- By Stewart Lochrie
Mexico City is an absolute riot in the best possible way. Imagine a place where ancient pyramids and tequila-fuelled nights collide in one glorious, chaotic fiesta. One second you're gawping at some 700-year-old temple, next you're neck-deep in tacos so good they should be illegal. The air’s thick with car horns, mariachi tunes, and the scent of something sizzling on a dodgy-looking grill, but trust us, you’ll eat it anyway. From the buzzing bars of Roma to back-alley cantinas where time forgot to show up, it isn’t just a city, it’s a full-blown sensory uppercut.
What to do:
Climb the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacán
Technically just outside the city, but worth every dusty step. It’s ancient, massive, and a proper workout . It’ll be ike leg day, but with better views. Climb to the top, pretend you’re an Aztec god for five minutes, then reward yourself with a cold one on the way back.
Float (and sip) through Xochimilco
Imagine Venice, but swap gondolas for neon-painted party boats, and classy Italian crooners for a full-blown mariachi band. Load up on beers, snacks, and mates, and float through the canals like the absolute fiesta royalty you are. It’s loud, boozy, and brilliant.
Lose your mind (and maybe your map) in Centro Histórico
This is the heart of the beast. It’s packed with cathedrals, chaos, and street vendors selling everything from churros to bootleg Avengers merch. Check out the Zócalo, pop into the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and dodge a pigeon or three in the square. Total sensory overload in the best way.
Get artsy in Coyoacán
Home to Frida Kahlo, leafy plazas, and enough charm to melt even the most jaded travel snob. Visit the Casa Azul, grab a coffee in a corner café, and soak up the chilled-out vibes. Think of it as the hangover-friendly side quest your trip didn’t know it needed.
Where to drink:
Hanky Panky
It’s a speakeasy, it’s hidden, and yes, you do need to go through a dodgy-looking taquería freezer door to get in. But once inside? Pure cocktail wizardry. Slick, dark, sexy vibes, and the bartenders here aren’t just pouring drinks, they’re putting on a show. Very James Bond meets Narcos.
Licorería Limantour
Regularly ranked among the world’s best bars, and with good reason. Located in Roma, this place is all neon signs, killer cocktails, and a crowd that looks like they fell out of a fashion mag. Order a “Margarita al Pastor” (yes, inspired by the taco) and thank us later.
Tlecan
A temple to mezcal. Low-lit, wood-heavy, and loaded with bottles you've never heard of but will absolutely want to sip. This place takes its agave seriously. No mixers, no frills, just straight-up, smoky deliciousness in every glass. Ideal for those looking to drink like a local… a very cool, slightly buzzed local.
Supra
Rooftop. Skyline. Banging beats. Supra is the place to go when you want to turn the volume up visually and sonically. The view of the city is unreal, the vibe is sleek-meets-savage, and the drinks come with just the right amount of flair. Come for the sunset, stay for the dancefloor.
Where to eat:
El Vilsito
By day it's a mechanic's garage. By night? Taco heaven. This late-night taquería serves some of the best al pastor in the city, spinning on that glorious trompo like it’s auditioning for Strictly Come Sizzling. Pineapple, pork, and pure joy. Grab a stool, a cold beer, and go feral.
Pujol
Fancy getting a bit posh? Pujol is your go-to. Chef Enrique Olvera’s baby is regularly ranked among the world’s best, and for good reason. Think traditional Mexican ingredients dressed up in Michelin-starred swagger. That mole’s been ageing longer than some relationships. Treat yourself, ya legend.
Contramar
Seafood so fresh it probably swam there. Contramar is the daytime hotspot in Condesa for fish tacos, tostadas, and their legendary tuna with crispy leeks. It’s stylish, it’s buzzing, and the kind of place where even the ceviche has a fan club.
Taquería Orinoco
Clean, red-and-white retro vibes and tacos that slap harder than your mate after nicking his last nacho. Whether you’re team chicharrón, bistec, or pastor, Orinoco delivers the goods.
