Things to do in Mexico City
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Sanborns
Although not as splendid as the Sanborns original in the historic district, the interior here is still magnificent with ivy-twined columns, looming stained glass windows and a lofty vaulted ceiling. The food is, sadly, only average – aside from the breakfast, order chilaquiles (crushed soft corn tortillas covered in green chili sauce and topped with cheese).
reviewed
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Otto
The duck-egg blue and burgundy two-tone paintwork equals a fashionable look at this bistro-style restaurant where white-smocked waiters serve up dishes like risotto with fish and mushrooms, salmon with couscous and pineapple, and crema de flor de calabaza con coco (soup of squash flowers with coconut). Breakfast goodies include bagels with salmon and cream cheese.
reviewed
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Chalet Suizo
Dating from 1950, this Alpine-feel restaurant is gingerbread cute, with beamed ceilings and Swiss ornaments and photos spread throughout five small dining rooms. Fondues include chocolate and Chinese, aside from the more conventional cheese or meat bourguignon. Other menu choices include veal goulash, trout in a white wine sauce and a creamy broccoli soup starter.
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Templo de la Santísima
The profusion of ornamental sculpture on the facade – including ghostly busts of the 12 apostles and a representation of Christ with his head in God’s lap – is the main reason to visit the Church of the Holy Sacrament, three blocks east of the Museo Nacional de las Culturas. Most of the carving was done by Lorenzo Rodríguez between 1755 and 1783.
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El Lago
This restaurant is more famous for its fabulous views and who’s who clientele than (of late) for its food, which is good, rather than exceptional. Push the boat out with a seafood dish like grilled sardines with a arugula salad and grab a pew next to the picture window overlooking the lake. The dining room is seriously grand and the service predictably efficient.
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Breadhaus
Everything costs M$59 on this menu, including baguettes, paninis, ciabatta and fat focaccias stuffed with a nine-filling choice like serrano ham, roast beef and salmon. If you want to lay off the dough, go for one of their mixed-leaf salads. The space is inside-outside and attracts local business types with limited lunch breaks and expansive appetites.
reviewed
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Pujol
Famed Mexican chef Enrique Olvera offers a contemporary take on classic Mexican dishes in this smartly minimalist room. Delectable offerings include the robalito al pastor (marinated sea bass) and the costillas de mole de olla (braised short ribs). Indecisive eaters can sample five of Olvera’s signature dishes by ordering the menu degustación.
reviewed
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Teatro el Galeón
One of several theaters within this vibrant cultural center, the Galeón stages evocative thought-provoking plays by primarily Mexican writers. Most recently, these have included the acclaimed Rashid 9/11, written by Jaime Magnus, which obtained first prize in the Premio Nacional de Dramaturgia Victor Hugo (a national playwrights’ competition) in 2006.
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12:30
Located at the heart of the gay nightlife district, 12:30 is good for sandwiches, salads and other ‘ munchis’. In fact, the relaxed, social atmosphere may appeal to exhausted clubbers – the electronica soundtrack is usually low enough for actual conversation. Go upstairs to dine on a terrace overlooking Amberes. Service can be a challenge.
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Cinemex Casa de Arte
This Cinemex Casa de Arte ( House of Art ) screens independent first-run and foreign films in its four-screen complex, which also thoughtfully caters to the hearing-impaired. The venue is also the annual host to the Muestra Internacional de Cine (International Film Festival), when a selection of some of the most exceptional foreign films is screened.
reviewed
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Hostal Tequilería Cielo Rojo
Besides offering the most extensive selection of tequilas this side of Jalisco, this boisterous salon on the Zona Rosa’s main pedestrian thoroughfare also stocks some fine handmade mezcals from the La Venencia distillery in Oaxaca, including a 15-year-old arroqueño. Mariachis perform nightly, greatly enhancing the whole sampling process.
reviewed
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Péndulo
A small restaurant located within a classy bookshop. Come here for a breakfast omelette Juliette with spinach, tomato and goat cheese in the elegant downstairs café, surrounded by books and cosseted by classical music, which is live on Sunday mornings. More substantial fare includes fresh pasta and fish dishes, plus there is a cut-price children's menu.
