People kept calling Mexico City the “new Los Angeles”. Others compared it to “Brooklyn before the hipsters.” It seemed to be popping up everywhere, from friends to young creatives to digital nomads and even my Instagram feed. So we decided to see it for ourselves.
It did not disappoint.
My wife and I spent a week in Ciudad de México (CDMX) in early January 2026. We were the kind of travelers who preferred to explore cities on foot: discovering street life and finding great places to eat. We found it not only safe but also relaxed, welcoming, clean, and surprisingly calm for a city of its size. We never had a moment of concern.
While I’d spent years traveling throughout Latin America as a photojournalist, my wife had not. Like many Americans, her perceptions had been shaped by headlines and assumptions. Yet nearly everything we experienced in CDMX turned out to be the opposite of what we’d been told.
I hadn’t been back in nearly three decades, since a reporting assignment in the late 1990s. It was immediately clear Mexico City had changed dramatically since my last visit. There was a positive energy in the air, a blend of old and new that made the city endlessly intriguing.
After days spent wandering neighborhoods, visiting museums, exploring hotspots, and photographing daily life, it became easy to understand why so many people were drawn here. In many ways, the city reminded me of Brooklyn in the early days of its revival—full of energy, creativity, and possibility.
Here are some of the top things we did during our trip, along with a few travel tips to help plan your own trip.
Twenty thousand steps a day and zero regrets about skipping the rental car. - Photo by Thomas E. Franklin
Getting Around
CDMX is the largest city in North America by population, larger than New York City. Yet it never felt overwhelming.
On foot
We didn’t rent a car, and that proved to be a smart move. Instead, we walked extensively, and I averaged nearly 20,000 steps a day. When we needed a break, we used Uber, which was affordable, plentiful, and usually just minutes away. Most rides in central neighborhoods typically cost $3–$7, making it an inexpensive and convenient option. Given the city’s size, this combination proved both efficient and comfortable.
By train
The trains were clean, safe, efficient, and frequent. Subway platforms include designated pink areas for women and children, with similar sections on many buses. Even during peak hours, the system felt crowded but orderly. We encountered buskers and vendors but experienced no aggression or hostility.
The el Metro arrived every five minutes, and as a native of New York, where public transportation is essential but can often feel stressful, I especially appreciated how efficient the system was and how easy it was to navigate. A Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada (metro card) cost about $1, and a daily reload of roughly $4 covered a full day of bus and train travel for both my wife and me. We rode the subway daily.
By bus
The metro card that cost a dollar and unlocked the whole city. - Photo by Thomas E. Franklin
We also used public buses and jitneys (microbús), but found the Metro to be the most efficient option, especially during busy rush hours. But be prepared, it could get quite crowded at times.
Upon arrival, we tried the Turibus, a pay-one-price hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus with audio guides and open-air seating—an easy way to get oriented and see key landmarks. It was enjoyable, though slow in heavy traffic. Alternatively, the No. 7 public bus from Polanco to Centro offered similar views from a double-decker bus for far less.
Tip: CDMX’s reputation for traffic is real. At times, getting from one part of the city to another was slow and frustrating. It’s smart to plan your days around one or two neighborhoods rather than crisscrossing the city.
For mature travelers: Explore the world with energy and confidence
Neighborhoods
The heart of Mexico City lies in its many neighborhoods. Walking became central to the trip as we wandered through Condesa, Roma Norte, Roma Sur, Xoco, Coyoacán, Alameda, and others.
Artistic & hip
Condesa and Roma Norte were especially scenic—green, walkable, and full of life—reminding me of Brooklyn’s Park Slope with their leafy streets, café culture, and vibrant local scene.
Public life spilled into the streets: murals, street performers, and, in nearby Parque México, impromptu dancing in the plaza. Young couples swayed to Latin beats while older couples danced nearby, some offering lessons. It was joyful and unpretentious, one of those small, unplanned moments that stay with you.
Tip: Rent a bike and cruise along Avenida Ámsterdam, with its tree-lined median and mix of mid-century and Porfirian-era buildings surrounded by restaurants and shops. The path forms a large oval through Condesa, Roma Norte, and Roma Sur.
