photo by Adam Szafranski
Travel
The Only Guide You'll Need to Travel With a Group to Mexico City
Historic sites, vibrant nightlife and Michelin-starred cuisine are just a few of the things that put Mexico City in a group getaway field all its own. In this cultural masterpiece, it’s easy to get lost from wandering down the...
photo by Adam Szafranski
Historic sites, vibrant nightlife and Michelin-starred cuisine are just a few of the things that put Mexico City in a group getaway field all its own. In this cultural masterpiece, it’s easy to get lost from wandering down the historic corridors or palm-lined roads of the charming neighborhoods that make up the city with your best friends in tow. In case you’d like a little more direction than a simple ‘left’ or ‘right,’ we’ve created this extensive guide so that the city-seekers, shoppers, sightseers and every traveler in between can plan a visit unique to the experience they yearn for.
Reporter: Erica Nichols
Reporter: Erica Nichols
From charming B&Bs to 5 star luxury hotels, Mexico City is know for chic stays with that special CDMX spin on each. You'll find oversized claw foot tubs, beds that transition from indoor to outdoor in a flash, and rooftops and courtyards aplenty. Just make sure to save some time to actually leave your hotel.
Your true “home away from home,” Nima offers a comfortable, chicly-decorated home base for you to settle into your stay in Mexico City. Located in Roma, you’re steps away from lively restaurants and art galleries set against a dreamy French architectural backdrop. Swoon.
La Valise is catered to the experienced traveler looking for an authentic, creative space to recuperate and re-energize from the bustling city. For a totally life-changing stay, book the Terraza room, where the bed rolls out onto the balcony.
When you picture yourself staying in Mexico City, Chaya is probably what comes to mind—rustic-bohemian interiors, impressive rooftop terrace overlooking the city’s historic district and central spaces ideal for mingling with fellow travelers. Bonus Points: Chaya resides in a building that also houses a butcher shop, a Mezcal bar, a vintage clothing store, coffee shop and more.
With their famously pink accommodations, Hotel Carlota knows a thing or two about making a statement. The boutique hotel mindfully combines urban design with the city’s rich history, making for a breezy, open-concept space that seamlessly transitions from the indoor to outdoor areas—all with dreamy pink accents.
We wouldn’t be surprised if you decided to skip out on exploring and just spend your whole vacation at Hotel Condesa. With four floors of luxurious accommodations, lush semi-private gardens and unique modern furnishings, this historically-restored hotel has it all for the ideal couple’s getaway.
Located in the heart of the famous, buzzing Paseo de la Reforma, the Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City serves as an architecturally-stunning haven for peace and tranquility. When you need to put your sight-seeing on pause, recuperate with a few hours soaking up the sun on the rooftop pool, relaxing at the day spa, or unwinding in the central courtyard.
At the five-star Las Alcobas, you can enjoy an ultra-relaxing vacation among palm-lined roads and luxury amenities housed in a warm, inviting space. Here, you’ll want to put sightseeing on the list only after a relaxing sleep-in and an indulgent massage at their popular Aurora spa—they even have a massage to combat your jetlag!
It was love at first sight of frosted glass. Contemporary, bright and spacious, Habita Hotel is ideal for the city-dwelling vacationer. Inside, lounge on modern decor with earthy undertones. Outdoors, explore the trendy shops and eateries in this fashion-forward neighborhood.
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Talavera floors, hanging oil lamps and a half-moon staircase are just a few of many things that make our hearts sing at AR 218. Stay here for the quieter side of things, where you’re a close distance from cafes, bookstores, galleries and boutiques for a more authentic visit in Colonia Condesa.
W Mexico City is glam-travel at its finest. Expansive city views, art-focused decor and high fashion accents make this hotel the perfect stay for your trendsetting crew. In between checking out the lively nightlife and chic shops of Polanco, explore the hotel’s many artistic backdrops for a killer group photoshoot.
If you don't have your dining schedule sorted before anything else, you may need to reassess your Mexico City strategy. Home to a myriad of the world's best restaurants, we highly suggest booking your reservations ASAP.
Everything on Enrique Olvera’s menu at Michelin-starred Pujol is as visually stunning as it is deliciously decadent. Depending on your group, select from a seven-course tasting menu, a taco bar 10-course selection from the chef, or relaxed cocktails on the terrace. Whichever you pick, you’re simply in for a treat.
You’ll want to make the Churrería a daily stop during your stay in Mexico City. Founded in 1935, this iconic shop serves up melt-in-your-mouth churros anyway you can dream it—with Mexican or Spanish chocolate, French vanilla, as a mini-sandwich, the list goes on!
There’s a reason Quintonil is considered one of the world’s 50 best restaurants. Select the tasting menu for a vibrant selection of skillfully-crafted dishes that capture the diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine—cactus sorbet palate cleanser included! Why does the food taste so good? In addition to the impeccable seasoning and expertise from the chef, it may have something to do with the fact that most of the ingredients travel less than 100 feet to your plate.
