Pia´s favorite Mexico City
Lugares emblemáticos
Santa Maria la Ribera is still a very authentic and charming neighborhood that is slowly starting to gentrify. On the weekends old couples meet to dance to old tunes, and young people bring their boom blasters to practice modern dance. There are cafés and restaurants along the square, for example a restaurant specializing in the Yucatan cuisine, and yet another one with Russian dishes.
87 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kiosco Morisco de Santa Maria la Ribera
Calle Salvador Díaz MirónSanta Maria la Ribera is still a very authentic and charming neighborhood that is slowly starting to gentrify. On the weekends old couples meet to dance to old tunes, and young people bring their boom blasters to practice modern dance. There are cafés and restaurants along the square, for example a restaurant specializing in the Yucatan cuisine, and yet another one with Russian dishes.
Some nights streets close from Chapultepec park all the way to the Zócalo, for people to ride their bicycles or go skating along the famous Reforma avenue. Just off the main street you will find the Monumento a la Revolución, especially beautiful when illuminated at night. In the mornings at 8:00am local schools march with the flag, singing the national anthem, sometimes beating their drums.
445 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Monument to the Revolution
s/n Pl. de la RepúblicaSome nights streets close from Chapultepec park all the way to the Zócalo, for people to ride their bicycles or go skating along the famous Reforma avenue. Just off the main street you will find the Monumento a la Revolución, especially beautiful when illuminated at night. In the mornings at 8:00am local schools march with the flag, singing the national anthem, sometimes beating their drums.
This is a very special place. It was the home and should I say, sanctuary, of the famous architect Luis Barragán. The tour of his former home is an experience, as you envelop yourself in his design and philosophy. Make sure to book in advance, the tours are very popular. It´s 20 minutes walking distance from the apartment.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Casa Estudio Luis Barragán
12 General Francisco RamírezThis is a very special place. It was the home and should I say, sanctuary, of the famous architect Luis Barragán. The tour of his former home is an experience, as you envelop yourself in his design and philosophy. Make sure to book in advance, the tours are very popular. It´s 20 minutes walking distance from the apartment.
This market is something else. As part of the larger La Merced market you find Sonora market, a fun place to look around for parnaphernalia, some of it related to witchery. Be extra careful walking in these areas.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Estación Mercado de Sonora
419 Fray Servando T. de MierThis market is something else. As part of the larger La Merced market you find Sonora market, a fun place to look around for parnaphernalia, some of it related to witchery. Be extra careful walking in these areas.
Lagunilla is an antiques market, and it´s fun to walk around and see what you can find. Prices are a bit high, but you may find a good deal. There are other types of stands too, selling cool t-shirts and beer, hats, sneakers and even a stand where you can get a piercing!
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mercado de La Lagunilla
Pasaje AllendeLagunilla is an antiques market, and it´s fun to walk around and see what you can find. Prices are a bit high, but you may find a good deal. There are other types of stands too, selling cool t-shirts and beer, hats, sneakers and even a stand where you can get a piercing!
Mexico City´s national art gallery. Great museum shops not to miss. The plaza outside is beautiful and there are a couple of cafés there where you can sit down and have a coffee and even eat something worthwhile (Girasoles and Eric Kayser have quality food). The museum has changing exhibits of pre-modernist art.
300 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Nacional de Artes
8 Calle de TacubaMexico City´s national art gallery. Great museum shops not to miss. The plaza outside is beautiful and there are a couple of cafés there where you can sit down and have a coffee and even eat something worthwhile (Girasoles and Eric Kayser have quality food). The museum has changing exhibits of pre-modernist art.
Barrios
Santa Maria la Ribera es an up and coming neighborhood that still holds that authentic old school charm. Take the metro bus and walk around, sip on a coffee and watch life go about at the plaza.
40 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Santa María la Ribera
Santa Maria la Ribera es an up and coming neighborhood that still holds that authentic old school charm. Take the metro bus and walk around, sip on a coffee and watch life go about at the plaza.
Gastronomía
Great place for salads, stylish sandwiches and good wine. It has a superb atmosphere and high quality food ranging from healthy veggie sandwiches to roast beef and gruyere ciabattas.
149 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Belmondo
109 TabascoGreat place for salads, stylish sandwiches and good wine. It has a superb atmosphere and high quality food ranging from healthy veggie sandwiches to roast beef and gruyere ciabattas.
It can be hard to make reservations so show up before you are starving - maximum wait is about 40 minutes, but it will be worth it. Modern low key asian cuisine and delicious cocktails. A very varied menu, good atmosphere and lots of hipsters.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mog Bistro
168 FronteraIt can be hard to make reservations so show up before you are starving - maximum wait is about 40 minutes, but it will be worth it. Modern low key asian cuisine and delicious cocktails. A very varied menu, good atmosphere and lots of hipsters.
Great place for coffee and croissants, bring your book and sit on the curb watching life go by. Don´t miss the delicious banana tartin, or any of the precious french one-serving cakes, one might not be enough. Only one block from the apartment!
