Now let me first start out by saying that Mexico City is a very special place to me. A few years ago I decided to spend my winter there hiding out from the New England weather. For the six weeks I was there I embraced the beautiful culture of the city by living in Roma Norte for the entirety of my stay. From my morning strolls with my friends to working lunches at Panderia Rossetta and dancing the night away at Departmento I loved every second of my time there.

My days were marked by exploration and discovery throughout the city. As a food haven I spent majority of my time trying to eat somewhere new everyday but, the iconic Mercado Roma became a regular haunt for indulging in authentic Mexican cuisine. It was a gastronomic adventure, to say for sure.

Beyond the culinary delights, the city revealed a dynamic arts scene, with galleries and cultural spaces beckoning exploration. Stumbling upon hidden gems like the Museum of the Object of the Object added a layer of depth to my understanding of Mexican history and creativity. From the pulse of Condesa's nightlife to the tranquility of Parque México, each moment became an opportunity to optimize my Mexican adventure.

To be frank I loved this city and it may even be my favorite in the entire world. If I could I would spend every winter there I would but, I will admit I had very little expectations before I got there. I knew the city was known for its extraordinary food and are scene but, I didn’t realize how different it it would be from the rest of Mexico and what a unique culture it had. Mexico City is much more like a European city than it is like Cabo or Tulum. I know many people will often say the city is unsafe but, I truly never felt unsafe my entire time there. I did mostly stay in Roma Norte, Polanco, and Condessa but, even at night my friends and I felt comfortable walking home from bars. Oh yeah and the city is very clean! Every morning there are people out cleaning the sidewalks and in general the landscaping is truly stunning. I do know this city is getting more popular but, I think in many ways its still overlooked and those of us in the United States should absolutely be taking advantage of its close proximity more often.

Culinary Delights

Mexico City's food scene is a gastronomic symphony that resonates with an unparalleled diversity of flavors, colors, and textures. From the bustling street markets to upscale eateries, the city is a culinary haven where traditional Mexican cuisine intertwines seamlessly with modern innovation. Iconic dishes like tacos al pastor, churros, and even sandwiches tempt taste buds on every street corners.

Beyond the street-level delights, Mexico City boasts a burgeoning fine dining scene, where visionary chefs reinterpret classic recipes with avant-garde twists. Renowned restaurants like Pujol and Quintonil captivate discerning palates with inventive fusions of indigenous ingredients and contemporary techniques. Mole, the complex and rich sauce, becomes a canvas for culinary artistry, and mezcal tastings offer a journey through the diverse agave landscapes. In Mexico City, the food scene is a celebration of authenticity and innovation, where every meal is a symphony of flavors, inviting everyone to savor the unique culinary identity of this dynamic and ever-evolving metropolis.

Now to my favorite part recommendations. I personally think everyone morning should be started with a guava roll from Panderia Rosetta but, if you want brunch I would go to one of these: Lalo!, Lardo, Maque, Tetelan, and Belmondo. I often believe lunch and dinner can be eaten at the same places but, if you want something quick I’d get the chicken burrito at Pollos Poncho. I dream about this burrito and probably ate it at least three times week. Sadly I did not keep a diary of every taqueria I went to but these are worth a visit Taquería El Greco, Tacos Hola El Güero, Cariñito Tacos, El Turix, Taqueria Orinoco, El Pescadito, and El Greco. As for dinner or a leisurely lunch I’d recommend the following: Siembra Tortillería, Malix, Marmota, Pigeon, Máximo Bistrot, Rosetta, Niv, Botanico, and Contramar. Oh yeah and Mexico City is home to some of the best bars in the world and more specifically my favorite bar Handshake Speakeasy (which I went to at least once a week). The other bars I loved were Limantour, Hanky Panky, and Baltra.

Cozy Accommodations

Where you stay in Mexico City is absolutely key! The city itself is huge but since most everything is located in Roma, Condesa, Juarez, or Polanco I would suggest staying in once of those three areas. They’re also the nicest and prettiest in my opinion.

My hotel recommendations include: Andaz, The Wild Oscar, The Alest, Las Alcobas, Orchid House, The Ritz, Four Seasons, Onto, Casa Polanco, Nima, Condesa DF, Casa Ibeza, and Casa Cleo.