Mexico City for the trendy party crowd

Our Local Expert Says:

On a clear day this castle is probably the best place to see Mexico City from a higher ground. It boats views extending as far as the mountain ranges surrounding DF. It also houses some magnificent Orozco murals.

Description:

The Castillo de Chapultepec was built between 1780 and 1790, constructed on top of an Aztec fortress with panoramic views of the city. The gardens surrounding the palace were designed by Empress Carlota during the French occupation and offer a beautiful stroll. It once served as the Colegio Militar (Military Academy) and was also the official presidential residence until 1939, when President Cárdenas converted the palace into the Museo Nacional de Historia. Restoration efforts have significantly enhanced the construction as well as the design of the interiors.

Description:

Jazz, literature, great artwork and impressive wine list and nibbles. This is as New York bohemian as you will get in Mexico City with a stylish venue and great selection of musicians. Impeccable service and a great location. A must see.

Description:

Set in the traditional, colonial neighbourhood of San Angel (think cobblestone streets, large Spanish influence mansions) Paxia fits the neighbourhood perfectly. Multi-award winning restaurant Paxia (meaning peace in Nahuatl) is without a doubt one of the most sophisticated and all around best dinning experiences in the city. Impecable service, jaw dropping decor (a mixture between Asian and Mexican touches accompanied by excellent lighting), yet with a casual and unpretentious feel to it. Paxia's food matches this ambiance perfectly' Mexican traditional dishes get a surprising reworking here - as in the chicharron (pork grind) lasagne with a pulque sauce; the ostentetious Aztec Budin (a masterfully, if excessive dish including foie gras, truffles which won top main dish in Mexico City in 2008) the "drunken duck" enchiladas with a dark beer sauce, etc. It's entree and bar menu are equally impressive and include a selection of local boutique beers, top range Mexican wines and cocktails invented by the in-house barman.

Description:

Mexico City's temple of hot licks, the Zinco Jazz Club, is hidden in the basement of an old bank in the Historic Center, a fitting location. It is perfect because the Art Deco interior transports patrons back to 1920s New York City and the old security vaults of the space make for excellent acoustics. The passionate owners of the club present national and international jazz stars like saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera, trumpet player Ingrid Jensen, Leo Corona's Latin Jazz All Stars, and Todd Clouser's A Love Electric. Entertaining on little stage in front of a classic red velvet curtain are new young talents like the fusion artists, Tres Tristes Tangos, and such diverse voices as funky soul band El Soul, and the conceptual rock bank, the Twin Tones. Light snacks and cocktails are available. Zinco Jazz Club is close to the Torre Latino Americana and Iglesia de San Felipe Neri.

Admission: Friday and Saturday cover charge, USD $10
Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Amex
Facebook: /pages/Zinco-Jazz-Club-el-bajocentro-Network-Oficial/302886781561
Parking: Valet, limited street parking
Services: bar, restaurant, live and recorded music, restrooms
How to Get There: Metro Allende and Bellas Artes read more

Our Local Expert Says:

With an iPod in each room, a hip nightclub in the basement, and a restaurant fit for fashionistas this hotel is perfect for the glitterati and those not minding a bit of noise in exchange for aesthetics and the "cool" factor.

Description:

Grupo Habita's Hotel Condesa DF can claim a leading role in the transformation of Colonia Condesa into Mexico City's chicest neighborhood. It is a walker's paradise, with low-rise buildings housing some of the city's finest restaurants and bars. Occupying a 1928 French Neoclassical style edifice that was renovated by architect Javier Sanchez and interior designer India Mahdavi, Condesa DF is graced by contemporary art - a Grupo Habita signature touch - in an intriguing collection curated by Betsabee Romero. Filtered sunlight streams through arched windows into the accommodations, where finely crafted wood paneling adds warmth to the modern design. "Rain" showers are a standard feature in the white stone bathrooms that also offer Malin + Goetz amenities. The fourth-floor roof terrace bar is a inviting space complete with attractive views of Chapultepec Castle and Parque Espana where guests can lounge on circular beds, imbibe martinis, and choose from perfectly prepared sushi.

