... visit unique markets and festivals, indulge at your favorite patisserie, and enjoy nights at rooftop bars ...
BY JOHN BRUNTON
VILLE LUMIÈRE
PARIS
Tacos al pastor Mexican street food. Image credit: Shutterstock
Eat & Drink
The Palacio de Bellas Artes is the cultural center in Mexico City. Image credit: Shutterstock
Neighborhoods
The San Ángel Inn is a former monastery. Image credit: Shutterstock
Shop
Image credit: Shutterstock
NEIGHBORHOODS
Image credit: Shutterstock
Eat & Drink
Image credit: Shutterstock
Shop
Read More
Las Vegas
On and off its famous Strip, the 24-hour entertainment mecca wows...
72 Hours in...
Read More
Hong Kong
Visit Hong Kong’s new arts area: West Kowloon Cultural District
In the Neighborhood
Read More
A Love Letter to Italy
Walking cobbled streets on a sun-soaked day, the sights, sounds, and scents of Italy...
Destination: Italy
More Inspiration
Read More
Edinburgh
The dramatic Scottish capital offers its visitors a journey...
72 Hours in...
CENTRO HISTÓRICO Don’t skip a visit to the capital’s Zócalo, or main plaza. The city’s annual Independence Day celebrations happen here, but it’s also where people come when they want to campaign or hold rallies. You can enjoy a drink on the balcony from one of the restaurants ringing the square while watching the activity below.
CONDESA There’s a reason the Condesa neighborhood is a magnet for visitors to Mexico City: it’s as lively and lovely as many of Europe’s capital cities. I enjoy starting my day here by taking a walk along Avenida Ámsterdam, a leafy, green avenue that makes a ring around Parque México. People watching here is spectacular, as is dog watching in the park’s two large dog runs. Families enjoy endless entertainment on weekends: music, dance, and more. My wife Leslie and I enjoy spectating at the tango classes held in the park.
Mexico City is such a wonderful food destination. We enjoy Azul Condesa, which serves traditional fare (I love the tortilla soup). And while I’m not typically a mixed-drinks guy, I enjoy the smoky Old Fashioned served next door at La Xampa, a champagne and cocktail bar. The drink lives up to its name, and the presentation of it . . . well, you just have to experience it for yourself!
When I’m in town, I’m a regular at El Greco, a Condesa hole-in-the-wall that serves fantastic tacos. If you’re craving fish tacos, nearby El Pescadito is a solid choice, while Chef Gabriela Cámara’s Contramar is deservedly buzzy. Its seafood really is exquisite.
We are repeat visitors to El Bazar Sábado, a weekly market in the San Ángel neighborhood that’s been in operation since 1960. It features beautiful Mexican textiles, jewelry, and other crafts. We make a day of it; after shopping, we stop by San Ángel Inn, a restaurant with terrific traditional Mexican food, excellent service, and a beautiful garden. It also serves breakfast, so you could choose to stop in before shopping at the bazaar.
Avenida Masaryk is Mexico City’s Rodeo Drive. Located in the Polanco neighborhood, you won’t find much of “traditional” Mexico here, but if you’re looking for luxury goods from top international retailers – think Cartier, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton – it’s the place to be.
read more
Las Vegas
On and off its famous Strip, the 24-hour entertainment mecca wows...
72 Hours in...
More Inspiration
read more
Edinburgh
The dramatic Scottish capital offers its visitors a journey...
72 Hours in...
Robert Van Ness is a lifelong
traveler. He has been captivated
by Mexico City since his first visit,
and returns regularly to gain an
even richer experience
By Robert Van Ness
Mexico City
LITTLE BLACK BOOK
December 2023 (Volume 23)
Mexico’s capital, as viewed from Bosque de Chapultepec. Image credit: Shutterstock
The Aztec Calendar Stone on display in the National Museum of Anthropology. Image credit: Shutterstock
I can’t get enough of Paseo de la Reforma, the avenue that runs through the heart of Mexico City. It’s lined with statues and fountains, and on Sundays it’s closed to cars and turned over to pedestrians and cyclists. You can rent a bike for free – a wonderful way to explore the city.
You can’t mention Mexico City without talking about Bosque de Chapultepec, a large park full of attractions. Don’t miss the fascinating National Museum of Anthropology.
Explore
Robert Van Ness is a lifelong
traveler. He has been captivated by Mexico City since his first visit, and returns regularly to gain an even richer experience
August 2023 (Volume 22)
Image credit:Shutterstock. Mexico’s capital, as viewed from Bosque de Chapultepec
Image credit: Shutterstock. The San Ángel Inn is a former monastery
Shop
Where To Stay
View All Issues
Life & Arts
Food & Drink
Experiences
Inspiration
Middle East & Africa
Central & South America
Caribbean
Asia & Pacific
Europe
North America
Top Destinations
Destinations
Experiences
Food & Drink
Life & Arts
Inspiration
Top Destinations
North America
Europe
Asia & Pacific
Carribean
Central & South America
Destinations
Destinations
Inspiration
View All Issues
Where to Stay
Download the App
#ThePreferredLife
Travelers
Best Rate Guarantee
About Us
Philanthropy
Careers
Global Directory
American Destinations
International Destinations
Destinations
Partners & Press
Preferred Meetings & Events
Press Center
Travel Partners
Travel Professionals
Become a Member Hotel
Become an Alliance Partner
PreferredNet
Offers
Discover Offers
I Prefer Gift Cards
* Actual rate may vary based on date, room type, and availability. Enter dates to determine more accurate rates for your search.
Copyright © 2025 Preferred Travel Group
SM
Cookies & Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Modify a Reservation
1 (866) 990-9491
International Phone Lines
Cookies & Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Modify a Reservation
1 (866) 990-9491
Travelers
Best Rate Guarantee
About Us
Philanthropy
Careers
Global Directory
American Destinations
International Destinations
Destinations
Partners & Press
Preferred Meetings & Events
Press Center
Travel Partners
Travel Professionals
Become a Member Hotel
Become an Alliance Partner
PreferredNet
Offers
Discover Offers
I Prefer Gift Cards
* Actual rate may vary based on date, room type, and availability. Enter dates to determine more accurate rates for your search.
Copyright © 2025 Preferred Travel Group
SM
#ThePreferredLife