I was in Mexico City on assignment with Swarovski and luckily was able to add 2 free days to kick it and explore the city. 2 Days really isn't enough time to get a good feel for Mexico City or see enough of it but I tried to do as much as I can.
It's a really big city that is very populated and busy. Traffic is hell, specially if there is something going on in town, we were there during the Mexican Grad Prix, shitshow! Budget more time than less getting places, it takes forever. I was told not to hail a cab off the street as they will try to rip you off. They have Uber there, which was cheap and super convenient. Use that. Or goto a hotel lobby or designated taxi stand to get cabs.
It probably one of the safer places in Mexico. I didn't feel threatened or unsafe anywhere we went no matter what time of day it was. The city is alive and lit till late - we did a lot of walking around at night and felt fine. But then again we really did stay in the main areas, didn't really venture too deep into the neighborhoods.
Oh, and everything is pretty cheap.
I know its not much but here are some places I was able to check out and enjoyed :
FOOD
- Tacotento : There are a few of these around town and had the best tacos I've had in a long time. The spot had a very local authentic vibe to it and was super cheap. Prolly not the best place for a full meal but a great spot for a quick taco.
- Tostadas Coyoacan : Tucked away in the middle of a local bazar near the Frida Kahlo Museum this spot had all sorts of meat and toppings for tostadas on display for you to chose from. Turned out to be the best tostada I've ever had. Def make the trek out here, hit up the museum and then come here for food. Also, I had some of the most bomb elote en vaso at this bazar, def start with that.
- Pujol : This is racked as one of the top 10 best restaurants in the world. Everyone I asked for recs told me to check it out. It was about $100 per person for a 6 course meal, which was very reasonable considering the food, ambiance and experience was pretty on point.
SIGHTS AND MUSEUMS
- Museo Nacional de Antropología : There are so many museums in Mexico City, I'd say an overwhelming amount for someone who enjoys checking out museums while traveling. The Anthropology Museum was one of my favorites. All the early civilization exhibits are a bit boring but it gets pretty lit in the Aztec and Mayan sections. Make sure to check out the Stone of the Sun and the outdoor Mayan area. And the building is incredibly beautiful.
- Museo de Arte Moderno : Not super impressive but worth a stop only because its right across the street from the Anthropology Museum and is $2 to get in.
- Sumaya : Part of my shoot was in this building and it had to have been the most beautifully deigned building I've ever shot. Really incredible interior and exterior.
- Museo Frida Kahlo : This is in the house Frida was born and died in. It really charming and colorful with most of the rooms still decorated and intact from when Diego Rivera and Frida lived there. Worth a stop.
- Teotihuacan : The site of the Aztec pyramids. This is a must! It was about an hour and a half out of town but was a really amazing experience to see and climb the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon. We went early when it first opened (8am) and we were the only ones there for a while. Don't come back from Mexico City without a visit.
Mexico City Foursquare list with more reviews, photos and tips.