Travel
AIRPORT
You will be flying into Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (MEX). The airport is about 30 minutes from The JW Marriott and neighboring areas. Plan to use Uber to and from the airport. Ubers are the cheapest and safest way to travel in CDMX. If you are staying at The JW Marriott, hotels shuttles are also available for booking.
TRAFFIC AND DRIVING AROUND TOWN
Like NYC and London, Mexico City is famous for its traffic. Seema and I prefer to walk as much as possible (because most of the time it's faster than calling an Uber, but also because it's a wonderful way to see and eat through the city). If you are planning on taking a car somewhere, we recommend using Uber and giving yourself at least 30-45 minutes to get to your destination (as a general rule of thumb, add about 10-15 minutes to the ETA on your Uber app). Ubers are the safest and cheapest way to get around in CDMX.
MONEY
The currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso. 1 dollar equals approximately 17 Mexican Pesos, and 1 pound equals approximately 22 Mexican Pesos. You should check for the latest conversion rate as the wedding approaches. While credit cards are almost universally accepted in Mexico City, consider bringing or taking out some Pesos (you'll need it for street tacos!). There are also plenty of ATMs, including one in The JW Marriott
FEEL SAFE; BE A MINDFUL TRAVELER
The neighborhoods that you will be frequenting (Juarez, Condesa, Roma, Polanco), are considered to be very safe, and we agree. You should feel safe walking around in the day and evenings. Beyond that, Mexico City is just like any other large city-- be smart, be respectful, and be aware.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
Mexico City is high up in the mountains (7,350 feet above elevation), so while daytime temperatures hover around 70-75 degrees, nights can get chillier into the 60s. Bring a light waterproof jacket or sweater for the evening time. Also bring comfortable walking shoes.
When the municipal water leaves the treatment plant it meets all global safety standards. However, the deteriorating distribution system of old pipes makes it a risk and we suggest drinking bottled water only.
Mexico is the sixth most visited country in the world, welcoming over 40 million visitors each year. This is for good cause, as Mexico offers some of the most stunning vistas, rich culture, captivating history, and unbeatable cuisine. If you’d like to extend your trip to visit Mexico City and some of the surrounding areas, this is what we recommend.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Centro Histórico - contains the Zocalo, Templo Mayor, Cathedral, Bellas Artes, and many more
Chapultepec Park - visit the castle and try a paddle boat in the lagoon
Arena Mexico - See a lucha libre wrestling match in this famed hall (Tuesdays and Fridays)
La Ciudadela Artisanal Market - incredible selection of handmade goods from across Mexico
Ballet Folklorico - Famous dance performance in Bellas Artes with performances on Wednesdays
Revolution Monument - Built between 1910-1938, the history and views are a worthy trip
MUSEUMS
Anthropology Museum - easily the most impressive museum in Mexico city. To see all the exhibits, you need multiple days
Museo Tamayo - contemporary art museum next to the Anthropology museum
Museo de Arte Popular - incredible museum filled with folk art and some impressive alebrijes
Dolores Olmedo - for those who love the art of Diego Rivera and Freida Kahlo, this museum should be your top pick
Frida Kahlo Home - honestly, just a house but people love it. It is imperative you get your tickets in advance - all entries are assigned a time.
Museo Soumaya - a free museum owned by billionaire Carlos Slim in the Polanco neighborhood. The building itself is the star attraction
Museo Jumex - Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, Gabriel Orozco, Jeff Koons, and Marcel Duchamp all have art in this impressive museum
NEIGHBORHOODS:
Coyoacán - the charming home of Frida Kahlo always surprises and delights with its cobblestoned streets and gorgeous central square
La Roma - just as seducing as the acclaimed movie, Roma is an artsy neighborhood filled with boutique shops, breweries, cafes and is perfect for walking
La Condesa - the elegant sister of La Roma, Condesa is filled with airy cafes, lush tree-lines streets, and home to the famous Calle Amsterdam fill of shops and restaurants
Polanco - the “Beverly Hills” of Mexico City, this neighborhood is all about luxury. Shop at Gucci, Prada, Hermes, or pick up a Ferrari - Polanco has it at a whole new level
San Angel - deep in the south of the city, this stunning oasis is home to “Bazaar Sabado” a famed Saturday market not to be missed
OUTSIDE THE CITY:
Pyramids of Teotihuacan - constructed in 200 AD, these incredible pyramids are the largest in Mesoamerica. Take a hot air balloon ride for the full experience flyingpictures.mx/en/
Hike Nevado de Toluca - a stratovolcano which will literally take your breath away at 15,350 ft (4,680 m)
Visit the Monarch butterfly reserves of Michoacán where you can see the annual migration of millions of butterflies
Xochimilco- is best known for its canals, which are left from what was an extensive lake and canal system that connected most of the settlements of the Valley of Mexico. These canals, along with artificial islands called chinampas, attract tourists and other city residents to ride on colorful gondola-like boats called “trajineras” around the 170 km (110 mi) of canals.
The Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) is a prominent cultural center in Mexico City. It has hosted notable events in music, dance, theatre, opera and literature in Mexico and has held important exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photography. Consequently, the Palacio de Bellas Artes has been called the "Cathedral of Art in Mexico". The building is located on the western side of the historic center of Mexico City next to the Alameda Central park.
Castillo de Chapultepec is located on top of Chapultepec Hill in Mexico City's Chapultepec park. The name Chapultepec is the Nahuatl word chapoltepēc which means "hill of the grasshopper". The castle has such unparalleled views and terraces that explorer James F. Elton wrote they “can't be surpassed in beauty in any part of the world.
We encourage you to try the wonderful street food Mexico has to offer - but be careful. Go to a street vendor who looks busy, who is cooking on high heat, and whose products look fresh. Avoid uncooked greens (like lettuce / salad) from street vendors. Pack Imodium / Ciprofloxacin if you have a weak or sensitive stomach. This can also be purchased at a local pharmacy.
Just like the US and Canada, Mexico uses Type A and B plugs and operates on 127V supply voltage and 60Hz.
With over 15,000 restaurants, Mexico City has something for everyone. From farm-fresh produce, fresh-caught costal seafood, to rare indigenous spices, Mexican cuisine will surprise and delight.
“I think it's the most undervalued, underappreciated world cuisine with tremendous, tremendous potential. These are in many cases really complex, wonderful sauces; particularly from Oaxaca, for instance, that date back from before Europe." - Anthony Bourdain
INDULGE:
Lorea – Michelin-trained Mexican chef offers 12 course tasting menu which rivals Pujol for half the cost
Pujol - Perhaps the most famous restaurant in Mexico City - Chef’s Table famous
Quintonil - Famed chef who departed Pujol to start his own
Maximo Bistro - An Anthony Bourdain favorite
Sud 777 – Ranked 16th best restaurant in Latin America
Elly's - Bauhaus style restaurant in a 1930's home with seasonal plates to share. Very, very hip
Sepia - Incredible architecture meets chic terrace with fresh black truffle on everything
Fónico - Modern, dark, and outstanding service / menu / décor
Migrante - Stylish and inventive modern Mexican cuisine
Blanco Colima - Fancy, brilliant cocktails in a gorgeous mansion home
Casa Virginia – French-trained celebrity chef Monica Patina serves classics in an old mansion home
¡VIVA MÉXICO!
La Capital - Lovely cantina-style restaurant with outstanding service and high-quality food
Contramar - Popular seafood restaurant
Nudo Negro - Edgy take on modern Mexican cuisine
Cantina Riviera Sur - Modern take on a classic Mexican Cantina
La Docena – Upscale fresh seafood
Meroma – Wonderful architecture and artful Mexican plates
Lampuga - Highbrow seafood restaurant - only the Polanco location exists today
Temporal - Seasonal restaurant with local fare and nice ambiance
Pasillo de Humo - Oaxacan food and mezcals
Masala & Maiz - Indian fusión – a funky take on Mexican-Indian cuisine
CASUAL:
Fonda Fina - A classy but relaxed take on traditional Mexican cuisine
Broka Bistrot - Nice food in a lovely mansion home with good service
Campobaja - Delicious seafood on a hip outdoor terrace
Palmares Azotea - Wonderful open rooftop for brunch or a cocktail
Huset - Beautiful garden and ambiance in the heart of Roma
Primos - World class service and an upscale take on delicious Mexican favorites
Tipping in Mexico is important and expected. Whether it is $5 MXN (approx $0.25 USD) for a street musician, or a percent of the bill for service in a restaurant. For dining, 10% of the bill should be added for “good” service, and 15% for “excellent” service. Tips can be paid in cash or added to your credit card but you MUST tell the waiter what percent to add before charging your card. You cannot add tip to a credit card after the card is charged. Simply say “más diez” to add 10%, or “más quince” for 15%.