Formerly known as Tenochtitlán, it was founded in 1325 by the Mexica, an ancient Mesoamerican civilization. The Mexica built their city in the middle of a lake, in what is now the historic center of the city. Today, Mexico City is one of the largest metropolises in the world and remains an important cultural, political and financial center. It has preserved much of its rich history and offers visitors the opportunity to explore its fascinating past through its monuments, museums and archaeological sites.

Mexico City, also known as CDMX, is the capital of Mexico and one of the largest and most fascinating cities in the world. In CDMX you will find a mix of tradition and contemporaneity in every corner. Its streets are full of life, with traditional markets, historic squares, impressive archaeological sites and a variety of museums that exhibit the country’s cultural treasures. You can attend cultural events, concerts, plays and art exhibitions in the different cultural spaces of the city. It is important to mention that, like any big city, CDMX also has its own pace and challenges, such as traffic and infrastructure, but if you are willing to explore it and discover all it has to offer, I assure you that you will live an unforgettable experience.

The general climate of Mexico City (CDMX) can vary throughout the year, but in general terms it can be described as temperate for most of the year.

 CDMX has a wide range of tourist activities for all tastes. From visiting historic monuments to enjoying the vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone. With world-renowned museums, art galleries, theaters, festivals and cultural events, there is always something interesting to see and experience. Here are some options to enjoy your visit to CDMX:

• Take a free walking tour to visit places such as the Zócalo and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
• Explore the Templo Mayor and its archaeological museum.
• Stroll through the Chapultepec Forest and visit the Chapultepec Castle.
• Discover the Historic Center and its many colonial buildings.
• Tour the Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s museum.
• Admire the Palacio de Bellas Artes and its unique architecture.
• Walk through the streets of Coyoacán and enjoy its bohemian atmosphere.
• Visit the Basilica of Guadalupe, an important religious site in Mexico.
• Explore the Mercado de La Merced and enjoy the local gastronomy.
• Visit Xochimilco and take a trajinera ride through the canals.
• Discover the ruins of Teotihuacan and climb the Pyramid of the Sun.
• Visit the colorful handicraft markets such as the one in Ciudadela.
• Visit the National Museum of Anthropology, one of the most important in the world.
• Enjoy a wrestling show at Arena Mexico.
• Taste the delicious street food, such as tacos al pastor and tamales.
• Tour Diego Rivera’s murals at the National Palace.
• Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House.
• Explore the Soumaya Museum, with its impressive art collection.
• Walking through the colorful streets of the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods.
• Visit the Museum of Modern Art.
• Enjoy a bicycle tour along the Paseo de la Reforma.
• Visit the beautiful University City.
• Visit the Museum of Memory and Tolerance.
• Enjoy a folkloric dance show at the Ballet Folklórico de México.
• Explore the archaeological site of Tlatelolco.
• Visit the Palacio de Minería Museum.
• Enjoy the nightlife in the Zona Rosa.
• Visit the San Juan Market and taste gourmet products.
• Visit the Inbursa Aquarium and its great variety of marine species.
• Explore the San Angel neighborhood and its famous Saturday Bazaar.

Mexico City’s gastronomy is famous all over the world, thanks to its wide variety of flavors, colors and textures such as Tacos, Tamales, Pozole, Chiles en nogada and much more! Here is a list of the best bars and restaurants in the city.

RESTAURANTS:

