A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Mexico City
By Taylor Lane
As the bird flies, Mexico City appears to be so far out of reach. Yet, for San Antonians, we can be in the heart of the city within two hours on a direct flight! As a solo-female traveler, touching down in CDMX (Ciudad de México) for the first time felt quite daunting, despite my experience traveling abroad alone. With a phone running on empty and international cell service that hadn’t kicked in yet, I found a taxi and said a quick prayer as I embarked on what would become the trip to discover the city that stole my heart.
Knowing the majority of my time would be spent flying solo following the wedding of my friends Katelyn and Christian, I was extra diligent with my pre-trip planning. The first item on my list was finding the perfect place to stay. Somewhere safe, in an area with walkable attractions, accommodations within the hotel for unwinding after dark, and, of course, aesthetically elevated.
Lodging Fit For a Queen
What I found was something truly spectacular that checked all my boxes, and more! Hotel Dama is nestled in beautiful (and safe) Condesa. Although it’s rather easy to miss from the unassuming exterior design, what awaits inside is anything but! With a front door that can only be opened via room key or the front desk attendant, I knew immediately that this would be safe, at the very least. I was greeted by the friendliest staff and a quaint lobby reminiscent of a sunken living room lounge, complete with incredible artwork and tequila tasting. Warm colors and textures, modern furniture, and a touch of green to bring the life of Mexico City inside, I was inspired to completely update my personal living space once I returned home. I was shown to my room, which did not disappoint. Large checkered tiles extended to the floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass door, opening to an intimate patio overlooking a vine-covered white & rust courtyard below. The most comfortable and luxurious bedding and a light and clean bathroom featuring a huge walk-in shower with a window that opened to the outside.
Promenade
As tempting as it was to cozy up at Dama for the rest of the day, I was determined to explore. First up was Amsterdam Avenue – with an Uber set for Qūentin Café. After enjoying people-watching with a matcha latte at a bistro table along the tree-lined street, I set out on a stroll. This 1.2-mile loop encircling Parque México was a gem full of cafes, unique shops, and bars. Next up, as a thrifting enthusiast, I ventured to a nearby part of town to visit Erre Vintage. From there, I couldn’t pass the surrounding shops without going inside! The record stores, art galleries, clothiers, and eateries here could have been a destination all on their own.
Coincidentally, my visit fell on Mexican Independence Day, and the breathtaking spectacle of the celebration extended for miles around Palacio Nacional. As the streets leading to Palacio Nacional opened to the massive square, I found the most spectacular display of lights adorning every building face with past presidents and national insignia. The heart of the central plaza was pulsing with energy, and people were singing along to music from the stage.
While I was fortunate enough to experience the magic of El Grito de Dolores in El Zócalo, many places I wanted to visit were closed for the holiday. Marking the Frida Kahlo museum, Xochimilco boats, and Bosque de Chapultepec on my list for “next time,” I found Museo Soumaya open to the public (and free)! Museums are a fantastic way to spend time in a new city when traveling sin amigas. The building alone was a magnificent sight, but winding through the inside, I enjoyed breathtaking paintings and fellow art enthusiasts, culminating at the top floor filled with sculptures illuminated by sunlight spilling through the overhead skylights.
A Girl’s Gotta Eat!
In my personal opinion, the best pairing for a meal is great ambience and al fresco seating. Seeking just that, I discovered Toledo Rooftop, a lounge-style bar and eatery perfect for enjoying the sunshine or watching a storm roll in under the covered section of the rooftop. In the mornings, I lavished at Dama’s own lounge-style rooftop, complete with freshly squeezed juices, sliced fruit, overnight oats, and chilaquiles verdes (one of my all-time favorite dishes). A short walk from the hotel, I found Lardo to satisfy my craving for a good espresso and sparkling water. The walk was quiet and peaceful, but as I neared my destination, the corner was bustling with some of the best-dressed patrons I’ve ever seen, who were all there to experience Lardo’s open-air brunch, as well. I am positive the list of great dining options in CDMX is endless, but consider these my contributions! Along with Maque Cafe for their spicy aguachiles, Panaderia Rosetta, and the live vinyl spinning experiences offered at Orbita and Coppola Pizza Bar.
Whether you find yourself in the city for a quick trip or an extended stay, you might fall in love and be tempted to remain indefinitely, like myself. Salud!
