Mexico City Archives

Make the most of Mexico City nightlife

When the sun goes down, Mexico City comes alive. Mexico City’s nightlife offers an incredible array of experiences. From the high-end cocktail bar to the kitschy dance club to the timeless cantina, there are options for any mood, budget, and taste. Read on, get on your dancing shoes, and get ready. Here’s how to spend many memorable nights out on the town. This is our guide to the best bars and nightlife in Mexico City.

Plan your night in Mexico City – start off at a casual cantina, followed by a cocktail in a mezcalería or rooftop bar. There are so many to choose from! Then move on to one of the best dance clubs or nightclubs in Mexico City. Scroll down for hot tips, and get in touch if you need help finding a place to stay, or have a group event to plan.

Cantinas (local bars): aka. the Heart of Mexico

Historically, cantinas have been a preferred hangout all over the country. Laid-back and brimming with tradition, cantinas offer affordable drinks and botanas (snacks), and in many cases, full lunch or dinner menus. For centuries, women weren’t allowed in cantinas, but today, things have changed. Cantinas welcome patrons from all walks of life who want to gather around the table for hours, usually to the sound of a classic mariachi or trío.

Some of the most iconic cantinas in town are found right in the heart of downtown. Tenampa is a festive spot that’s ideal for traditional Mexican food and drinks. Believe us when we say they taste even better when paired with the sound of mariachi music. In fact, Tenampa is located in Garibaldi Plaza, the city’s official mariachi headquarters. Another cantina is La Faena, decorated with vintage bullfighting posters and memorabilia. Here, you’ll find a super casual and lively atmosphere. Meanwhile at La Opera, gorgeous interiors will take you back to its origins in 1895.

Mezcalerías: Agave bars in Mexico City

Mezcal has deep ties to Mexican history, culture, and mythology. According to legend, we have the agave goddess Mayahuel to thank for this fascinating spirit. Mezcal is produced in eight Mexican states including Oaxaca (home to most of the country’s production), Guerrero, and Durango. Whether you are already a mezcal aficionado or want to begin your exploration of this agave-based liquid, there are plenty of mezcalerías in Mexico City where you can embark on this journey.

Located in Centro Histórico, Bósforo is a bohemian spot dedicated to artisanal mezcal. Here, you’ll find a wide array of agave varietals and a knowledgeable staff that is always ready to offer advice. The low lighting and groovy world music will help set the mood. Over at Roma, head to La Clandestina, a local favorite for nearly 15 years. This cozy spot serves more than 20 mezcals, most of them from Oaxaca, including some in tasty cocktails. And for a fun, casual night of mezcal-imbibing, look no further than La Botica. Here, you’ll find more than 50 labels on the shelves of its two locations: Centro Histórico and Condesa.

Rooftop bars in Mexico City: See and be seen

Over the past few years, rooftop bars have sprouted up all over the city. Make the most of the city’s mild climate (most of the year) and beautiful views across different neighborhoods. Rooftop bars usually offer a chill vibe during the early evening. Then the atmosphere starts to heat up later on – some of these bars turn into full-blown nightclubs. Depending on your plans, you can stop at a rooftop for a few drinks before heading to a nightclub, or spend the entire night there, soaking in the views and energetic atmosphere. Try these Mexico City rooftop bars and you will not be disappointed!

Supra, located in the heart of Roma, boasts modern furnishings, 360-degree views of the city, and a menu inspired by Asian and Mediterranean flavors that pairs perfectly with the house cocktails. Aside from a live DJ, Supra frequently hosts events such as meditation sessions or art shows.
Nearby, Gin Gin welcomes guests with a lively vibe and an extensive cocktail menu that, just like its name promises, features more than 50 gin labels. Pair a refreshing gin and tonic with one of their excellent burgers at any of their five locations (aside from two in Roma, you’ll find three more in Polanco, Condesa, and Satélite).
If you’re in Juárez, Toledo Rooftop is your best bet. A beautiful building is the perfect setting to enjoy a Baja-Med food menu (Baja California meets the Mediterranean), a long wine, spirit, and cocktail list, and music by live DJs.

