it.yoksan.org Open in urlscan Pro
2606:4700:3030::ac43:ba3a  Public Scan

Form analysis
3 forms found in the DOM

GET https://sandinmysuitcase.com/

<form role="search" method="get" class="searchform" action="https://sandinmysuitcase.com/">
  <label>
    <span class="screen-reader-text">Search for:</span>
    <input type="search" class="search-field" placeholder="Enter search keywords" value="" name="s" title="Search for:">
  </label>
  <input type="submit" class="search-submit" value="Search">
</form>

POST index.php

<form action="index.php" method="post" id="" class="trellis-proxy-form">
</form>

GET https://sandinmysuitcase.com/

<form role="search" method="get" class="searchform" action="https://sandinmysuitcase.com/">
  <label>
    <span class="screen-reader-text">Search for:</span>
    <input type="search" class="search-field" placeholder="Enter search keywords" value="" name="s" title="Search for:">
  </label>
  <input type="submit" class="search-submit" value="Search">
</form>

Text Content

Skip to Content
Search
Search for:
Close Search ×
 * Start here
   * Blog
   * Subscribe
 * About
 * Experiences
   * Adventures
   * Cultural Travel
   * Cruises
   * Food + Drink
   * Cool Hotels
   * Travel Tips
 * Destinations
   * North America
     * Canada
     * Caribbean
     * Central America
     * United States
   * Hawaii + Pacific
     * Hawaii
     * South Pacific
   * Mexico
   * Europe
   * Asia
   * Africa
   * Antarctica
 * Resources
   * Travel Shop
   * Best Sandals
     * Travel Sandals
     * Beach Sandals (Women)
     * Water Sandals (Women)
     * Flip-Flops (Men)
   * Hawaii Packing List
   * Carry-On Essentials


THE BEST 3-DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY FOR FIRST-TIMERS (2023)

By: Author Janice and George

Posted on Last updated: August 22, 2023

Categories Culture

Home / Culture

Please double-check things like opening hours before you go. Also, we use
affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small
commission at no cost to you.

 * Share
 * Tweet
 * Pin
 * Email

Are you planning to spend 3 days in Mexico City?

You’re in for a treat!

Mexico City should be on every traveler’s bucket list of things to do in Mexico.

We’ve visited Mexico extensively.

And we have the perfect Mexico City itinerary for you if you’re visiting for the
first time!




THE PERFECT 3 DAYS IN MEXICO CITY ITINERARY: OVERVIEW

To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve curated the very best things to do
in Mexico City in this customizable guide.

The first day in Mexico City is all about exploring the Centro Historico, where
you’ll find some of the best-known museums and Mexico’s historical landmarks.

Day 2 and 3 take you on a tour of other suburbs of the city, where you can catch
a glimpse of Mexico City’s wonderful diversity and cultural richness.



You’ll see a lot of museums and historical landmarks in this 3-day Mexico City
itinerary.

But don’t worry, we also let you in on how you can appreciate Mexico’s social
scene.

We made sure to add some fun, relaxing night-time activities in this itinerary
to give you the true Mexican fiesta experience!




CONTENTS: MEXICO CITY 3-DAY ITINERARY

How many days do you need in Mexico City?

Reasons to visit Mexico City

Day 1 – Historical center

Day 2 – Chapultepec, Museum of Anthropology and Condesa

Day 3 – Coyoacan, Frida Kahlo and Trotsky

Sunday in Mexico City

4 days? Polanco and Roma Norte

Mexico City day trips

Best places to eat in Mexico City

Where to stay in Mexico City

Best time to visit Mexico City

Other Mexico City travel tips

3-Day Mexio City travel guide: Last words




HOW MANY DAYS IN MEXICO CITY DO YOU NEED?

Is three days enough time to see Mexico City?

The truth: You won’t be able to see and do everything there is to experience in
Mexico City in three days.



You could easily spend a full week exploring all that the city has to offer.

But three days in Mexico City (meaning four nights) is just enough to enjoy the
top attractions, outlined below.

Also, if you have a one- or two-week vacation, staying in Mexico City for 3 days
still leaves you time for also visiting, say Puerto Vallarta or Cancun (so you
can enjoy a city-and-beach holiday) or traveling to some of the colonial cities
in Mexico.