• El Cardenal: A classic Mexican food restaurant that stands out for its emblematic dishes such as chiles en nogada and mole.
• Café de Tacuba: With more than a century of history, this iconic café offers traditional Mexican dishes in an atmosphere full of nostalgia.
• El Hidalguense: Specializing in the cuisine of Hidalgo, this place is known for its exquisite barbacoa de borrego (lamb barbecue) and its traditional tamales de ceniza (ash tamales).
• La Casa de los Tacos: A traditional taqueria offering a variety of authentic tacos with fillings such as pastor, suadero and carnitas.
• El Farolito: Known for its generously proportioned cakes and unique flavors, this place is perfect for tasting an authentic Mexican cake.
• El Tizoncito: Famous for its tacos al pastor and its unmistakable marinated beef trompo, this is a must for taco lovers.
• El Caguamo: This taqueria is famous for its Mexican antojitos, such as quesadillas, pambazos and flautas, all made with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.
• El Pescadito: Specializing in fresh fish and seafood tacos and tostadas, it offers a delicious coastal experience in the heart of Mexico City.
• La Fonda Margarita: This classic restaurant offers homemade Mexican dishes with traditional flavors and warm customer service.
• Taqueria El Califa: With several branches in the city, this taqueria stands out for its tacos al pastor and wide selection of salsas.
• El Parnita: A modern establishment that fuses traditional Mexican cuisine with contemporary touches, offering a unique culinary experience.
• La Casa de las Sirenas: Located in the Historic Center, this restaurant stands out for its colonial architecture and delicious Mexican food, especially its moles and chiles en nogada.
• Taqueria La Guera: A popular place to enjoy guisado tacos with filling options that change daily, offering an authentic and varied dining experience.
• Los Cocuyos: A classic CDMX taqueria known for its tacos al pastor and lively atmosphere, perfect for enjoying authentic street food.
• El Tizoncito Condesa: A branch of the famous El Tizoncito that offers its famous tacos al pastor in one of the most bohemian neighborhoods of the city.
• Fonda El Refugio: A restaurant with more than 60 years of tradition serving homemade Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, mole and chiles rellenos.
• Los Parados: An establishment specializing in guisado tacos with a wide variety of options and authentic flavors.
• El Huequito: An iconic taqueria in the city that is known for its tacos de pastor with a unique adobo recipe and delicious salsa.

BARS

• Liquorería Limantour: One of the best mixology bars in town, Limantour offers a wide variety of creative and original cocktails in a sophisticated atmosphere.
• Hanky Panky: Located in Colonia Roma, this speakeasy and speakeasy offers a unique experience, with prohibition-era décor and a selection of exceptional drinks.
• Xaman: With a mystical atmosphere and a focus on ancestral ingredients and rituals, Xaman is a bar that combines mixology with Mexican herbalism.
• Fifty Mils: Located in the Four Seasons Hotel, Fifty Mils stands out for its elegant ambiance and a menu of sophisticated cocktails inspired by Mexican culture.
• Jules Basement: This subway speakeasy bar is located behind a false door in a taqueria. It offers an exclusive experience with creative cocktails and an intimate atmosphere.
• Baltra: Located in Colonia Juárez, Baltra is a wine and mezcal bar offering a carefully curated selection of Mexican drinks and modern décor.
• La Clandestina: With a Prohibition-era theme, this bar offers a unique experience with classic cocktails and a 1920s setting.
• Artemisia Coctelería: Specializing in drinks based on Mexican distillates, Artemisia offers a variety of creative and unique drinks that highlight the best of local mixology.
• Departamento: This bar is located in a residential building in the Roma and offers a cozy and sophisticated experience, with a wide selection of craft cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Wallace Whisky Bar: If you are a whisky lover, this is the place for you. Wallace Whisky Bar has an extensive collection of whiskies from around the world, as well as a selection of exclusive cocktails.

Mexico City also offers safe bars for the LGBT+ community and allies, each with its own unique proposal to provide an unforgettable experience.

• Tom’s Leather Bar: An iconic bar for the gay community, known for its friendly and open atmosphere, especially for leather lovers.
• La Purisima: Located in the heart of the Zona Rosa, this bar is a popular meeting point for the LGBT+ community with vibrant music and a vibrant dance floor.
• Kinky: An elegant and sophisticated bar that offers an exclusive atmosphere and a mix of pop and electronic music, ideal for those looking for a fun night out.
• Marrakech Salon: A themed bar offering a unique experience, with Moroccan-style décor and a lively dance floor with music of different genres.
• Boy Bar: This bar offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a good drink and socialize with friends.
• Arizona: Known for its fun drag shows and party atmosphere, Arizona is a classic gay bar in CDMX.
• El Taller: An art-themed bar offering a creative and vibrant atmosphere, with art exhibits and live music that appeal to a diverse audience.
• Living: Located in the Zona Rosa, Living is a lounge bar that offers exquisite cocktails and an elegant space for socializing.
• Cine Tonalá: In addition to being an independent movie theater, Cine Tonalá has a bar that becomes a meeting point for the LGBT+ community, with themed events and good music. This small and cozy bar is a popular place to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, good music and delicious craft drinks.

