Guidebook for Ciudad de México
Drinks & Nightlife
This is an excellent spot to get a taste of one of Mexico's most ancient, and yet currently rediscovered and hottest spirit: Mezcal. The owner of Bósforo, a former mathematician, drives all over the country in search for mezcal producers, so there is an ever changing menu you can start tasting your way though.
Also, the owner of Bósforo DJs at his bar almost every night, and has an excellent repertoire. You recognize him nestled behind the bar, a tall guy who looks like Jim Jarmusch.
125 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bósforo
31 Luis MoyaThis is an excellent spot to get a taste of one of Mexico's most ancient, and yet currently rediscovered and hottest spirit: Mezcal. The owner of Bósforo, a former mathematician, drives all over the country in search for mezcal producers, so there is an ever changing menu you can start tasting your way though.
Also, the owner of Bósforo DJs at his bar almost every night, and has an excellent repertoire. You recognize him nestled behind the bar, a tall guy who looks like Jim Jarmusch.
This also is an excellent spot to get a taste of one of Mexico's most ancient, and yet currently rediscovered and hottest spirit: Mezcal. The ambience is beautiful, everything is made uo in 1030'ties art deco design, and with all the large mezcal bottles standing the circular bar, you feel as if you were in a magical mezcal spaceship. Salud!
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Talismán de Motolinia
Calle de MotoliniaThis also is an excellent spot to get a taste of one of Mexico's most ancient, and yet currently rediscovered and hottest spirit: Mezcal. The ambience is beautiful, everything is made uo in 1030'ties art deco design, and with all the large mezcal bottles standing the circular bar, you feel as if you were in a magical mezcal spaceship. Salud!
A famous drag queen variety show. Be prepared to dance, as the audience likes to dance on the stage between performances.
18 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Perla
44 C. Republica de CubaA famous drag queen variety show. Be prepared to dance, as the audience likes to dance on the stage between performances.
This is the hottest gay club of the city. They also do amazing drag races, every Thursday – entrance is free!
Teatro Garibaldi
43 Eje Central Lázaro CárdenasThis is the hottest gay club of the city. They also do amazing drag races, every Thursday – entrance is free!
Calle López 15, Colonia Centro, Centro, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Great venue and night club – arquitecture is gerat, and crowd is sophisticated.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Normandie
97 C. Artículo 123Calle López 15, Colonia Centro, Centro, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Great venue and night club – arquitecture is gerat, and crowd is sophisticated.
A very tradicional, former gentlemen only bar, right next to the very touristy and chique, but generic and gentrifying barrio Alameda.
El Hórreo
11 Calle Dr MoraA very tradicional, former gentlemen only bar, right next to the very touristy and chique, but generic and gentrifying barrio Alameda.
Slightly spooky, former bullfighters and artists hangout, has seen better days, but is interesting to step into for a drink.
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Faena
49 C. de Venustiano CarranzaSlightly spooky, former bullfighters and artists hangout, has seen better days, but is interesting to step into for a drink.
This is where all the hipper expats of the city seem to hang out. The siblings running the place are from Utah, but have worked in gastronomy in NYC for many years, and now opened their own joint. Next to yummy drinks, they also sell excellent coffee and food.
79 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cicatriz
44 C. DinamarcaThis is where all the hipper expats of the city seem to hang out. The siblings running the place are from Utah, but have worked in gastronomy in NYC for many years, and now opened their own joint. Next to yummy drinks, they also sell excellent coffee and food.
Food Scene
A very traditional, Spanish place where for over a century now businessmen go for their extensive, Mexican lunch break (2PM - 6PM). Try to go eat during this time to get the original feeling. Mexicans traditionally don't really go out to eat for dinner, so at night you are likely to see only some tourists. Try their speciality, a stuffed pepper called 'Chiles en nogada'.
49 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hostería de Santo Domingo
72 Belisario DomínguezA very traditional, Spanish place where for over a century now businessmen go for their extensive, Mexican lunch break (2PM - 6PM). Try to go eat during this time to get the original feeling. Mexicans traditionally don't really go out to eat for dinner, so at night you are likely to see only some tourists. Try their speciality, a stuffed pepper called 'Chiles en nogada'.
Exzellent chefs convert ancient, Mexican receipts into exciting, culinary delights. It's a must for foodies!
104 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Limosneros
3 Ignacio AllendeExzellent chefs convert ancient, Mexican receipts into exciting, culinary delights. It's a must for foodies!
The chef who found this restaurant, was a pioneer in the Mexican food scene. Ricardo Muñoz Zurita wrote and published the first encyclopedia on traditional, Mexican food. His restaurant is located in the beautiful court yard of a colonial building, adored by trees. In the same building you find chic shops, as well as the bar of the 'Downtown Hotel'.
