Travel Guide
Here's a light travel guide to get you started with your exploration of CDMX and Cuernavaca. We've included just a few of our favorite spots as well as a few really well known places.
Getting Around
In Mexico City, walking around, using the Metro, and buying an Eco-bici bike pass to bike around are all recommended. In both cities, Uber is widely available and recommended.
Weather
Mexico City can be cool in the mornings and evenings but gets warm during the day. Cuernavaca is known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' with pleasant temperatures year-round.
Currency
The peso (MXN) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but carry some cash for small vendors. An easy way to convert from the peso to the dollar is to divide by 20, or take off the extra zero and divide by 2.
Mexico City
Places to Visit
Chapultepec Castle
Culture
The only royal castle in North America, offering stunning views of the city and housing the National Museum of History.
Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)
Sightseeing
The main square in the heart of Mexico City, surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
Culture
Iconic cultural center with a stunning Art Nouveau facade and murals by Diego Rivera.
Anthropology Museum
Culture
Mexico's largest and most visited museum, showcasing the country's pre-Columbian heritage. You could spend all day here if you wanted!
Our note: Make sure to check out the outdoor exhibits!
Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo
Culture
Contemporary art museum in Chapultepec Park.
Museo de Arte Moderno
Culture
Modern art museum in Chapultepec Park. Bite-sized and easy to see in an hour or two.
Museo Soumaya
Culture
Private museum with an extensive collection of European and Mexican art.
Our note: The art is absolutely jam packed in here. It can be a bit overwhelming, but there is a lot to see! The roof has tons of Rodin sculptures.
Coyoacán Neighborhood
A favorite!Neighborhood
A charming, bohemian district with colorful streets, artisan markets, and delicious food stalls. On Saturdays, there is a great art market with tons of vendors.
Our note: Even if you don't go on Saturday, there are still tons of shops to explore and good food to eat.
UNAM Campus
Culture
The main campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our note: Check out the impressive murals by José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, and others.
Teotihaucan Pyramids via Hot Air Balloon
A favorite!Sightseeing
Ancient Mesoamerican city with the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.
Our note: You can book this through a service like GetYourGuide, which will provide transport and food on top of the hot air balloon experience. It's about an hour drive from Mexico City, but it's totally worth it!
Frida Kahlo Museum
Culture
Also known as the Blue House, this museum was Frida Kahlo's home and now displays her artwork and personal belongings.
Where to Eat and Drink
Contramar
Seafood • $$
Famous for its fresh seafood and tuna tostadas in a lively atmosphere.
Our note: See if you can snag a reservation for lunch. If not, try Entremar.
Entremar
A favorite!Seafood • $$
The sister restaurant of Contramar. This one is easier to get into if you can't snag a reservation at Contramar.
Our note: Seriously, get the tuna tostadas.
Quintonil
A favorite!Contemporary Mexican • $$$$
Innovative Mexican cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients.
Our note: This is where we celebrated our engagement! We were on our way to lunch here when Gareth proposed in el Bosque de Chapultepec.
Churrería El Moro
Dessert • $
Historic churro shop serving delicious churros and hot chocolate since 1935. There are several locations around the city.
Our note: Definitely get it with the hot chocolate! This location is really nice because it's by the park.
Propio
A favorite!Contemporary Mexican • $$
Modern Mexican cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Our note: Absolutely gorgeous space!
Taquería Orinoco
Tacos • $
Popular taquería with a wide variety of tacos, including vegetarian options. There are several locations.
Maximo Bistrot
French-Mexican • $$
Farm-to-table bistro with a daily changing menu. Reservations recommended.
Restaurante Taqueria Los Cocuyos
A favorite!Tacos • $
No-frills taquería serving delicious tacos with all sorts of cuts. Open late.
Our note: We loved the tacos here! Really easy stop if you're in Centro Histórico.
Tacos El Huequito
A favorite!Tacos • $
Popular taquería known for its al pastor tacos.
Our note: Gareth thinks these are some of the best al pastor tacos he's had.
Café Nin
Coffee Shop • $
You've heard of Panadería Rosetta, but have you tried Café Nin?
Our note: They've got the same rol de guayaba as Panadería Rosetta (same owners) without the extremely long lines.
Lagerbar Hércules
A favorite!Bar • $
Craft beer bar with a great selection of local and international beers.
Our note: Great spot for a casual drink in a central part of the city.
Hugo Wine Bar
Bar • $$
Intimate and sceney wine bar.
Our note: We loved the late night vibes here.
Pulquería Los Insurgentes
Bar • $
Traditional pulquería with a wide variety of pulque flavors.
Our note: Pulque is a traditional Mexican drink made from fermented agave sap. It's a bit of an acquired taste, but worth trying!
La Clandestina
Bar • $$
Intimate cocktail bar with a great selection of mezcales and cocktails.
Lardo
Mexican-European • $$
Mexican-European fusion spot.
Restaurante Rosetta
Contemporary Mexican • $$$
Acclaimed restaurant serving elevated cuisine with a focus on seasonal and sustainable ingredients.
Our note: Super popular restaurant -- definitely need to get a reservation. The interior of the entire restaurant is gorgeous (it's multiple rooms and floors).
La Docena
Seafood • $$$
Seafood and oyster bar.
Nuevo León
Mexican • $
Gastropub serving traditional Mexican cuisine.
Our note: The goat here is so delicious!
Abyssmo
Seafood • $$
Trendy, minimalistic seafood restaurant
Voraz
Contemporary Mexican • $$$
Innovative contemporary Mexican shareables
Our note: Really interesting bites here! We particularly loved the ceviche.
Tlecan
Bar • $$
Mezcal bar
Our note: Limited space, but the drinks are very good. This is one of those 'top cocktail bar' spots that is worth checking out if you like mezcal.
Baltra Bar
Bar • $$
Cocktail bar in a cozy setting inspired by the Galápagos Islands
Club Sorbet
Bar • $$
Backyard sorbet and wine bar
Our note: It's through the parking lot!