Ask A Local: Insider Tips & Hidden Gems for Mexico City

At Sim Local, our team is spread out across the world, giving us a unique insider perspective in over a dozen cities. We created this series to highlight the hotspots and hidden gems. This week, the spotlight is on Mexico City.

_{What’s your favourite memory of this city?}

I keep finding myself pulled back to this city — there’s just something about the culture that gets under your skin (in the best way). From the rhythm of mariachi to catchy pop tunes to the Dia de los Muertos celebrations, this city has my heart. So many good memories. Maybe that's why I call it my home away from home. And the food isn't bad either!

_{If you had one day to show someone around, where would you take them?}

Mexico City is an expansive metropolis that requires plenty of time to fully explore, but there are a few experiences I wouldn’t miss.

Ángel de la Independencia

A stroll by the Ángel de la Independencia, taking in the view from Chapultepec Castle, and immersing yourself in the city's iconic landmarks are just a few highlights.

A perfect day in Mexico City would start with breakfast at a place like Madre Café, a beautiful space that’s perfect for taking photos. They offer a variety of traditional options, but I wouldn’t leave without trying the 'Concha', a delicious pastry with an incredible texture the best I had during my entire trip.

For tacos, my favorite spot was El Orinoco. My perfect order was tacos with a cheese crust and a side of their house fries. While it’s common to enjoy a beer with chamoy, if you don’t drink alcohol like me, I’d recommend trying an agua fresca—they offer several refreshing options.

If you're craving something sweet after lunch, stop by Churrería El Moro for their fresh and delicious churros, which pair perfectly with a coffee. To wrap up the day, I’d recommend visiting one of the city’s many rooftops. My experience at Toledo Rooftop was fantastic, offering both a lively party vibe and a more relaxed dining atmosphere to end the day on a high note.

_{Any hidden gems in this city that most tourists don’t know about?}

Another must-do experience, in my opinion, is taking a hot air balloon ride over the pyramids. You can experience a hot air balloon tour over the pyramids of Teotihuacan, with a meeting point often near the Ángel de la Independencia in Mexico City.

There are several tours that offer this, often including additional activities. Our departed at 5 AM. We were given a light snack before heading to the balloon. The experience was MAGICAL, and the view was absolutely breathtaking. I highly recommend timing your ride to coincide with the sunrise for an even more spectacular sight.

Make sure you have your phone with you. You'll want to take a lot of photos and maybe even video call your mum so she can see.

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After the balloon ride, we were greeted with champagne and then taken to a buffet-style breakfast. From there, we began the tour of the pyramids. I visited in May, and it was quite sunny. For the pyramids, I highly recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Although there are local vendors at the site, the prices can be steep for tourists.

I believe going with a tour is the best option, as they take care of transportation back to Mexico City, meals, and include several unique experiences.

_{Any underrated neighbourhoods or parts of the city worth exploring?}

If you enjoy more relaxed activities, I highly recommend visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance, as it’s a popular attraction, and planning ahead is essential.

To get there, you can take the Turibus from the Ángel de la Independencia. If you buy the full-day pass, you can visit multiple sites around the city without paying extra, enjoying the views and making stops along the way.

_{What’s the best way to get around the city?}

In my opinion, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Plaza Garibaldi, also known as the Mariachi Plaza. It’s not the safest or cleanest area, and I believe there are other places that are more worth your time.

For getting around the city, if you have a flexible budget, I recommend using Uber or Didi, which worked well for me. While the bus system is decent, these platforms or even renting a bike offer more convenience and security.

_{Is there anything worth visiting within a few hours’ drive?}

Quince Rooftop

If you're looking to venture outside the city, I visited San Miguel de Allende, a charming town with colourful streets and amazing places to eat. One of my top recommendations is Quince Rooftop, where you'll have a stunning view of the basilica. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner or simply want to cool off with a drink, this is a spot I'd recommend to all my friends.

There are plenty of restaurants with beautiful views in San Miguel, but if you're planning to dine at Quince Rooftop, I recommend making a reservation, especially for the evening, as it tends to fill up quickly.

El Mercado de San Miguel

The town is filled with local markets, but if you're looking for something more budget-friendly, head to the Plaza or El Mercado de San Miguel, where you’ll find a wide variety of handicrafts and souvenirs at lower prices than in the town center.

For lunch, I visited Casa Arca, a charming place located in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, just steps from the iconic Parroquia and historic Relox 18 Street. They offer both cocktails and hearty meals, but what stood out the most was the atmosphere every detail is carefully thought out, even down to the beautiful dishware they serve your food on.

- Lorena Martinez is Affiliate Marketing Manager at Sim Local.