Historic & bustling
Every plaza has a story and most of them are wilder than you expect. - Photo by Thomas E. Franklin
Further south, Coyoacán, with its lively plazas and artists’ markets, was once home to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, while Polanco offered upscale shopping and restaurants. Each neighborhood has its own personality.
In contrast, the Centro Histórico and the Zócalo were busier and more intense, but endlessly fascinating. Pre-Aztec ruins at the Templo Mayor sat beside the vast plaza, framed by the Metropolitan Cathedral and a gigantic national flag. During our visit, an outdoor exhibition of cactus sculptures filled the square, featuring works that address social and environmental themes.
The Plaza de la Revolución, west of Alameda Park and known for its striking Art Deco design, was another memorable stop. Built in the 1930s, it was originally intended to be a legislative palace before the revolution halted construction. Now, it serves as a landmark and observation point. Climbing inside offered panoramic views of the city, rewarding despite the tight, slightly claustrophobic ascent.
Tip: Buy a ticket and take the elevator up. There’s some climbing involved, but you don’t have to go all the way to the top. There’s also an observation deck just above the elevator level.
Historic green escape
We also walked through Parque Chapultepec, a vast green space ideal for people-watching. We visited Chapultepec Castle, which offered sweeping views of the city, and the Ángel de la Independencia, a towering column that served as a national symbol and one of Mexico City’s most recognizable landmarks.
Tip: Visit Chapultepec on a Sunday, when the park closes to vehicles and becomes a giant space for biking, running, family picnics, and strolls. Taking time to walk in local neighborhoods and observe daily life is one of the simplest ways to make your travel more meaningful.
Art & Museums
Five dollars gets you into a museum that would cost fifty anywhere else. — Photo by Thomas E. Franklin
Mexico City offers an extraordinary concentration of museums, including smaller ones devoted to perfume, pop culture, and even chocolate. Most are easy to access and affordable, often about $5 or less.
During our visit, we bought tickets on-site and rarely waited—a welcome surprise. In busy seasons, you might want to purchase tickets in advance, especially for Casa Azul.
Many museums are closed on Mondays, making it a good day to plan excursions outside the city, such as a hot-air balloon ride over the pyramids of Teotihuacán.
National Museum of Anthropology
The National Museum of Anthropology is world-renowned, and rightly so. Its central courtyard features a towering concrete water element that feels both calming and futuristic. Inside, iconic works such as the massive Piedra del Sol (Aztec Sun Stone) sit alongside immersive displays bringing ancient civilizations to life. It’s the kind of museum where you could easily spend an entire day.
When you exit, walk straight ahead and look for the tall orange pole where the Voladores de Papantla perform—a ritual dating back more than 1,000 years. The death-defying aerial performance, in which Voladores spiral gracefully down from the top of the pole, is a fascinating cultural tradition and makes for great photos. Performances aren’t scheduled but take place several times throughout the day.
Many museums have excellent cafés. One of our best meals was lunch at the Anthropology Museum café—enchiladas and chilaquiles in the shaded outdoor dining area.
Palacio de Bellas Artes
One of our favorites was the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a stunning blend of Art Nouveau and Neoclassical architecture topped by a colorful stained-glass roof and adorned with sweeping murals by Diego Rivera. The building is simply gorgeous. It also features a grand performance hall that is home to Mexico’s National Theatre, Dance, Symphony, Opera, and the Ballet Folklórico de México.
Coffee and pastry at Finca Don Porfirio overlooking the The Palacio de Bellas Artes. - Photo by Thomas E. Franklin
Directly across the street sits one of our most unexpectedly enjoyable stops (don’t laugh), the Sears department store. Beyond the nostalgia, the real surprise is on the eighth floor: Finca Don Porfirio, an outdoor terrace café overlooking the palace. We ordered cappuccinos and chocolate croissants and enjoyed breakfast-dessert from one of the best vantage points in the city.
