Travel in 10: Travel Podcast

Mexico City is one of the largest and most compelling urban destinations in the world, home to more than 20 million people and an extraordinary mix of history, culture, and contemporary energy. With so many neighborhoods and hundreds of hotels to choose from, deciding where to stay can feel overwhelming.
This episode breaks down the best areas to stay in Mexico City along with standout hotels across different styles and budgets. Whether you are looking for a walkable neighborhood filled with cafes, a centrally located base for sightseeing, or a luxury retreat above the city’s energy, these recommendations focus on location, atmosphere, and overall travel experience.
How to Choose Where to Stay in Mexico City
The most important decision you will make is not just the hotel, but the neighborhood. Mexico City is vast, and traffic can be significant, so staying close to the experiences you care about will shape your trip.
If you are drawn to food, cafes, and a relaxed but stylish atmosphere, La Condesa is one of the best places to base yourself. If your focus is historic landmarks and first-time sightseeing, staying along Paseo de la Reforma offers central access. For upscale dining and shopping, Polanco is a strong option.
Best Areas to Stay
La Condesa
La Condesa is one of the most popular neighborhoods for travelers, and for good reason. It is highly walkable, filled with tree-lined streets, parks, cafes, and restaurants, and has a relaxed but design-forward feel. Staying here allows you to explore on foot and return easily in the evenings without dealing with traffic.
Centro Histórico and Paseo de la Reforma
For first-time visitors, staying near the historic center or along Paseo de la Reforma provides access to many of the city’s most important landmarks. This area connects you to major sights while still offering modern hotel options with strong amenities and views.
Polanco
Polanco is an upscale district known for high-end shopping, refined dining, and a more polished atmosphere. It is a great choice for travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience with a quieter feel than the historic core.
Best Hotels in Mexico City
Condesa DF
A design-forward boutique hotel in the heart of La Condesa, Condesa DF is known for its rooftop bar and strong social atmosphere. It blends historic architecture with modern design and serves as both a hotel and a local gathering place, making it ideal for travelers who want to feel connected to the neighborhood.
Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel
Located directly on Paseo de la Reforma, this hotel offers one of the best-value central stays in the city. While the property is more traditional, its rooftop pool, lounge, and proximity to major attractions make it an excellent choice for first-time visitors.
St. Regis Mexico City
For a more elevated experience, the St. Regis delivers luxury with butler service, a full-service spa, and sweeping views over the city. It is particularly well suited for travelers who want a calm, refined retreat after busy days exploring.
Mondrian Mexico City Condesa
A newer addition to the Condesa hotel scene, the Mondrian offers large, stylish rooms and immediate access to the neighborhood’s best restaurants and cafes. Its modern design and location make it a strong choice for design-conscious travelers.
Casa Cuenca
Set in a restored Beaux-Arts mansion near Parque España, Casa Cuenca is an intimate 10-room boutique hotel focused on personalized service. It provides a quieter, more residential experience while still being steps from Condesa’s energy.
Hyatt Regency Mexico City
A reliable upscale option in Polanco, this hotel offers consistency, comfort, and easy access to parks, museums, and shopping. It is particularly well suited for business travelers or those seeking a more structured stay.
Andaz Mexico City Condesa
A contemporary lifestyle hotel with one of the standout rooftop bars in the city, the Andaz combines modern design with a prime Condesa location, making it a strong choice for travelers who value both style and atmosphere.
Key Sights Near These Hotels
El Zócalo remains the historic and cultural heart of the city, built on the site of the ancient Aztec capital and surrounded by major landmarks including the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace.
The Angel of Independence stands along Paseo de la Reforma and is one of the city’s most recognizable monuments.
Parque España offers a green escape within La Condesa and connects easily to some of the neighborhood’s best walking streets.
Where to Eat and Drink
Flower Shop Condesa is a unique concept that combines a working florist with a wine bar, offering a stylish but relaxed place to enjoy a drink in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Hotels vs Airbnb in Mexico City
Hotels remain the dominant accommodation style in Mexico City, and for good reason. They offer consistent service, on-site support, and amenities that can make a significant difference in a large, fast-paced city.
Short stays tend to favor hotels, especially when factoring in cleaning fees and logistics with short-term rentals. For longer stays, some travelers may prefer apartment-style accommodations for access to kitchens and laundry, though availability can vary depending on local regulations.
Final Thoughts
Mexico City rewards thoughtful planning. Choosing the right neighborhood and hotel can turn a complex, sprawling city into an accessible and deeply enjoyable destination. Whether you prefer boutique design, central convenience, or luxury comfort, the city offers options that match every travel style.
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Disclosure
Some links in these show notes are affiliate links. If you use them to book, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the production of the Travel in 10 podcast.
Hosts: Tim Johnson, David Brodie
Series: Travel in 10
Destination: Mexico City, Mexico
Mentioned in this episode:
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This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.