Rates: USD $221-563 (Does not include 18.5% room tax)
Payment: Cash, Amex, Visa, MasterCard
Facebook: /grupohabita
Parking: Valet
Services: BMW house car, AC, minibar, CD/DVD player, LDC TV, iPod, telephone,... read more

Description:

The Hip Kitchen is the restaurant of the Hippodrome, a boutique hotel where Hollywood celebrities and any similar hipsters are housed while in the city. The building is an authentic art deco beauty from the 1930s andremodellled by the infamous architect Nahim Dagdug. The cuisine is international, and unexpected, as the Hip Kitchen's signature is regularly rotating a list of about 10 chefs from different backgrounds and specializing in different cuisines. The result is an ever changing menu of varied influences but with a basis in Mexican fusion. Located in the charming neighbourhood of La Condesa, the Hip Kitchen also boasts of what is possibly the best martini menu in town and some of the most friendly wait staff. You don't have to be an infamous film person, but don't be surprised if you catch them here.

Our Local Expert Says:

Has a very well equipped children's area

Description:

This restaurant features traditional Mexican cuisine, but has also been called the temple of tequila. Offering more than 150 varieties of this popular drink, you can also walk through the tequila museum. The decor of the restaurant is casual and modern, with brick walls and distillery tools used as ornaments. The menu features food from the land of mariachis, including Tortas Ahogadas, Tequila Steak, Chiles Stuffed with Three Cheeses, Crab and Shrimp, Fish with Coriander and much more.

Our Local Expert Says:

Some of the best martinis and cocktails in La Condesa are served here. Make sure you try their homemade pizzas and sit upstairs where the chairs are more comfortable.

Description:

Named after its owner, Tina Hacking, T Gallery is a place where people come without their inhibitions. It is a riot of colours, and there are 70s furnishings, 60s paraphenalia, and 1920's jazz era vibe and sofas everywhere. It could have been the perfect 1920s-themed lounge bar, except that it's too loud and rowdy. Drop in at any time of the day for a coffee, cake, or Tequilla. In the evening gear up for live jazz bands, French belly-dancers, and mystics.

Description:

Hooka Lounge offers house music in a middle Eastern surrounding. This place is very popular with the very hip and rather young crowd who come here to listen and dance to house music and eat Middle Eastern food and smoke shisha (flavoured tobacco) from communal water pipes.

Our Local Expert Says:

The single best place for any lover of Mexican mariachi and other regional music.

Description:

Outside of the Mexican city of Guadalajara, Plaza Garibaldi is the world's epicenter of traditional mariachi music. Hundreds of bands gather here at nights expecting to be hired for parties, weddings, birthdays or for midnight serenades to one's loved one. At Garibaldi you can get a band of up to 20 musicians to sing any of their massive repertoire of Mexican favorite tunes (ask for "Mariachi Loco" for one of the most upbeat, fun and danceable tunes). The city has also allowed outdoor drinking at this plaza and you can buy a traditional beer cocktail called "michelada" made of beer, lime juice, chili and sometimes bitters. The adjacent restaurants (especially Tenampa) are definitely worth a visit but at night try to remain within the plaza, as the adjacent neighborhood can be dangerous.

Description:

Mariachi and tequila are the most popular traditions in Mexico and this is a great place to enjoy them. Tenampa is a bar decorated in typical Mexican style, where you can choose from an enormous variety of tequilas and listen to the best mariachis in town. Make sure you visit this great place during your stay in Mexico City.

Our Local Expert Says:

With an iPod in each room, a hip nightclub in the basement, and a restaurant fit for fashionistas this hotel is perfect for the glitterati and those not minding a bit of noise in exchange for aesthetics and the "cool" factor.

