A Travel Writer-authorized Mexico City Packing List

Over the previous numerous years, I’ve had the good luck to check out Mexico City 4 times — and if you ask me, it’s rather of an underrated location. In truth, on my most recent journey, I realised that there were a lot more curious Americans than ever in the past. Since my very first check out, I’ve been informing anybody who would listen to my passionate suggestion to go; regularly, the suggestion would include a puzzled appearance and lots of follow-up concerns: Isn’t it hectic? Is it safe? What’s there to do?

Those concerns may get inquired about any big city, however Mexico City is, in truth, the biggest city by population in North America and among the biggest on the planet. It’s likewise among the most culturally considerable cities on the planet, with a gastronomy and night life scene that will continue to fascinate a growing number of visitors. 

There are, obviously, the staples like the Frida Kahlo Museum and the National Museum of Anthropology, however Mexico City likewise amazed me with its spectacular Luis Barragán architecture, wild fumbling nights at the Lucha Libre, and the drifting gardens and markets of Xochimilco — which develop into a celebration if you’re there at the correct time. Yet, a lot of really delighting in Mexico City is merely experiencing the huge city’s cosmopolitan energy by snagging an outside seat at a restaurant in Condesa, Roma, or Polanco. With excellent brand-new hotel openings like the Andaz Mexico City, Casa Polanco, and Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City — simply within the previous couple of years, in truth — there’s a lot more factor to wish to check out CDMX in 2023. 

As I prepare my approaching journey there in late May, I’ve began reviewing my previous sees and whatever that I’ve required or wanted I had actually brought with me on the ground, like a set of versatile and supportive walking sneakers, a compact-yet-sturdy umbrella, and a travel-friendly water bottle with a built-in filter so I might get tidy drinking water anywhere. Here’s whatever I’m packaging as an outcome, and I would recommend packaging on your own when you make your method to CDMX.

Huarache Sandals 

These woven leather shoes have actually been around in Mexico because the pre-Columbian age and for good factor. They’re simple to slip on, comfy, and let your feet breathe. I take a trip to warmer weather condition environments all over the world with them, and they never ever let me down — whether I’m sorting through the sand on a beach or striking the hot pavement of a city like CDMX. I’ve purchased these Nisolo Huarache Sandals two times because I desired them in 2 various colors (brandy and tobacco, respectively). I’ve been using them for several seasons, and the hand-cut, woven leather appears to get back at softer and much better looking with age. Thin rubber soles line the bottoms and are likewise stealthily proficient at supplying convenience for longer strolls. 

Fans of more casual walking shoes will wish to take a look at the action-ready Teva Men’s Hurricane Xlt2 Sandals. They’re geared up with memory foam footbeds that contour to the distinct shapes of your feet for well-rounded cushioning and assistance. Plus, they’re quick-drying and remarkably waterproof, so you can use them on any surface for any activity.

To buy: nisolo.com and amazon.com, $150

LifeStraw Water Filtration Bottle

To limitation my single-use plastics, I’ve been utilizing LifeStraw’s brand-new Go Series Water Filtration Bottle, which straight integrates the brand name’s purification innovation with the portable benefit of a water bottle. I’m certainly loading it for Mexico City since you can fill this repress practically anywhere there’s a water source for tidy water: a tap in Mexico, airport restrooms, or a gasoline station while road-tripping. The two-stage filter enhances the taste and safeguards versus germs, parasites, microplastics, chlorine, silt, sand, and basic cloudiness, which provides me comfort. The bottle is likewise double-wall insulated, keeping water cold all the time.

To buy: amazon.com, from $32

On Cloudsurfers Sneakers

Like any significant city, Mexico City is filled with unforgiving concrete streets, which can be hard on the feet. Since a great deal of walking is ensured to navigate in CDMX, I like to have a few of my most comfy choices along for the trip. The set that I keep in my luggage for that specific function functions as running shoes: the Cloudsurfers by On Running. 

Pro suggestion: Though you’ll undoubtedly do a great deal of walking, Mexico City is likewise an excellent city to jog in, and I constantly attempt to get to the Chapultepec Forest running path if I have sufficient time in the early morning. The cushiony nature of these shoes makes them perfect for simply that or walking along a few of the jagged, irregular streets you should compete with in Mexico City. They’re likewise trendy in a streamlined, head-turning method, however if you wish to keep them cleaner on the a little grittier streets of CDMX, I would choose the all-black version. 