And if you end up having more time, say 4 or even 5 days in Mexico City? Well,
there are some great Mexico City day trips you can tack on to your visit!


WHY VISIT MEXICO CITY?

Before we get into the nitty gritty, let’s talk first about why Mexico City is
worth visiting.

If this will be your first time in Mexico City, forget what you think you might
know about it. Pollution? Crime? Uninteresting?

No way, José.

Mexico City upended our expectations.

All around us, we saw signs of an energetic, progressive, thriving metropolitan
city.



Sure, the Mexican capital (population over 21 million) is so vast that, when
peering down from the plane, we couldn’t make out its edges.

But below we found a people-friendly, vibrant, buzzing hive of a place – a
delight to explore on foot, with loads of historical treasures and an explosion
of cutting-edge artistic, culinary and cultural venues.

Indeed, strolling Mexico City’s Condesa district one summer evening was like
being out in a pleasant upscale neighborhood of San Francisco.

New moms pushed decked-out strollers along tree-lined streets. Young
professionals sipped lattes to-go while talking briskly into their Bluetooth
headsets. People walked their toy dogs. Restaurant tables spilled out on the
sidewalk, where friends were chatting up a storm.

So brace yourself – because Mexico City is likely to surprise you!

It’s got lots of shady green parks – and more museums than most other cities in
the world (over 150, apparently).



It’s quite safe too. Apart from a few (easily avoided) dodgier districts, you
don’t need to worry about a trip to Mexico City any more than about a visit to
New York or Miami.

And its air is clean most of the time. Air pollution has dropped significantly
since the city’s dirty days in the 1990’s. On our visit, the blue skies were
smog-free.

Its name also holds a small surprise.

It only recently officially changed to “Mexico City” (Cuidad de Mexico� in
Spanish, or CDMX) from “DF” (Distrito Federal) – the old moniker still commonly
used by the locals.

Okay, let’s dive into our 3-day, must-do Mexico City itinerary now!


DAY 1 – HISTORIC CENTER (CENTRO HISTORICO)


ZOCALO

Start your first day in the Zocalo, the main square of the city.



As soon as you see it, you’ll know instantly why it’s the heart of Mexico City.

The plaza is humongous. Covering 3½ square miles, it’s the largest in all of
Latin America, surrounded by national treasures on all sides.

If you take a guided walking tour of the historic downtown, it will start here.


METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL

On the north side of the Zocalo, you’ll see the Metropolitan Cathedral. You
can’t miss it – it’s the largest and oldest cathedral in Latin America.



Built over 250 years (from 1573 to 1813), it’s not surprising that its
architecture is a mix of three styles – Baroque, Neo-Classic and
Neo-Renaissance.

The cathedral’s exterior is impressive enough with its centuries-worth of
architectural grandeur.

But the interior is even more awe-inspiring. Gold-coated surfaces, religious
relics adorning every nook and crevice, numerous art masterpieces plus 16
chapels give visitors plenty to explore.


TEMPLO MAYOR

Behind the cathedral, you’ll find the ruins of the Templo Mayor, the main temple
in the ancient Aztec City, Tenochtitlan (which is now Mexico City).

The spot holds great significance in Mexican culture.

This is exactly where it’s believed the eagle sat on top of a cactus, with a
snake in its beak. Legend has it that an Aztec leader was told by the gods in a
dream this would mark the spot where his people should settle.

Today, this eagle image is the iconic symbol of Mexico City, hence its place on
the Mexican flag.



Human sacrifices at Templo Mayor were common to appease the Aztec gods. It’s
believed 4,000 prisoners alone were sacrificed here in December, 1487.

There’s a museum attached (Museo del Templo Mayor), which is definitely worth a
visit to get the full background on this historical site.

Like most museums in Mexico City, Templo Mayor is closed on Mondays. It’s open
from Tuesday to Sunday. Tickets cost 90 pesos (around $4.80 USD).


NATIONAL PALACE

Next, present a photo ID to get free entry into one of the most important Mexico
City sights – the National Palace (Palacio Nacional).

In its garden courtyards, signs point to the living quarters and official rooms
once occupied by Benito Juarez, perhaps Mexico’s best-loved president.



Then look for the brilliantly colored mural, “The Epic of the Mexican People in
their Struggle for Freedom and Independence.”

It’s by Diego Rivera, one of Mexico’s greatest 20th century artists.