Description:

Grupo Habita's Hotel Condesa DF can claim a leading role in the transformation of Colonia Condesa into Mexico City's chicest neighborhood. It is a walker's paradise, with low-rise buildings housing some of the city's finest restaurants and bars. Occupying a 1928 French Neoclassical style edifice that was renovated by architect Javier Sanchez and interior designer India Mahdavi, Condesa DF is graced by contemporary art - a Grupo Habita signature touch - in an intriguing collection curated by Betsabee Romero. Filtered sunlight streams through arched windows into the accommodations, where finely crafted wood paneling adds warmth to the modern design. "Rain" showers are a standard feature in the white stone bathrooms that also offer Malin + Goetz amenities. The fourth-floor roof terrace bar is a inviting space complete with attractive views of Chapultepec Castle and Parque Espana where guests can lounge on circular beds, imbibe martinis, and choose from perfectly prepared sushi.

Rates: USD $221-563 (Does not include 18.5% room tax)
Payment: Cash, Amex, Visa, MasterCard
Facebook: /grupohabita
Parking: Valet
Services: BMW house car, AC, minibar, CD/DVD player, LDC TV, iPod, telephone,... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

A sleepy colonial town feel inside the large metropolis.

Description:

One of the most beautiful and oldest neighborhoods of Mexico City, the San Angel Plaza - or downtown - is an eclectic mix of cobblestone streets, colonial mansions and delightful traditional restaurants. Saturdays sees the Bazaar open its doors with truly unique and rather expensive Mexican arts and crafts, and Sundays are a great day to visit this sleepy, town-like neighborhood in the middle of the Mexico City hustle and bustle.

Description:

A former tennis court in Pedregal, one of Mexico's wealthiest neighbourhoods, has gone to become one of the latest sensations in French influenced cuisine in Mexico City. Sud 777 has been designed in what owners call "Shabby Chic" a set of wooden and stone terraces, balconies, open spaces all covered in thick vegetation and dotted with various fireplaces. The result is warm, enticing and very comfortable. The food is French influenced with large portions and their tuna (cooked in lemon and spices with a bed of avocado and crunchy tortillas) recently won an award for one of the top 15 main dishes in the city. As expected, their cellar is highly influenced by continental traditions yet remains a good place to try some of the top Mexican bottles. You can opt for the full restaurant experience, or go for their bistro. Their bar has also become a mecca for the young and wealthy and a table there must be booked at least one week in advance.

Description:

This was Dolores Olmedo's home in the southern part of Mexico City. She was a friend of Diego Rivera and posed for him as many paintings of his will attest. Ms. Olmedo was a very wealthy and active socialite from the 1930's through the 1960's and since 1994, a few years before her death she converted this XVII century mansion into a museum and opened it to the public for everyone to enjoy.

The gardens are immaculate and the peacocks that roam freely are a sight to behold but her private collection of 145 of Diego Rivera's paintings as well as a substantial sampling of Frida Kahlo's work are the reason you should trek to this part of the city.

You will not feel like you are in a staid museum but rather a guest of Ms. Olmedo because the house has been maintained as it was when she lived here and many of her personal items are on display as well as her bedroom and other rooms which until a few years ago were closed to the public. There is a restaurant and a gift shop and you should probably devote half a day to this visit since getting there can take at least half an hour depending on traffic.

Our Local Expert Says:

With its hundreds of kilometers of water canals this is Mexico’s equivalent of Venice. A great day out on the water.

Description:

400 Kilometers of water canals make of Xochimilco Mexico's version of Venice. The best way to see this wonder of the ancient world is to arrive at the Nativitas boarding area and jump onto a "trajinera" - large wooden boats beautifully decorated with colorful paintings and flower arrangements. The boat trip (which can last one to five hours depending on what you choose) takes you past floating gardens, a vast array of bird life and "tinampas" which were islets made by the Aztecs by compacting mud and straw and building them around roots of aquatic trees. Weekends are very hectic here with a variety of floating mariachi bands, corn sales people, and partiers. For a more relaxed time visit on a weekday.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great martinis and beautiful people in a very nice building.

