MY MEXICO CITY GUIDE: From Tacos to Terror
A full breakdown of my outfits, every delicious thing I ate, and all the must-visit spots in CDMX—plus, the absolute scariest thing that happened to me. Let’s just say… I did not see this coming…
One of the benefits of co-parenting (now that we’ve been doing this for almost five years—what?!) is that mama gets a break. I often have mama friends jokingly ask, “Chriselle, how do we not get a divorce but still get a co-parenting schedule like yours?”
Typically, when the girls aren’t with me, I’m on a plane for work or completely booked up. But this past weekend was one of those rare moments where I had nothing on the schedule—no work, no travel, just time. So, Seb and I decided to pack our bags for a quick three-night getaway to Mexico City. I had heard incredible things about it but never had an excuse to go. I usually only travel when work takes me somewhere, but I’ve been making more of an effort to travel for pleasure rather than always for work. And let me tell you—I fell in love. The food, the energy, the people, the shopping, the art—everything. So here’s everything I wore, ate, and explored while I was there.
TRAVELING WITH INTENTION (OR LACK THEREOF)
Traveling just for fun—with no strict agenda—is new for me. I used to be so focused on “results” and “productivity,” but now I travel to see, explore, and be inspired. I like having some recommendations and a loose plan, but I prefer to figure things out as we go. And Seb and I love walking everywhere, so we try to stay in areas where we can explore on foot.
Packing Light = Packing Smart. I’ve learned to be a minimal packer. Even for just three nights, I used to overpack just in case, but there’s something so freeing about keeping it simple. A few key pieces, my trusted skincare, and no pressure.
I always travel with my Harper carry-on, and I typically pack less than eight pieces that can create multiple looks.
Here’s exactly what I packed:
My Packing Formula
I swear by a simple formula that works for any destination:
1. Your favorite jeans—the ones you wear all the time. This is not the time to bring the brand-new pair that still needs breaking in.
2. Black trousers are a slightly dressier option that can elevate any daytime look. My go-to pair is the Victoria’s Secret x Altuzarra Ines trousers—they are relaxed fit, chic, and so good.
3. Three dressier tops – Versatile enough to wear with jeans or trousers. These are the three I packed: Misha top, Simkhai Ronnie Top & my Enza Costa long-sleeve slash top.
4. A basic white tee or tank – Always a must-have.
5. A light cardigan – I always bring one that doubles as a layering piece and a chic accessory to drape over my shoulders.
6. A leather jacket – Instead of packing multiple outerwear options, I stick to one jacket that goes with everything. This one from The Sei was my MVP—I wore it every day.
7. Accessories, accessories, accessories – Rings, bangles, and earrings to elevate even the simplest outfits.
8. Comfortable sneakers – I always end up wearing my Sambas. Basic? Yes. But they go with everything, and since we walk 7+ miles a day, I need sneakers that won’t kill my feet.
9. One dressier heel – My Gucci kitten heels (which I’ve had for over five years) come with me everywhere. They’re nude, go with everything, and have a tiny heel—perfect for day-to-night looks.
WHERE WE STAYED
We stayed at the Four Seasons Mexico City—which, no surprise, is one of my trusted hotels no matter where I go. Every property is different, but this one was amazing. Super central, meaning we could walk almost everywhere, and the breakfast buffet was next level. They make gourmet hot chocolate right in front of you, and they serve tamales on the spot (with lots of veggie options, which was perfect since Seb is vegetarian, and I usually eat plant-based when I’m with him).
We also loved spending our mornings in their little courtyard garden, sipping matcha and coffee. It was such a peaceful way to start the day.
Another hotel that was highly recommended to me (and that I’ll check out next time) is Casa Polanco—a boutique hotel with only 19 suites, so you have to book way in advance.
WHERE TO SHOP
We explored a couple of incredible boutiques:
• Mvndo Varon – The smallest boutique but has an incredible curation of local Mexican designers mixed in with jewelry, fragrance, and home goods.
• Void – One of my favorite shops I went to. It’s quite hidden as there is no sign in front, but it’s in a house, and it’s a concept store. They have a mixture of cool local designers but also mixed in with well known labels. It’s a very curated shop with a lot to look at. They also have the cutest pink rooftop cafe on top.
•Xinu Perfumes - As a fragrance lover I appreciated this shop so much. It was one of the most beautiful fragrance shop experiences ever. It felt like you were walking into a garden, and architecturally, it was just stunning. They laid out all the ingredients along with the raw materials of the fragrances - it was a sensorial experience.
We also loved walking around the Café Nin area—lots of cute local shops and great people-watching.
WHAT TO SEE
Mexico City has such a rich art and culture scene, and while we barely scratched the surface, these were some of our highlights:
• Biblioteca Vasconcelos – An architectural dream and a book lover’s paradise.
• Museo de Arte Moderno – A great mix of contemporary and classic art.
• Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) – A must-visit. Seeing her home, studio, and personal artifacts was so inspiring.
WHERE TO EAT
Food was a major highlight of this trip. Some of our favorites:
Pujol – One of the most famous restaurants in CDMX, and for good reason. The tasting menu was incredible. We had their 7-course tasting menu, which is probably one of the most talked about restaurants in the city. It is a beautiful fine dining experience but be prepared to EAT and it can take up to 4 hours to get through the entire meal ! It’s definitely a cultural experience that takes traditional Mexican dishes and gives it a spin. Chef Enrique Olvera is also one of the most renowned chefs of Mexico so you do have to book far in advance.
Rosetta – A cozy, romantic spot with delicious Italian-inspired dishes.
Four Seasons Brunch – it’s a brunch they have every Sunday morning and it’s like going to a family bbq, they take bring out a grill to grill everything on the spot- I’m talking all the meats, veggies, octopus, fish…everything. It’s worth a visit even if you are not staying there.
Café Nin –It’s a cute brunch spot in the coolest area to shop, walk around, and people-watch. They have a mixture of authentic foods and healthier brunch options.
Ticuchi- this was probably my favorite spot we ate at. Omg it was soooooo good! Also the same chef as Pujol but totally different vibes and food. It’s a much more casual bar vibe with such a cool crowd and atmosphere. There were a ton of vegetable options, which my fiancé was very happy about, but they had the best guacamole I’ve ever had, and their Al pastor tacos and tamales were to die for. I wish I could’ve gone back to try more of the menu. It’s small and shareable bites which I loved.
As I sit here reminiscing about our whirlwind three nights in Mexico City, I can’t help but feel grateful for the spontaneity of it all. This trip reminded me that some of the best experiences come from simply allowing yourself to be present—no packed itinerary, no overthinking, just exploring, indulging, and enjoying. Whether it’s the energy of the city, the warmth of its people, or the fact that I got to experience it all with Seb by my side, I know this won’t be my last visit. If you’re considering a trip, take this as your sign—pack light, stay curious, and get ready to fall in love with Mexico City just as I did. And if you have favorite spots I need to check out next time, drop them in the comments—I’m already dreaming of my return.
One last thing…SOMETHING SUPER DRAMATIC, HORRIFYING, SCARY, & CONFUSING HAPPENED IN MEXICO CITY BUT STILL PROCESSING IT ALL…
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