Best Things to Eat and do in Mexico City (CDMX)!

Mexico City is one of the best places you can travel to—just a short flight from Texas, with temperate summer weather, rich food culture, and incredibly warm people. We spent five days there and packed in plenty of eats and activities. At the time, I was pregnant, so I had to follow some dietary restrictions, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying an amazing food-filled trip.

Tips for Visiting Mexico City:

1. Bring Pesos: If possible, carry local currency. It makes small purchases easier and faster.
2. ATM Withdrawals: If you don’t have pesos, withdraw cash from a Citibank ATM to avoid high transaction fees.
3. Getting Around: Use Uber for convenient, affordable, and safe transportation. Taxis can be unreliable.
4. Water Safety: Avoid tap water. Use bottled water for drinking and even for brushing your teeth.
5. Ice Caution: Don’t drink cups of ice water in restaurants, as the ice may be made from tap water.
6. Food Safety: Be mindful of food hygiene to avoid food poisoning, especially when trying street food or unfamiliar eateries.
7. Accommodations: Staying in Airbnbs can be just as nice as hotels in Mexico City, often at a better price.
8. Tipping: Standard tipping is around 10–15%, although you can tip more if you feel the service deserves it.
9. Carry Toilet Paper
10. Keep Your Belongings close.

Map

Food/ Restaurants

Panadería Rosetta

For lunch, we made a quick stop at Panadería Rosetta. They’re best known as a bakery, though they also have a restaurant if you want to dine in. My recommendation? Skip the sit-down and go straight for their pastries.

Their guava roll is honestly one of the best puff pastries you’ll ever have—it’s flaky, buttery, and perfectly balanced with the sweet-tart guava. We also tried their pastel mil hojas, which was just as delicious. Honestly, everything we sampled was solid, and I found myself wanting to return multiple times during my stay. I even packed 4–5 guava rolls to take home with me!

Contramar

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Another restaurant to check out in Mexico City is Contramar. Reservations are fairly easy as long as you call ahead, though many people opt for their sister restaurant, Entremar, which can be easier to book. Contramar specializes in seafood and is well-known for their tostadas de atún, or tuna tostadas, which they originally invented. For dinner, we tried these along with their grilled pulpo on the side.

We also got their whole fish, which is probably their most famous dish. It comes with a side of beans and is topped with both red and green salsas. The servers take the fish off the bones for you and make tacos on the spot, which is a fun touch, though the fish itself was slightly rubbery.

For dessert, we enjoyed their cheesecake layered with figs. The server brings out a giant platter of all their desserts, allowing you to pick whichever one you want. Overall, the food here was excellent, and the prices were very fair for Mexico—higher than typical local spots but still roughly half of what you would pay in Austin. Calling ahead for a reservation is highly recommended, as this place can get quite busy.

Maque Cafe

Another restaurant to check out is Maque Café, known for its pan dulce. Many people recommended their conchas to me, and they didn’t disappoint. The pastries here are noticeably more affordable than at Panadería Rosetta, making it a great everyday stop. The vanilla conchas were soft and flavorful, while the chicken and mole empanada stood out as especially delicious.

Omusubi – Japanese-Mexican Fusion Onigiri

Omusubi offers a unique Japanese-Mexican fusion twist on onigiri. The way it works is simple: early in the morning, they lay out all their onigiri on a tray, and you walk by to grab what you want and pay.

I tried one of everything, and the price ranged from 55 to 80 pesos per piece. Each rice ball was nicely packed and compact, with perfectly cooked rice and well-balanced fillings.

This spot is better suited for a snack rather than a full meal, but it’s a fun and tasty stop if you’re looking for something different.

Mi Compa Chava – Mexico City

Mi Compa Chava was easily the best spot we ate at in Mexico City. I had tried them previously at Hot Look Fest in Austin, Texas, so I was excited to visit their original location.

We started with the Agua Chile (green verde version) for 280 pesos. The flavor was next level—raw shrimp cured perfectly in a tangy, acidic sauce, served on a bed of cucumbers for added crunch and freshness.

Next, we tried the Costra de Camarón, which is shrimp wrapped in grilled cheese on a tortilla. This version was stuffed with beans, adding a perfect balance of flavors.