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bó Pastisseria
114 Fernando Montes de OcaGreat place for coffee and croissants, bring your book and sit on the curb watching life go by. Don´t miss the delicious banana tartin, or any of the precious french one-serving cakes, one might not be enough. Only one block from the apartment!
For a special occasion! This bistro has good wine and a very exclusive menu with dishes such as grilled artichoke, mussels and the very tasty raw tuna and wasabi sandwich.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Vineria
52 Fernando Montes de OcaFor a special occasion! This bistro has good wine and a very exclusive menu with dishes such as grilled artichoke, mussels and the very tasty raw tuna and wasabi sandwich.
A bit expensive, this perfect breakfast and brunch spot is run by the legendary chef Eduardo Garcia, owner of the restaurant Maximo Bistrot. Expect the place to be full! Try the french toast, the best one in the city.
177 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lalo!
173 ZacatecasA bit expensive, this perfect breakfast and brunch spot is run by the legendary chef Eduardo Garcia, owner of the restaurant Maximo Bistrot. Expect the place to be full! Try the french toast, the best one in the city.
I love this spot for its great pastry, particularly the croissants and the Guava roll (you can´t miss this one). I like to bring my book or grab a newspaper and sit for hours at the bar. You can also get take-away from the little window on the curb. Some dishes on the menu are experimental, using always the best quality ingredients.
313 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lardo
6 Cda. MazatlanI love this spot for its great pastry, particularly the croissants and the Guava roll (you can´t miss this one). I like to bring my book or grab a newspaper and sit for hours at the bar. You can also get take-away from the little window on the curb. Some dishes on the menu are experimental, using always the best quality ingredients.
Excellent Italian trattoria. Sit outside with a glass of wine or get cosy with your date under the Italian posters inside. Try the carpaccio and the pastas, they are superb.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Casa d'Italia
6 Agustín MelgarExcellent Italian trattoria. Sit outside with a glass of wine or get cosy with your date under the Italian posters inside. Try the carpaccio and the pastas, they are superb.
These punk pizzas are artisanal. I like the location on the curb, with cute lightbulbs adorning the terrace and a little bar where you can sit and eat while you watch them make your pizza. They have individual sizes and a craft beer shop next door.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pizzas Nosferatu
24 Eje 2 SurThese punk pizzas are artisanal. I like the location on the curb, with cute lightbulbs adorning the terrace and a little bar where you can sit and eat while you watch them make your pizza. They have individual sizes and a craft beer shop next door.
Great place for lunch, because of the amazing menu and atmosphere. Expect a large and handsome crowd. Informal but dressing up a little is recommended.
293 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Parnita
84 Av. YucatanGreat place for lunch, because of the amazing menu and atmosphere. Expect a large and handsome crowd. Informal but dressing up a little is recommended.
Stylish bar with exquisite cocktails and fun interior.
79 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Baltra Bar
36D IztaccihuatlStylish bar with exquisite cocktails and fun interior.
One of the most popular high class restaurants in the whole city specializing in seafood. Great service, atmosphere and menu. Try the tuna al pastor!
338 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Contramar
200 Calle de DurangoOne of the most popular high class restaurants in the whole city specializing in seafood. Great service, atmosphere and menu. Try the tuna al pastor!
If you are in Polanco, get a coffee and delicious sandwich by one of Mexicos greatest chefs Enrique Olvera. Nice atmosphere and locale.
58 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
ENO
258 PetrarcaIf you are in Polanco, get a coffee and delicious sandwich by one of Mexicos greatest chefs Enrique Olvera. Nice atmosphere and locale.
Pia´s favourites
This is a magic bookshop a few blocks from home as you walk up Mazatlan Avenue. They sell second hand books and the name of the bookshop is call "The Finding". You can be sure that when you walk in you will find the book you need. They have different sections, and even some books in English, German and Swedish.
El Hallazgo
30 Avenida MazatlanThis is a magic bookshop a few blocks from home as you walk up Mazatlan Avenue. They sell second hand books and the name of the bookshop is call "The Finding". You can be sure that when you walk in you will find the book you need. They have different sections, and even some books in English, German and Swedish.
Quiet neighborhood for nice stroll. On Saturdays a vibrant market (the best in town if you ask me) with high quality artisan produce such as leather bags, jewelry, textiles and more takes over the plaza. Enjoy breakfast with live music and all you can eat at the fancy Saks overlooking the plaza (reservations recommended after 9.30am).
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Plaza San Jacinto
no. 16 Plaza San JacintoQuiet neighborhood for nice stroll. On Saturdays a vibrant market (the best in town if you ask me) with high quality artisan produce such as leather bags, jewelry, textiles and more takes over the plaza. Enjoy breakfast with live music and all you can eat at the fancy Saks overlooking the plaza (reservations recommended after 9.30am).
A good place to go out in Condesa - crowd from 25-35, if you get after 12 expect a line. Get ready to dance!
78 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Café Paraíso
17 Pl. Villa de MadridA good place to go out in Condesa - crowd from 25-35, if you get after 12 expect a line. Get ready to dance!
Nice place for a drink and some fancy tacos. Fun interior and great modern Mexican food.
