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The Weekender: A Guide to Mexico City

If you want to experience the heart of Mexico, then let this be your next destination

The Weekender
The Weekender: A Guide to Mexico City
Photo: Courtesy of El Moro Churreria

Welcome to The Weekender, Coveteur’s travel series where seasoned globetrotters share their insider guides to top destinations across the world. Read on for the best spots to eat, stay, and enjoy.

Mexico City is home to some of the most passionate people I’ve ever met—their vivacity and creativity across so many cultural touchpoints really solidified my love for the city. While I visited, it was such an enormous pleasure to be able to immerse myself in various elements of the culture, including traditions like Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). I was there for the days leading up to the celebrations, and no matter where I turned, the skulls and altars reminded me of their beautiful rituals celebrating the lives of those who have passed.

Due to a perfectly curated itinerary by Amex Travel, I was also able to take in the Arca Tierra farm, walk around the city and explore the many handcrafted jewelry purveyors, and cook traditional Mexican food, like Molé Blanco. Needless to say, everything was spectacular so if Mexico City is on your travel list, below are my go-to places for where to stay, what to see, and where to eat.

Where to Stay

Sofitel Hotel- Mexico City Reforma

Frida Khalo Shower

Photos: Courtesy of Amanda Beausoleil

Day of the Dead Pop-up by Jean Paul Gaultier

If you want a chic and luxurious stay with a Mexican/French fusion Sofitel is the hotel for you. Sofitel is part of Amex Travel’s Fine Hotels + Resorts program and includes guaranteed late checkout, complimentary breakfast, and room upgrades (everything you could ever want!).

The hotel is located on Reforma Avenue (next door to the US Embassy). The customer service was next level, and their attention to detail was impeccable and unmatched. To kick-off Día de los Muertos celebrations, there was an exclusive pop-up by Jean Paul Gaultier and the outside of the hotel was decked out in fresh florals (replaced every day I might add).

BOOK IT

What to Do

Arca Tierra

The outdoor kitchen space at Arc Tierra

Photos: Courtesy of Amanda Beausoleil

A farm to table lunch!

Arc Tierra is an organic farm located 45 minutes outside of the hustle and bustle. It is referred to as the floating gardens, due to the chinampas ecosystem they use, which is an agricultural technique dependent on small, rectangular areas to grow crops on shallow lake beds. In order to get to the Arc Tierra farm, we traveled by boat down the scenic Xochimilco canal. There was a beautiful lunch set up in the middle of the farm, and all the food (the freshest lunch I’ve ever had) was the truest form of farm-to-table. You feel like you’re a part of history when you step foot on the land. It’s filled with inspiration and nutrients, which is why so many companies take their company retreats at Arc Tierra to get their creative juices flowing.

Templo Mayor

Photo: Courtesy of Amanda Beausoleil

Another piece of history is Templo Mayor, one of the primary temples of Tenochtitlan, the former capital of the Aztec empire. It was rediscovered in 1978 when an electricity company was digging in order to build the subway. To their surprise they found one of the Aztec ruins, which is now visited by hundreds of thousands of people per year. Templo Mayor gives us a rare glimpse into ancient cultures and is a definite on the list when you visit.

Aura Cocina Mexicana

Photo: Courtesy of Amanda Beausoleil

I am not the best cook, so I was quite nervous about my cooking class at Aura Cocina Mexicana. Luckily, Executive Chef, Graciela Montaño made it fun, easy, and scrumptious. Aura has expanded significantly over the years, and is now available worldwide via in-person and online classes. They also have an amazing cause: Chef Graciela works with the non-profit Cook & Chef Institute, a foundation that focuses on sustainable gastronomy and technological innovation to make sure kitchenware is safe and lead-free.

Where to Eat & Drink

Ticuchi

Photo: Courtesy of Amanda Beausoleil

Ticuchi not only has amazing food and cocktails, but the sexy and dimly-lit atmosphere is truly seductive and makes you feel like anything can happen. Whether you go with a group of friends or on a date, this restaurant is an absolute must when you are visiting. The staff was incredible and fun—they were so knowledgeable about the menu, ingredients, and everything in-between.

El Moro Churreria

If you are looking for something sweet, look no further than El Moro Churreria. They are quite literally the churros expert—they have been in business since 1935, so this is an experience not to be missed.

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