Whichever of these Mexico City rooftop bars you choose to explore, remember that cocktails will cost around 220 pesos ($12 USD). Oh, and dress to impress!

If you’re looking to plan a trip to Mexico City and need help finding accommodation, things to do, or tickets to big events like the F1 Grand Prix, Lucha Libra or Day of the Dead, get in touch. We’ll help plan your journey.

Mexico City’s Cocktail Scene: A Toast to Creativity

As varied and exciting as its culinary scene, Mexico’s cocktail landscape keeps getting more interesting as time goes by. It’s no surprise that many of its cocktail bars are featured in international lists. In this city, you’ll find inventive drinks, excellent service, and original concepts.

Cocktail bars in Mexico City usually open around 6:00 PM and get busier as the night progresses. You can start your evening at one of these bars before you head to dinner or a club. Or spend the night exploring their unique personalities and drinks.

Start with an award winner – Handshake Bar, in Juárez is the #2 bar in North America by 50 Best Bars. Inside a luxurious, intimate space, the team serves deceptively simple-looking drinks that hide careful, creative processes. Roma is home to two other exciting cocktail bars: Brujas, a woman-led den with drinks that honor inspiring women and traditional Mexican herbology, and Rayo, a gorgeous rooftop bar in Roma where every premium spirit-based cocktail tells a story. We also love Hanky Panky, in Juárez – a speakeasy whose address is secret, where the bartenders are part-owners. It’s an intimate space with incredible cocktails… and we can help you get in. Just ask!

Dance Clubs: Show your moves

Cumbia, salsa, merengue, and reggaeton await at some of Mexico City’s fabulous dance clubs. With decades of tradition, these aren’t the type of clubs where dancing is optional. Here, people spend hours on the dance floor, moving to the sound of live music with pure joy. From amateurs to true pros with impressive moves, you’ll find all sorts of couples on the floor. Don’t be surprised if a complete stranger asks you to dance!

In Roma Norte, Mama Rumba is a two-story Cuban bar dedicated to salsa and Caribbean music where a 100 peso ($5 USD) cover will guarantee a night of nonstop dancing. Also in Roma, Club San Luis has been a beloved space for more than eight decades, boasting three live bands per night and an irresistible, old-school feel. Another timeless classic is Salón Los Ángeles, located in Colonia Guerrero. This fun and unpretentious setting has been witness to countless dance contests and parties and has even been used as a filming location in movies and shows. Danzón, mambo, and swing are a few of the genres you can move to when you visit this historic dance hall.

Nightclubs: Party until dawn

Mexico City’s energy continues to thrive well into the night. For an evening of dancing and people-watching, its nightclubs offer a variety of styles, from trendy spaces where you can dance to pop and reggaeton, to dark, sexy spots that host world-class DJs every weekend.

Most clubs usually open around 11:00 PM, and booking a table is a good idea if you plan to go with a larger group to avoid waiting in line at the door. We can help you with that – simply get in touch for the best in Mexico City nightlife! Here are our recommendations:

Dinsmoor, located in Polanco, is a favorite among fans of live DJs. The vibes are always high inside this gorgeous space. Make sure to book a table in advance, as it is small and exclusive, so it gets crowded quickly. Also in Polanco, República welcomes a young, glam crowd to dance to today’s latest hits and toast with classic drinks. Over in Roma, a house that once belonged to the founder of the Mexican Communist party is now the beloved MN Roy, with an impressive rotation of DJs to dance way into the end of the night.

We know you’ll have a great time exploring Mexico City’s bars and nightclubs.
For a fully planned itinerary, we’re here to help you have the best vacation ever.