I also sampled the Tuna Tostado, which some say rivals Contramar’s, though I personally preferred Contramar’s version.

For the main plate, we had Camarones Zarandeados—large grilled shrimp priced at 590 pesos. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, easy to peel, and so flavorful that I could easily eat three plates.

To finish, we had a mango parfait, which was refreshing and delicious.

Tip: If you sit outdoors, expect local vendors to approach your table. Otherwise, the service is excellent, the food is amazing, and I would happily return multiple times. You can make a reservation on their IG link here.

Tacos La Pinguica

After leaving Pujol still feeling hungry from the expensive course menu that didn’t fill us up, we headed to Tacos La Pinguica, a spot listed on Google as one of the more popular taco destinations. We also liked that this was an actual restaurant rather than just a street stall.

We ordered five pastor tacos and five suadero tacos. All the toppings—salsas, cilantro, onions—were piled on top perfectly. These tacos were incredibly delicious. There was a short line to enter, but surprisingly, it was mostly locals rather than tourists.

Ordering is done in Spanish, and the tacos themselves were exceptional—tender, cooked perfectly, and sliced right off the trompo. The salsas and toppings paired perfectly with the meat, creating a balanced, flavorful bite. Honestly, it reminded me of what Cuantos Tacos was aiming for, but done even better. If you’re in Mexico City and craving authentic tacos, this spot is a must-visit.

Tacos Orinoco (may can Skip)

Next, we visited Taqueria Orinoco, often rated as the number-one taco spot for visitors to Mexico City. They have multiple locations, including one in Roma. That said, it was very clear that most of the customers were tourists, as locals didn’t frequent this spot much.

We ordered a variety of tacos—pastor, res, and chicharrón, all on corn tortillas. They also came with sides of fried potatoes, which was a unique touch. The potatoes were nicely fried, soft on the inside, and a pleasant accompaniment.

The pastor tacos were juicy and flavorful, better than what we had at Tacos Califa. They topped them with a perfectly grilled ripe pineapple, which really elevated the flavor. The chicharrón taco was excellent as well and definitely worth ordering again.

One downside is that the tacos were around 100 pesos more per taco than La Pinguica, and while good, they weren’t life-changing. Overall, it’s a solid spot if you’re in the area or need a late-night taco fix, but personally, I preferred La Pinguica.

Tacos El Vilsito

Tacos El Vilsito came highly recommended for their tacos. We tried two campuchana tacos, three bistec, and four pastores. The tacos were packed with meat, and we had to ask for onions and cilantro on the side.

The pastor tacos here were probably the best we sampled during our Mexico trip, though personally, I still prefer Tacos La Pinguica for their tacos. I would skip the bistec and campechana options. The pastor could have used a bit more smokiness and char, but the portions are generous, so be prepared for hearty servings.

Restaurant El Cardinal

Restaurant El Cardinal specializes in traditional Mexican-style eats, particularly breakfast. Getting there was a bit of a challenge, as it coincided with a huge city marathon, so we had to bike around road closures to reach the spot.

Upon arrival, they brought a selection of pastries and asked if we wanted to order anything. We tried their pastry roll and their seasonal Chile en Nogada, a dish typically served around August–September. It’s essentially a chile relleno stuffed with sweetened meat filling, topped with a creamy white sauce and pomegranate seeds—delicious and perfectly seasonal.

We also ordered chilaquiles with two different salsas, but unfortunately, they were not up to par. This place is quite famous and can have long waits, but we arrived around 9:50 a.m. and were able to get seated immediately. I recommend picking up some pastries to go—they’re worth it.

Activities and Tours!

National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología) — Mexico City

Another stop I recommend is the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología). This is one of the most important museums in Mexico and honestly a must-see if you’re visiting. It’s huge, and you could easily spend a couple of hours here. They house incredible pre-Columbian artifacts from the Aztec, Mayan, Olmec, and many other civilizations. Some highlights include the Aztec Sun Stone, large stone sculptures, life-size reconstructions, and even mini pyramid and tomb exhibits that give you a deeper sense of the country’s history and culture.

The cost is around 95 pesos (about $5 USD) for general admission, which is really affordable considering how much there is to see. Admission is free on Sundays for Mexican citizens and residents, and also free for children under 13, students, teachers, seniors, and people with disabilities with valid ID. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM and closed on Mondays.