Rivera took years to paint this masterpiece, so massive it winds around the
palace’s central staircase.

Related reading: There’s lots of cool art at the Diego Rivera Museum in
Guanajuato (it was Rivera’s former home and where he was born).


PALACE OF FINE ARTS

Lovers of the arts will want to check out the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de
Bellas Artes) and marvel at its dazzling white marble exterior.



Inside, admire huge murals painted by some of Mexico’s famous muralists.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Mexico City on the right days, you can buy
tickets to watch one of the renowned, twice-weekly Ballet Folklorico
performances held in the building.

(You can get tickets to watch the ballet here; this small group tour includes
VIP entry and roundtrip hotel transfers.)

The Palacio is one of the most beautiful buildings in Mexico City.

By getting tickets to watch the ballet, you also get the privilege of seeing the
theater’s stained-glass curtain made by New York jeweler, Tiffany, and its
crystal ceiling dome.


CASA DE LOS AZULEJOS

Next, take a gander at the gorgeous House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos).

The exterior is completely covered in blue, white and yellow tiles.



The building dates back to the end of the 1500s, but the tiles were added around
1735.

If you wander inside, you’ll see a mural (close to the stairway) by Jose
Clemente Orozco, the muralist who painted the famous murals in Guadalajara.

There’s a casual restaurant inside as well, but you don’t have to eat there to
walk around inside.


PALACIO POSTAL



Then make a quick stop at the Palacio Postal. Really, a post office? Yep, it’s
the Postal Palace.

With a grand stairway flanked by bronze railings, marble floors and gilded
lamps, it’s one gorgeous building.

It still operates as a post office. But this post office makes the ordinary task
of buying stamps feel like a luxurious experience!


NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART



Finish off your day of Mexico City sightseeing at the National Museum of Art
(MUNAL or Museo Nacional de Art).

It houses the most important collection of Mexican art. From ancient relics to
20th and 21st century art from Mexico’s most famous artists, the stunning
building is packed with must-see art.



Of all the cultural activities in Mexico City we experienced, touring the
National Museum of Art turned out to be one of our favorites.

We enjoyed the rural landscapes, portraits and other artworks by Mexican
painters little-known to foreign visitors.


LUCHA LIBRE

For a truly entertaining, blood-pumping cultural experience, there’s no better
way to spend your first night in Mexico City than by watching lucha libre.

It’s like WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) but even more colorful and
acrobatic – and attending a match is one of the most fun things to do in Mexico
City!

The wrestlers (called luchadores) are divided into two types: “good guys” and
“bad guys.” They’re outfitted in spandex and sequins and wear masks. There’s
often a character dressed in drag too.



The three lucha libre arenas in Mexico City where you can see these entertaining
performances are:

 * Arena Mexico Colonia Doctores (the largest)
 * Arena Coliseo
 * Arena Naucalpan (the smallest and furthest away from the city center)

To get the most out of the spectacle, why not brush up on some of the most
popular wrestlers? The backstory of each character is quite rich and
interesting.

One of the most well-known luchadores is Ray Mysterio – he helped make lucha
libre popular in the U.S.

Then there’s Blue Demon Jr.

He’s reinvented himself a few times. He made local headlines when he announced
his intention to run for mayor of a Mexico City borough in 2021 (though he
didn’t in the end). He also plays a superhero in a Disney Channel comedy series,
and he’s starred in a lucha libre documentary.

Current big names to watch out for include Caristico, Atlantis and Fenix.

When you go, don’t be surprised if you find yourself joining in on the cheering
and jeering by the crowd. At the match, you can even buy a mask of your
new-found favorite wrestler and wear it to really get into the spirit!

HOW TO SEE A MEXICO CITY LUCHA LIBRE MATCH

You might like to go with a guide, so you don’t feel lost and can ask questions
about what’s happening during the match.

Here’s a guided lucha libre show (at the largest wrestling show arena).

It includes hotel pick-up, ringside tickets, tequila shots – and, of course,
your very own lucha libre mask.


DAY 2 – CHAPULTEPEC, ANTHROPOLOGY MUSEUM AND CONDESA


CHAPULTEPEC PARK

Kick off Day 2 of your Mexico City itinerary with a stroll through Chapultepec
Park (Bosque de Chapultepec), Mexico City’s largest park.



