Mexico | Next Door Nabers

Mexico City

If you think about it, it really is all of Mexico in a City. There is something for everyone in the Capital city of Mexico. A bustling metropolis of 22 million people (yeah, it's busy!). Art, culture, history, food, mountain, markets, you name it and CDMX has it. You can catch cheap direct flight from the US. It's actually a no-brainer to visit Mexico first before venturing to Europe or South America. It is so close yet so different, in a wonderful way. There's a lot to do and see in CDMX so give yourself plenty of time if you're visiting for the first time.

Where to Stay:

We stayed in in LA Condesa neighborhood and absolutely loved it. Tree lined streets with plenty of cafes and restaurants all around.
Roma Norte is another great neighborhood with plenty of top notch eateries, bars and historic houses. There are plenty of affordable Airbnb offerings.

Where/What to Eat:

La Merced market is where you can find all that your heart, and mouth, desire. There are plenty of food stalls and a variety of foods that you can try.
Los Cocuyos for some real Mexican tacos. Try the tongue or cheek tacos.
El Torito for some delicious tripe tacos.
Try taco el pastor wherever you see it.
Contra Mar for some delicious delicious seafood.
Lardo restaurant/cafe is excellent for afternoon teas and pastries or dinner.
Bulla is a great Spanish/tapas restaurant.
Bottega Sartorea is a nice wine bar to spend an evening there.
Toledo rooftop is a trendy rooftop bar with nice views of the city, Great for evening drinks.

What to Do:

Walk around Zocalo, CDMX main square. Admire the massive flag, walk around the side streets and explore the city center.
Walk around La Condesa and/or Roma Norte neighborhoods and enjoy an outdoor dinner or lunch.
La Merced market is a labyrinth of stalls upon stalls and markets upon markets selling everything one can desire. Think of it is Amazon, but brick and mortar and they only accept cash.
For a night out, go out in Roma Norte there there are plenty of bars and lounges.
Visit Frida Khalo museum. Not a lot of her artwork is on display, but you get to see the house were she grew up and where she dies.
Visit the Palacio Nacional and admire Diego Rivera's artwork.
You can visit the museum of tequila and mezcal (it's more like a shop) and if you're lucky (or if you pay money) you can watch mariachi bands perform in the historic Plaza Garibaldi.
Visit templo Mayor - a 13th century Aztec temple.
St Miguel del Alande is a gorgeous town 4 hours north of CDMX. Consider spending a night there,
Taxco is delightful hidden gem hidden in the mountains. Known for its silver and Volkswagen Beatles. It's worth a day trip or even a one night stay.

Merida

The capital of the Yucatan region and home to Mayan and colonial heritage. If you're looking for a cheap destination with rich history, splendid cuisine, walkable downtown, and plenty to do the Merida is your destination. When it comes to weather, November-March is the best time to visit but don't be discouraged to visit during the summer months where hotels get even cheaper. Plan to stay at least 3 or 4 nights. While you can explore the city in 2 days, there are plenty of attractions around the city that will require day trips.

Where to Stay:

Merida is best enjoyed by booking a traditional colonial house with a pool, garden, and great vibe. There are plenty of affordable options around the downtown area. The city is very safe, so consider any good deal.

Where/What to Eat:

Eat your way through Mercado Lucas De Galvéz.
You must eat at Taqueria la Lupita. Try the cochinita pibil, panuchos, salbutes, and their tripe soup (heavy!).
Chaya Maya serves up excellent traditional Mayan food and great chaya (tea). You must try cochinita pibil every chance you get. Also, try sopa de Lima, queso relleno, and pop choc
Hacienda Teya is another place that serves excellent traditional Mayan cuisine.
Marlin Azul for really excellent ceviche. But do be prepared for the very humble aspect of this hole in the wall restaurant.
For a modern take on modern take on traditional Oaxacan food try Apoala.
For a truly gastronomic experience, we recommend K’uuk. Their tasting menu is a deconstruction gastronomy experience.
Nectar îs another great dining experience that's a short Uber ride away from downtown.
Sorbets at the little shop on the Zocalo that is part of Merida’s history, Dulceria y Sorbieteria Colon. The sorbets made with the exotic local fruits are fantastic.

What to Do:

Take a free walking tour and explore the 16th century historic downtown.
Tuesday night dancing in Santiago square
Thursday night serenades and traditional dancing, sometimes even superb Opera in Santa Lucia square.
Friday Mayan Ball game (a very well researched and executed version of the ancient game that inspired the Quidditch game in Harry Potter novels, complete with shamans blessing the game and all sorts of fascinating incantations) and ironically held in front of the Cathedral at 8pm.
See something, anything, at the magnificent opera house, the Teatro Peon Contreras. There are often free events put on by the city that are great to see too.
Take a horse-drawn-carriage around town and into Passeo de Montejo. Check out Palacio Canton
Experience a mezcal and tequila tasting and/or a cooking class at hotel Merida Santiago.
Slow food farmers market on Saturday mornings for really excellent local organic products
Sunday morning biciruta (bicycles are rented and the streets closed and everyone cycles up and down the Passeo de Montejo, they start from Santa Lucia park) and Sunday afternoon dancing in Santa Lucia park is wonderful way to end the week.
Take a day trip and catch a boat to see the wild flamingos in Celestun
Take a guided tour that takes you to the Mayan town of Chichen Itza, Izamel monastery, swim in the cenotes, and visit history town of Valladolid. Ticket per person is around $25 and includes round trip transportation to all locations and lunch. You're still responsible for entry fees to the cenotes and Chichen Itza.
Have an extreme caving adventure in Grutas Calcehtok or Grutas Tzabnah.
Take a day trip to Progresso beach and have dinner in a beachfront restaurant.