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Mexico City is one of the great food capitals of the world. In this episode, we explore a culinary scene that stretches from humble street tacos to internationally recognized fine dining.
Food is woven into everyday life across the city. Street vendors serve tacos for less than a dollar, neighborhood markets overflow with spices and ingredients, and acclaimed chefs reinterpret traditional Mexican dishes in elegant dining rooms.
The result is a food culture that is both deeply traditional and constantly evolving. Whether you are eating at a street stand or booking a Michelin-recognized restaurant, Mexico City delivers remarkable flavor and variety.
Topics Covered
• Street Food Culture – Why tacos al pastor define Mexico City's street food scene.
• Culinary Influences – How Lebanese cooking traditions helped shape one of the city’s most iconic dishes.
• Markets & Ingredients – The markets that supply the city’s kitchens and restaurants.
• Fine Dining – Michelin-recognized restaurants and chefs redefining Mexican cuisine.
• Local Food Tips – How to find the best tacos by following the locals.
Top Things to See & Do
Mercado de San Juan One of the city's best known culinary markets. Visitors will find chilies, spices, specialty ingredients, and prepared foods ranging from tacos to more adventurous local delicacies.
Central de Abastos The largest wholesale food market in the world, covering roughly 800 acres. Guided tours allow visitors to experience the massive marketplace that supplies much of the city's food industry.
Lorenzo Buttorini Street Taco Corridor A 12 block stretch famous for tacos al pastor stands. It is one of the best places in the city to experience Mexico City's signature street taco.
Plaza Rio de Janeiro A beautiful plaza surrounded by high quality restaurants, including several Michelin-recognized dining spots.
Plaza Giordano Bruno A lively neighborhood square known for street food vendors, churro stands, and live local music.

Where to Eat & Drink
Pujol One of Mexico City’s most celebrated restaurants. Known internationally for creative interpretations of traditional Mexican cuisine.
Sud 777 A Michelin-recognized restaurant serving refined contemporary Mexican cooking.
Cafe Toscano An elegant Italian restaurant near Plaza Rio de Janeiro offering classic European dishes.
Azul Historico Located inside a historic 17th century building. The restaurant serves elevated versions of traditional Mexican comfort dishes in a beautiful open courtyard setting.
Contramar A favorite seafood restaurant known for exceptionally fresh fish and signature dishes like grilled fish with adobo and shrimp tacos.
Casa de Tona A popular local spot famous for pozole, the traditional Mexican soup. Guests can customize the dish with a variety of toppings.

Neighborhoods to Explore
Roma One of the city's trendiest districts with an excellent concentration of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Condesa A leafy, walkable neighborhood known for its relaxed atmosphere and vibrant dining scene.

Can’t Miss Experiences
• Eating tacos al pastor from neighborhood street vendors
• Exploring Mercado de San Juan and tasting traditional ingredients
• Visiting Central de Abastos on a guided market tour
• Dining at Michelin-recognized restaurants around Plaza Rio de Janeiro
• Enjoying street food and live music at Plaza Giordano Bruno
Final Thoughts
Few cities offer the range of food experiences found in Mexico City. Street vendors, historic markets, and world-class restaurants all exist side by side, creating one of the most exciting culinary destinations in the world.
Follow Us & Stay Connected
Instagram: @voyascapemedia
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.

