Mexico City

CONDESA There’s a reason the Condesa neighborhood is a magnet for visitors to Mexico City: it’s as lively and lovely as many of Europe’s capital cities. I enjoy starting my day here by taking a walk along Avenida Ámsterdam, a leafy, green avenue that makes a ring around Parque México. People watching here is spectacular, as is dog watching in the park’s two large dog runs. Families enjoy endless entertainment on weekends: music, dance, and more. My wife Leslie and I enjoy spectating at the tango classes held in the park.

CENTRO HISTÓRICO Don’t skip a visit to the capital’s Zócalo, or main plaza. The city’s annual Independence Day celebrations happen here, but it’s also where people come when they want to campaign or hold rallies. You can enjoy a drink on the balcony from one of the restaurants ringing the square while watching the activity below.

Mexico City is such a wonderful food destination. We enjoy Azul Condesa, which serves traditional fare (I love the tortilla soup). And while I’m not typically a mixed-drinks guy, I enjoy the smoky Old Fashioned served next door at La Xampa, a champagne and cocktail bar. The drink lives up to its name, and the presentation of it . . . well, you just have to experience it for yourself!

When I’m in town, I’m a regular at El Greco, a Condesa hole-in-the-wall that serves fantastic tacos. If you’re craving fish tacos, nearby El Pescadito is a solid choice, while Chef Gabriela Cámara’s Contramar is deservedly buzzy. Its seafood really is exquisite.

We are repeat visitors to El Bazar Sábado, a weekly market in the San Ángel neighborhood that’s been in operation since 1960. It features beautiful Mexican textiles, jewelry, and other crafts. We make a day of it; after shopping, we stop by San Ángel Inn, a restaurant with terrific traditional Mexican food, excellent service, and a beautiful garden. It also serves breakfast, so you could choose to stop in before shopping at the bazaar.

Avenida Masaryk is Mexico City’s Rodeo Drive. Located in the Polanco neighborhood, you won’t find much of “traditional” Mexico here, but if you’re looking for luxury goods from top international retailers – think Cartier, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton – it’s the place to be.

I can’t get enough of Paseo de la Reforma, the avenue that runs through the heart of Mexico City. It’s lined with statues and fountains, and on Sundays it’s closed to cars and turned over to pedestrians and cyclists. You can rent a bike for free – a wonderful way to explore the city.

You can’t mention Mexico City without talking about Bosque de Chapultepec, a large park full of attractions. Don’t miss the fascinating National Museum of Anthropology.