Rosetta is as much of an homage to Mexican cuisine as it is a fresh take on the culture’s classics. Housed in a historic home, the restaurant offers an a la carte menu that showcases the cuisine’s flavors as they should be: bold, vibrant and unique.
The newly-opened Niddo is an indoor/outdoor cafe run by a mother-son duo with a creative menu that has a bit of everything. Breakfast favorites include chilaquiles and bagel and lox in honor of the mother’s Jewish heritage. For lunch, you’ll find classics like grilled cheese and more inventive dishes like a fish cake burger, both cooked to perfection.
Time seems to slow at Chiquitito Café. Start your morning with a cup of their perfectly roasted coffee and a good conversation in their bright, airy interior. Chiquito is the kind of place where you can kickback with a good book and people-watch the day away.
This beautiful French restaurant is led by Eduardo Garcia (Lalo) and situated inside a charming, historic building. Go for the lunch special, which includes four courses—a starter, soup, main course and dessert—of expertly-crafted modern French dishes.
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Make this a must-stop for your night out! Licorería Limantour’s cocktail program is ranked as one of the top 50 in the world, and for good reason! In a fun and lively atmosphere, watch as bartenders appreciate the art of crafting cocktails and create a drink you’ll think about for days.
Coffee shop by day, lively bar scene by night, Cicatriz reflects the ever-changing, artistic crowd that it attracts. Come here for a veggie-focused menu made from local ingredients for a fresh, flavorful meal.
The impressive drinks steal the show at this gastropub located at the Four Seasons Hotel. Enjoy your pre-dinner date drinks inside in the bar’s glamorous lounge area, or wrap up the afternoon with a cocktail in the courtyard. Whichever you choose, you’ll be among both visitors and locals alike.
Behind a refrigerator door at the back of an inconspicuous cafe, Jules pays homage to prohibition era with a cool, intimate basement bar and signature craft cocktails. Settle into a bar stool and enjoy the various music guests they bring for this modern speakeasy. Pro Tip: Get there early—even if you have a reservation!
The first gourmet market in Mexico City, Mercado Roma is an opportunity to live like a local and taste the many dynamic flavors that make this culture come alive. Sit and converse at communal-style tables and try a little bit of everything that this gastronomic center point has to offer.
Yes, the moment you’ve been waiting for—tacos. El Califa is the place to go for unbeatable al pastor tacos on handmade tortillas. Be sure to also order a side of nopales (cactus) for a truly authentic experience.
Equal parts cocktail bar and makeshift museum, Baltra Bar is truly a unique experience with preserved butterflies, animal skulls and marine models as the main decor elements. On the menu, expect an extensive list of signature and classic cocktails, punches served in decanters and other humorous selections, like ‘fake wine.’
Now that your group has gotten their fill of Mexican food, it's time to check out the wonders of this city, from the pyramids to Frida Kahlo's home. Stunning architecture accented by bold colors is the name of the game here where you'll get your dose of history and photo ops in one stop.
The famous Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s previous home has been a museum (and one of the city’s most popular sites) since four years after her death. Take a tour of the museum to go beyond the paintings and see a more personal side of Kahlo, thanks to a fascinating collection of her personal objects and keepsakes.
Under an hour from the city center is one of Mexico’s most famous sites. Teotihuacán stands as an expansive archaeological masterpiece, at one time a bustling pre-Columbian city. On the grounds you can explore the Avenue of the Dead, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Pyramid of the Moon and Pyramid of the Sun. Be sure to check out the museum too to get up close to stunning artifacts from the time!
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Walk through the bright, colorful halls of Casa Gilardi, another amazing architectural piece created by award-winning architect Luis Barragán. The tour is run by the family who owns the home!
What once housed the historic old National Theater now lives on as the Palacio de Bellas Artes. It’s worth planning your visit around an upcoming show alone, with impressive architecture and stunning interior details for an unforgettable theater experience.
This pink-walled statement installation created by Luis Barragán is the perfect backdrop for your group’s first outing on the trip (and first photo-op!). Cuadra San Cristobal showcases the bright colors signature to the city’s identity.
Visit the house and working studio of two of the world’s most iconic artists—Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. It was in this location where Frida went on to create works that would lock her legacy as a painter, including What the Water Gave Me and The Deceased Dimas.
The largest and most visited museum in Mexico, Museo Nacional de Antropologíais a must-visit! Wander the many exhibit halls and collections from eras past that make this museum so unique.
With the Plaza Carso as its entrance, it’s hard not to fall in love with the Soumaya Museum. The private museum is home to impressive art collections and sculptural pieces, as well as touring exhibits from around the globe.
Situated atop what the Aztecs considered a sacred hillside, Chapultepec Castle is a great stop with sweeping views of the city and a regal history. Walk the halls of breathtaking stained glass and elegant furnishings, the only residence in North America to actually house royalty, like Maxmilian I and Empress Carlota. Bonus Points: The castle was also used for filming Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet.”
Proyecto Público Prim is your dream backdrop for any unique gathering you have planned. Whether you’re looking for a stunning scene for an intimate dinner party or for a larger wedding reception, this event space can help bring each and every vision come to life.