English Language tours of Downtown Mexico City

There are many guided tours available in Mexico city and your hotel should have a long list from which you can pick from.

If you looking for a guided tour in the Downtown "Historic" centre of the city we would highly recommend contacting Amy De La Serna at mexicocitytours@hotmail.com, she can arrange the tour and arrange a guide to suit your specific needs - the tours are available in Spanish, English, French or Portuguese and are available 7 days a week for $370.00mx per couple (check prices for larger groups) . The difference with the tour is that the guides all speak very fluent english and have a great knowledge of the area and all have a genuine interest in the history of the city. All in all, it is a great priced service which takes visitors from Bellas Artes and the Post office building down to the main square and its surrounding tourist sites. Tours generally last a full day and a lot of walking is involved so good pair of shoes is advised.

Xochimilcos "Island of Dolls".....

This bizarre little place is located in the canals of Xochimilco. Island and "musuem" owner Julian Santana began covering the island in dolls and asking them to protect him and the island over fifty years ago. Nowadays the island is cared for by a relative of the now deceased Julian Santana. The island is open to visitors for a small fee - its a strange and slightly creepy place but worth taking the time to visit if you are in Xochimilco.

http://www.xochimilco.df.gob.mx/turismo/isladelasmunecas.html

You can read Julian Santanas story on the official government site linked above (in spanish).

Mero Toro - dining in the Condesa

Mero Toro came as a breathe of fresh air to the Condesa scene. Mero Toro is one of the Condesas hippest places to eat out. After a brief period when standards waivered, its nice to see that Mero Toro is back on top form. If you want to experience contemporary Mexican dining at its best you should give Mero Toro a try. Although the drinks list is a little expensive, dinner for this sort of place is a steal and you can eat for under $600.00mx.

Sadly Bartender Joseph has recently left Mero Toro so we hope that they find a replacement soon who can make a mojito just as good as Mero Toros last head Bartender.

Mero Toro
Ámsterdam 204
Between Iztacihuatl & Chilpancingo
Condesa
Tel. 5564-7799
Open Sunday through Saturday, 2-11:00PM (closed Monday)

Nearest Metro Station Chilpancingo

More on Supermarkets

We have blogged before on supermarkets but this is another tip for anyone wishing to shop at the supermarket in the city to save money or anyone that plans to be in the city for a long period of time.

Around the city you will find a wide variety of supermarkets - the cheapest is Chedraui, with large stores all over the city.

There is also a very nice supermarket in the Narvarte area of the city. City market is slightly small and you certainly won´t be able to do a full shop there, although if you want high quality produce, a wider selection of meats, wines or cheese - city market is the place for you to shop. The bakery at city market is far better then bakeries at the other supermarkets in the city and you will also find a wider range of luxury snacks and chocolates. Give it a try !

http://www.citymarket.com.mx/nuestras_tiendas.html

Cheap eating in Condesa

Located on one of the condesas prettiest streets is Boca 21. A deli serving fresh and healthy food from 9am-10.30pm, 7 days a week. The deli specialises in tasty sandwiches with fillings such as salmon, turkey and spanish chorizo. The deli also has a range of pasta, salad and "woks" to choose from. Customers can choose from a range of fresh juice or wines and beers to go with thier meals but note that the deli does not sell sodas. If you feel hungry and need to eat cheaply in the condesa you should definatley give this place a try - the sandwiches are available on four types of bread with a wide variety of fillings and although simple, they are very tasty. Prices range from $40.00-65.00mx.

Boca 21 Deli

Amsterdam e iztlazihuatl 36

Esquina con Iztaccihuatl

Col. Condesa

Tel. 5584-8466