Stepping into Mexico City is like discovering a vibrant secret, a dynamic metropolis that seamlessly blends rich history with cutting-edge design and an unparalleled culinary scene. Our recent trip for my birthday weekend, a whirlwind four-day adventure, confirmed what many have whispered: Mexico City is an absolute must-visit destination. The remarkably short flight, the favorable exchange rate, and an aesthetic that is simply breathtaking at every turn made it an instant favorite for my husband, Jared, and me.
Our exploration of this magnificent city was split between two distinct neighborhoods: the sophisticated Polanco and the bohemian Condesa. We chose two exquisite boutique design hotels, both booked through the curated collection at Mr. & Mrs. Smith, each offering a unique glimpse into Mexico City’s diverse charm. Given the sheer volume of stunning photographs and incredible experiences we accumulated, we’ve decided to share our Mexico City guide in two comprehensive parts, beginning with the elegant enclave of Polanco and our unforgettable stay at Hotel Habita.
Discovering Polanco, Mexico City: A Guide to Luxury, Design, and Gastronomy
While both Polanco and Condesa captivated us with their individual personalities, I confess a particular fondness for Polanco. Our chosen accommodation, Hotel Habita, was perfectly situated amidst a treasure trove of beautiful sights and exceptional dining spots. Moreover, as a self-proclaimed devotee of rooftop pools, Hotel Habita’s elevated oasis certainly earned extra points for its stunning design and panoramic views.
Before diving into the specific delights of Polanco, here are some essential travel tips we gathered (some through valuable firsthand experience) during our brisk four-day visit to Mexico City.
Essential Mexico City Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Airport Transfers: Prioritize Official Services
For arrivals at Mexico City International Airport (MEX), resist the urge to summon an Uber directly from the terminal. The most efficient and stress-free option is to utilize the official taxi services or pre-booked car services available within the airport. These are well-regulated, ensure clear pricing, and provide a seamless pickup process from designated zones. Our journey from the airport to Hotel Habita in Polanco, a comfortable 45-minute drive, cost us a mere $17 USD, offering incredible value and peace of mind right upon arrival. - Navigating the City with Uber: Convenience at Your Fingertips
Once you’re settled into the city, Uber becomes an incredibly convenient mode of transport, often surpassing standard taxis for short to medium distances. The primary advantage is knowing the exact fare upfront before your ride even arrives, eliminating any surprises. Furthermore, with Uber, you don’t necessarily need local pesos on hand, as payment is processed electronically. The app also provides a clear, real-time route to your destination, adding an extra layer of security and confidence. - Driving in Mexico City: A Word of Caution
Seriously, attempting to rent a car and drive in Mexico City is not for the faint of heart. The traffic here is notoriously chaotic, dense, and can be an absolute nightmare for visitors unfamiliar with the local driving culture and complex road systems. Save yourself the stress and rely entirely on ride-sharing apps like Uber or official taxis for intra-city travel. You’ll be glad you did, and your nerves will thank you. - Currency and Payments: Embrace Flexibility
Mexico City is remarkably accommodating for international visitors. Most establishments, from high-end restaurants to charming cafes and boutiques, readily accept American dollars or major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). We found ourselves rarely needing to carry significant amounts of pesos, making transactions straightforward and simple throughout our stay. However, always having a small amount of local currency for smaller vendors or tips can be beneficial. - Stay Connected: Affordable Phone Plans
Many U.S. phone carriers offer highly affordable, or even included, international roaming plans for Mexico. For instance, our AT&T family plan provided 1MB of free data and unlimited text messaging for Mexico. This proved invaluable for using Uber, staying active on social media, and navigating with maps without incurring exorbitant charges. To conserve data, we made it a habit to switch our phones to airplane mode and close unused applications when not actively browsing or seeking directions.
Polanco’s Evening Charms: Dining and Drinks After Dark
Our first day in Mexico City saw us arriving late in the afternoon, eager to explore but keen to stay within a comfortable radius of our hotel. After taking some time to soak in the stunning design and modern amenities of Hotel Habita, including a peek at its much-anticipated rooftop pool, we ventured out for dinner. Just a few blocks away, we discovered Los Almendros, a delightful Yucatecan restaurant known for its authentic flavors. Their mango margaritas were utterly delicious and perfectly balanced, while Jared’s mango salad, accompanying his entree, was an absolute revelation – a burst of fresh, tropical flavors that elevated the entire meal. A word of caution, however: approach their vibrant green sauce with extreme care! Despite my love for spicy food, this particular rendition had an intensity that truly took my breath away!
From Los Almendros, a leisurely stroll led us to the serene beauty of Parque Lincoln. This charming urban park, with its distinctive concrete blue floor and lush greenery, provided a picturesque setting for an evening walk as the city began to wind down. As the sun began its descent, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, we made our way to Gin Gin, a popular rooftop bar highly recommended by several of our Instagram friends. It proved to be an excellent choice, offering sophisticated cocktails, a chic ambiance, and an ideal vantage point for enjoying the magnificent Mexico City sunset, providing a perfect end to our first day.
A Day of Exploration: Polanco’s Shopping and Culinary Gems
Our second day in Polanco was packed with exploration, beginning with a delightful lunch and cocktails at Carlotta, conveniently located near the renowned Museum of Anthropology. This provided a perfect mid-day break before our retail adventures. Following our meal, we indulged in some serious retail therapy, starting with Gaia. This store immediately captured our attention with its adorable, functional, and remarkably well-priced Scandinavian designs. I was so enamored that I even purchased a carry-on bag to transport all my new treasures home! A useful tip for shoppers: items marked with a dot are typically available for immediate purchase and takeaway, while others require ordering and local pickup within Mexico City. Just a short walk down the street, at a bustling roundabout, we also explored Mobica, another prominent design store, though it leaned towards a pricier and less contemporary aesthetic compared to the vibrant offerings at Gaia.