237 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Azul Historico
30 Isabel La CatólicaThe chef who found this restaurant, was a pioneer in the Mexican food scene. Ricardo Muñoz Zurita wrote and published the first encyclopedia on traditional, Mexican food. His restaurant is located in the beautiful court yard of a colonial building, adored by trees. In the same building you find chic shops, as well as the bar of the 'Downtown Hotel'.
This spot has a nice atmosphere and excellent coffee. It's located in a pedestrian precinct, so it's good for people watching. The Belguim owner brought some Belgian waffle maker to Mexico, so Café Regina is specialized on waffles of all kinds.
39 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Café Regina
24 C. ReginaThis spot has a nice atmosphere and excellent coffee. It's located in a pedestrian precinct, so it's good for people watching. The Belguim owner brought some Belgian waffle maker to Mexico, so Café Regina is specialized on waffles of all kinds.
The Opera
#10 Av. 5 de MayoA historic place to go have lunch.
Great views over the Zocalo, sophisticated food, jet cozy ambience.
60 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Casa de las Sirenas
32 República de GuatemalaGreat views over the Zocalo, sophisticated food, jet cozy ambience.
Good coffee, nice location just on the Santo Domingo square, two blocks away from the house.
Domingo Santo Hotel Boutique
96 C. Republica de CubaGood coffee, nice location just on the Santo Domingo square, two blocks away from the house.
This brand new boutique hotel has a great rooftop restaurant. I tried the breakfast and it was very yummy.
Domingo Santo Hotel Boutique
96 C. Republica de CubaThis brand new boutique hotel has a great rooftop restaurant. I tried the breakfast and it was very yummy.
This is a favorite lunch place for the city's Persian community. Food is excellent and the restaurant is set in a beautiful, colonial building. Get a table on the balconies to see the pigeonry on the roof.
30 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Al Andalus
171 MesonesThis is a favorite lunch place for the city's Persian community. Food is excellent and the restaurant is set in a beautiful, colonial building. Get a table on the balconies to see the pigeonry on the roof.
Helu´s
90 MesonesA cheaper version of Al Andalus, but just as tasty. Great for take outs.
In my opinion –and the opinion of the locals who make this place busy at all times– best quesadillas and tlacoyos in town. Try the dark red tomato salsa, it's a treat!
Esther
22 De La SantísimaIn my opinion –and the opinion of the locals who make this place busy at all times– best quesadillas and tlacoyos in town. Try the dark red tomato salsa, it's a treat!
If you make it out to Coyoacan, get your tea and cake here, it's a real treat and has a very tranquille ambience and intellectual crowd.
70 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Silk Road Café
1 AuroraIf you make it out to Coyoacan, get your tea and cake here, it's a real treat and has a very tranquille ambience and intellectual crowd.
Sightseeing
This square, only two blocks away from my house, is famous for it's cathedral and the fact that here the holy inquisition took place. Also, as in the historical centre and streets are dedicated to certain trades, this square is the heart of the printmaking district. If you are up for it, get your business card made with one of the really old letterpress printers, that are hidden in the archway on the left flank of the cathedral. It takes around 20 minutes, and you can choose from a vast array of letters and decorative ornaments made in the 19th century fashion.
45 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Plaza ye-Santo Domingo
República de BrasilThis square, only two blocks away from my house, is famous for it's cathedral and the fact that here the holy inquisition took place. Also, as in the historical centre and streets are dedicated to certain trades, this square is the heart of the printmaking district. If you are up for it, get your business card made with one of the really old letterpress printers, that are hidden in the archway on the left flank of the cathedral. It takes around 20 minutes, and you can choose from a vast array of letters and decorative ornaments made in the 19th century fashion.
If you want to experience an all-Mexican village, this is the most pittoresque option you get! Just a one hour drive away from the city, weekenders go here to see the aztec ruins and the old town square with it's lush market and beautiful cathedral. The views are amazing due to mushroom-like rock formations, surrounding the city. Buses heading there leave every half hour from the southern bus station. If you can, spend a night and go swimming in the river or to attend a aztec sauna ceremony, a Temazcal.
543 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tepoztlán
If you want to experience an all-Mexican village, this is the most pittoresque option you get! Just a one hour drive away from the city, weekenders go here to see the aztec ruins and the old town square with it's lush market and beautiful cathedral. The views are amazing due to mushroom-like rock formations, surrounding the city. Buses heading there leave every half hour from the southern bus station. If you can, spend a night and go swimming in the river or to attend a aztec sauna ceremony, a Temazcal.
Parks & Nature
This Park used to be infamous for cruising and making out. Although there still is a lot of cuddling and kissing going on, the park has been remodeled and converted back into it's original shape, so it is a beautiful place to rest for a moment, and watch the children play at the water fountains.
338 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Alameda Central
s/n Avenida HidalgoThis Park used to be infamous for cruising and making out. Although there still is a lot of cuddling and kissing going on, the park has been remodeled and converted back into it's original shape, so it is a beautiful place to rest for a moment, and watch the children play at the water fountains.
Viveros de Coyoacán
A very nice park in Coyoacan.
