Best Restaurants, Attractions & Nightlife in Mexico City

Fora travel Agent Hannah Cepell wearing white shirt sitting at wooden table with purple drink
Curated By

Hanna Capell

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  • International Travel

  • Mexico

  • Mexico City

  • Food & Wine

  • Nightlife

  • Foodie

  • Local Culture

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Curator’s statement

The best thing about CDMX is that there is really something for everyone. Whether your travel style is to visit museums, indulge in the nightlife, go on an adventure or even read a book at a cafe like a local — Mexico City has a spot for you. As someone that spends most vacations in Quintana Roo (Cancun, Playa, Tulum), my first trip to Mexico city was unexpectedly refreshing, and exactly the culturally immersive vacation I needed. If you're looking for a Mexico trip without the touristy attractions, but still with amazing sights, nightlife and food — look no further because CDMX is exactly what you didn't know you needed.

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Where to stay in Mexico City

BrickHotel

Design forward hotel right in the city’s food scene.

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  • $25 food / beverage credit.

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  • Upgrade & guaranteed late check-out.

Nima Local House Hotel

Get an insider’s view of the city at this stylish five-room sleep in Roma.

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Things to do in Mexico City

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Nightlife in Mexico City

Bar Oriente: If you're looking for techno/house music underground spot, Bar Oriente is the place. Opening at 9pm, the club will typically get busy around 11pm. Bar Oriente is a few blocks off the main drag of Roma Norte, and features a three story club with a main dance floor and bar, smoking/convo room in the back (Amsterdam vibes!), a 2nd floor bar with a loft overlooking the main stage and 1st floor dancing area, as well as a 2nd floor karaoke room playing Reggaeton hits with another smaller bar. The general age is mid/high 20's, and be prepared to wait 10-20 mins in line before paying a cover.

Departemento: Mexico city is different than most other tourist destinations in the country due to the fact that club attendees are actual locals, and not always just people on vacation. The great thing about this is that you're able to get immersed in culture quite fast! Departmento is open on a limited basis, so check the schedule on the door prior to planning your night. This bar features two stories, the entrance being a a classic stage with bar and vip tables, mostly playing house hits with disco dim lighting. The vibe is unique and aesthetically pleasing! The 2nd area is the rooftop with another bar and seating/tables. The 2nd floor is most comparable to a really popular and upscale hostel vibe, where everyone is looking to strike up conversation, and most people are from all over the world visiting CDMX.

Patrick Miller: This club is unlike any club I have been to before in the USA or Mexico. If you can imagine a mix of Amsterdam nightlife, a Warehouse filled with bassy music and the movie Project X — you got it! This club is for serious club goers, and is a warehouse filled with thousands of people dancing and enjoying the vibe. Be aware: there will be a lot of people and if you're down to rave, this is the place for you.

Museums in Mexico City

Soumaya Museum: This is truly an architectural masterpiece. it is unlike other architecture you will see in the city, and a great place to spend an hour or two in the afternoon. it features free admission and five levels of art history. I wouldn't consider myself a huge museum fan, but this is a MUST for anyone visiting Mexico City. The line outside will be quite long, but goes quickly (usually less than five minutes if there are 40+ people waiting). This is the perfect place to film content for social media, as it is in the heart of the city.

Castillio de Chapultepec: Get ready to pick up your jaw because it will be ON THE FLOOR! this castle built in 1864 is at one of the highest points in the city, and for a low entry of 80 pesos, you will have the best views of Mexico City skyline. Even if you are not into history, I strongly recommend going to film content. There are hundreds of places on the castle grounds to take photos, so wear your favorite outfit (or two!) and get ready to take enough selfies and pics for the rest of the year. If you are intro history, the castle is fully staged with original furniture, where you can look inside and have it take you back in time. Very Bridgerton-esq, but Mexico edition!