For advertising or sponsorship opportunities across the network, see the link below.
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Check out the Smart Travel Podcast
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
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Mexico City is one of the largest and most fascinating urban destinations in the world. With more than 20 million people in the greater metropolitan area, the city blends ancient history, colonial architecture, world class museums, vibrant neighborhoods, and an extraordinary street life that rewards curious travelers.
Despite its size, Mexico City often surprises visitors with its walkability, green spaces, and neighborhood culture. Areas like Roma and La Condesa offer tree lined streets, parks, cafes, and art deco architecture that feel more European than many expect, while museums and markets reveal the depth of Mexico’s cultural and artistic heritage.
In this first episode of a three part series, the hosts explore some of the most compelling things to do in Mexico City, from iconic museums and historic homes to relaxed neighborhood walks and one of the city’s most fascinating vintage markets.
Topics Covered
• City Size & First Impressions – Mexico City’s scale, complexity, and reputation as one of the world’s great cultural capitals.
• Walkable Neighborhoods – Why districts like Roma and La Condesa are ideal bases for exploring the city on foot.
• Museums & Cultural Heritage – The remarkable concentration of museums and artistic institutions across the city.
• Local Experiences – Unique activities that reveal everyday life in Mexico City.
Top Things to See & Do
Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul) – Located in the leafy Coyoacán neighborhood, the famous Blue House was the childhood home and later residence of artist Frida Kahlo and muralist Diego Rivera. Today it showcases Kahlo’s artwork, personal belongings, and intimate insight into her life and creative world. Frida Kahlo Museum
Leon Trotsky Museum – Just a short walk from Kahlo’s home, this historic residence was where Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky lived in exile after leaving the Soviet Union. The preserved home and study tell the story of his final years in Mexico. Leon Trotsky Museum
Museo de Arte Moderno – This centrally located museum highlights the evolution of modern art in Mexico and across Latin America. The collection includes works by major Mexican artists including Frida Kahlo, along with rotating exhibitions and an outdoor sculpture garden. Museo de Arte Moderno
Museo del Chocolate – A smaller but engaging museum that explores Mexico’s historic connection to chocolate dating back to the Mayan era. Visitors can learn about cacao production and even try making chocolate themselves. Museo del Chocolate
Tianguis La Lagunilla Vintage Market – One of the largest flea markets in the city, this massive Sunday market stretches across dozens of city blocks. Vintage clothing, vinyl records, retro furniture, and collectibles attract locals and visitors looking for unique finds.
Neighborhoods to Explore
La Condesa – One of Mexico City’s most charming districts, known for art deco buildings, shaded boulevards, lively cafes, and two of the city’s best parks.
Roma – A creative hub filled with galleries, street art, independent boutiques, and restaurants. Streets named after world cities add an international character to the neighborhood.
Colonia del Carmen (Coyoacán) – A leafy, historic district known for quiet residential streets, colonial architecture, and major cultural sites including the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Can’t Miss Experiences
• Walk the tree lined streets of La Condesa and Roma to experience everyday life in the city.
• Spend time in Parque México and Parque España, two of the green spaces locals call the “lungs of the city.”
• Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum and Leon Trotsky Museum in Coyoacán for a deeper look at Mexico’s artistic and political history.
• Browse the enormous Tianguis La Lagunilla Sunday vintage market.
• Explore the city’s vibrant street art scene throughout Roma.
Final Thoughts
Mexico City rewards travelers who explore beyond the obvious highlights. With its museums, creative neighborhoods, lively street culture, and layered history, the city offers an experience that rivals the great cultural capitals of Europe while remaining uniquely Mexican. For visitors willing to slow down and explore neighborhood by neighborhood, Mexico City quickly reveals itself as one of the world’s most compelling urban destinations.
Follow Us & Stay Connected
Instagram: @voyascapemedia
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music
Disclosure
Some links in these show notes are affiliate links. If you use them to book, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the production of the Travel in 10 podcast.
Hosts: David Brodie, Tim Johnson
Series: Travel in 10
Destination: Mexico City, Mexico
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out the Smart Travel Podcast
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
Smart Travel Podcast
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.