Description:

Young people seem to love this place as much for its great atmosphere as for its originality. You don't need to be a member of this club to enjoy it, but you do need money, preferably lots of it. Apart from a well-stocked bar, this place also offers a restaurant that serves delicious Italian food. The service and attention to detail are of the highest quality here. The music is varied, although it tends towards the newer hits.

Description:

Founded in Habana Cuba, and the original creators of the Mojito this place has been and continues to be frequented by the movers and shakers of Latin culture. Hemingway, Garcia Marquez, Castro, Che Guevara, all have gone through the Bodeguita to sample their amazing cuisine, cocktails, or step into the restaurant's humidor for any of their hundred differnet brands of cigars. To prove their assistance, the Bodeguita del Medio allows costumers to write their name on any of the walls - and often ceiling - of the locale making for interesting reading. The idea here is to order various dishes which then get shared with everyone at the table. The Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians - black beans and rice), their Ropa Vieja (Old Clothes - shredded beef), and fried plantains are worth the visit. Dinners are livened up by original cuban quartets and although there is little space for dancing, people manage to squeeze a few twirls in any open space. Dinner here on the weekends is an unforgettable lively event.

Description:

Owned by one of Mexico's biggest young actor, La Bipolar has become a hangout for the film and modelling crowds yet without the attitude usually associated with such watering hole. The bar and dance floor sit above a restaurant and you must know where to head and how to deal with the zealous bouncers here. Once inside there are always great DJs and a lot of watching and being watched. Dress to impress. Cover varies.

Our Local Expert Says:

With an iPod in each room, a hip nightclub in the basement, and a restaurant fit for fashionistas this hotel is perfect for the glitterati and those not minding a bit of noise in exchange for aesthetics and the "cool" factor.

Description:

Grupo Habita's Hotel Condesa DF can claim a leading role in the transformation of Colonia Condesa into Mexico City's chicest neighborhood. It is a walker's paradise, with low-rise buildings housing some of the city's finest restaurants and bars. Occupying a 1928 French Neoclassical style edifice that was renovated by architect Javier Sanchez and interior designer India Mahdavi, Condesa DF is graced by contemporary art - a Grupo Habita signature touch - in an intriguing collection curated by Betsabee Romero. Filtered sunlight streams through arched windows into the accommodations, where finely crafted wood paneling adds warmth to the modern design. "Rain" showers are a standard feature in the white stone bathrooms that also offer Malin + Goetz amenities. The fourth-floor roof terrace bar is a inviting space complete with attractive views of Chapultepec Castle and Parque Espana where guests can lounge on circular beds, imbibe martinis, and choose from perfectly prepared sushi.

Rates: USD $221-563 (Does not include 18.5% room tax)
Payment: Cash, Amex, Visa, MasterCard
Facebook: /grupohabita
Parking: Valet
Services: BMW house car, AC, minibar, CD/DVD player, LDC TV, iPod, telephone,... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Best seafood in Mexico City

Description:

The crowded dining room at Contramar, the Roma Norte seafood restaurant, is dominated by a broad, abstract mural - of fish, naturally. The number one choice of diners at this high-end lunch spot is the snapper "a la talla" - an entire grilled, butterflied fish, flavored with red chile and green parsley. Your meal could also include such dishes as tacos with lightly fried shrimp or octopus, consommé Oaxacan "Riscalillo-style, and squid salad with warm potatoes and basil. For dessert try the fig tart or coconut flan. The perfect beverage to wash down your meal is the concoction known as a michelada - beer served over ice with lemon juice, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Arrive early (or late) if you want to secure a table without a reservation. Otherwise, enjoy the people watching as you join the crowd waiting on the sidewalk. Contramar is near the Palacio de Hierro department store on Ave. Oaxaca.