Activities in Mexico City

Sunrise Hot Air Ballon Ride: If you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience, take a hot air ballon into the sunrise over Teotihuacán. Our tour guide picked us up at a hotel nearby and drove us to the location. Be aware: the tours start early (around 5am) so be well rested, and pack some extra layers as it will be chilly up in the air.

Places to eat & drink in Mexico City

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Places for Dinner in Mexico City

Restaurant at Brick Hotel: The beautiful ambiance of this place is as great as their hotel. Guests and general public are welcome to dine at their onsite restaurant, which features glass walls overlooking the park and town. Lit by candles, this is the best spot for a quiet, special dinner, a date night or a nice cocktails. Their pasta is made by hand and their fish was incredible. This was some of the best food we had on our trip.

Rosa Negra: I've been a Rosa Negra location in Tulum, which is what drew me into booking a dinner here. Rosa is known for upbeat music (top 50 hits), a live performers (normally bongos or electric violin playing to todays hits) and SPARKLERS! If you're celebrating a birthday, you cannot go wrong here. With a great menu, you'll be greeted by a mixologist who can craft you a personalized drink based on your taste (gin, botanical, citrus, etc). Be sure to book a reservation and specify that you're celebrating a special occasion as well!

Places for Drinks in Mexico City

Gin Gin Roma Norte: Like it's name, this is the place for craft gin cocktails and aesthetic ambiance. Gin Gin has a DJ that plays indoor nightly and if you're lucky, you'll get a booth seat next to their iconic wall of skulls. if you're looking for a great place to start your night, this is it. I encourage you to try a cocktail or two off their curated menu, but if you find your self needing a pre-game prior to a night out, bottle service here starts around 180 USD (a deal!) and is a great way to pre-game for a big group before a night on the town. 

Supra Roma Rooftop: Right on the main road of Roma, Supra Roma rooftop offers a speak easy like entrance where an elevator will take you to the top floor of an office building. Up top, it will feature bohemian vibes with plants, wood and lounge seating. Supra has a great drink menu and also a good place to get some small bites before a night out.

The Bar at Meroma: The best way to describe this bar is small, quaint, mid century modern movie set. When sitting in the lounge area of the bar, it's a small and intimate spot for drinks, as it only sits about 20 patrons. Don't let the number scare you, as the bar staff loves to strike up conversation, and even treat its guest to complementary shots. This is not the place to party, but a great spot to get drinks before headed to club in a posh and movie-esq environment.

Cafe de Nadie: Cafe de Nadie was identified as one of the worlds top 50 bars, and it is well deserved! They have a dim aesthetic playing deep house beats and servicing the best drink selection (ever have drink with pickled cucumbers and carrots in it?!) You'll find a high 20's/30's crowd here relaxing around the bar in seats, with few standing. Although not a dancing spot, this is a great spot for drinks on a low-key night or a place to hit as your night winds down but you're not ready to go home.

Brunch in Mexico City

Madre Cafe: Located in Roma Norte, Madre is the place to be for brunch, and probably one of the best-rated restaurants in all of Mexico City. This restaurant is large enough for groups over five — it can be rare to find large tables at some breakfast spots — and has a menu ranging from fruit bowls with plantains and cherries, to classics like eggs benedict and french toast. The aesthetic is everything at Madre, featuring a beautiful multi-level restaurant and extensive patio. Be prepared to wait, or make a res if going after 9am on a weekend. I would recommend going after 9pm, as it tends to be a small crowd around dinner time.

Cafe Toscano Roma Norte: This was one of my favorite spots during the week for a relaxing breakfast and a place for me to read my kindle and people watch. Located in Roma Norte, this spot sits on the corner overlooking the park and fountain and also has a generous amount of outdoor seating. A must-order at Cafe Toscano is the chilaquiles and the guava cake — they are the best!

Fora travel Agent Hannah Cepell wearing white shirt sitting at wooden table with purple drink

Travel Advisor

Hanna Capell

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