CDMX has a reputation for dirty air. But with a prolonged emphasis on public transportation (busses and subways) as well as human-powered transportation (bicycling), Mexico City has become a place where, every Sunday, an enormous avenue like Paseo de la Reforma can be blocked off to cars so that runners and cyclists can reign supreme. I’m not an athlete any more, but I respect a city that places a premium on fitness.
Day 1 and Day 2 in Mexico City were most excellent, so I was looking forward to a strong Day 3, which began with breakfast at Bisquets Obregon (located a block from the Le Méridien Hotel, along Paseo de la Reforma).
Then, if you fancy Aztec ruins, go to Teotihuacán. There are expensive tours you can take, but a one-hour Uber for around $30 (each way) seemed like an efficient way to go.
Most people seem to climb the bigger of the two pyramids. Pictured above is the Pyramid of the Sun.
From the top of the Pyramid of the Sun, one can enjoy a peaceful, unobscured view of the Pyramid of the Moon (pictured above).
(I’m probably just not a pyramid guy. Teotihuacán was neat, but I wouldn’t go back. It’s one of those things, though. It’s sort of like giving Christmas gifts. If you travel to Mexico City for your first time, it’s obligatory.)
Upon Ubering back to CDMX, more areas were blocked off to vehicular traffic, granting freedom to champions of fitness and sport. Pictured below is the iconic Angel of Independence.
One lunch you should not miss in CDMX is at La Casa de Toña (a few blocks from the Angel de Independencia). Say yes to the fresh guacamole. Try the pozole. Drink a Clamatoño with Victoria beer.
After lunch, stroll down Paseo de la Reforma. As you near the Four Seasons Hotel, you’ll see more art installations.
Follow them, like shiny breadcrumbs, to the enormous park that includes the National Museum of Anthropology.
When hunger strikes again, Animo, across the street from the Four Seasons, is a nice choice for tacos.
Well-lit, pedestrian-friendly streets like La avenida Juárez are great for an evening stroll.
If you have a sweet tooth, stop at Maison Kayser, located at the end of La avenida Juárez (next to the Best Western Hotel).
The thing about CDMX is that it’s not Cancun, Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta. The tourists do not outnumber the residents. In fact, the locals are everywhere. If you want to get knee-deep into Mexico, start with Mexico City.
This visit was everything I wanted it to be. Even though there were earthquakes. Even though there was no turquoise-blue ocean to dip my toes in. And even though there was no Guy Fieri’s Kitchen + Bar (à la Playa Del Carmen). I’ll come back to CDMX. It is the perfect city for those who like to walk, explore, eat, and drink. (Did you know there are more museums in Mexico City than in any other city in the world?)
And next time I’ll couple the trip with a visit to Oaxaca, as according to several locals, it’s supposed to be aun mejor.
Details:
Flights:
United Airlines 737-800 LAX-MEX First Class
United Airlines 737-800 MEX-LAX First Class
Ground Transportation:
Uber
Hotel:
Le Méridien Mexico City
Restaurants:
La Diana Cazadora de Colón
Casa de los Azulejos (go for drinks only)
Café de Tacuba
Bisquets Obregon
La Casa de Toña
Maison Kayser (desserts only)
Animo
And of course, should you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Traveling Wherever 
Mexico City does have dirty air. Not as bad as it was, but still. During my six years there, when the air was really clean (after heavy rains usually) you could see Popo and Izta very clearly. That happened about three times…!
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Interesting. Thanks Gary. Since you were there for awhile, is there anything you recommend in Mexico City? (Restaurants, bars, activities?) I’m putting together a list for the next visit.
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If you haven’t already, go and see a Lucha Libre show. Even if you think you won’t like it, still do it. I also used to love late Saturday morning walks up Avenida Alvaro Obregon, near metro Ninos Heroes. There’s a street market there selling all sorts of weird stuff, and there’s actually a few more more hidden markets round plazas near the metro station. They all do collectible stuff rather than fruit and veg. Half way up the market, there’s a couple of roads on to other bigger plazas with places to stop for a drink. It’s just a really nice, peaceful way to spend a morning in CDMX.
On weekend mornings you should also try and find a standard grocery market. There’s always one stall there serving up barbecoa. You should definitely have the broth as well as the tacos. Assuming you’re not veggie, in which case ignore me.
And if ever you find you have spare time to kill, energy to burn and a real sense of adventure to be exploited, the Nevado de Toluca can be done on a day trip. A long day trip, but nonetheless it’s not often you can get to, up and back down a 4,500 metre mountain in a day. It’s probably a bit awkward to do by yourself and would need a tiny bit of advance planning, but still…!
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Thanks Gary! Lucha Libre was part of the original plan, but it’ll have to wait till next time. Avenida Alvaro Obregon sounds great. And indeed, I’ll put barbacoa on the list as well. The 4500m mountain hike (in one day) might be reserved for a greater man, but the photos I’ve seen of the two crater lakes are stunning. Great advice Gary, and much appreciated!
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I really like the pictures. I wished Mike were still with us because he would have enjoyed reading your report on Mexico City and seeing your pictures of the city.
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Thanks Mom!
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I’ve heard there are many great museums in Mexico City, especially the Museum of Anthropology.
If I’m ever in Mexico City, Maison Kayser is going to be my first stop! 😉
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Thanks for your comment! The next time I go, I might do a food tour, as I’d like assistance finding some places off the beaten path. Given your tacos’ comment on the other post, and now the pastry place, it sounds like you’d enjoy a food tour as well!
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I certainly would! Food tours are the best, if you ask me.
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Do you have any recommendations for specific food tours? If so, I’m all ears! I’ve really enjoyed the food tours I’ve done in Tegucigalpa, Jakarta, Seoul, and Bogota.
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I hope you don’t think this is pedestrian, but I’d love to see a food tour of American BBQ.
Also California food trucks.
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I love that idea. I attended a BBQ competition (as a spectator) in Nashville, and that was fun. But my focus right now is on international travel.
California food trucks are supposed to be great. (I know very little about them, except for the Mac ‘n cheese sandwich truck). The Portland food truck scene looks amazing!
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Beautiful photos! Nice to know a bit of Mexico thru your blog.
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Thank you, vinneve, for your kind words!
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Welcome. Hope you can check my blog too when you can. Cheers!
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i have been to mexico city twice as a stopping off place to climb popo and ixta and Orizaba and each time was late october around halloween. i enjoyed the brief visit and the ease to get around. and yes, the trip to the pyramids is a must as are visits to the museums. thanks for the memories
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@buddy71 Thanks for your comment! I’d like to go back to Mexico City sometime soon!
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Me too
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