A romantic getaway in Mexico. That phrase may be more likely to conjure visions of an all-inclusive resort on one of the country’s many serene beaches rather than a trip to the bustling capital; however, overlooking Mexico City for your next south-of-the-border get-away with that special someone would mean cutting off its multitude of vibrant, sensual and exciting experiences. Mexico City is known for its thriving arts scene, colorful architecture, modern dining and hip nightlife. These are reasons enough to put it high on your list of must-visit destinations.
Can’t-miss neighborhoods in Mexico City are:
- Condesa: Mexico City’s answer to New York’s West Village, with a large selection of shops and restaurants (and a fun antique fair) surrounding Parque México.
- Polanco: One of the city’s poshest districts, which has expanded north, and added “Nuevo Polanco”, has lots of galleries and shopping.
- Roma: Filled with Art Nouveau mansions, this area has been revived by hipsters, artists, and boutique owners.
For those looking for a trip filled with romance, though, Mexico City also offers many hidden gems that you won’t find in the guidebooks. The following ideas will make you and your sweetheart feel like residents of Mexico City.
Go Downtown
If you’re looking for a romantic home base in Mexico City, look no further than the Downtown Mexico Hotel on the cobbled streets of Mexico City’s Centro Historico Borough. The Downtown is one of the oldest residences in the neighborhood, and its 17 rooms and suites were meticulously and beautifully renovated to maintain the indigenous culture and colonial style while adding luxurious modern conveniences.
You can’t help but fall in love while sipping a cocktail in their starry-lit magical-feeling main courtyard restaurant, or while dining on the majestic breakfast patio. The food is world-class, but at Mexico City prices (ie. less than you would expect).
Not only does Downtown have a two uber-romantic courtyard restaurants, but it also has a trendy rooftop restaurant and bar (with an adjoining pool and loungers), and several other smaller bars and shops, all with a cool Brooklyn vibe, on the second-floor mezzanine, overlooking the courtyard.
Be sure to reserve the Revolution Suite, which has a private balcony, bathtub and rain shower, and overlooks the breathtaking patio and gardens.
Plaza de Danzón
On Saturday afternoons, the beautiful square called ‘Plaza Morelos’ (outside of the Ciudadela market) is filled with couples learning to dance. These famous dancing lessons –a tradition in the area– are offered free of charge, and have led the square to be also known as Plaza de Danzón (Cuban Dance Square). Hundreds of couples gather to dance a seductive Cuban dance called the danzón. The danzón, while no longer popular in Cuba, is danced by people of every age all across Mexico. With men flamboyantly dressed in zoot suits and fedoras and the women in high heels and dresses, it is hard not to get caught up in the romance, even as a spectator. To really experience the magic though, take a danzón lesson during the week, and join as the pachucos and pachucas move to the Cuban rhythms.
Cineteca Nacional
When walking to an outdoor movie screening at the gorgeously modern buildings and lush lawn of the Cineteca Nacional, couples are sometimes suggestively asked if they would like one or two mats to place on the grass while watching the film. This should tell you all you need to know about the romantic potential of this Mexico City outing.
Desierto de los Leones
If you are looking for a break from the pace of the city, you don’t have to travel outside of the city limits to visit the serene and natural beauty of Desierto de los Leones National Park. While other tourists flock to Chapultepec Park, you and your love can take advantage of this less-crowded, but just-as-impressive gem. Stroll hand-in-hand through the miles of old oaks, firs and pines, or visit the grounds and museums of a monastery that dates back to the 1660s. Pack a lunch to have a romantic picnic, or buy a delicious traditional quesadilla to share from a stand near the monastery.
Bicycle Through the City
If you really want to see the heart of Mexico City, but are scared off by tales of busy traffic, wait until Sunday when half of the streets in the city close to car travel. Then, rent a pair of bicycles. This is the perfect way to take your time and really experience some of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods.
Tip: Let your friends know that you’ll be taking Uber wherever you go. This way you’ll be safe and there’ll be a record of where you went and the driver who took you there.
I went to this national park for a wedding and I never imagined something like this existed in Mexico City because it’s a monastery in the middle of a forest!!!!! It really takes you back in time with it’s beautiful architecture and gardens.
Will keep your recommendations in mind for when we visit.
PS. you and your husband make such a gorgeous couple. 🙂
Desierto de los Leones National Park is a real treasure indeed! That park has an amazing old monastery surrounded by forest and moss. I recommend following the trail along the old wall, and a visit to the trout hatchery. The place is magic.
Beautiful article Hilary! Inspires me to visit after the new years. We’ll see. 🙂
Biblioteca José Vasconcelos is an amazing restoration and well worth seeing, as well!
I believe the dancing in the Danzon is seasonal. I’ve watched many of the dance sessions but don’t recall the start/end times.
I stayed across the street from the Ciudadela plaza this April and checked out the dancers on two Saturdays. It was really fun to watch the men in zoot suits and the women with flowers in their hair dancing. I’m not sure when the festivities started in the afternoon, but it seemed to be over by about 10 pm. I was a little worried the music would go on all night, but it didn’t.
Wow, I had no idea MC was so dynamic. Had a totally different idea in my head. Looks like a great spot to hit this winter! : )
Very nice travel article. Haven’t been to Mexico yet, and this article has totally changed my perception. Makes me want to go to Mexico City ASAP. I can at least get away from the cold and get all cozy down there. Now, if I could just kidnap my boyfriend for that chance to feel the hidden romance as well, Mexico-style! 🙂
Before I visit a place, I always check blog sites and personal travel accounts to get to increase my knowledge about the locations. There’s just a lot of honest information you can get from articles which are written based on actual accounts compared to paid advertisements. In a new place, knowing how to get there, how much the costs would be, what places are must-see, what restaurant to go to, etc., are necessary and empowering inputs.
Traveling will always have some risks attached to it, so one will almost always experience some blunders, which may prove to be costly at times. Somehow, personal accounts of other people’s travels, like this one, provides guidance needed to ensure a worthwhile trip. I especially like how the author describes the places. They sure do look very good and romantic in the pictures, but the descriptions lets me imagine something more about it. I would love to visit the specific places in Mexico City mentioned in the article, and hope to appreciate it not in a tourist’s point of view, but from that of a traveler’s.