Casa Azul
Casa Azul, the home of Frida Kahlo, was our most tourist-heavy stop, but absolutely worth it. The museum offers deep insight into Kahlo’s life, her artistic brilliance, her turbulent marriage to Diego Rivera, and the physical pain she endured after a devastating accident. Despite her injuries, she continued to create powerful work, often painting while lying on her back in bed using a specially designed mirror mounted above her.
Decades after her death, Kahlo remains a revered cultural figure in Mexico, and murals and souvenirs bearing her likeness can be found throughout the city.
Tip: This is a hot ticket, so be sure to purchase in advance. When we arrived, the line stretched around the corner, so plan accordingly.
Mural art
Often carrying strong political and social messages and seen throughout the city, much of Mexico’s mural art was created to be free and accessible to the public. Beyond their visual beauty, many of these murals are surprisingly easy to read and interpret, helping tell the story of the nation’s complex history and cultural identity, including its political movements and ties to socialism and communism.
Having spent a summer teaching in Guadalajara a few years ago, I developed a deep appreciation for Mexico’s mural tradition, particularly the work of José Clemente Orozco, whose murals are widely seen throughout his hometown of GDL.
Mexico City, by contrast, is closely associated with Diego Rivera. His murals, displayed inside government buildings such as the Secretaría de Educación Pública, are open to the public and free to view. Several other museums in the city also feature and celebrate his work.
Hot air balloons carrying passengers for aerial flights above the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan outside Mexico City. — Photo by Thomas E. Franklin
Teotihuacán
The highlight of the trip came at sunrise, floating in a hot-air balloon over the pyramids of Teotihuacán, about 30 miles northeast of Mexico City.
The ancient city flourished roughly between 100 B.C. and A.D. 550, with a population of more than 100,000 people. Its most iconic structure is the Pyramid of the Sun, the world's third-largest pyramid.
We booked a tour and were picked up at our hotel before dawn. Floating for nearly an hour above the ruins alongside dozens of balloons was magical.
After landing, we explored the site on foot with a guide, climbing the Pyramid of the Moon and walking the Avenue of the Dead.
Tip: Do this. While there are cheaper ways to see the site, the balloon experience is unforgettable.
Worth mentioning: We also visited the Museo Soumaya and the Pemex Gallery in Polanco, both free and home to impressive private collections. Soumaya’s architecture feels like a modern reinterpretation of the Guggenheim Museum.
Which should you choose: guided or self-guided tours, or independent travel
Food
Of course, no visit would be complete without talking about the food. It was simply epic.
Street vendors lined nearly every corner, while taquerías, cafés, rooftop bars, and restaurants filled each neighborhood. The air carried the constant scent of simmering meats and spices, and it felt possible to eat well on almost any block. It’s easy to see why Mexico City is considered a top foodie destination.
Taquería Maizajo, in Condesa. - Photo by Thomas E. Franklin
Street food
Friends had warned me to avoid street food, but the few times we broke that rule, the food was delicious. We were also careful about drinking water, sticking to filtered or bottled options. Even many locals avoid tap water, which can contain impurities not suitable for drinking. Thankfully, we had no stomach issues and found the overall food scene quite clean.
Taquerías
Our favorites were the taquerías—casual places where you could belly up to the counter, watch the cooks prepare the food, and press fresh tortillas on the grill. It’s a great way to sample a variety of flavors while standing at the counter, people-watching.
Tacos are delicious, quick, inexpensive, and fun to watch in action. And they exist on an entirely different level in Mexico City. We joked that we may never be able to eat tacos in the U.S. again.
The city also offers remarkable fusion cuisine—Thai, Chinese, Peruvian, Japanese—with even sushi widely popular. Everything felt fresh, earthy, and clean. Aside from the occasional protein bar, I don’t think we ate processed food all week.
Drinks
Mezcal and tequila were everywhere, including creative infusions and espresso variations, as well as traditional drinks like micheladas, pulque, and horchata. We were also pleasantly surprised by the selection of international wines and inexpensive Mexican beers.
Tip: Don’t miss the traditional hot chocolate, often prepared tableside after a meal. It’s rich, not overly sweet, and with a hint of chili spice—absolutely wonderful.
