After dozens of saved TikToks and lusting over the city's architecture, I was finally able to cross Mexico City off of my bucket list this summer. And let me be the first to say that this city is not one to be overlooked—for the culture, yes, but also for the absolutely fireee food and beer scene.
I know what you're thinking—isn't Mexico the go-to place for tequila and mezcal? And you'd be right. But this trip was all about celebrating the craft brews and killer gastronomy that the city offers. (College me would've loved a tequila-centric trip, but current me is so glad she could stick with the lighter stuff.) While the country is the top exporter of beer in the world, the rise of craft beer didn't come until the 2010s, and local brewers have been experimenting with strong, distinct flavors ever since. And when I say that CDMX has some of the best food around (you gotta fill your belly before you drink, obv!), I truly mean it. From seafood and barbecue to street tacos and tamales, every single thing I ate (even toasted crickets!) made me do my lil happy dance.
Since I think the best way to experience a new culture is through your tastebuds (and art, shopping, and exploring!), I put together this handy dandy travel guide for ya, using insight from my own fab trip. From where to sleep and sip to how to indulge and immerse, keep scrolling for the perfect itinerary. Warning: it might make you wonder why you haven't added Mexico City to your bucket list already.
(P.S. The writer received free stays, meals, and experiences in order to write this story.)
Stay
The Four Points by Sheraton Mexico City: If you want to stay within walking distance of some of the best breweries, restaurants, and stores in the city, this is your ideal spot. The Four Points by Sheraton is located in the Roma neighborhood, a popular area with endless food options, impressive vintage stores, and stunning buildings that deserve to be in your Insta dump. Just like other Four Points properties around the world, the hotel offers a unique Best Brews experience in its bar area that allows you to order from a curated menu of beers from local breweries before even stepping foot outside. While amenities like Best Brews, the gym (which I didn't use once, but appreciate the option) were a major plus, I must admit that the proximity to some of Mexico City's most vibrant neighborhoods was my fave part about staying here.
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Shop local artisan crafts: If you're anything like me and need a keepsake from every trip you take, put La Ciudadela, a traditional Mexican market located in the city center, at the top of your list. You'll find a ton of locally-made art inside—from paintings and sculptures to clothing and the cutest miniature carvings. Just make sure you give yourself ample time to wander through the different stalls, because this place is h-u-g-e.
Visit world-famous museums: Speaking of giving yourself time, please, please, please carve out an afternoon to experience Mexico City's museum scene. There's truly something for everyone. My personal fave was the National Museum of Anthropology, which is the largest museum in the city and home to unbelievable artifacts, including the Aztec Sun Stone (can confirm it's breathtaking up close). Other notable spots: the Frida Kahlo Museum and Chapultepec Castle, aka the home of my dreams with sweeping views of the city.
Experience a Lucha Libre show: Whatever you do, DO NOT leave Mexico City without experiencing the chaos that is a Lucha Libre show. I promise you will not regret it! While freestyle wrestling is certainly nothing new, the show that these wrestlers put on is sooo over-the-top. I mean, who doesn't love watching grown men jumping from ropes and doing flips? Plus, the energy in the arena is contagious—I can only compare it to being at an SEC football game. Grab a beer and cheer for whoever tf you want (I honestly had no idea who the "good" guy was and who the "bad" guy was, and I still had fun).
Take a cooking class: In my opinion, this is one of the best ways to truly experience the culture in a new place. While in town, I went to Casa Jacaranda, which was a traditional Mexican cooking experience, and I practically had to be rolled out of there because I was so full. Our class learned how to make tortillas, tamales, and birria (all from scratch!). I probably ate a month's worth of tacos and loved every second.
Float on a hot air balloon over ancient pyramids: Not to be dramatic, but this was easily one of the top three experiences of my life. I loved being thousands of feet in the air and seeing the city from above. While I was busy wondering how the heck hot air balloons even work, our group flew over the Teotihuacan Pyramids—located about an hour's drive from Mexico City. Even if you have a fear of heights, I would 10/10 recommend taking a few deep breaths and hoppin' in.
Eat & Drink
Expendio de Maiz: The best restaurants are often hole-in-the-wall type establishments, if you ask me, and this Michelin Guide-winner, located not too far from my hotel, is the perfect example. They don't take reservations. There's no menu. Going there is as simple as snagging one of their outdoor tables, sitting down, and enjoying whatever the staff brings you—like molletes, tacos, and pastries—until your tummy is satisfied. Each dish was a blast of flavor, and I felt like Remy in that scene from Ratatouille when he sees fireworks after biting into his food.
Terraza Morenos: I loved visiting Morenos—a tasting room started by two brothers with a passion for the art of brewing. As a lager lover, I came for their Vienna Lager, but stayed to hang out on their covered patio, which is a certified vibe.
Falling Piano Brewing Co.: Complete with a literal falling piano hanging from the rafters, this local brewery has multiple floors and an assortment of A-1 brews. It's also home to a Texas-style barbecue joint called All Wood BBQ & Taproom. It was some of the best barbecue I've ever had...and I'm from Alabama.
Lago Algo: Brunch? With a view?! Say less! I'm a sucker for a restaurant with curated vibes, and this place did not disappoint. Not only is it part of an art gallery, but it's situated along a lake in Chapultepec Park (think of it like the Central Park of CDMX). I expected the waterside views to be the highlight, but I was quickly corrected bc the food is that girl. For brunch, they start you off with a freshly made pastry of your choosing (the croissant was a 10/10) before serving the entrée. My omelette was phe-nom-enal. No notes!
Contramar: My hands-down favorite spot was this popular seafood joint. Like, my mouth is watering while I write this. Their standout dish is the tuna tostada, but I would recommend trying an array of offerings, like the Galicia-style octopus, seared scallops, and whole grilled fish. Oh, and don't forget to finish it off with the meringue with strawberries. I'll be here drooling!
Your Mexico City Packing List
ODODOS Unisex Mini Belt Bag
With Jean Superstar Seven Tee
