When we lived in Canada and the USA, we frequently had 4-day holiday weekends that we didn’t know what to do with. A great option is traveling to nearby Mexico. Most tourists head to the beach areas, but in our opinion, Mexico City is a must-see place.
The Mexican capital (often referred to as CDMX) is the largest city in North America, with a population of over 9 million (metro population over 21 million). You could spend a lifetime exploring the sprawling metropolis, but we will mention a few highlights to get you started. CDMX has everything from street art to world-class museums, taco trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants — there really is something for everyone.
Here is a sample itinerary for an unforgettable getaway to this vibrant city!
Day 1 (Friday)
For a thrilling start to your trip, why not ride the rollercoasters at Six Flags México? The Medusa, Batman and Superman rides are our personal favorites. Friday is a good day to go because most Mexicans will be at work and the lines may be shorter at the theme park. If you want to skip ahead in the line, you may want to invest in a “fast pass.”
After a big adrenaline rush, you will be hungry! One of our favorite restaurants in the city is Les Moustaches, an elegant venue (often featuring a live pianist) in the Juarez neighborhood. Its signature dishes include French onion soup, chicken Kiev, and beef wellington.
At night, be sure to see a Lucha Libre show at Arena México. Fridays at 8:30 PM is the flagship weekly show, where you will be entertained by masked wrestlers “fighting” using rapid, acrobatic techniques. Tickets via Ticketmaster Mexico range from approximately $5-$50 USD/person, depending on how close you want to sit to the ring.
Day 2 (Saturday)
You cannot visit the city without trying authentic Mexican food! You can find a variety of “taco tours” that take you around the hip La Condesa and Roma Norte neighborhoods. Be sure to try different styles/varieties of tacos, including tacos al pastor, tacos de suadero, tacos de carnitas, tacos de guisado, tacos de cochinita pibil, and fish tacos. If you prefer a slower pace, we suggest a leisurely walking tour. If you are athletic (and want to burn some calories in between taco stops), try a bike tour.
La Condesa and Roma Norte are not just focused on food. They are gorgeous areas full of architectural marvels. You will find Art Deco structures, Colonial Revival homes, modern glass skyscrapers, ornate Porfirian/French Beaux-Arts mansions, and everything in between. Art enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn that Roma Norte contains a variety of sculptures — there is even a replica of Michelangelo’s David in Río de Janeiro Plaza.
In the evening, you must try the cocktails at Handshake Speakeasy. It is currently No. 1 on The World’s 50 Best Bars List! We have tried many of the bar’s creative concoctions, including the Butter Mushroom Old Fashioned, Fig Martini, Olive Oil Gimlet, and Matcha Martini.
Day 3 (Sunday)
In the morning, we suggest spending a few hours in Chapultepec Park.
Climb the hill up to Chapultepec Castle. It was the only palace in North America to house a monarch, and you can see the perfectly preserved rooms of Emperor Maximilian I (an Austrian archduke of the Habsburg dynasty). The castle is known for its beautiful full-length stained-glass windows and its spectacular panoramic views of Mexico City. If you are a movie buff, you may recognize the castle as the Capulet mansion in the Leonardo DiCaprio version of Romeo + Juliet.
If you are an animal lover, you should visit the nearby Chapultepec Zoo. It is free to enter, and you can see species such as tigers, kangaroos, giraffes, and penguins. The zoo also houses one of the few giant pandas outside of China.
After your sightseeing adventures, you may want to stop for a refreshment at The Four Seasons Hotel. Its bar, Fifty Mils, is famous for its creative cocktails.
Next, walk along Avenida de la Reforma admiring the Diana Fountain and the iconic Angel of Independence. The avenue often hosts parades, festivals, and pop-up art displays, so you never know what else you may see during your visit.
For lunch, we recommend MO+F. It is a hip Asian fusion restaurant with an extensive menu of Japanese, Thai, and Korean delicacies. Our favorite dishes are the yakisoba and the Wagyu onigiri.
In the afternoon, head to the luxurious Polanco neighborhood, home to Mexico City’s wealthiest residents. Hopefully, you left room for dessert because BUTTERY café bakes one of the world’s most delicious cinnamon rolls!
Once your sugar cravings are satisfied, spend some time shopping along Avenida Presidente Masaryk, known as the “Rodeo Drive” of Mexico City. Next, enjoy a stroll through Parque Lincoln to see the lakes and sculptures (including ones of Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King).
The streets bordering Parque Lincoln are full of trendy bars and restaurants, so you will have plenty of dinner options. Our personal favorite is L’Entrecote – Le Relais de Venise, a classic French restaurant that serves steak frites in a decadent butter and herb sauce. If you want to cap off the night with a digestif, check out the award-winning cocktail bar Limantour Polanco.
Day 4 (Monday)
Head to the historic center of Mexico City, known as the Zócalo.
Some important buildings in this area to visit (or at least photograph) include the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts), the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Palacio Postal, and the National Palace (the president’s residence, containing Diego Rivera murals).
If you want a lovely view of Constitution Plaza from above, we suggest grabbing a beverage or snack at the Gran Hotel’s rooftop restaurant. Before heading upstairs, be sure to gaze up at the lobby ceiling: it is a breathtaking stained-glass dome.
Want an even higher view? Head to Torre Latinoamericana, a skyscraper that was once the tallest building in Latin America. You can go up to the observation deck on level 44 and/or grab a drink at Bar Miralto (floor 41).
History buffs interested in learning about the Aztecs should explore the ruins of Templo Mayor (Great Temple) beside the Metropolitan Cathedral. Its adjoining museum contains ritual objects, ceremonial tools, gold ornaments, statues, ancient weapons, and more. For a truly immersive experience of ancient civilizations, consider a day trip out to see the pyramids at the Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan (approximately a 1-hour drive from CDMX). Adventurous visitors can even fly over the archaeological site in a hot-air balloon!
We understand that this itinerary covers different parts of the city. Fortunately, CDMX has lots of public transport options, tour operators, and rideshare apps. Additionally, the most popular neighborhoods: La Condesa, Roma Norte, and Polanco, are within walking distance of each other.
We recommend basing yourself in Juarez near the Angel of Independence statue, because it is close to all three. Along Avenida de la Reforma you will find hotels at every price point. If you have the budget, you could splurge on a room at Sofitel Mexico City Reforma, The St. Regis Mexico City, or Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City. More affordable options include NH Collection Mexico City Reforma, Mexico City Marriott Reforma, ibis Styles Mexico Reforma, and Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel.
Hopefully you have enjoyed this brief introduction to Mexico City! Feel free to add to or modify the above itinerary once you have done your own research. If you are looking for trip-planning tips for other cities, check out our articles A Weekend in Milan: Eat. See. Shop. and See The Wonders Of Warsaw: A City Reborn.