Home to over 20 million people, Mexico City is the ultimate definition of vibrant. Think Everything Everywhere All at Once. To truly appreciate its beauty, youβve got to lean into the chaos and let it sweep you off your feet. One day youβre floating down the canals of Xochimilco, the next youβre discovering Frida Kahloβs iconic blue house, or standing in awe before the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan. Whatever your travel style, CDMX has something unforgettable waiting for you.
Nomadβs Guide to Mexico City

Iβm Andrea, a freelance photographer based in Madrid, originally from Mexico City. I moved here five years ago, and I miss it every dayβthe colors, the weather, the food, and especially the people. My dream? To split my time between both countries. Two weeks a year just doesnβt cut it. ~@andreaescobar
EL CALIFA
With locations all over the city, El Califa is a solid go-to. You can taste the quality in every bite. Try their bistec taco and also their nopales (cactus!) with cheeseβso so good.

This tiny spot is all about one thing: cochinita pibilβa traditional Mayan dish of slow-roasted pork. An absolute flavor bomb. The lineβs always long, but 100% worth the wait.
Donβt be fooled by the tourist buzzβlocals love it too. And honestly, theyβve earned the hype. The gringas (marinated pork + melted cheese) are next level. Tip: go early in your tripβ¦ youβll want to come back.

A plant-based taquerΓa with a laid-back vibe. Their twist on the classic taco de lengua (tongue) is a mustβno boldness required, just trust. Itβs one of their best creations.
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CICATRIZ
A dreamy little spot in Colonia JuΓ‘rez where you can work with your laptop under the shadow of a tree by day, and drink natural wine with an amazing playlist by night. The food deserves a shoutout tooβespecially their delicious fried chicken sandwich.Β
A quiet, cozy spot to enjoy a traditional Mexican breakfast or catch up with a friend over a cup of coffee.
Donβt let the long line scare you offβthe pastries here are said to be the best in the city. The rosemary focaccia and the macadamia-cardamom drink are musts.
A beloved classic where just about every Mexican has shared hot chocolate and churros with their family. Bonus: theyβve got locations all over the city!

MERCADO DE JAMAICA
Mexico Cityβs flower market is pure poetry, especially in the last week of October when everything bursts into bright orange for Day of the Dead. Go early in the morning to catch the trucks overflowing with blooms being unloaded for the day.

This street market is the perfect Sunday planβwander through antiques while sipping on a cold michelada (beer with lime, tomato juice, and a mix of sauces). Just keep an eye on your stuffβpickpockets are, unfortunately, part of the scene.
The ideal stop before visiting Frida Kahloβs museum just a couple of blocks away. Go in the morning for breakfast at Lucha Quesadillasβtry the queso con hongos or chicharrΓ³n. My mouthβs watering just thinking about it.
One of the most exotic markets in the cityβthis oneβs for the adventurous. You can try all kinds of pre-Hispanic delicacies, from fried ants to scorpions. If youβre feeling bold, this is the place.

SANBORNS DE LOS AZULEJOSΒ
Another beloved classic, inside one of the cityβs most iconic buildings. Itβs the perfect spot to recharge after exploring downtown, with a plate of their famous enchiladas suizas.
Hands down the best seafood in town. Getting a reservation can be tricky, try booking a few months in advance. Canβt get in? Head to their sister spot, Entemar, in the beautiful neighborhood of Polanco. Whatever you do, donβt leave without trying the tostadas de atΓΊn.

A stunning restaurant inside a 17th-century hacienda, nestled in the San Γngel neighborhoodβwhere Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera once lived. A true historic gem, perfect for a leisurely breakfast or an elegant dinner.
Tucked in the central patio of a historic building downtown. It feels like dining in a secret forest. Ideal for a romantic night out. Canβt make it to Oaxaca? This is the place to try their signature mole negroβan unforgettable dish.

ZΓCALO
Β Where it all began. Once the center of Tenochtitlanβthe capital of the Aztec Empireβthis is where the Spanish began building what would become Mexico City. Today, itβs the beating heart of CDMX.
Take your time strolling the cobblestone streets of these colorful, artsy neighborhoodsβonce home to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Weekends are the best time to visit when the streets come alive.

Β For the past two decades, these have been CDMXβs trendiest neighborhoods. Around every corner, youβll find cool galleries, cafΓ©s, restaurants, and shops. Give yourself a couple of days to exploreβthereβs a lot to take in.
CDMXβs version of Central Parkβonly bigger. Known as the βlungs of the city,β itβs home to nine museums, but there are three you canβt miss: the Museum of Anthropology, the Tamayo Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art.

@santiago_arau
PΓRAMO
A legendary speakeasy in the heart of Roma. Try to score a table on their terraceβitβs definitely the best spot. If youβre into mezcal, donβt miss their chile guajillo and pineapple cocktail.

A trendy spot where you can choose between dancing or having a chill dinner. The food is gorgeous!
After dinner at Azul HistΓ³rico, head here for a mezcal tasting at this hidden spot located in the same building. Try to catch a table by the windows and enjoy the sounds of the city.
The decor here makes you feel like youβve stepped into a fancy Parisian restaurant, but the boleros band playing live will quickly remind you that youβre in a classic Mexican cantina. The foodβs ok, but itβs the tequila and the ambiance that make it worth the visit. And donβt forget to look up: Thereβs a bullet hole made by revolutionary icon Pancho Villa!

Nomad's Mexico City Picks


The Waist Bag - waterproof


The Backpack 10L - waterproof


The Airport Clutch


The Hanging Toiletry Bag β waterproof