My tip: try to go right at opening if you can, since afternoons and weekends get very crowded. Wear comfortable shoes because it’s a lot of walking. There’s also a restaurant and gift shop inside if you want to take a break. Overall, this is a spot that really helps you appreciate the deep history of Mexico, and I definitely recommend adding it to your itinerary.

Click here for more details

Pinguino

Another neat stop we made was Pinguino, a gift shop filled with unique Mexican art pieces. They showcase and sell work from a variety of local artists, making it a great spot if you’re looking for something special to bring back. The shop itself has a very curated, artsy feel, though note that photos aren’t allowed inside. It’s more of a quick visit, but definitely worth checking out if you’re already in the area.

🌸 Mercado de Jamaica – Mexico City’s Premier Flower Market

Mercado de Jamaica is a vibrant, 24-hour flower market located at 45 Avenida Guillermo Prieto, Colonia Jamaica, Mexico City. It’s renowned for its vast array of over 5,000 types of flowers and plants, including both native Mexican species and exotic imports from states like Puebla, Michoacán, Chiapas, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and the State of Mexico. The market is a hub for florists and floral enthusiasts alike, offering everything from loose flowers and elaborate arrangements to decorative pots and accessories.

Beyond its floral offerings, Mercado de Jamaica also features a variety of food stalls. A standout is the elote stall, where you can savor perfectly grilled white corn—it's a must-try for visitors.

Las Grutas De Tolantango

When visiting Mexico City, we took a tour to Las Grutas de Tolantango in Hidalgo, Mexico. These are man-made hot springs that look amazing, overlooking scenic valleys. There’s an entry fee, but if you go on a tour, everything is taken care of. The tour also includes a guided trip into a cave nearby, where you can see natural hot springs emerging from the rocks—and even some bats! The lower cave is cold, while the upper cave is hot.

A few things to note: this activity might be challenging if you have trouble breathing, are afraid of enclosed spaces, or are pregnant. The tour starts by picking you up in a small sedan and stopping for breakfast on the way. It’s about a four-hour drive to the Grutas, where you spend roughly 1.5 hours. After that, the tour takes you to nearby waterfalls with tunnels and then down to the river to hang out. Finally, you finish with lunch in the area, usually at a local carnitas spot.

It’s a multi-step adventure, but totally worth it if you enjoy nature, unique hot springs, and scenic views.

Click here for the Airbnb tour.

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Teotihuacan Pyramids

The next tour we went on was to visit the Teotihuacan Pyramids, booked through Airbnb and highly recommended on Reddit. This was a guided tour where they picked us up directly from our hotel and took us straight to the pyramids. The guide walked us through each pyramid, sharing fascinating stories, while also giving some free time to explore on our own. Along the way, there were souvenir stalls, and the guide recommended which ones to buy from. Many people like to purchase obsidian as a keepsake.

After the pyramids, we went for lunch in a nearby cave. There’s a famous cave restaurant in the area, but reservations are tricky and the food isn’t the best. The tour instead takes you to a private cave restaurant for your group. You wear safety hats, and only tour-goers are allowed inside. Lunch was simple—a croissant sandwich with potato chips—but the setting was unique.

Next, the tour visited other nearby caves, including an astronomical cave, where you can see a ray of sunlight perfectly piercing through the ceiling—a rare natural phenomenon. The tour was guided by Jane and her daughter and included a 50-minute van ride to the pyramids. It was very educational, starting around 7 a.m. and ending around 2:30–3 p.m. You get to see all the pyramids, hear their stories, explore caves, and experience moments like sitting in total darkness in a cave for reflection.

There’s also a “scavenger hunt” experience that allows visitors to go down into the excavation site, though it wasn’t available the day we went. Part of your tour fee goes toward preserving the pyramids and surrounding land, which I really appreciated.

Tip: Be sure to bring sunglasses, wear a hat, and pack sunblock, as there’s very little shade on this tour.

Click Here to Book

Xochimilco Boat Tour + Frida Kahlo Museum

One of the most popular and Instagrammable activities in Mexico City is taking a Xochimilco boat tour. These colorful, rainbow-painted boats float down the canals where you can listen to mariachi, enjoy drinks, or even have lunch while cruising. Many people recommend this experience because of how festive and photo-worthy it is.