95 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Páramo
84 Av. YucatanNice place for a drink and some fancy tacos. Fun interior and great modern Mexican food.
Old school ice cream bar that has been active since 1946. Try the mint ice cream with chocolate sauce.
166 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nevería Roxy
89 Fernando Montes de OcaOld school ice cream bar that has been active since 1946. Try the mint ice cream with chocolate sauce.
I love this place! It´s both a bookshop and café. In the top floor there is also a little scene where you can catch local and international artists. Rejoice in the company of thousands of books, and delicious Mexican breakfast all day long.
120 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Péndulo
115 Av Nuevo LeónI love this place! It´s both a bookshop and café. In the top floor there is also a little scene where you can catch local and international artists. Rejoice in the company of thousands of books, and delicious Mexican breakfast all day long.
Enourmous and beautiful bookshop with many academic titles, photobooks, cooking books and its own childrens section. There is also a small cinema where you can catch movies a couple of nights a week. Check the schedule outside the main entrance.
93 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bookstore Fondo de Cultura Economica
202 Av. TamaulipasEnourmous and beautiful bookshop with many academic titles, photobooks, cooking books and its own childrens section. There is also a small cinema where you can catch movies a couple of nights a week. Check the schedule outside the main entrance.
A bit far to travel, BUT this is Mexico City´s best Contemporary Art museum with great curators and avant-garde exhibits. Good museum shop. Take Metrobus all the way down to the University and just cross the highway, it is a 30 minute ride from Condesa.
252 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Universitario de Arte Contemporáneo
3000 Av. Insurgentes SurA bit far to travel, BUT this is Mexico City´s best Contemporary Art museum with great curators and avant-garde exhibits. Good museum shop. Take Metrobus all the way down to the University and just cross the highway, it is a 30 minute ride from Condesa.
Great spot to have a cocktail or eat dinner. Even better, try to combine this with a movie screening or a stand-up show, they have some of Mexicos best comedians performing regularly.
264 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cine Tonalá
261 TonaláGreat spot to have a cocktail or eat dinner. Even better, try to combine this with a movie screening or a stand-up show, they have some of Mexicos best comedians performing regularly.
Amazing architecture and 10 movie theaters, bookshops, restaurants, cafés, a bar and churreria (for hot chocolate and churros). The best movies from all over the world for only 50 pesos. Just going to the Cineteca and hanging out is an experience.
282 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cineteca Nacional de Mexico
389 Av. México CoyoacánAmazing architecture and 10 movie theaters, bookshops, restaurants, cafés, a bar and churreria (for hot chocolate and churros). The best movies from all over the world for only 50 pesos. Just going to the Cineteca and hanging out is an experience.
A very special place. This used to be the hill where the pre-hispanic Mexicans venerated God Mother Tonantzin. With the arrival of the Spaniards they changed her name, after the account of several appearances, to the Virgin of Guadalupe. The Basilica is in fact a group of several chapels, and its well worth a visit, as Mexicans travel from all over the country to see her. On December 12th the plaza fills up with thousands of pilgrims.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Basílica De Guadalupe
No. 2 Fray Juan de ZumárragaA very special place. This used to be the hill where the pre-hispanic Mexicans venerated God Mother Tonantzin. With the arrival of the Spaniards they changed her name, after the account of several appearances, to the Virgin of Guadalupe. The Basilica is in fact a group of several chapels, and its well worth a visit, as Mexicans travel from all over the country to see her. On December 12th the plaza fills up with thousands of pilgrims.
Consejos para la ciudad
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
Don´t be scared off by the metro
It´s an amazing way to move around. Quick, cheap and very interesting. A good place to watch people and sometimes even do some shopping!
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
Uber or authorized taxi is a good option to move around
If you don´t want to use public transport, call an authorized taxi such as Taxi Radio Union, nr. +52 55147709 or use Uber.
Formas de ahorrar
Refill your bottle from the filter at home
There is a water filter by the kitchen where you can refill your water bottle before going out to explore the city.
Antes de que te vayas
Reserve at Casa Luis Barragán
This architectural gem by the famous Luis Barragán will only let you in with a reservation. Call a few weeks in advance as this is a popular spot. It is absolutely worthwhile and you can walk from home, it will take you 15 to 20 minutes.
Antes de que te vayas
Restaurants at Chapultepec lake
On weekends the Chapultepec park is a nice place to stroll around and have a snack. Around the lake you will find some exclusive restaurants, and these must be reserved in advance. If else, you may find yourself hungry and waiting on a long line, opting for some chips and soda from the adjacent fast food stands!
Qué debes empacar
Don´t look like a tourist
You can find anything you need in Mexico city, so there is nothing special you must pack - except for perhaps earplugs? Winter can be cold so make sure to bring closed shoes, sweaters and a jacket if you visit between November and March. Rainy starts in June and ends in September, it pours for a couple of hours each evening and is a nice time to visit the city.
Costumbres y cultura
Don´t show off
For safety reasons try not to show off jewelry, cellphones or such on the street and on public transport. But feel safe, it´s only a precaution ;)