From Guadalajara to Mexico City by Bus: A Solo Traveler’s Unexpectedly Luxe Journey
Why I Chose the Scenic Route—and How a Comfortable Bus Ride, One Night in Guadalajara, and an Action-Packed CDMX Weekend Made for a Perfect Solo Trip
Let me start by saying this: if you're altitude-sensitive like I am, one night in Guadalajara before diving into Mexico City is a game-changer.
I flew into Guadalajara with a plan to ease my body into the higher elevation and booked a stay at The Westin Guadalajara. The hotel arranged a seamless airport pickup, and I genuinely appreciated the quiet, luxe space to land, hydrate, and decompress.
The next day, instead of hopping on a flight to CDMX, I opted for an overland adventure via ETN Turistar bus. And honestly, I preferred it to flying. It was comfortable, clean, and safe, and the seats reclined more than most business class cabins. With wide leather seats, footrests, and onboard entertainment, this was not your average Greyhound experience.
Touchdown in Mexico City
Landing in CDMX via Mexico Poniente terminal, I dove into a weekend itinerary packed with culture, cocktails, and enough tacos to write a separate post.
Friday night, I went straight for the drama at Arena México, catching a Lucha Libre show that was part theater, part athleticism, and completely electric. Afterward, I went to Plaza Garibaldi, where mariachi bands play into the night, and checked out the Museo del Tequila y el Mezcal (yes, it’s in the same square).
Saturday was all about the historic center. I wandered through Zócalo, grabbed a midday coffee at Mercado de San Juan, and ended with sunset rooftop drinks at the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México—a vintage beauty overlooking the city’s main square.
Dinner plans were ambitious: we were on the waitlist for Quintonil, one of Latin America’s top restaurants (pro tip: have your hotel concierge try to work some magic). Post-dinner cocktails? We headed to Hanky Panky, a hidden speakeasy in Roma Norte that lives up to the hype.
Shop, Museum-Hop, Repeat
By day, I explored Roma and Condesa—particularly boutique-lined Calle Colima (check out Roma Quince). Cicatriz Café in Juárez made for a perfect recharge stop.
I carved out Sunday for a possible day trip to Teotihuacán, the ancient Mesoamerican city home to the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. It’s just under an hour from CDMX and completely worth it if you can swing it.
Another must-visit: the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán. Buy your tickets in advance online to avoid the long lines.
Quick Tips
Stay: Westin Guadalajara for a soft landing; Mexico City hotels in Roma Norte, Polanco, or Condesa are ideal for safety, walkability, and vibes.
Move: Uber is cheap, easy, and safe—use it even for airport transfers.
Eat: Agua y Sal for ceviche in Polanco, Cabanna for tacos, and don’t skip El Califa for a local taco chain that’s wildly worth it.
Drink: Jules Basement for a hidden cocktail experience, Gran Hotel rooftop for views, and Hanky Panky for speakeasy vibes.
Final Thoughts
I planned this as a short solo trip, but it ended up offering the perfect balance of rest, exploration, and indulgence. If you’re eyeing Mexico City but unsure how to ease into it—start in Guadalajara, take the bus, and go slow. You’ll thank me later.