You can either book a guided tour (like we did) or go directly to Xochimilco to rent a boat yourself. Just note that if you go on your own, you’ll likely need to haggle for prices, and it can be confusing for first-timers. Our tour only spent about an hour here, which was the perfect amount of time for us—it was lively and fun but also a bit rowdy. Some longer tours can last several hours and even take you to the Isle of the Dolls, a creepy island covered in old dolls.

We paired this with a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum (also called Casa Azul). Our guide secured skip-the-line tickets for us, which was essential because the lines can get very long. We actually lucked out and got a private tour since we were the only ones who booked that day. The tour picked us up from our Airbnb at 9:30 a.m. and wrapped up around 2 p.m. at the museum.

Overall, this was probably my least favorite activity compared to other tours we did, but I can definitely see the appeal if you’re with a large group, want to rent a mariachi band, or enjoy drinking on the water. Just keep in mind it’s very touristy, and vendors—even jewelry sellers—may board the boat to pitch you items.

Click Here to Book

Skip These

Churreria El Morro

Churrería El Morro is a highly recommended, touristy spot with multiple locations, specializing in churros. You can order several churros at once and pair them with a variety of dips. We opted for three dips: cajeta, chocolate, and milk chocolate.

Overall, the churros were just okay—some were slightly too oily and not as crispy as we’d hoped. Our favorite dip was definitely the cajeta, which added a rich, sweet flavor that complemented the churros nicely.

Taquería El Califa (Roma)

We stopped by El Califa in Roma, but honestly, it felt overly touristy. The meat was dry, the tortillas were tough, and overall it just didn’t deliver. I wouldn’t recommend this spot—there are far better taco options in the city.

Expendio de Maiz

Expendio de Maíz came highly recommended during our trip to Mexico City. We arrived during the lunch-dinner crossover, and the concept is simple: you sit down, and they keep bringing food until you’re full. Each dish is explained as it arrives, and they only ask about allergies or dietary restrictions—every guest receives the same courses at the same time.

We requested to share a single course between the two of us so we could sample more items, which I highly recommend. The portions are quite large, and many dishes are repeated or have similar ingredients, so sharing helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed.

The meal started with a fruit tea on the house, and then the courses began arriving. Be aware that a lot of the dishes are bean- and cheese-heavy—bean and cheese on bread, on potatoes, on tacos—so it can feel quite starchy across the menu.

One downside was the service; the staff, particularly the owner, seemed less friendly. I received a hard time for ordering “too much,” which was a little off-putting. Additionally, we experienced some stomach discomfort afterward, likely due to the richness of the dishes.

Overall, it’s an interesting concept with generous portions, but be prepared for heavy, bean-forward dishes and potentially challenging service.

Pujol – Mexico City

At the time, Mexico City had only two two-Michelin-star restaurants, and Pujol is arguably the most famous of the two. I had heard mixed reviews, but I wanted to try it for myself.

We opted for the course menu, though they also offer a taco omakase.

First course: Roasted corn. This started the meal off strong—mini baby corns seasoned and coated in a smoky, flavorful sauce. It was delicious, though the portion was tiny.

Followed by another fish course and then A fish tostada. Unfortunately, it lacked seasoning and left much to be desired.

Green mole course: Featured raw lima beans, greens, pistachio nuts, cucumber, and a piece of fish. This dish was very bland and felt disjointed, as many components were either uncooked or seemingly just placed on the plate.

Lamb barbacoa with demi-glace: This was tasty, but again the portions were small, and the overall pacing of the course menu felt odd. Only one tortilla was provided at a time, even though many dishes were meant to be eaten with tortillas, requiring us to request more.

Next course: A plate showcasing two moles—the nine-year mole and a newer mole in the center to display the color difference. To be honest, this felt disappointing, as it was essentially just a plate of mole with tortillas. Considering the meal was 3,495 pesos per person (~$200 USD), it was underwhelming.

Dessert: They were accommodating to dietary restrictions and brought out a dessert suitable for me (no banana), along with profiteroles.

Summary: Service was excellent, and the roasted corn and barbacoa stood out, but many of the courses—especially the tostada, crudo, green mole, and the final mole—were disappointing. Overall, the meal felt expensive for the portions and execution.

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