Our trip to Mexico City was a special multigenerational celebration for my father's birthday, and it had been on my personal travel bucket list for years. To be honest, I was a little hesitant about visiting with children. I had always imagined Mexico City as more of a destination for couples or adults, but I couldn't have been more wrong. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by some of the friendliest people we've met anywhere in the world. The city felt vibrant, sophisticated, and incredibly welcoming.
Where We Stayed: The St. Regis Mexico City
If you're looking for luxury in Mexico City, I can't recommend the St. Regis enough. Everything about our stay exceeded expectations. The rooms were spacious and beautifully appointed, the beds were incredibly comfortable, and the service was truly exceptional. One morning during breakfast, one of the waiters accidentally splashed a little orange juice onto one of my daughters. Although it was a minor accident, the hotel staff went far beyond what anyone would expect. They arranged complimentary spa manicures and pedicures for both of my daughters and surprised all three girls with teddy bears as an apology. It was such a thoughtful gesture that perfectly reflected the level of hospitality we experienced throughout our stay. The breakfast buffet deserves a special mention. It was one of the most spectacular hotel breakfasts I've experienced, with an incredible selection of fresh tropical fruits, pastries, traditional Mexican dishes, and made-to-order breakfast favorites.
Sanaz's tip: The St. Regis breakfast buffet alone is worth the stay — arrive hungry and plan to linger.
Exploring the Neighborhoods
One of our favorite areas was Polanco, an elegant neighborhood filled with luxury boutiques, designer stores, beautiful tree-lined streets, and world-class restaurants. We also spent time exploring Roma Norte, a neighborhood full of charming cafés, boutique shops, and beautiful architecture. No visit to Mexico City would be complete without stopping at the Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul). Whether you're an art lover or simply interested in Mexican culture, this is an absolute must-see.
Sanaz's tip: Book your Frida Kahlo Museum tickets well in advance — timed entry slots sell out quickly, especially on weekends.
Experiences Worth Adding to Your Itinerary
One experience that many travelers rave about is the sunrise hot air balloon ride over Teotihuacán. Unfortunately, a few members of our group weren't feeling well that morning, so we missed our scheduled flight. It's still one of the top experiences I'd love to return and do on a future visit. We also attended a Lucha Libre wrestling match, and it ended up being one of the most entertaining evenings for our children. Even if wrestling isn't normally your thing, the energy, costumes, crowd interaction, and performances make it a uniquely Mexican experience that's well worth adding to your itinerary. As we approached the arena, the crowds became much larger than we expected, but we personally felt completely safe throughout the evening.
Sanaz's tip: Don't skip Lucha Libre — even if wrestling isn't your thing, the atmosphere, costumes, and crowd energy make it one of the most fun evenings you'll have in the city.
Continuing to San Miguel de Allende
After four wonderful nights in Mexico City, we traveled by private transfer with BajíoGo Transport to San Miguel de Allende, a scenic drive of approximately four hours. It was a comfortable and easy way to connect two of Mexico's most beautiful destinations.
Sanaz's tip: BajíoGo Transport made the Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende transfer seamless — highly recommend booking a private transfer over a bus for the comfort and flexibility.
A Physician's Travel Tip
As a physician, I always encourage travelers to be mindful of food and water safety while visiting Mexico. Stick to bottled water rather than tap water, even for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach. I also recommend dining at reputable restaurants rather than street food, especially if you're only visiting for a few days and don't want illness to interrupt your vacation. Before traveling, consider speaking with your physician about bringing medications to treat traveler's diarrhea should you need them. Most travelers never experience any problems, but it's reassuring to be prepared — especially when traveling with children.
Some of the Best Dining We've Ever Experienced
Mexico City completely spoiled us when it came to food. I honestly think I could spend an entire month there simply trying different restaurants.
Chambao
Live music, fashion show & family-friendly energyOne of the highlights of our trip. The food was absolutely outstanding and every dish was beautifully presented. Throughout dinner there was live music, a fashion show, and an energetic atmosphere that somehow still felt completely family-friendly. At one point the performers invited our children onto the dance floor, and watching them dance alongside everyone else became one of our favorite memories from the trip.
Rosa Negra
Drummers, musicians & dancers all eveningIf I could only recommend one restaurant, it would probably be Rosa Negra. I had one of the most delicious steaks I've ever eaten, and their famous grilled corn appetizer was unforgettable. The desserts were beautifully presented, especially for the children, making them feel incredibly special. Throughout the evening there were drummers, musicians, singers, and dancers performing around the restaurant, creating an atmosphere unlike anything we've experienced elsewhere. We loved it so much that we returned for a second dinner before leaving the city.
Parole
Live violinists & opera singersFor an adults-only evening, we chose Parole, an elegant Italian-inspired restaurant with live violinists and opera singers performing throughout dinner. The entertainment was exceptional and created a beautiful atmosphere. While I personally preferred the food at Chambao and Rosa Negra, everything was still delicious, making it well worth visiting.