To buy: zappos.com and rei.com, from $150

Breathable T-Shirt 

Having a breathable tee shirt that you won’t sweat through is a must when traveling to Mexico City, and I love this more luxe version for its excellent anti-odor and moisture-wicking. In fact, I’ve noticed that this 100 percent cotton shirt helps me avoid sweating, and it has a more premium feel to it, making it a more elevated piece that I regularly style under flowy shirts or jean jackets and blazers. In a city like CDMX, this allows the t-shirt to do double duty and dress up or down since it’s fitted without losing its roominess and feeling overly fitted and tight. Not to sound gross — but I can also wear it twice without it smelling and needing to wash it, something I can’t say for any of my other t-shirts. 

Another quality option is this moisture-wicking short-sleeve shirt from Amazon-favorite brand Magcomsen, which offers UPF 50+ sun protection and is stylish enough that no one would suspect that you’re wearing a sporty t-shirt with your tailored shorts or linen pants on activity-heavy days. And, it’s only $19.

To buy: bananarepublic.com, $40

Gorilla Grip Compact Travel Umbrella

Rain comes and goes in Mexico City, especially during the rainy season of June through September. While it reminds me of the rain in Miami — brief, but incredibly intense — I was definitely glad I packed a small umbrella on a previous trip when it started pouring buckets during one of my walks around Condessa’s charming Avenida Amsterdam. This option from Gorilla Grip comes in three solid colors plus an ironic blue sky print, and it offers UV protection while boasting a convenient automatic one-hand design. Many shoppers also share how surprised they are by the inexpensive umbrella’s overall sturdiness. 

To buy: amazon.com, $15

Blue Lizard Face Sunscreen

The sun in Mexico City can be pretty intense — in fact, on one trip, when I was getting the scoop on the beautiful new Casa Polanco Hotel, I went outside and sat in the neighboring Lincoln Park (one of my favorites) for about 30 minutes and got a slight sunburn. Because I have more sensitive skin, I’ve tested pretty much every facial sunscreen there is, and there are only a few that don’t break me out, including this sensitive skin option from Blue Lizard. I like that it’s a mineral sunscreen, but non-comedogenic (so it will not block pores) and contains hyaluronic acid for an extra boost in hydration.

To buy: amazon.com, $17

UPF Sun Hat 

Made with a paper braid, this panama hat is adjustable in size and full of airflow and comes in lots of different styles suitable for all genders. I specifically appreciate the “stardancer” style for its woven pattern around the brim, which can be seen from the top but also peeks through when you see the hat from underneath. With UPF 50+ sun protection, it’s an ideal hat to bring along anytime there will be significant sun exposure. It’s also packable, making it very easy to stash into a bag despite its size, and you can generally keep its shape well if you protect it in your suitcase around other clothing. 

To buy: amazon.com, from $35

Swim Trunks

Everywhere I go in Mexico City, there seems to be a great rooftop pool situation (pro tip: If you filter your hotel searches to include a pool, I can save you some time and let you know to check out both the Andaz or Umbral hotels). With daytime highs ranging from  70 degrees Fahrenheit to just below 85 degrees Fahrenheit  and low 80s pretty much year round, when it’s warm enough for a dip, I love to have this Vineyard Vines swimsuit tucked away in my bag.

This specific suit makes my legs look great as a result of the 7-inch inseam, plus, they are somehow fitted but also one of the most comfortable swimsuits I own, something other shoppers clearly agree with me on. I’m also fond of the elastic waistband on these trunks, which is stretchy but sufficient on keeping them in place, even after an ill-advised cannonball. As a bonus, they come in 39 different styles and colors so even if you don’t like a louder print like I do, there’s probably one that’s right for your aesthetic. 

If your budget is a bit tighter, given all the fun CDMX activities you might be saving for, I also like this $19 option that has a 7-inch inseam and comes in plenty of bold colors and patterns that’ll look great on any rooftop hotel pool.

To buy: vineyardvines.com, $99

Denim Jacket

Even during the summer, Mexico City’s high-elevation climate means cooler nights and mornings that require a light jacket. A jean jacket in a classic medium wash is a great unisex option casual enough to fit CDMX’s vibe, and it can be layered over a tee, sweatshirt, or even a sweater if it’s unseasonably cool. Need an affordable denim jacket recommendation? Old Navy shoppers rave about this classic, non-stretch jean jacket currently on sale for $55, fitted throughout the body with handsome button cuffs. 