Jenny May 23, 2023June 1, 2023 Mexico, Mexico City, Uncategorized Activities, Night

Things to do (for everyone) in Mexico City

Angel de la Independencia - Independence angel

You finally did it: you booked your trip to Mexico City. Now it’s time to plan your days there. You know you want to absorb the local culture, do some shopping and, of course, eat and drink as much as possible. But where to start? And how to keep everyone happy during the trip? This guide to just some of the Things to Do in Mexico City aims to help you plan your trip.

In a city as big as Mexico City, your best bet is to plan your schedule by neighborhood and prioritize those that fit your vibe. For example, spend an entire day shopping, dining, and museum-hopping in Polanco, or split your day between trendy, neighboring areas like Roma and Juárez. This way, you’ll save valuable time instead of sitting in traffic. You’ll also get a great sense of what makes each neighborhood in CDMX so unique.

Walk in the City’s Neighborhoods

Young Caucasian woman walking in Mexico City

Walking around Mexico City’s neighborhoods is an incomparable way to soak up the city’s diversity and color. Find charming cafés and restaurants in the leafy streets of Condesa, especially along its main avenue, Amsterdam, or the beautiful Parque España. Nearby, Roma is lined with trendy restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Many of them are housed in gorgeous restored houses from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The dining scene is also strong in Polanco, particularly in the area that surrounds Parque Lincoln. This lovely park is usually populated with local families enjoying a day out. This neighborhood is also your best bet for high-end shopping. Its main avenue, Presidente Masaryk, is home to a fabulous selection of designer boutiques.

Should you want a glimpse of the city’s more whimsical neighborhoods, head to Coyoacán and San Ángel, both in the southern part of town. San Ángel boasts gorgeous cobblestone streets lined with colonial-style houses and bougainvillea. It’s a particularly excellent destination on Saturdays when local designers and crafts makers gather at Bazaar del Sábado to showcase their creations. In Coyoacán, you’ll find a lovely square called Jardín Centenario, lined with restaurants and coffee shops, as well as the aforementioned market and, of course, the Frida Kahlo Museum.

Find out more about Mexico City’s Neighbourhoods in our Where to Stay Guide.

Mexico City’s Bars and Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Mexico City is still buzzing with life. Cocktail aficionados will appreciate the city’s booming mixology scene, present in bars like Brujas, in Colonia Roma. It’s a female-run spot that serves intriguing concoctions with mystical names. While in Roma, plan a visit to Licorería Limantour, a pioneer in the city’s cocktail renaissance. Over in nearby Juárez, the team at Handshake Bar serves creative and exquisitely presented drinks in an elegant speakeasy setting.

Those who want to explore the mystical world of mezcal should head to La Botica, with spots in Centro Histórico and Roma, or visit La Clandestina, in Condesa. With laid-back atmospheres and knowledgeable staff, these bars are ideal for sipping on this agave spirit.

If you feel like dancing, make sure to check out Salón San Luis, in Colonia Roma. The old-school vibe –waiters in white blazers, a live band onstage– sets the mood for a night of cumbia and salsa dancing til your feet hurt.

Two Travel can help your build your journey – from accommodation to day trips to restaurant reservations. Fill in this form and we’ll be your local Mexico City guide from the moment you start planning.

Mexico City for Art and Culture Lovers

With more than 150 museums, it’s safe to say that the Mexico City museum scene covers whatever interest and passion you and your group may have. History buffs will be in awe of Museo Nacional de Antropología, in Chapultepec. It’s a stunning space with 22 halls dedicated to archaeology and ethnography, granting an incomparable glimpse into Mexican culture. Those who love classic art cannot miss MUNAL (Museo Nacional de Arte), in Centro Histórico. The building itself is an early 20th-century masterpiece. Discover Mexican art produced between the 16th and 20th centuries, including masterpieces by Raúl Anguiano and Saturnino Herrán.

If modern and contemporary art is your thing, head to Museo de Arte Moderno and Museo Tamayo, both located in the Chapultepec area, or visit Museo Jumex, in nearby Polanco. These spaces offer fascinating permanent collections and temporary exhibitions featuring some of the most prominent names in art. Mexico City is also home to unique and quirky museums, such as MODO, Museo del Objeto del Objeto. This design-oriented museum in Colonia Roma exhibits ordinary objects that tell extraordinary stories.