For advertising or sponsorship opportunities across the network, see the link below.
Voyascape Podcast Network

Travel in 10 is a 10 minute(ish!) travel podcast visiting hip hotels, cool restaurants, festivals and events around the tour. Started in 2005 by co-host David Brodie and award winning travel journalist Tim Johnson, Travel in 10 has consistently ranked in the top travel podcasts Apple Podcasts around the world and is currently the #1 travel podcast in Canada. It covers luxury, adventure and family travel and helps inspire listeners to travel more and travel better to destinations around the world.
Travel in 10 is part of the Voyascape Podcast Network & you can find more of our travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/

To truly know a city, you’ve got to eat where the locals eat—and in Orlando, that means heading straight to Mills 50. In this episode, David & Tim joins Ricky Lee, the voice behind beloved local food blog Tasty Chomps, for a walking tour of one of Orlando’s most vibrant culinary neighborhoods.
From Vietnamese curry to Michelin-linked food stalls, you’ll explore the evolving story of this historically Vietnamese district, now a hub of pan-Asian food halls, local chefs, and a deeply rooted community. And in true Travel in 10 fashion, the tour takes a twist as the crew ends up courtside—sampling upscale eats at an Orlando Magic game.
This is Orlando beyond the theme parks, told one bite at a time.
Featured Stops in Mills 50
Mills Market (formerly Binhung Market)
Once a traditional Vietnamese grocery, now a modern food hall with deep family roots. Hear how local families transformed it into a new kind of gathering space.

Banh Mi Boy
A side project from the Michelin-starred team behind Soseki and Sorakara, serving a pho French dip banh mi you won’t forget.

Uni Girl & Japanese Curry Stall
Small but mighty—this pop-up concept serves a rich Japanese beef curry topped with cheese croquette. One of the day's favorite dishes.

Camille (Baldwin Park)
Orlando’s first Michelin-starred Vietnamese-American tasting menu. Run by Chef Tung Phan, who trained at Disney’s Victoria & Albert’s.

Carrots by Kim
The next evolution of Binhung Market, led by Cecilia, blending traditional community values with a fresh modern food vision.

What You'll Hear
A live walking tour of Mills Market with stories from chefs and second-generation owners
Insight into the Vietnamese-American community in Orlando since 1975
A conversation about immigrant identity, food as memory, and the evolution from family grocery to pan-Asian food hall
Unexpected flavors at an Orlando Magic game, including Jernigan’s upscale dining experience at The Ledge (unlimited hot dogs, wine, and courtside views!)
A quick review of their stay at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando

Can’t-Miss Moments
"Pho French Dip" at Banh Mi Boy – Vietnamese broth-meets-sandwich, a crowd favorite.
Hot dogs and wine at The Ledge – Watching the Magic courtside while dining in style.
Walking culture in Mills 50 – Elvis (yes, that’s his name), shares what it’s like growing up under the family cash register.
Camille’s Michelin menu – A rare look into one of Florida’s top dining destinations, blending Vietnamese heritage and French technique.

Bonus Tips
Plan ahead if visiting Camille – They’re open only three nights a week and book out fast. Tasting menus start at $175.
Don’t skip Mills 50 – This is the place to explore Orlando’s local side. Diverse, inclusive, creative.
Use VisitOrlando.com – For custom trip planning and food itineraries based on your interests.

Thanks to Visit Orlando for helping produce this episode and to Ricky Lee of Tasty Chomps for sharing his deep local knowledge.
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Mentioned in this episode:
Check out the Smart Travel Podcast
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
Smart Travel Podcast
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.

For advertising or sponsorship opportunities across the network, see the link below.
Voyascape Podcast Network