Covering over 685 hectares, this green space is enormous. At double the size of
New York’s Central Park, it’s one of the largest city parks on the planet!

The park is so grand that it even houses a castle – Chapultepec Castle (Castillo
de Chapultepec).

It’s the only royal castle in North America where royals actually lived. Built
in 1785, it was the home of Mexican Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota in
the 1860s.

The castle is now the National Museum of History (Museo Nacional de Historia).

Some scenes of Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 Romeo and Juliet film were also filmed here.
(In Luhrmann’s film, Verona is set in Mexico City.)



We enjoyed taking some time to explore this wondrous castle and its exhibits
(from ornate carriages to gem-encrusted serving trays) and sauntering through
its lovely gardens.

If you’d like to hear stories about the castle and discover its rich history in
more depth, here’s an excellent private guided walking tour of the castle (about
three hours).


NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY

Next stop?

The National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropologia), the
grand-daddy of Mexico City’s museums and among the best in the country.

As one� of the top tourist attractions in Mexico City, it doesn’t disappoint –
it masterfully displays Mexico’s history from pre-Columbian times to the Spanish
conquest.

Visiting this museum is hands-down one of the top things to do in Mexico City!

We took in eye-popping exhibits, like the gigantic 25-ton Aztec “sun” stone from
the 15th� century and fearsome Olmec stone heads.



We also learned that the Aztecs centered their empire around present-day Mexico
City.

You’ll spend several hours here, before realizing you must move on.

Because, if you’re like us – after a busy day of sightseeing and exploring –
you’ll be ready to indulge in a true Mexican-style evening of cocktails and
dinner.


CONDESA

Introducing… La Condesa! Mexico City’s hub of nightlife and activity.

In the mood to dance the night away? Or do you fancy a relaxing evening tasting
fine Mexican cuisine and sipping a fancy margarita at a roof-top bar?

The Condesa neighborhood is where to go for an evening on the town.� 


DAY 3 – FRIDA KAHLO, TROTSKY AND COYOACAN


FRIDA KAHLO MUSEUM

On the third day of your Mexico City visit, we recommend heading straight to the
Frida Kahlo Museum (Museo Frida Kahlo).



Also known as La Casa Azul (the Blue House), this museum is located in the
Coyoacan borough. And it’s a must-see in Mexico City.

Frida Kahlo has secured her position as one Mexico’s most treasured artists,
extending way beyond her marriage to the famous Diego Rivera.

Her art is revered as a celebration of indigenous Mexican culture and for its
bold feminism.



Frida’s turbulent personal story is both tragic and fascinating.

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about Frida’s physical and emotional
suffering, as depicted in her series of self-portraits and stunning works.

You’ll want to buy your tickets in advance.


LEON TROTSKY’S HOUSE

A short walk away you’ll find the Leon Trotsky House Museum (Museo Casa de Leon
Trotsky).



Trotsky is famous for being a Russian Marxist revolutionary who sought asylum in
Mexico after being exiled from the Soviet Union.

He settled in Coyoacan, in a second home owned by Frida and Diego (and went on
to have an affair with Frida). He was later assassinated in Mexico City in 1940.

Visitors are welcomed into his former home, and you can see things just as
Trotsky left it. It’s a piece of history well-worth taking the time to enjoy.


COYOACAN

Next, have fun exploring Coyoacan.



One of Mexico City’s most charming neighborhoods, it’s full of eateries with
tasty local delicacies and excellent shops.

Need a java hit? Two of the best coffee shops in Mexico City are in Coyoacan.

The itty-bitty Café Avellaneda pours some fantastic specialty coffees.

And Café Negro roasts its own beans and has a cool contemporary vibe (the French
press coffee is superb).

The Coyoacan Market (Mercado de Coyoacan) is also an iconic part of the
neighborhood.

This local market is the perfect place to pick up Mexican souvenirs and gifts.

Hand-painted figurines, colorful Day of the Dead skulls, wooden Mexican toys.
You name it. You’ll find it. Prices are inexpensive, and you can put your
bargaining skills to work also.� 

Take your time strolling along the stalls, and make sure you stop for a taste of
what locals say are the best tostadas in Mexico City.

But save room because you’ll also want to sample Coyoacan’s quesadillas, ceviche
and any other tempting treat that catches your eye!