Explore Mexico City’s Markets

Exploring Mexican markets is a true feast for the senses. A colorful, loud, and sometimes overwhelming but always exhilarating ride. Although you’ll find markets of all sizes scattered across the city, here are a few of the most iconic ones. Our Cooking Class and Market Tour is a perfect introduction.

Mercado Coyoacán boasts countless rows of traditional market fare – fruits and vegetables, meat, spices and more. It’s also home to quite a few esoteric stalls, selling candles, crystals, and potions. No visit to this market is complete without a stop at its tostada restaurant. Treat yourself to tostadas topped with everything from chicken to shrimp cocktails.

Mercado San Juan, in the city’s downtown area, is a true paradise for those whose travel is led by food. Fresh fish and seafood, an impressive variety of meats (including exotic meats like iguana and boar), and edible insects coexist in the same space as colorful fruits and vegetables, Asian specialty foods, and European cold cuts and cheeses.

Over at La Ciudadela, a dazzling selection of Mexican crafts awaits. La Ciudadela holds creations from around 350 vendors from all around the country. It’s perfect for authentic souvenirs, offering authentic textiles, silver, pottery, wooden alebrijes, and sculptures.

And for another colorful experience, make a trip to Mercado Jamaica, which specializes in plants and flowers. Although you may not be able to bring your purchases home with you, it is a true spectacle to see the variety of species sold here, as well as some of the creative flower arrangements offered for celebrations such as weddings and quinceañera parties.

For more ideas on what to do in Mexico City, take a look at our Mexico City Experiences or give us a call to help Build Your Journey.

Jenny April 18, 2023April 21, 2023 Mexico, Mexico City Activities, Culture, Day, Food, Night, Tour

Tolantongo Hot Springs

These hot springs are fantastic day trip from Mexico City. Start your day relaxing in cliff top pools with a view over the countryside, before a dip in the warm river waters and a chance to see the famous cave and waterfall of this special turquoise water paradise.

This tour can be done in one day, leaving early from Mexico City for the four hour drive to the hot springs in Tolantantongo. You’re sure to enjoy the cleansing properties of the turquoise hot springs. We recommend taking this tour on a weekday when the pools are a little quieter.

Following breakfast en-route, on arrival at the hot springs, we get to the cliff top pools early in the day, so you can get that sought after Instagram shot in these one-of-a-kind pools. Each pool is fed by the natural hot springs in this area, and due to the minerals found in the rocks, the water is an incredible hue. It’s a natural spa – no filters required!

You can opt for a zipline down from the pools to the river, or hike down through nature. The river is also a wonderful color, and warm to the touch. It’s a great place for a dip, followed by a delicious lunch on the riverside.

After lunch, you can enjoy the pools or the river, or for the more adventurous, explore the tunnels and caves that lead to a beautiful waterfall spot. Make sure to bring water shoes or hiking sandals that you don’t mind getting wet, along with a waterproof cover for your phone or camera.

Daniela Escamilla March 22, 2023March 23, 2023 Leave a comment Experiences, Mexico, Mexico City Activities, Adventures, Day, Day Trips, Tour

Teotihuacan Pyramids by Balloon

Tick off two bucket list activities in one day trip from Mexico City. Visit Teotihuacan – the pre-Aztec City of the Gods – and get a feel for the scale of this ancient city and its incredible pyramids by hot air balloon, before walking the site itself.

At about 50km north east of Mexico City, Teotihuacan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a city of great historical importance built over 2,000 years ago. We leave early in the morning to get to the pyramids for a dawn flight over the City of the Gods in a hot air balloon.