Prices: MX$250+/US$25+
Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Amex
Parking: Valet, limited street parking
How to Get There: Metro Sevilla
Services: Restaurant, bar, restrooms

Our Local Expert Says:

One of Latin America’s largest and most prestigious bullfighting rinks. Tickets are divided between "sun section" or "shaded" and vary in price according to how close you want to get to the action. Locals seem to purchase inexpensive tickets and then move to better seats once the event is underway.

Description:

While soccer has overtaken bullfighting as Mexico's national sport, the "corrida de toros" remains hugely popular despite the protests of animal rights activists. The Plaza México is the world's largest bullring - big enough to If you can afford it, purchase a seat on the shady side close to the action and observe the finest international bullfighters compete against tough, obviously angry, Mexican bulls. accommodate the 50,000 cheering fans that gather there on Sundays from March to November. Three matadors alternate in 15-minute long fights with a total of six different bulls. They dance an intricate paso doble - from the first row seats you can hear their intimate conversation: whispers, taunts, snorts, and grunts. Crowds tend to be friendly, especially to foreigners who show a desire to learn about this traditional sport. Plaza Mexico also presents boxing matches and concerts; the Estadio Azul football stadium and Poliforum Siqueiros are located nearby.
Hours of Operation: Sundays, 5:00 pm, approximately April to September
Admission: MX$90-231/US$9-23 at the (box office or Ticketmaster)
Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard
Parking: Very limited street parking, off-site parking garages... read more

Description:

The rooftop restaurant of the Condesa DF Hotel, like the rest of the building, is tremendously chic. White lounge sofas, circular beds, heat lamps and even a spa pool dot this al-fresco restaurant (blankets and pillows are provided to make your chill out session more pleasant). It's sushi and sashimi dishes are incredibly very well prepared and its myriad of cocktails can have you sampling new concoctions all night long. Terraza at Condesa DF is best on a warm night.

Our Local Expert Says:

Polanco's home away from home for the young and perennially hip. Lounge nights (Friday and Saturdays) at the rooftop pool will make you feel like you are lost in Ibiza or at a fashion shoot for Vogue.

Description:

Mexico City's tony Polanco neighborhood north of Chapultepec Park is home to Hotel Habita, the flagship property of the Mexican-owned Grupo Habita. The frosted-glass exterior of the hotel, designed by TEN Arquitectos, fairly shimmers at night on one of the city's most expensive shopping streets, Avenida Masaryk. Accommodations are true to the company's trademark minimalist style, which still allows room for soft bed pillows and plush comforters. The Habita's sixth floor terrace remains one of the top nightlife destinations for the city's moneyed class; entertainers, fashion models, and their friends party here until 2:00 am; some guests say that this can make the upper floor rooms a bit noisy. The restaurant offers an extensive cold breakfast buffet for 180 pesos or a hot buffet for 225 pesos, with a la carte selections available, too. Among Grupo Habita's other hotels are the Condesa DF, and the Hotel Boca Chica in Acapulco.

Accommodations: 36 rooms and suites
Rates: USD $200-587 (Breakfast Inclusive Rate add approximately USD $10) Does not include 18.5% room tax
Payment: Cash, Amex, Visa, MasterCard
Facebook: /sharer.php?u=/
Twitter: /grupohabita
Parking: Valet
Services: BMW... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Casa Lamm's impressively designed restaurant is a must for anyone trying to impress guests or enjoy a meal in a fantastic surrounding. The bookshop is excellent for anyone wanting beautiful books about Latin America.

Description:

Culture is being rescued in an impressive way; more so in this city, where it seems that stress and hurry don't allow the capital's inhabitants to ever stop and take a look around. This gallery is a private association that is concerned with providing open forums for cultural and artistic expression. In its facilities you will find fine arts retrospectives, sculptures, oil paintings in a variety of techniques, photography exhibits and book presentations. It also offers courses and workshops on many arts. There is a cafeteria, video club and bookstore.