Where to eat
Tequila Michelada,at El Jarocho - Photo by Thomas E. Franklin
Breakfast pastries are treated as a fine art. Pastelería Ideal, a massive bakery that feels more like a factory than a café, offered excellent coffee and pastries, though good options seemed to be everywhere. Head to Consuelo de Madre for both pastries and lunch.
There were far too many great places to list them all, but here are some of our favorites.
- Fine dining: La Única and Azul Condesa
- Taco bar: Maizajo Taquería
- Casual: Quentin Coffee, La Jarocha, Tacos Chupacabras (fast, casual tacos with picnic tables)
- Traditional: El Mayor (overlooking the Templo Mayor), Café de Tacuba (historic and iconic)
While Mexican food has a reputation for being very spicy, we found plenty of variety and enjoyed virtually every meal during our stay. I tend to like my food a bit spicier than my wife does, but most places offered different levels of heat, making it easy to find something that suited both of us.
Places to Stay
We stayed in Polanco, on the recommendation of friends who had lived there. It’s a quiet, green, and upscale neighborhood with wide sidewalks, good parks, and plenty of excellent restaurants. It felt safe and polished, certainly one of the nicest areas in the city.
We stayed in a small boutique hotel, and it was lovely. But there are also many Airbnbs and hotels scattered throughout the city’s neighborhoods, giving travelers plenty of options depending on their style and budget.
While Polanco has a lot to offer, in hindsight, it felt a bit too bougie for our tastes and farther from many of the neighborhoods and sites we ended up exploring on foot. It required more Uber and bus rides than we expected—don’t underestimate how vast the city is.
Next time, I would likely stay in Condesa or Roma, which felt more central to the areas we enjoyed walking through most. The vibe there was inviting, green, and relaxed, with plenty of restaurants and coffeehouse cafés to explore.
Tip: It was surprisingly colder than we expected in CDMX, so bring extra layers, including sleepwear. Create a comprehensive international adventure packing list so you don't forget the essentials for changing weather, outdoor activities, and everyday travel.
Most hotels and Airbnbs don’t have heating or air-conditioning because temperatures are fairly mild year-round. However, we found the mornings and evenings quite chilly, in the low 40s, and ended up asking for a space heater in our room. Check the weather before you go.
Couples dance closely in Parque México in the heart of Condesa, moving to the rhythms of Latin beats on a Sunday afternoon. - Photo by Thomas E. Franklin
Mexico City—Keeps Calling People Back
Mexico City is beautiful, clean, and welcoming. We felt safe throughout our stay, and there was no shortage of things to see, streets to walk, sights to photograph, or flavors to taste.
Our seven-day trip felt just right, even with a full schedule. We met several other travelers, many of whom were visiting from the West Coast for a long weekend.
It’s also a popular destination for digital nomads, like my niece, a Paris-based digital media professional who has spent the past two winters working remotely from Mexico City.
“The energy is palpable, and its accessibility was an unexpected surprise,” she says.
She now spends extended stays in neighborhoods like Coyoacán and Del Valle, describing the city as “super safe and fun,” with a welcoming queer community, though she notes that the cost of living is rising and approaching Paris's.
After spending time here, it’s easy to understand why Mexico City has become such a popular destination, not only for travelers but also for expats and remote workers.
An unforgettable week, and a city we will absolutely return to.
Look for the Perfect Adventure Travel Program Now
Explore hundreds of meaningful adventure programs with verified providers worldwide. Join thousands of travelers abroad!
Thomas E. Franklin
Associate Professor at Montclair State University
Also an award-winning multimedia journalist, Thomas is best known for his iconic flag-raising photograph at Ground Zero after 9/11, which appeared on a U.S. postage stamp and helped raise over $10 million for victims’ families. He was also a finalist for the 2002 Pulitzer Prize. Franklin has produced in-depth documentaries on the heroin epidemic, the long-term impact of toxic dumping on a Native American community, immigration and forced migration, and life in Cuba. He has also led student reporting trips, including to Greece, Puerto Rico, Scotland, and the U.S.–Mexico border.
View Full Profile