Why Mexico City?

Tess visited Mexico City first and immediately fell in love with it. After we got engaged, we came back together, and it didn’t take long for Josh to understand why. The food, the culture, the architecture, the energy of the city, there is so much here that we love. As we thought about where we wanted to get married, we loved the idea of choosing somewhere new to both of us and making it part of our story together. We’re so excited to share a place we love with the people we love most.

A Little About CDMX

Mexico City sits on the site of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital founded on an island in Lake Texcoco in the 14th century. Today, it’s one of the largest cities in North America and sits more than 7,000 feet above sea level. It’s home to more than 150 museums, one of the highest concentrations of museums of any city in the world. Its streets bring together centuries of history, from Aztec ruins and Spanish colonial architecture to Art Deco, modernism, and some of the best food anywhere. It’s huge, layered, energetic, and nearly impossible to experience the same way twice.

Mexico City, Mexico

Good To Know

It’s big. Really big. Greater Mexico City is home to roughly 22 million people, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. Think of it more like New York than a traditional destination wedding location. Where you stay matters, and you won’t necessarily be hopping between neighborhoods in a few minutes.

Plan around traffic. Mexico City traffic is no joke, particularly around morning and evening rush hours. Leave some buffer when heading to dinner, events, or across town, and don’t be surprised if a drive that looks short on the map takes much longer than expected.

Spanish is the primary language. This isn’t quite like Cancún or Cabo, where tourism is heavily geared toward English-speaking visitors. You’ll certainly encounter people who speak English, especially at hotels and in tourist-friendly areas, but don’t expect it everywhere. A few basic Spanish phrases go a long way, and we recommend having Google Translate ready when you need it.

You’re at 7,350 feet. Mexico City sits at a higher elevation than Denver. You may notice the altitude when you first arrive, so drink plenty of water, take it easy at first, and perhaps don’t make your first activity a race up the stairs.

The neighborhoods are part of the experience. CDMX is made up of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own feel. We’ll share our recommendations on where to stay so you can be close to the wedding festivities while still getting a feel for the city.

Be smart about safety. Like any major city, Mexico City has neighborhoods that are more visitor-friendly and others that we wouldn’t recommend exploring, especially if it’s your first visit or you don’t speak Spanish. All of our hotel, restaurant, and activity recommendations are in areas where we feel comfortable sending our friends and family. Use the same common sense you would in New York or any other big city: be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your belongings, and use Uber or another trusted ride service to get around, particularly at night.

Tess & Josh at Museo Nacional de Antropología

Cocktails at Voraz, Tess orders the Santa Maria, Josh the Naked and Famous

What To Do

Tess has been to Mexico City four times and Josh three, and we still feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface. Here are a few of our favorites, plus a few places still on our list.

Museums & Culture

  • Museo Nacional de Antropología: If you only visit one museum, make it this one. It’s huge, so we recommend focusing your time on the Mexica (Aztec) room.

  • Museo de Arte Moderno: One of Tess’s favorites, with a great collection of Mexican modern art. It’s also right in Chapultepec Park.

  • Frida Kahlo Museum: Frida Kahlo’s former home, studio, and gardens in Coyoacán. Book tickets ahead of time.

  • Museo Soumaya: Still on Tess’s list for our next trip. The building itself is worth seeing, with a huge art collection inside.

Explore

  • Parque México & Parque España: Two beautiful parks in Condesa, close to where we recommend staying. Grab a coffee and wander around.

  • Chapultepec Park & Castle: Spend a few hours exploring the park, lake, and historic castle. The castle also has some of the best views of the city.

  • Lucha Libre: Our favorite activity from our last trip. It’s loud, ridiculous, incredibly fun, and the energy is amazing.

  • Shopping: Roma Norte and Condesa are great for independent boutiques, Mexican designers, vintage, and home goods. Experimental Ceramics was one of Tess’s favorite finds.

  • If You Have More Time: The colorful trajineras of Xochimilco and the pyramids of Teotihuacán are both incredible experiences, but require a little more time and planning. If you're extending your trip beyond the wedding weekend, add them to your list.

Eat

Tess & Josh’s Favorites

  • Tacos del Valle: Our favorite tacos in the city. They’re all over social media, but not overhyped. Expect a wait, it’s worth it.

  • Voraz: Recommended by our wedding planner and an immediate favorite. Great drinks and more creative, unexpected food.

  • Cuina: A favorite for brunch.

    • Tess’s order: Poblano chilaquiles

    • Josh’s Order: Tres Leches French Toast

Still on Our List

  • Taquería Orinoco: A popular taco spot that we somehow haven’t made it to yet.

  • Mi Compa Chava: Known for seafood, aguachiles, and tostadas. High on our list for next time

  • Contramar: A Roma classic known for seafood, especially the tuna tostadas and pescado a la talla.

  • Tacos Los Caramelos: A casual Condesa taco spot known for beef-forward tacos, especially rib eye and asada.

Tess feeling Josh’s food baby kick after eating our hearts out at Pujol in Polanco