Our shopping spree continued with visits to Common People and Onora. While both offered interesting selections of fashion and home goods, Gaia remained my personal favorite for its unique charm, affordability, and overall aesthetic. Common People provided a somewhat amusing, albeit slightly uncomfortable, experience as we felt continuously observed by staff, a situation we humorously likened to being followed by a ghost from Super Mario Brothers!
Tucked away charmingly above Common People, accessible through the shop itself, is Cafe Budapest, a delightful Hungarian coffee and pastry shop. This hidden gem was a perfect spot for an afternoon treat and a moment of quiet indulgence. Naturally, we indulged in a rich, flourless chocolate cake, expertly brewed espresso, and a selection of every Hungarian cookie they had on offer – a truly decadent and authentic European experience in the heart of Mexico City.
Adjacent to Cafe Budapest, we discovered Comrade, which boasts an absolutely stunning outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying Polanco’s pleasant weather. Drawn in by its inviting ambiance and chic decor, we stopped for cocktails, and we were certainly not disappointed. The expertly crafted drinks at Comrade ranked among the finest we sampled in Polanco. I opted for the refreshing Portado, a delightful blend of flavors, while Jared enjoyed a perfectly crafted Smash, both excellent choices to complement the beautiful setting and lively atmosphere.
Exploring Polanco’s Vibrant Streets and Hidden Gems
The area surrounding Parque Lincoln truly serves as a microcosm of Polanco’s allure, brimming with high-end designer boutiques, charming cafes, and an impressive array of restaurants catering to every palate. Our trip quickly evolved into a delightful culinary tour of Mexico City, and every bite, from street food to fine dining, exceeded our expectations.
Our explorations also led us to a local Magnolia Bakery, offering a familiar taste of home amidst the vibrant Mexican flavors. An afternoon highlight included a fascinating tequila tasting at La Unica – a restaurant that also cleverly hides a wonderfully chic bar in its back, perfect for a more intimate and sophisticated experience. Beyond these planned stops, Polanco’s winding streets constantly surprised us with picturesque corners, stunning architecture, and new discoveries, each offering another perfect photo opportunity and a chance to immerse ourselves in the district’s sophisticated charm.
Culinary Splurges and Missed Opportunities in Polanco
For a special birthday celebration, we decided to splurge on dinner at Tori Tori, a recommendation that came highly praised by many of our Instagram followers. This acclaimed Japanese restaurant, renowned for its exquisite sushi and modern ambiance, certainly lived up to its reputation, delivering an exquisite dining experience that was truly a highlight of our trip. Unfortunately, our only photo from this memorable evening was taken by a very sweet but somewhat unobservant waiter, resulting in a slightly out-of-focus shot that also, rather comically, featured my bra showing. Despite the minor photographic mishap, the delicious food and elegant ambiance made it a night to remember and laugh about later.
Also nestled within the Polanco neighborhood is Pujol, consistently ranked among the world’s best restaurants and celebrated for its innovative take on traditional Mexican cuisine. While we had every intention of dining there, it requires reservations made well in advance – a lesson we learned the hard way. Our plan to visit on Saturday was thwarted when Jared unfortunately contracted “Montezuma’s Revenge,” putting him out of commission for the day. Adding to our missed opportunity, we discovered, too late, that Pujol is closed on Sundays, leaving us no alternative to secure a table. For any aspiring diners hoping to experience this culinary masterpiece, be sure to plan and book your reservations months in advance!
Luxury and Relaxation: The Hotel Habita Experience in Polanco
When we weren’t out exploring Polanco’s vibrant streets, we were luxuriating in the exquisite comfort and sophisticated ambiance of Hotel Habita. This hotel is a masterpiece of modern design, with every detail thoughtfully curated to create an atmosphere of minimalist elegance and ultimate comfort. The true highlight, however, remains its rooftop pool – an absolute haven of tranquility and style, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. I can wholeheartedly recommend Hotel Habita; it’s a destination in itself that offers unparalleled relaxation after a day of city adventures. Many friends and fellow travelers have since thanked me profusely for this recommendation!
I also had the pleasure of debuting my new Kate Spade bathing suit by the pool, a perfect ensemble for the stylish surroundings and warm Mexico City weather. This trip to Polanco, before a subsequent journey to Italy, allowed me to fully enjoy these moments of relaxation and fashion, savoring the present before my next exciting adventure.
Conclusion: Polanco Awaits, and More of Mexico City to Come!
Our days exploring Polanco were filled with a captivating blend of cultural immersion, exquisite dining, unique shopping, and moments of pure relaxation. This affluent neighborhood truly offers a sophisticated and memorable travel experience, making it an ideal destination for those seeking luxury, innovative design, and exceptional gastronomy in Mexico City. We are incredibly grateful to all our wonderful friends who shared their recommendations, enhancing our journey significantly and helping us uncover some of Polanco’s finest spots. Get ready for more Mexico City adventures! We’ll be unveiling the second installment of our guide, focusing on the vibrant Condesa neighborhood and our experiences there, next week. Be sure to check back for more insights into this incredible city and continue planning your unforgettable trip!