This city also stands out for its festivals and concerts as they are varied and there is something for everyone, here are some of the most popular events:

•  Cervantino International Festival: An internationally renowned cultural event that celebrates the performing arts, music and culture.
• Zócalo Fest: An annual festival in the Plaza de la Constitución that offers free concerts by renowned artists and bands.
• Festival del Centro Histórico: A multidisciplinary festival that offers theater, dance, classical and contemporary music performances on various stages in downtown.
• Polanco Jazz Festival: An event that brings together the best national and international jazz artists and takes place in different venues in the exclusive area of Polanco.
• Morelia International Film Festival: An important film festival that screens films from around the world and offers conferences and activities related to the seventh art.
• Festival del Centro Histórico de la Ciudad de México: A festival that celebrates the cultural diversity of the city through concerts, art exhibitions, plays and dance.
• Day of the Dead Festival: A traditional Mexican celebration that takes place in different parts of the city, with offerings, parades and cultural activities in honor of the dead.
• Xochitlahtolli Flower Festival: An event that promotes the preservation of pre-Hispanic culture and traditions through dances, music and floral exhibitions.
• Mezcal and Craft Beer Festival: A festival that celebrates the traditions of Mexico’s emblematic drink, mezcal, and craft beer, with tastings, live music and activities related to the industry.
• International LGBT+ Culture Festival: An event that seeks to promote inclusion and diversity through exhibitions, concerts, conferences and film screenings in different venues of the city.
• May Cultural Festival: A festival that takes place in May and offers concerts, exhibitions and cultural activities in different venues of the city.
• Festival de Teatro en el Centro Histórico: An event that brings together local and international theater companies on different stages in downtown.
• Festival Gourmet International: A gastronomic festival that brings together the best national and international chefs, offering tastings, samplings and culinary demonstrations.
• International Contemporary Dance Festival: A festival in which internationally renowned contemporary dance companies participate, presenting performances and workshops.
• Mexico City International Documentary Film Festival: A festival that promotes national and international documentary film, with screenings, roundtables and activities related to the genre.
• Balloon Festival: An event that gathers hot air balloons of different shapes and colors in the sky of the city, with musical shows and family activities.
• Early and Baroque Music Festival: A festival that focuses on early classical and baroque music, presenting concerts and recitals in churches and historic theaters in the city.
• UNAM International Film Festival: A festival that promotes auteur and independent cinema, with screenings, round tables and academic activities.
• Craft Beer Festival: A festival that brings together the best craft breweries in the city, offering tastings, live music and activities related to beer culture.
• International Festival of Light: An event that highlights the art and technology of lighting, with light installations, projections and activities related to light and visual art.

In Mexico City there are several neighborhoods that are characterized by different reasons, here is a description of the most popular neighborhoods.

• Xochimilco: Located in the south of the city, Xochimilco is known for its canals and chinampas (artificial islands). It is the last vestige of the ancient Aztec farming systems and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can enjoy a ride on a trajinera, a colorful traditional boat, along the canals, admiring the natural and cultural beauty of the area.
• Coyoacán: This neighborhood rich in history and culture is located in the south of the city. Coyoacán is known for its cobblestone streets, colonial houses and picturesque plazas. Here you will find the famous Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s home which is now a museum dedicated to her life and work. In addition, downtown Coyoacan is home to a large number of restaurants, bars, cafes, as well as the Coyoacan Market, where you can enjoy typical Mexican food.
• Zona Rosa: Located in central Mexico City, the Zona Rosa is a vibrant and cosmopolitan neighborhood known for its nightlife, shopping and restaurants. Here you will find a mix of trendy boutiques, outdoor cafes, bars, nightclubs and restaurants serving a variety of international cuisines. It is a popular place for both locals and tourists looking for entertainment and fun.
• Polanco: Polanco is a luxurious and exclusive area located in the western part of the city. It is known for hosting designer boutiques, high-end stores, art galleries and gourmet restaurants. It is also home to some luxury hotels and embassies. Polanco has ample green areas, such as the Chapultepec Forest, where the Museum of Anthropology, one of the most important museums in Mexico, is located.
• Santa Fe: Located in the west of the city, Santa Fe is a modern business and financial district that has developed rapidly in recent years. Here you will find skyscrapers, shopping malls, hotels and upscale restaurants. Santa Fe is also known for its cultural and entertainment offerings, with theaters, cinemas and venues for major events.
• Roma: Located in the center of the city, Roma is a neighborhood with a bohemian and cultural atmosphere. Its tree-lined streets are lined with beautiful Porfirian-style mansions and modern food, drink and entertainment establishments. Roma is known for its trendy restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as its art galleries and exclusive stores.
• Condesa: Next to Roma is the Condesa, another neighborhood with a great bohemian and cultural vibe. Here you will find a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs, as well as beautiful parks and green areas such as Parque Mexico. The art deco architecture and cosmopolitan atmosphere make the Condesa a popular area for lovers of culture, gastronomy and nightlife.