Curator’s statement
Mexico City is one of the best long-weekend destinations from Atlanta and many major U.S. cities. It's a city where world-class dining, fascinating history, beautiful design, and vibrant neighborhoods all come together. I visited solo and found it to be an incredibly rewarding destination for independent travel, especially when based in Roma Norte or Condesa, where it's easy to spend hours walking between cafés, boutiques, parks, and restaurants.
The Fora Difference
Book with Escape by Erin to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Mexico City
Unlock perks by contacting Escape by Erin to book your trip.
Things to do in Mexico City
Teotihuacan Pyramids
Take a historical food tour
One of the best introductions to Mexico City. A guided food tour provides insight into the city's history and culture while introducing you to the incredible local food scene.
Visit the Anthropology Museum
The Museo Nacional de Antropología is one of the most important museums in Latin America and offers invaluable context for understanding Mexico's ancient civilizations. I highly recommend visiting before heading to Teotihuacan.
Explore Teotihuacan
Located about an hour from the city center, Teotihuacan is one of Mexico's most impressive archaeological sites. Walking through the ancient city and seeing the massive pyramids firsthand is an unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of any Mexico City itinerary. I booked a tour, which I recommend, so you don't have to worry about transportation.
Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum
Located in Coyoacán, Frida Kahlo's famous Blue House provides a fascinating look at the artist's life and work. Tickets sell out well in advance, so be sure to plan ahead. It's also an easy stop to combine with a visit to Xochimilco.
Take a Xochimilco boat tour
A colorful and uniquely Mexican experience, Xochimilco's canal system is best explored aboard a traditional trajinera boat. The atmosphere is more lively and festive than many visitors expect, with music, food, and celebrations happening all around you. It's located about an hour and a half south of the city center, so factor travel time into your plans. Tip: The Frida Kahlo Museum is on the way, so you could stop there first to make the most of your time.
Shop in Roma Norte & Condesa
Mexico City is a dream for anyone interested in fashion, interiors, and design. Some of my favorite boutiques and home décor shops include:
Veijo Amor Boutique Condesa
Aurelia Concept Store
Esperanza Home
Metate
Proyecto Rufina Roma Norte
Casa Ananda Vintage Boutique (vintage shopping)
Places to eat & drink in Mexico City
Ribeye taco with beans and cheese at La Once Mil
La Once Mil
If there's one restaurant worth planning around, it's La Once Mil. The city's only Michelin-starred taqueria fully lives up to the hype. The ribeye and filet tacos with beans and cheese are must-orders, while the tuna tostada offers the perfect balance to the richer dishes. Simple, unfussy, and incredibly delicious.
ARDA
One of the city's most beautiful dining rooms, ARDA combines thoughtful design with ingredient-driven cooking. The menu feels modern and refined without being pretentious, making it a great choice for a memorable dinner in Roma Norte.
Baldío
Baldío showcases some of the best seasonal ingredients in Mexico through a creative yet approachable menu. The tomato salad was one of the standout dishes of my entire trip. Expect beautifully executed food in a contemporary setting that perfectly reflects Mexico City's exciting dining scene.
Hugo Wine Bar
A relaxed neighborhood wine bar that's ideal for an afternoon drink or casual evening stop. The atmosphere is intimate, welcoming, and especially enjoyable for solo travelers.
Panadería Rosetta
One of Mexico City's most beloved bakeries and absolutely worth the inevitable line. Stop by for coffee and pastries before a morning of exploring Roma Norte.
Helado Bonito
A favorite for small-batch ice cream and the perfect afternoon treat after shopping or sightseeing around Roma and Condesa.
Need to know
Mexico City is an excellent solo destination. Roma Norte and Condesa are highly walkable, filled with cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and green spaces that make exploring alone feel natural and enjoyable. I felt very comfortable throughout my trip and found that food tours and day tours were great ways to meet people while seeing the city's highlights.
Need to know
Traffic is one of the biggest challenges in Mexico City. Even short distances can take much longer than expected, so build extra travel time into your plans.
Frida Kahlo Museum and Xochimilco are both south of the city center and pair well together for a single day.
Teotihuacan is approximately one hour from the city and works best as a dedicated half- or full-day excursion.
Mexico City sits at a high altitude, though I personally didn't experience any issues.
Temperatures were much cooler than I expected, particularly in the mornings and evenings, so pack layers.
Roma Norte and Condesa are the best areas for first-time visitors and solo travelers. They're walkable, lively, and filled with excellent restaurants, cafés, and shops.
While I felt very safe, I generally stuck to walking within Roma Norte and Condesa and used tours or rideshares when venturing farther out.
Perfect for: food lovers, design enthusiasts, culture seekers, and solo travelers looking for an easy international weekend getaway.
Travel Advisor
Escape by Erin
Erin Colatrella
Get in touch with Escape by Erin
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Mexico City page.