To buy: oldnavy.com, $55 (originally $60)

Sojos Retro Round Polarized Sunglasses

A pair of sunnies should undoubtedly always stay in your carry-on bag. But in big cities with lots of pollution and traffic like Mexico City, I wear them even on cloudier days to keep gunk — dust from construction or nasty diesel fumes from idling trucks — out of my eyes. This gray pair from Orlebar Brown is my current favorite, because it feels modern and trendy, thanks to its flatter lens and subtle gradient fade from top to bottom. The retro round style will also fit in with the hipsters of Roma and Juarez. If you’re worried about packing a pricier pair, add these lookalikes for less from Amazon to your cart instead. At just $14.99, it won’t be the end of the world if you leave them in your room by mistake after checkout. 

To buy:  amazon.com, $15 (originally $20)

Refrze Airline-Approved Pet Carrier

Mexico City is a very pet-friendly town, and you will see all types of cute, small dogs cruising the streets of Polanco, Condessa, and Roma. The new Andaz Mexico City Condesa even has a “wooftop,” a pet-friendly area that combines a beer garden so that owners can enjoy as their furry friends play. Having a sturdy, airline-compliant pet carrier is a need to if you decide to bring your pet along, as I’m considering doing for my next trip. This well-priced option from Refze has a variety of colors, including neutral gray, soft blue, pink, and a more regal purple. It’s made of a sturdy Oxford cloth, comes with a shoulder strap, and a bowl for pet food that brilliantly attaches to the carrier by velcro. 

To buy: amazon.com, from $24

STM Powerkick Fast-Charging Power Adapter

With so much to do, see, and especially taste, I try to pack my days with as much as possible each time I’m in Mexico City. Bringing a charging adapter has become crucial when it hits lunchtime, and I need to juice up. This option by STM PowerKick is one I particularly like because it has suction cups on it so you can secure your smartphone or another device to it while charging. This also comes in handy if you’re on a flight to CDMX and want to watch TikToks or the latest episode of Succession you downloaded; since it has a kickstand, it allows you to position your device in a portrait or landscape position. 

To buy: stmgoods.com, $70

Breathable Pants 

The breezy, art-filled atmosphere of Mexico City always makes me want to dress a little more bohemian, and the warm weather can make linen a nonnegotiable on sweltering days. These best-selling pants from Amazon are lightweight, made with a breathable cotton-linen blend, and will look good with everything in your suitcase. And, they’re on sale. 

To buy: amazon.com, from $58 (originally $90) 

Activated You Morning Complete Daily Wellness Drink 

Having a grumpy travel gut is accepted as a reality when you’re on the road, especially in foreign countries where there are always new and exotic foods to try. As a frequent traveler hopping all over the world, I know this better than anyone else, so gut health is really important to me. After all, you wouldn’t want to waste a day in Mexico City holed up in your hotel room instead of seeing the Palace of Fine Arts up close and personal. The Morning Complete Wellness Drink was designed with less turbulent travel tummies in mind; it’s packed with various strains of prebiotics and probiotics to ensure smoother, more comfortable digestion. It’s also formulated with green superfoods to optimize nutrient intake, a metabolism-boosting blend to eliminate bloating, antioxidants, and more. 

To buy: amazon.com, $58

The Anytime You Drink Vitamins

Mexico City’s pulsing and trendy bars range from hidden speakeasy-type bars like Hanky Panky to the bohemian and vibey Xaman Bar and mega dance clubs like Mn Roy. On a few occasions, I’ve spent very late nights out at its queer clubs like Kinky Bar — and one thing is for sure, Mexico City knows how to party. As a result, I always pack H Proof’s Anytime You Drink Vitamins, formulated to help with alcohol consumption, restore nutrients, and hydrate you with electrolytes. I’ve noticed that I can avoid a messy, massive hangover when I take them before, during, or even after a big night out. And, even though they’re a bit of a splurge for vitamins, when you break it down to cost, each hangover helper is about $3 — which I would argue is money very well spent to avoid a day spent in bed wishing you’d never gone out. 

To buy: amazon.com, $59

Avarelle Acne Cover Patch

As someone who struggles with occasional whiteheads from travel-related exhaustion and frequent climate change — but especially in cities like Mexico City that combine brow sweat with pollution — I’m always on the lookout for a great acne cover patch to reduce the appearance of any spots. I’ve been taking this wallet-friendly option from Avarelle, which is less than $10,  practically everywhere I go because they magically clear up my pimples overnight while I sleep. So, whether you’re taking a trip to The City of Palaces to sightsee, for a work event, or just to experience that hard-to-get reservation at Pujol or Quintonil, you’ll clearly want to look your best, and these have given me a lot of confidence that I can as well when I travel. With ingredients that include reparative hydrocolloid, antibacterial tea tree, skin barrier-healing cica, and hydrating calendula oil, the patches can tackle any blemish and will leave you with a clearer, smoother, and healthier overall complexion. 

To buy: amazon.com, $9

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