A Weekend Guide to Mexico City

Mexico City is a vibrant, colorful destination that blends a mosaic of cultures with a deep history. Its Aztec origins remain a cornerstone of the city’s identity, while its artistic spirit thrives through vibrant murals, galleries, and eclectic neighborhoods. The city is also renowned for its incredible food scene, where authentic street food tacos meet world-class fine dining.

Day 1

Photo by Pyro Jenka

Arrive in Mexico City, settle into your accommodations, and start your culinary journey at Rosetta, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Roma Norte neighborhood. With its Italian-inspired menu featuring a Mexican twist, be sure to try the sourdough with chicatana ant butter and their signature white mole.

Day 2

Photo by Patty Zavala

Start your morning with a visit to Café Nin, an artisanal café known for its freshly baked pastries - try the recommended guava filled one.

Head into the Centro Histórico, starting at the iconic Zócalo, one of the largest public squares in the world. Wander through the historic streets, taking in the architecture of landmarks like the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the elegant interior of the Palacio Postal. Visit the colorful Casa de los Azulejos (House of Tiles), a beautiful 18th-century building covered with blue and white ceramic tiles before continuing on to Alameda Central, the city’s oldest park.

Stay in the Centro to enjoy lunch at Café de Tacuba, a historic 17th-century restaurant famous for its authentic Mexican dishes like enchiladas and mole. Afterwards, make your way over to Churrería El Moro for dessert, one of the city’s most beloved spots for churros.

Spend the afternoon exploring the neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa. Shop at boutiques featuring everything from stylish local clothing brands to handcrafted jewelry and artisanal home goods or stop in at the Mercado Roma market, where you can sample gourmet food from local vendors.

In the evening, unwind with a clarified cocktail at Licorería Limantour, consistently ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars. Known for its creative mixology, this stylish bar pairs expertly crafted drinks and delicious small plates with a lively ambiance and upbeat music.

Finish off with a casual, late night dinner at Taquería El Califa, a spot visited by Anthony Bourdain. Indulge in classic Mexican tacos and be sure to try the sirloin costra - sirloin filled with melted Chihuahua cheese, rolled in a homemade tortilla.

Day 3

Photo by Julieta Julieta

Start your last day with a visit to Saint, a local café known for its cozy atmosphere and great coffee. From there, walk over to Parque México, a beautiful park in the Condesa neighborhood ideal for people-watching and a popular spot for dog owners to take their pets for a walk.

No trip to Mexico City would be complete without a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacán. Buy tickets ahead of time in order to tour the blue house where Frida lived. The museum offers a deep dive into Kahlo’s life, her artwork, and her personal history.

Spend the afternoon floating around the Xochimilco canals. Hire a colorful trajinera (boat), enjoy the lively atmosphere with mariachi bands, and sample food and drinks from boat vendors.

Enjoy dinner at the quaint Masala y Maíz, a bib-gourmand Michelin recommendation that blends Indian, Mexican, and East African flavors.

End the night with the excitement of a Lucha Libre match at Arena México, a 15-minute walk from Masala y Maíz. Lucha Libre is Mexico’s version of professional wrestling involving fast-paced action, with luchadores performing flips, acrobatics, and signature moves, all while dressed in costumes and masks that often represent their personas.

Restaurants

Contramar - Fresh seafood, the tuna tostadas are the most recommended item.

Rosetta - One Michelin starred restaurant, Italian-inspired with Mexican twist.

Café Nin - Highly recommended cafe known for their guava pasties.

Churrería El Moro - Beloved churro spot in the city.

Taqueria Orinoco - Delicious tacos and authentic Monterrey-style fare.

Fonda Fina - A modern take on traditional Mexican comfort food.

El Tizoncito - Recognized as the birthplace of tacos al pastor.

Saint - Recommended quaint cafe.

Mari Gold - Michelin recommended, India-meets-Mexico.

Quintonil - A two-Michelin-starred restaurant voted on World's Best 50 Restaurants.

Masala y Maíz - Bib-gourmand Michelin guide, bombines Indian and Mexico flavors into a fusion.

Taquería El Califa - Local tacos, spot visited by Anthony Bourdain.

Bars

Casa Franca - Warm, laid-back watering hole with tapas & cocktails and live jazz performances.

Mama Rumba - Lively Cuban restaurant with dancing.

Hanky Panky - A hidden cocktail bar, a speakeasy-style ambiance.

Licorería Limantour - Deliciously crafted clarified cocktails.

Handshake Speakeasy - Voted number 1 bar in the World.

Shopping

Ikal - Boutique with a curated selection of Mexican designs from home goods to fashion.

For All Folks - A cosmetic boutique made with Calendula.

Utilitario Mexicano - Beautifully crafted home decor and furniture.