HOW TO VISIT COYOACAN

A fun way to experience this absolutely delightful neighborhood is to join a
bicycle tour of Coyoacan.

Along with pedaling along Coyoacan’s cobblestone streets, this top-rated Mexico
City experience includes a guided tour of the Frida Kahlo Museum (with
skip-the-line tickets), exploring the market, tasting traditional churros and
more.

Do you love Mexican food? Then check out these very yummy (and funny) facts
about Mexican food!


IF YOU VISIT MEXICO CITY ON SUNDAY

Now, what if your 3 days in Mexico City happen to include a Sunday?

Well, then, you’re in luck!

On Sundays, the Paseo de la Reforma, the city’s grandest boulevard, is closed to
all car traffic until mid-afternoon – a Mexican tradition that makes it a
people-magnet.



And what a spectacle!

On a sunny Sunday morning, we joined the locals thronging the Paseo.

Families pulled their kidlets down the street in wheeled wagons, roller-skaters
glided by and teens in sporty clothing rode bicycles, raring to go at the
lights.

Red-nosed clowns were out entertaining wee ones.

And there was a group practising yoga.



Oh, and how fun! A crowd of fitness buffs was zumba-dancing to throbbing music.

We also noticed many eco-friendly bicycle stands and rental shacks with
modestly-priced rental bikes – and people lined up in front waiting to rent one.

Bicycling as a way of getting around Mexico City is a popular growing
phenomenon, and some bike lanes have sprung up in the city too.



The rich assortment of public art along the Paseo de la Reforma vied for our
attention as well.

The golden Angel of Independence atop a tall column dominates one grand traffic
circle.



And, yes, we could kind of see that the very modern, golden “El Caballito”
sculpture looks like a stylized horse.

No doubt about it – the Paseo de la Reforma is one of the best places to visit
in Mexico City on a Sunday! (And it’s free too…)


MORE TIME? 4-DAY MEXICO CITY ITINERARY

So you actually have more time – lucky you! You’re spending 4 days in Mexico
City.

(Or maybe you’ve decided to skip some of the suggestions in our Mexico City trip
itinerary and want different ideas on what to do in Mexico City in 3 days.)

Here are a couple of other top places to see in Mexico City…


POLANCO

In the northwestern part of the city bordering Chapultepec Park, Polanco is
CDMX’s poshest district – the Beverly Hills of Mexico City.



You’ll find beautiful hotels, fine restaurants, theaters and some seriously
upscale shops selling museum-quality antiques, fashion-forward clothing and
hard-to-find international brands. Your credit card will get a work-out if you
let it!

For more cultural Mexico City activities, Polanco is also home to two incredible
art museums.

Constructed with 28 curved steel columns, the Museo Soumaya showcases
billionaire Carlos Slim’s extensive $700 million art collection of Rodin
sculptures and paintings by Van Gogh, Matisse and Monet.



The� Museo Jumex� displays the largest collection of contemporary art in Latin
America, including works by Andy Warhol.


ROMA NORTE

Remember the 2019 Oscar-winning movie, Roma, from Mexican director Alfonso
Cuaron? Roma is the neighborhood depicted in the film.

There are two parts – Roma Norte (Roma North) and Roma Sur (Roma South).

Roma Norte is Mexico City’s hippest hood (though neighboring Condesa may contest
this). If you’re looking for cool things to do in CDMX, hit up this hood.

Check out Alvaro Obregon Avenue (Avenida Alvaro Obregon). This street is home to
some of Roma Norte’s best cafés, shops, late night bars and taquerias (taco
shops).



Don’t miss Panaderia Rosetta for the most scrumptious cakes, pastries and
croissants.

Or start your day with chilaquiles or chorizo with eggs and tortillas at Lalo.
It’s one of the great breakfast places in the city.

And if you haven’t yet got your fill of museums, hit the Purpose of the Object
Museum or MODO (Museo del Objeto).

How did a can of soup end up being museum-worthy? What does a football tell us?

This museum displays more than 100,000 everyday objects dating back to the early
19th century – by looking at them differently, they inspire us to take a second
look at life and the way we think.


DAY TRIPS FROM MEXICO CITY

The following are two additional top Mexico City attractions. They make great
Mexico City day tours if you have extra days in the city.


