What to do
Welcome to the best city in the world. There is so much to do, see and eat that you will have to schedule a trip besides this one to do it all. CDMX is the city with the most museums in the world, with internationally recognized restaurants and with unique shops and endless cultural attractions. Since we aren't gonna do Lonely Planet's, we're sharing with you a -very personal- guide to the areas that you cannot miss and some of the best activities that you can do in each one.
Saint Angel
Paulina's favorite place in the city. Your best option would be to go on a Saturday so you can visit Bazar Sábado, the most incredible craft market in CDMX. With some of the most picturesque and beautiful colonial style houses and streets, San Ángel is an ideal place to go just for a stroll. When you visit, in addition to seeing all the shops, markets and works of art, be sure to go to the Casa de Diego Rivera, and the Church of San Jacinto. If you would also like to cover the gastronomic are there, we highly recommend Mercado San Ángel, the San Ángel Inn (one of the most emblematic restaurants in the city) or Saks (especially for a typical breakfast).
Polanco
Museums, shopping, art, you name it. If you want to do luxury shopping, we have our own Fifth Avenue called Avenida Masaryk. Take a walk through Parque Lincoln and have a snack in one of the restaurant terraces or stop by for an ice cream to continue walking through "Polanquito". Here you will also find some of the most unmissable museums in the country: Soumaya Museum, with classic works, and the Jumex Museum of contemporary art.
Chapultepec
An 18th century palace in the middle of the city? We have it all, really. Coming to CDMX without going to Chapultepec Castle or the Bosque de Chapultepec is the same as not coming. From the Castle you will have one of the most spectacular views of the city, (if the sky is clear) and you will find the most impressive history museum of all, along with some of the best-known murals by Diego Rivera and Siqueiros. Another beloved museum is the Museum of Anthropology (don't miss the Voladores de Papantla on the esplanade!) or the Tamayo Museum; and if you feel like a typical Chilango plan, take a boat ride on Lake Chapultepec.
Centro Histórico
Here you cannot miss the Palace of Fine Arts (we recommend the Folkloric Ballet), the Postal Palace and the Zócalo, where you will find the Cathedral. If you have time, take a look at Palacio de Hierro, one of the oldest department stores in the country, famous for its architecture, or La Casa de los Azulejos, one of the most famous restaurants. If you want museums, we recommend the National Museum of Art, the Museum of Memory and Tolerance, the Franz Mayer Museum and the Templo Mayor Museum (because Rome isn't the only place with ruins in the middle of the city).
Colonia Roma
Every foreigner's favorite place and I don't blame them. Known for the architecture of its houses and buildings (art deco? gothic? not so sure), La Roma has some of the most famous restaurants in Mexico and a number of venues, bars, art galleries and leisure options that could take most of your day. Walk through Álvaro Obregón and see how you don't have to go to Madrid to see the Cibeles Fountain or to Florence to see the David.
La Condesa
Right next to Colonia Roma, Colonia Condesa is also the center of CDMX's social life. Also known for its restaurants, bars and local businesses, La Condesa will guarantee you a unique stroll. Take a walk along Avenida Ámsterdam, Parque México and Parque España or get lost among its streets, cafes, bookstores and shops.
Coyoacan
A little out of your way if you stay in the places we've recommended, but YOU CAN'T MISS IT. A southern neighborhood, Coyoacán has some of the most beautiful streets we have. So much so, that Frida Kahlo herself lived there; the visit to her house is a MUST, but buy tickets in advance otherwise it will be impossible to get in. In Coyoacán you will also find all the street food you want and don't be afraid to eat at the market (ask for Quesadillas Doña Lucha). Also, take a look at the Crafts Market and if you'd like to know more about the history of the place, hop on the tourist bus.