Description:

Mexico is rich in culture and many different groups inhabited the country before the arrival of the Spaniards. Aztecs, Mayas, Otomis, Zapotecos, etc. But there is a great mystery surrounding Teotihuacan, there are theories about who built this city and why it was abandoned buy no one knows for sure.

Teotihuacan is an hour and a half drive north of Mexico City and I recommend you devote a full day to visiting. Leave early in the morning in order to avoid traffic and spend as much time as you can exploring this magnificent @font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } archaeological site.

There are two main pyramids, the Sun and the Moon, the first one is larger and taller and you can climb both of them. The sun is a bit difficult but once you get to the top you will have an incredibly beautiful view of the valley.

You can also walk around what was once the main avenue called Calzada de los Muertos (Avenue of the Dead) and see many small buildings and new discoveries from on-going excavations. You will be approached by locals selling... read more

Description:

Multi-award winning Jaso is set in the heart of Polanco, and is run by American trained chefs Sonia Arias (pastries) and executive chef Jared Reardon. Their restaurant follows a strict "word of mouth only" marketing strategy, which also means the place has no sign, and is not listed. Yet since its opening, this little treasure has remained a popular spot for any epicurian in the city. The influences are clearly American with a slight French fusion and they specialize in a 5 or 9 dish tasting menu which is costumised for each costumer. They dinning experience is unique not just due to its costumised format, but also due to the tasteful surrounds' two levels, an inner garden, a stunning outside terrace, and particular attention on stimulation all 5 senses. Likewise Jaso has had several accolades for their wine list which includes over 450 different labels. All staff are qualified to suggest the perfect bottle for your meal. Jaso, like most of its surrounding neighbourhood of Polanco, is expensive.

Description:

Construction of the Palace of Fine Arts started in 1904 and ended in 1932. Technical difficulties, budgetary constraints and the 1910 Mexican revolution interrupted what was supposed to be a four year project.

It is a magnificent white marble building used for world-class performing arts shows such as symphonic orchestras, operas, plays, singers and performers. It is undoubtedly the most prestigious performing arts center in all of Mexico.

In addition, the building is also a museum with a steady stream of shows of Mexican and European painters. The interior walls have murals by Jose Clemente Orozco as well as stunning bronce sculptures and stained glass windows.

Our Local Expert Says:

Polanco's home away from home for the young and perennially hip. Lounge nights (Friday and Saturdays) at the rooftop pool will make you feel like you are lost in Ibiza or at a fashion shoot for Vogue.

Description:

Mexico City's tony Polanco neighborhood north of Chapultepec Park is home to Hotel Habita, the flagship property of the Mexican-owned Grupo Habita. The frosted-glass exterior of the hotel, designed by TEN Arquitectos, fairly shimmers at night on one of the city's most expensive shopping streets, Avenida Masaryk. Accommodations are true to the company's trademark minimalist style, which still allows room for soft bed pillows and plush comforters. The Habita's sixth floor terrace remains one of the top nightlife destinations for the city's moneyed class; entertainers, fashion models, and their friends party here until 2:00 am; some guests say that this can make the upper floor rooms a bit noisy. The restaurant offers an extensive cold breakfast buffet for 180 pesos or a hot buffet for 225 pesos, with a la carte selections available, too. Among Grupo Habita's other hotels are the Condesa DF, and the Hotel Boca Chica in Acapulco.

Accommodations: 36 rooms and suites
Rates: USD $200-587 (Breakfast Inclusive Rate add approximately USD $10) Does not include 18.5% room tax
Payment: Cash, Amex, Visa, MasterCard
Facebook: /sharer.php?u=/
Twitter: /grupohabita
Parking: Valet
Services: BMW... read more