Things to do in Mexico City
Mexico City is a fascinating place with lots to see. We do not plan on organizing group sightseeing but here are some suggested first choices:
(1) Historic District which includes the National Palace (cool Diego Rivera murals), the Cathedral, Templo Mayor (ruins and interesting museum) and Plaza Mayor which is just a vibrant — if not entirely comfortable —scene. If you plan to go to the National Palace, make sure you have your passport. Check for hours of operation as the National Palace is not always open.
(2) Museum of Anthropology. One of the most famous in the world and you could spend all day here and longer.
(3) Teotihuacan Pyramids. These ruins, about an hour outside Mexico City are amazing and would be Jill’s first choice in sightseeing. You can do them a number of ways: the cheapest way is to take the subway to the North bus station and then take a bus (serious hassle but it makes for a good adventure). By far the easiest way is to rent a car and driver/guide for the day to pick you and drive you out and give you a tour. It will be an all day adventure but you should be back before dinner time having had a really great day. We can point you in the right direction if you want to exercise this option. The third option — much cheaper — is to do a “van” tour but then the driver will make stops at various shops (etc.) and the time at the ruins is more limited. (This drove Jill crazy and she will never make this mistake again! Most of you know how much Jill likes shopping.....)
(4) Frida Kahlo Museum: this was Frida’s house and its a very doable excursion if you just have a couple hours. Obtain your tickets on line before you go out there or you will have an awful line. If you have more time, the house of Leon Trotsky (one of Frida’s many lovers) is a few blocks away and makes a nice walk between the two houses in a cool area. An excursion to Frida and Leon’s homes allow you to see Coyacan and San Angel — two attractive neighborhoods south of Mexico City. There are two subway lines that head down to this area but they require a lot of walking so Uber will be easier.
(5) Other sightseeing options: Chapultepec Park and the Chapultepec Castle provides information about the odd colonial history of Mexico City. There is some walking involved. There are many other great museums and many ways to see Diego’s murals around the City.
David and Jill are not the best source if you want a serious shopping experience. That being said, there is a Palacio Herrera (PH) in the Condesa which is an upscale Mexican department store that is fun to explore with many other shops (etc.) nearby.
Restaurants in the Condesa/Roma neighborhoods
We have never had an issue with getting sick by eating and drinking in Mexico City. That being said, we generally avoid drinking tap water and order bottled water instead, and we sort of stay away from salad, but we are not very strict about it. Mexico City has an amazing and reasonably priced dining scene and these are a few of our favorites. Typically, we just ask the hosts to suggest something and they generally call for us. With a few exceptions, you
can usually make a reservation for immediate dining (ie: you don’t have to call much ahead of time unless its one of the new or hot places).
Meretoro: upscale dining fronting Avenue Amsterdam.
Taqueria El Califa: for those of you who want to try street food but need it to be a bit civilized this is a great choice. Dave couldn’t stop raving about it, but bear in mind there is zero ambiance.
La Capital: casual but attractive Mexican food, open late.
Lampuga: Seafood.
Bistro Maximo: hard to get into famous bistro in Roma with a set 4 course menu, but for those of you staying at Red Treehouse, ask Victor to call for you.
Le Bon Bistro: New French place. Jill had amazing steak tartar prepared table side in quite a show worth the price of admission.
Two of the city's finest restaurants are Pujol and Quintonil. Both are pricey and if you want the ultimate in fine dining, make reservations as soon as possible.