I wanted to go to CDMX for ages, but never had the opportunity to go. My job gave me a week off this past January and I found it to be the perfect time to jet off from Los Angeles. I booked my flight that very night. Before leaving, I was met with the usual nervousness of traveling somewhere new. It ended just as any other trip I’ve gone on: leaving with the desire to return again.
I’m here to give you the low-down on the perfect 7-day itinerary in Mexico City. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just looking to explore a new city, Mexico City has got something for everyone. So let’s dive into the details!
Day 1: Bienvenidos a la Ciudad de Mexico!
After landing at Benito Juarez International Airport, get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Mexico City. Clearing customs was a breeze. Take an Uber to your accommodation in the trendy neighborhood of La Condesa or Roma. These were my favorite neighborhoods! I had a good time simply walking around; admiring the architecture and both places had so many stores to wander into. Check out the aesthetically-pleasing exterior of Hotel CondesaDF (with a beautiful classic car parked out front) before spending some time at Parque Espana a few steps away. Once you’re settled and refreshed, head out to try some of the best food in the city.
Los Cuyocos is a must-visit spot for its delicious tacos. I originally heard about it through Anthony Bourdain’s visit many years ago. This restaurant was once a small countertop. Talk about growth! I really liked this place because it felt like a backyard evening with friends and family. (see my Los Cucuyos dedicated video here) I didn’t get the chance to try it, but I hear Sonora Street Food is also a local favorite for tacos.
Afterward, take a stroll through La Condesa and check out some of the beautiful street art and boutique shops. For dessert, find one of the many locations of Churreria del Moro. They have so many different variations of churros, chocolate dipping sauces, and other treats for you to appease your sweet tooth. Unless you’re going as soon as they open, yes, there will be a line. I went twice. The second time they gave out free churros with the purchase of a hot chocolate. Enjoy sunset cocktails on the rooftop of the Sofitel Mexico City Reforma. From your seat, you’ll get an astounding view of the Angel de Independencia.
Day 2: Art and Architecture
Start your day with some delicious chilaquiles and café de olla at a local café. I booked a photographer and we went to The House of Tiles after the shoot. I couldn’t have picked a better building (inside and outside) to enjoy my favorite Mexican dish: chilaquiles. After your meal, walk across the street to visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a stunning building that houses some of the country’s most important cultural events.
From there, walk to the Zocalo and admire the beautiful architecture of the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace. There’s a cool CDMX sign to pose at here, as well as many local artisans, booksellers, and common clothing stores, like H&M. The day I went, the military came out to take the flag down.
Day 3: Frida Kahlo and Coyoacán
Today, take a trip to the southern part of the city to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Casa Azul. This beautiful blue house was once the home of Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera and is now a museum showcasing her incredible artwork
and personal belongings. Head to the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán, where you can explore the colorful market and try some of the best street food in the city.
If you aren’t tired from your morning, stop by the Soumaya Museum. This place is art on the inside and outside. The exterior makes for a really cool photo. Oh, and did I mention entry is free?
In the evening, how about some Lucha Libre?! This was a great part of my trip, especially as a WWE fan. I booked the experience through Airbnb. I met my tour guides in Gibraldi Plaza, which is a Mexico City staple. I suggest coming early to experience mariachis up close. You’ll see several bands here walking around the square. My guides took me into a dining hall in the plaza. Here, we had all-you-can-eat and drink (mezcal, tequila, beer, and tacos). These were included in the experience price. It was all TOTALLY WORTH IT! (If you’d like to book this experience, you can do so here).
After a very filling dinner, we made our way to Arena Coliseo. Thanks to our guides, our tickets were already taken care of and our seats were reserved. If you look around you, everyone is laughing, yelling, and having a good time. And if you’re not full from the plethora of tacos and beer you just had, there’s someone constantly walking the aisles with drinks, beers, and snacks (not included in the price).
Day 4: Hot Air Balloon Teotihuacán
If you’re feeling adventurous (as I always am), take a day trip to the ancient ruins of Teotihuacán, located just outside the city. I did this, but added a little, well a lot of SPICE to it! I wanted to see these beautiful pyramids from above and below, so I booked a hot-air balloon sunrise session with Volare. They picked me up at 4 am to get me to the site before sunrise. Here, they had a light, pre-flight breakfast (muffins, biscuits, coffee, and tea) for us. We were split into groups and were given the opportunity to take photos inside the balloon! We took off while the sun was rising and had some of the most amazing views of not just Teotihuacán, but the entire city.
After landing, our captain popped a bottle of champagne for us to celebrate this perfect morning before driving us back to the entry site. Here, a breakfast buffet with a mariachi band playing was waiting for us. We then boarded the bus and began our on-foot exploration of the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. This didn’t include a guide, but there were guides at the entrance for hire. They gave us three hours to explore before returning home in the late afternoon. If your visit is fast and you have time to kill, check out La Gruta. It’s a restaurant built into the caves that has grown increasingly popular thanks to social media.
Such a full day of direct sun required rest. A solid 12 hours out and active. There was no reviving me once I hit my hotel bed. I didn’t even want food, just the bed! I didn’t get up until the following morning.
Day 5: Markets and Museums
For your fifth day, start your morning at the Mercado de la Merced, one of the largest and oldest markets in the city. You’ll find everything from fresh produce and meat to handmade crafts and souvenirs. With so many snack options here, I skipped breakfast. Afterward, head to Chapultepec Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world. Here, you can visit the National Museum of Anthropology, the Chapultepec Castle, and the Botanical Gardens.
Finish your evening off at a cool bookshop: Cafebreria el Pendulo. I went to the one in Roma. This particular one was a bookshop, bar, cafe, and had a rooftop area with music spread across three stories.
Day 7: Adios Mexico City
On your last full day in Mexico City, enjoy a goodbye breakfast at Panaderia Rosetta or Cafe Nin. They have some life-changing pastries at both restaurants, as well as regular meals. You’ll want to eat a heavy meal because of your afternoon activities!
Spend your afternoon floating down the canals of Xochimilco. Try some pulque, a traditional Mexican beverage made from fermented agave. Just be warned, it’s an acquired taste and texture! (I had the coconut-flavored one and couldn’t get enough). There will be many vendors floating beside you selling their food and products, so carry cash. You’ll have the opportunity to buy food from them, as well as handmade products. During your float, you will get the chance to see the axolotl!
To wind down your last evening, enjoy a final meal at Contramar before returning to your hotel room. Before leaving, make sure to practice your Spanish with the locals and try some last-minute street food. And with that, it’s time to pack your bags and head back home.
Honorable Mention:
Visit the Grutas de Tolantongo. This is 3.5 hours away, so if you have an extra day I recommend this. Experience this Avatar-like world of waterfalls, caves, and the prettiest shade of blue flowing in the water. I did a tour that left at 4 am and got me back to my hotel by 6 pm. This tour is all about getting you in and getting you out before crowds come. You can book that tour here. View my Grutas dedicated video here
Never adios, always hasta luego. Hasta luego, Mexico!