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welcome to our blog. we are sisters and best friends. kelda lives in the bay area and lauren lives in nyc. together, we share all things travel, money and more. our mission is to provide actionable tips that still let you live your life! thanks for visiting!

A Weekend Guide to Mexico City

A Weekend Guide to Mexico City

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K traveled to Mexico City over a long weekend in February + instantly fell in love! Mexico City was the perfect mix for her. The markets reminded her of the market places in Jerusalem, the architecture + city square was reminiscent of Europe, all while having a Latin flair + being 80 degrees in the middle of winter - what more could you want!? If you’ve been around for a while, you know that we are huge proponents of making the most of the vacation days you have - don’t let a short weekend stop you from seeing somewhere new!

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where to stay

  • Polanco - Polanco is a trendy, upscale neighborhood on the northern side of Chapultepec Park + is filled with some of the best restaurants + bars (this is where K had the best margarita she’s ever had…keep reading to find out where)! When K returns to Mexico City, she’d consider staying here. It is a little further away from some of the tourist attractions in the city center, but metro + Uber don’t make that a problem!

  • Condesa - Located on the southern side of Chapultepec Park, there’s a slightly more European feel to the streets of Condesa. Like Polanco, Condesa has so many great bars + restaurants to choose from.

  • City Center - This is where K stayed in an Airbnb (if you’re a first time user, use our link to get $40 off your first stay!) + it was the perfect location for her weekend. It was walking distance to most of the “tourist” attractions she wanted to see, like Zocalo Square + Palacio Nacional, + anywhere that was a little too far to walk was only a $2 Uber away!

what to do

  • Palacio Nacional - The National Palace is free to enter + will give you the opportunity to see one of Diego Rivera’s most famous murals - The History of Mexico. Beyond the impressive artwork, the structure itself is beautiful + there is so much history to be learned once inside!

  • Zocalo Square - The city’s main square is a great place to pass through + is also central to many tourist stops, such as the Palacio Nacional. While K was visiting there were installations to celebrate Valentine’s Day + huge flower arrangements in the shape of flowers.

  • Chapultepec Park - The largest park in the city, this is Mexico City’s Central Park. Once inside the park, be sure to stop by the Angel Wings on Reforma to snap a picture + visit the castle (but be sure to check out closing time - we got there just a minute too late!)

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  • Frida Kahlo Museum - The Blue House stands out on the street, as will the droves of tourists there to visit the famous museum. Be sure to purchase your tickets online in advance - we tried weeks before visiting + they wouldn’t accept our Chase cards. When we got there the at opening the line was already 3 hours just to buy tickets before standing in line to be admitted. Since we were short on time we decided to skip it + walked the neighborhood only to find ourselves in…

  • Coyoacan Market - After our letdown of not visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum, we stumbled upon this marketplace + got lost for several hours winding our way through the merchants. This was a great place for us to pick up our souvenirs for everyone on our list. We also visited the Artisan Market (Mercado de Artesanias) + would recommend both!

  • Xochimilco Canal Tour - Somewhere between the Venice Gondolas + Thailand’s Floating Market lies Xochimilco. We stopped by a grocery store, picked up beer + snacks + passed the afternoon floating down the canals, listening to mariachi bands + people watching. While now looking back, I’m not sure this is the best use of a short, first time trip to Mexico City, I would definitely recommend it for larger groups or if you’re spending longer in the city!

    • Note: Do NOT follow any people on bicycles who try to tell you that the main embarcadero is closed. This is not true + they are part of a tourist group trying to lure you to a different, smaller dock. Our Uber driver followed them + it put us in what could have potentially been an unsafe situation where our “tour guide” would not stop following us + insisting we get in a boat with him. If you are in an Uber or taxi, be firm + insist that they take you to Embarcadero Nuevo Nativitas - even if they are told it is closed or the streets are blocked!

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where to eat + drink

  • Street Food - I know some people would be hesitant on this, but I’m a firm believer in using your best judgment + this led me to one of the best tacos I’ve had! I didn’t get too adventurous in what I was eating + stuck with meats that I recognized. I also made sure that the food was cooked through properly. I ate street food every day of the trip + didn’t have a negative experience once!

  • Limantour - K’s college roommate + friend has lived in Mexico City + recommended this place to K + OMG. it was the best! The margarita was to die for, as were the appetizers. To top it all off, the setting was just perfect + there’s sidewalk seating!

  • La Unica - K stopped in here for a quick drink after Limantour + while K can’t comment on the food, the drinks were good + the restaurant is very Insta friendly!

  • Cafe de Tacuba - Another rec from K’s friend, who described it as “an all time classic” + that held true for K! This is where K ate dinner on her last night + it was a great + classic way to say goodbye to a city known for good food!

  • Nivel 40 SkyBar - Located on the 40th floor of the Latin America Tower, Nivel 40 was a great way to kick off K’s trip with great views of the city. While the views are great, K found that there wasn’t a great ambience here + wouldn’t spend more time than a quick drink for the views. The prices are quite reasonable considering it’s location.

  • Terraza Catedral - A rooftop bar located right in front of the cathedral, Terraza Catedral gave K some incredible views of Mexico City on her last night! It is, however, a little hard to find as it’s located on the roof of a hostel (Mundo Joven). There’s also no food available here, but it was a great place to stop in after a day of sightseeing for a few drinks before heading to dinner.

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Mexico City was K’s first venture to Mexico (we know, we know, it took way too long!) + she absolutely loved it! It was made all the more better by traveling with her friend, a Spanish teacher at the school where she teaches, so she had a built in translator for the trip! Mexico City was everything K could have wanted + more + she’s already planning another trip back!

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