins. It may seem like a tourist trap since it is right in the center of everything but these were some of the best shrimp tacos I have ever had and the menu was pretty cheap (my mom and I had a full lunch for $17 total)
Tour of the National Palace which houses Diego Rivera murals and also apparently where the President currently lives
Hot Tip: It is free to enter but they do require and keep your ID while you are in the palace – bring a library card, student ID or just something with you picture on it so you aren’t handing over your driver’s license or passport.
Coffee and pastries at Balcon de Zocalo, another beautiful rooftop overlooking the city center
Casa de los Azulejos to see the beautiful tiled walls
Dinner at Comedor Jacinta in Palanco
Hot Tip: Order a shot of Tequila and Sangrita (traditional chaser) and sip on it during dinner (don’t shoot it)
Day 2
Walk around Polanco Mercado for fresh produce, jewelry and trinkets
Walk to Castillo de Chapultepec which is the only royal castle in the Americas and also an amazing place to take pictures (I think the tickets were around $10 for adults and free for children)
Hot Tip: Arrive before noon to beat the crowds and wear tennis shoes to walk up the hill
Walked to get brunch at Museo Tomayo
Hot Tip: People don’t really eat lunch until around 2pm so get there around noon-1pm before it gets crowded
Headed back to Palanco for afternoon shopping and touring of the flower festival
Happy hour at The Comrade which is absolutely stunning, I wish we went there during the day because the whole space is just gorgeous
Dinner at Dulce Patria which is one of the world’s 50 best restaurants
Hot Tip: Order the Mezcal Margarita with fresh lime juice and jalapeno – one of the best margs I have ever had
Day 3
We woke up early to head to the Frida Kahlo museum but realized we didn’t have enough time to get there and back before I had to catch my flight out so we quickly pivoted
Headed to Luis Barragan House and Studio which is the former residence of the architect and a UNESCO world heritage site
Hot Tip: You HAVE to preorder tickets and book early, we didn’t end up getting in (even though I gave puppy eyes) which was the saddest thing ever but luckily we were at least able to walk through the garden across the street
We walked back to Palanco through the park and mom ended up salsaing with a 70 year old man for a bit while I sat ideally by as I strategized how I was going to tear my mom of out Mexico City
Lunch and coffee at Maison Belen which is the cutest little restaurant I have ever seen
Getting around: We had a driver, Daniele, part of the time as one of my sister’s friends who works for the government recommended him. He was an AMAZING tour guide and was as sweet as can be. When he dropped me off at the airport he gave me this beautiful black volcanic rock (Obsidian) and we pulled over on the side of the road and he showed me how to see the sun through the stone. If you are interested in a driver I would love to give you his info – just email us! We also had no issues with Ubers and Taxis in the areas as well – everyone was super friendly!
Where we stayed: We stayed at the Intercontinental in Palanco which was the perfect area for us. It is super central and Palanco is extremely walkable and very safe. We felt totally comfortable walking home from diners and evenings out.
General things to consider: People start their days pretty late here, so if you want to beat the crowds, get to your destinations around 10am. Also, BOOK RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE. Whether it is a museum, lunch or dinner, people really follow reservations here – don’t be like me and not get into places because you don’t have a ticket 🙂
xx
Kelly
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