Try the southern end of the park, to avoid the noisy food vendors.
943 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Bosque de Chapultepec
Try the southern end of the park, to avoid the noisy food vendors.
Also a beautiful option for people interested in Mexico's vegetation, or simply a nice stroll.
33 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Jardin Botanico ye-Bosque de Chapultepec
126 Avenida Paseo de la ReformaAlso a beautiful option for people interested in Mexico's vegetation, or simply a nice stroll.
Getting Around
Together with the 'Zocalo' and 'Garibaldi' this is the closest metro stop from my house.
26 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Allende station
& Calle de MotoliniaTogether with the 'Zocalo' and 'Garibaldi' this is the closest metro stop from my house.
Together with the 'Allende' and 'Garibaldi' this is the closest metro stop from my house.
794 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Zócalo
S/N P.za de la ConstituciónTogether with the 'Allende' and 'Garibaldi' this is the closest metro stop from my house.
Together with the 'Zocalo' and 'Allende' this is the closest metro stop from my house.
22 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Garibaldi station
Together with the 'Zocalo' and 'Allende' this is the closest metro stop from my house.
Arts & Culture
The most beautiful murals by Diego Rivera adorn the walls of this building. Also courtyard's garden is quiet beautiful.
48 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Palacio Virreinal
13 MonedaThe most beautiful murals by Diego Rivera adorn the walls of this building. Also courtyard's garden is quiet beautiful.
Anfiteatro Simon Bolívar
16 Justo SierraAlso some of the most beautiful murals by Rivera, which you can see here.
On this famous square, the mariachis gather, eager to serenade for you.
193 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Garibaldi Plaza
On this famous square, the mariachis gather, eager to serenade for you.
This villa build by Luis Barragán was opened to public and now offers visiting hours. The next-door restaurant has excellent food, and also offers a great art library, which you are free to use without signing up for it.
18 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tetetlán
180 - B Av. de Las FuentesThis villa build by Luis Barragán was opened to public and now offers visiting hours. The next-door restaurant has excellent food, and also offers a great art library, which you are free to use without signing up for it.
This last mansion of the muralist Diego Rivera was inspired by an aztec temple, and bares his amazing pre-hispanic art collection.
165 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Museum kaDiego Rivera Anahuacalli
150 MuseoThis last mansion of the muralist Diego Rivera was inspired by an aztec temple, and bares his amazing pre-hispanic art collection.
This is an outside museum with muralist sculptures and an amazing sound installation. IT's in the southern end of Chapultepec park.
Water Garden Museum
Avenida de los CompositoresThis is an outside museum with muralist sculptures and an amazing sound installation. IT's in the southern end of Chapultepec park.
This is a beautiful, modernist sculpture garden on the campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM
70 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Espacio Escultórico UNAM
Mario de La CuevaThis is a beautiful, modernist sculpture garden on the campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM
Shopping
This is a government store, selling artesan handcraft to prices that benefit the producers. I like it because here, you can find more original pieces then at the Cituadella Market. Surprisingly it is not expensive!
Fonart Palacio Nacional
This is a government store, selling artesan handcraft to prices that benefit the producers. I like it because here, you can find more original pieces then at the Cituadella Market. Surprisingly it is not expensive!
Mexico's most prominent fashion designer works with artisans from all over the country.
20 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Carla Fernández
200 Av. Álvaro ObregónMexico's most prominent fashion designer works with artisans from all over the country.
Articulos Ingleses
19 Av. 5 de MayoVery scenic men's fashion store, run by generations of brit-lovers.
This Sunday flea-market is just ten minutes away from my house, and a great Sunday activity. There is one section where cheap clothes are sold, you can get your hair cut or buy micheladas and beer to drink on the street (as cops are bribed around here). And then there is another section with antiquities where you find very curious and beuatiful stuff.
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Imarike yeLa Lagunilla
Pasaje AllendeThis Sunday flea-market is just ten minutes away from my house, and a great Sunday activity. There is one section where cheap clothes are sold, you can get your hair cut or buy micheladas and beer to drink on the street (as cops are bribed around here). And then there is another section with antiquities where you find very curious and beuatiful stuff.
This century-old candy store is the most pittoresque of the city.
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Dulcería de Celaya S.A. de C.V.
39 Av. 5 de MayoThis century-old candy store is the most pittoresque of the city.
This chocolatier has won prices all over the world, and makes one of Mexico Cities finest chocolates. As Mexico originated in Mexico, and the Aztec word Xocolatl is the only word in Nahuatl language which is used all over the world, these chocolates make a perfect present. Get a hot chocolate to go, they are delicious!
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tout Chocolat
154 AmsterdamThis chocolatier has won prices all over the world, and makes one of Mexico Cities finest chocolates. As Mexico originated in Mexico, and the Aztec word Xocolatl is the only word in Nahuatl language which is used all over the world, these chocolates make a perfect present. Get a hot chocolate to go, they are delicious!