Your hot air balloon is perfect for 12 people, so if you’re in a group on vacation for a special occasion, this is a fantastic day trip to take. Following a light breakfast (and some mezcal for those afraid of heights!), we set sail above this ancient city in your very own hot air balloon. You will get some incredible shots of the most important monuments – the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, and the Temple of Quetzacoatzl. Enjoy the views and the morning light for 40-50 minutes – a truly magical experience!

On landing, we treat you to a glass of champagne, a coffee and more to eat, before driving over to the site itself. You’ll have the opportunity to walk the site, exploring the magnificent structures with a guide who will reveal all the interesting stories of this mesoamerican city.

We recommend wearing layers and closed shoes for this trip, because it can be chilly in the early morning, and the sun is strong later in the day. Bring sunscreen and a hat if you plan to walk a lot, as there is very little shade in Teotihuacan. Transport to and from your accommodation in Mexico City is included.

Daniela Escamilla March 22, 2023March 23, 2023 Leave a comment Experiences, Mexico, Mexico City Activities, Adventures, Day, Day Trips, Tour

Xochimilco Boat Party

Young women driving in car – sharing a ride to work or going for a road trip together.

A couple of hours by boat along the Xochimilco canals is a popular activity for tourist groups and locals alike, especially at weekends. These colorful boats known as trajineras are perfect for a party, sometimes with your very own Mariachi band!

Xochimilco is an ancient network of canals and islands, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the south of Mexico City. Every weekend, the canals are alive with boats, music, food and drink sellers, and flowers. It’s a fantastic amount of fun and an entertaining way to spend an afternoon in nature.

As part of this tour, we not only organize your boat, but also a cooler of drinks, plenty of snacks, and some music to dance the afternoon away. This is a great option for groups on vacation, and if you’re celebrating a special occasion, just let us know, so we can plan all the bells and whistles to make this an afternoon on the water no to be missed.

Daniela Escamilla March 22, 2023March 23, 2023 Leave a comment Experiences, Mexico, Mexico City Activities, Adventures, Boat, Day, Tour

Cooking Class and Market Tour

What better way to explore Mexican culture than by exploring a local market to buy ingredients, and then working with a chef to create a delicious 4-course Mexican meal? This tour is a must for foodies, and takes place in the beautiful La Roma neighborhood.

Your first stop will be a local market in the Roma area of Mexico City. Here, you’ll rub shoulders with locals buying the freshest ingredients and finding out about the vibrant flavors of Mexico. Once we’ve bought all the ingredients (and tasted a few things too), we’ll walk to a local kitchen, where you’ll help to prepare lunch – appetizers, Mexican salsas, tortillas, a delicious main course, and of course something sweet to finish.

After all that work, it’s time to enjoy the fruits and flavors of your labor. We’ll eat lunch together, sharing recipes and enjoying a Mexican mezcal, craft beer or wine.

Daniela Escamilla March 22, 2023March 23, 2023 Leave a comment Experiences, Mexico, Mexico City Activities, Culture, Day, Tour

Mexico City Food Tour

Not only do you get to explore Mexico City’s Historical Center, on this walking tour, you also get to sample the delicious flavors of Mexico. This city food tour is perfect for foodies wanting to explore authentic Mexican drinks, snacks, markets and street food.

See the city through its flavors, walking through time to explore pre-Hispanic food to modern day Mexican food. You’ll have a drink in a traditional Mexican cantina, take a stroll through a famous market, snack on sweet treats in one of the oldest candy stores in the city, and explore organic Oaxacan cooking.

We recommend that you arrive to this tour hungry! And if you’re in Mexico City for a special occasion, we can help you find the best gastronomic experience for the evening, securing you a reservation at one of the best restaurants in the city. Just let us know what you’re looking for.

Daniela Escamilla March 22, 2023March 23, 2023 Leave a comment Experiences, Mexico, Mexico City Activities, Culture, Day, Tour

Frida Kahlo Museum

Also known as La Casa Azul, the Frida Kahlo museum is an unmissable treat in Mexico City. One of the most famous artists in Mexico, Frida Kahlo lived and painted in this house in Coyoacán for many years.