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Pulquería El Templo de Diana
This classic pulquería, a block east of the main market, has a cheerful sawdust-on-the-floor vibe, with a mixed-age crowd enjoying giant mugs of the maguey-based beverage behind the swinging doors. Even a few females may pop in. Pulque is delivered fresh daily from Hidalgo state, and expertly blended with flavorings like coffee, tomato and pine nut.
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Hacienda de Los Morales
Often the setting for banquets and receptions, the 400-year-old former silk-producing hacienda serves sumptuous variations on Mexican and Spanish classics in its regally luxurious dining room, surrounded by lush gardens. Recommended dishes include chiles en nogada and the mango flambé. Reservations are essential and the dress is bib-and-tucker formal.
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Meridiem
At the northern end of the lake, the Meridiem has soothing lake and fountain views and a bumper daily buffet (1:30pm to 5pm) with plenty of hot and cold choices; the latter generally including dishes like pescado de ajillo (fish with garlic). Lesser appetites can eat relatively inexpensively here by ordering the tacos, which are well prepared and filling.
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Villa María
A large spread with an invariably celebratory atmosphere, the Villa María makes a good choice for that special meal a la mexicana. Original recipes like infladitas (mini quesadillas) and sopa capilla (with local cheese, squash flowers and corn) incorporate regional styles from around the Republic. Megamargaritas come in 10 flavors.
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Catedral Metropolitana
Mexico City’s most iconic structure, this cathedral is a monumental edifice, measuring 109m long, 59m wide and 65m high. Started in 1573, it remained a work in progress during the entire colonial period, and thus displays a catalog of architectural styles, with successive generations of builders striving to incorporate the innovations of the day.
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Museo Nacional de San Carlos
The museum hosts a formidable collection of European art from the 16th century to the early 20th century, including works by Rubens, Van Dyck and Goya. This former mansion of the Conde de Buenavista later became home to Alamo victor Santa Anna, and subsequently served as a cigar factory, a lottery headquarters and a school before being reborn as a museum in 1968.
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Away Mexico City
The only place in town where you can enjoy a renewing session in a temascal (traditional adobe sweat lodge). This classy marbled space includes a gym, jet pools, steam rooms, and sun beds on the rooftop terrace from where you can enjoy sweeping city views. There’s also a small bar for invigorating fruit juices and Vogue magazine for inspiration.
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Torre Latinoamericana
The Torre Latinoamericana was Latin America’s tallest building when constructed in 1956. (It’s Mexico City’s fifth-tallest tower today.) Thanks to the deep-seated pylons that anchor the building, it has withstood several major earthquakes. Views from the 44th-floor observation deck and the 41st-floor lounge bar are spectacular, smog permitting.
reviewed
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Virgen del Metro
Housed in a tiled shrine is this evidence of a recent miracle. Metro riders in June 1997 noticed that a water leak in Hidalgo station had formed a stain in the likeness of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Following the discovery, thousands flocked to witness the miraculous image. The stone section was removed and encased in glass at the Zarco entrance to metro Hidalgo.
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El Zorzal
Run by Buenos Aires expats, this is the best of many options for Argentine fare, with imported cuts, as well as fresh pasta and generous salads. The parrillada (M$460), a mixed grill served on a chopping board, feeds at least two. The small, unpretentious dining room is adorned with photos of Argentine songbird Carlos ‘El Zorzal’ Gardel.
reviewed
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Teotihuacan Pyramids Hot-Air Balloon Tour
4.5 - 8 hours (Departs Mexico City, Mexico)
by Viator
Experience the Teotihuacan Pyramids from a whole new angle - looking down on them from the sky! This guided hot-air balloon adventure from Mexico City is a…Not LP reviewed
from USD$359.99 -
Puebla and Cholula Day Trip from Mexico City
10 hours (Departs Mexico City, Mexico)
by Viator
Experience the heritage and history of Mexico on this 10-hour up-close and personal exclusive tour. See the world´s largest pyramid and its 365 churches at the…Not LP reviewed
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Taquería Los Paisas
This corner taco stand southeast of the Zócalo offers overstuffed steak, sausage and pastor (spit-roasted pork) tacos or campechano (mixed meat) tacos. Help yourself from the heaping trays of garnishes: mashed potatoes, pico de gallo (chopped tomato, onion and chili), cactus paddles and habanero-spiked onions, among others.
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