In this magical space, you’ll find personal objects left by Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera – their art, clothes, furniture, books, jewelry – and of course sketches, paintings and art by the two famous artists, and other artists they knew or were inspired by. Explore the courtyard and rooms where Frida worked, and even visit her bedroom and the Altar de Muertes.

Our guide will provide additional context to what you see, recounting interesting stories about the iconic artist’s life both in Mexico City and in the US, and the people, places and culture that inspired her.

This tour is often coupled with the Coayacán Walking Tour, for a fully immersive day in the artistic hub of the city.

Daniela Escamilla March 22, 2023March 23, 2023 Leave a comment Experiences, Mexico, Mexico City Activities, Culture, Tour

Lucha Libre + Mezcal Tasting

A night of Mexican wrestling is not only one of the most enjoyable things you can do in Mexico City, but also a great way to “dive in” to seriously authentic Mexican pop culture! This tour is a fantastic trip for groups especially.

In readiness for an evening of Lucha Libre, we´ll first take you to a local place for some mezcal tasting, where we’ll also teach you some of the key phrases for your night in Arena Mexico – the cathedral of Lucha Libre – which takes place every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday night. It’s the perfect warm up, before we head to the 17,000 seat stadium for an evening of Mexican wrestling. You’ll be close to the action, cheering on the iconic masked wrestlers (or luchadores) as good wrestles evil in a high energy spectacle. The atmosphere cannot be beaten, and we’ll make sure you have masks, drinks, pizza and chicharrón (salty pork scratchings!) to accompany this wild night of sporting prowess.

Daniela Escamilla March 22, 2023March 27, 2023 Bachelors, Experiences, Mexico, Mexico City Activities, Night, Tour

Mexico City Walking Tours

Mexico City is huge so although walking between neighborhoods is not recommended, taking a walking tour in the City Center, Roma, La Condesa or Coayacan, is a great way to get a feel for the city. Our tours are personalized, so if you want to explore a specific area, let us know.

Each walking tour is a couple of hours, but we recommend you consider it as a half day tour, so we can take our time, stop for food or refreshments, and give you time to really explore. These are perfect introductions to each area, which you can then follow with a visit to some of the wonderful museums and galleries in each neighborhood. Here are some examples of the walking tours we arrange.

Mexico City Historical Center

Downtown Mexico City is a place full of attractions. You could spend days enjoying the culture and history in this area. This tour gives you an introduction and orientation to Mexico City’s Historical Center. By foot, you’ll see some of the incredible palaces, museums and squares that form this district – the Aztec temple, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Palace of Fine Arts, the Alameda Central Park and Diego Riviera Mural Museum. There are plenty of opportunities for photos and of course, we can recommend some local spots for great tacos!

Roma and La Condesa

We love both of these areas and recommend them both as areas to use as your base when staying in Mexico City. Roma has more of a local neighborhood feel and is perfect if you want to explore art deco buildings and Mexican culture. Roma is buzzing with shops, restaurants, parks, street art and markets. There is always something to see in these streets. La Condesa next door is where you’ll find a more upscale feel – designer shops, fancy restaurants and long boulevards. It’s also famous for its nightlife, so we recommend coming here to walk in the afternoon and enjoy the evenings! During this walking tour, you’ll see these beautiful streets full of architectural styles, as well as some time in Parque Mexico. Mexico City never ceases to amaze with its green spaces.

Coayocan

A trip Coayocan in the south of Mexico City is a must. You’ll probably want to combine this walking tour with a trip to the Frida Kahlo museum (La Casa Azul). Known for decades as one of the most bohemian areas of the city, you do not want to miss a photo at the famous coyote fountain. You’ll also visit beautiful and unique churches, parks and the fascinating markets of the area. And of course, we’ll take you to see the hot spots where famous Mexican artists made their mark.

Daniela Escamilla March 22, 2023March 23, 2023 Leave a comment Experiences, Mexico, Mexico City Activities, Culture, Tour