FLOATING GARDENS OF XOCHIMILCO



Ancient canals, enjoying a leisurely boat ride, soaking up the festive
atmosphere…

No, it’s not Venice, Italy. It’s Xochimilco, a small city about one hour away
from Mexico City’s center.

They say that Xochimilco may be the last existing link to the Aztec
civilization.

The Aztecs anchored rafts to the bottom of Lake Xochimilco, and created gardens
for growing crops (called chinampas) on top of the rafts.

Willow trees were planted around the edges of the floating gardens to help
contain the beds.



Today, the chinampas are used to grow flowers – making Xochimilco one of the
most delightful gardens in the world!� 

Top that with live mariachi music while floating along the canals, and you’ve
got yourself a truly magical local experience.

Visiting Xochimilco is something you must do in Mexico City as a day trip if you
want a fun local experience!

HOW TO VISIT XOCHIIMILCO

You can kill two birds with one stone and combine the Day 3 activities with
Xochimilco.

This top-rated full-day guided tour (with hotel pick-up in Mexico City) takes
you punting down the canals of Xochimilco, as well as to Coyoacan and the Frida
Kahlo Museum.


TEOTIHUACAN



A day trip to the Teotihuacan pyramids is another highly-recommended option if
you have four days in Mexico City.

Also known as the City of the Gods, Teotihuacan is the largest and most
important pre-Aztec city in Mexico. Located about 30 miles northeast of Mexico
City, it was built between the 1st and 7th centuries A.D.

A lot about this marvelous archaeological site – designated a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1987 – is still a mystery.

But we do know that the ancient city was home to ornate stone palaces and
soaring pyramids. More than 25,000 people lived here.

There are two main pyramids – the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the
Moon.

The trek up to the top isn’t an easy feat. You’ll definitely be huffing and
puffing, but it’s totally worth it when you reach the top!

You can either go on your own or book a guided tour at the entrance (or one that
leaves from Mexico City).

A tour is definitely the best way to get the full history of the site and
appreciate its special significance, but you’ll get a grand view at the top
either way!

HOW TO VISIT TEOTIHUACAN:

From the main bus station in Mexico City, it takes about an hour to reach
Teotihuacan.

It gets crowded – and very hot if you’re traveling in the warmer months. So
you’re better off getting an early start. Entry starts as early as 7:00 am.

Better yet, beat the crowds and make life easy for yourself by going on a guided
early-morning tour leaving from Mexico City.

This excellent tour gets you to Teotihuacan as the sun is rising (before the
large tour groups arrive) and includes skip-the-line entry. Afterwards, you stop
at an obsidian workshop run by a Teotihuacan family and enjoy a tequila and
mezcal tasting too.

Another (fabulous!) option: Soar over Teotihuacan Valley in a hot air balloon!
Then visit the pyramids with your feet on the ground.


WHERE TO EAT IN MEXICO CITY



With all this sightseeing, your tummies will be rumbling – we know ours were!

Luckily, there’s no shortage of amazing places to eat in Mexico City.


CAFÉ TACUBA

We highly recommend seeking out a wonderful place we stumbled upon,� Café
Tacuba, which caught our eye with its beautiful stained-glass windows.

Inside, a treat awaits. It’s an elegant, traditional Mexican restaurant, with
female servers outfitted in starched white caps and aprons.

You may find it difficult to narrow down your selection with all of the tasty
traditional dishes you’ll find on the menu.

For a hearty snack, we settled on their signature spicy hot chocolate and
Mexican chicken sandwich, which were delicious!

Later we discovered the cafe/restaurant is a bit of an institution. There’s even
a local band calling itself “Café Tacuba.”


IL BECCO RESTAURANT

Another recommended spot is an Italian restaurant.

Say what? Awesome Italian food in Mexico City? You bet!



If you’re ready for a modern take on Italian cuisine, you must try� Il Becco
restaurant at the lovely Four Seasons Hotel. It’s a great place to replenish all
those calories burned off after a full day of touring.

Part of the high-end Becco group of restaurants in Mexico, Il Becco tickled our
taste buds with artichoke-and-pistachio risotto and linguine with lobster.

(Bonus: The bill is less than many Italian restaurants back in Canada or the
U.S.)


RESTAURANTE NICOS

For some of the best Mexican dishes like enchiladas and duck mole, try
family-owned Restaurante Nicos.

This mother-and-son team has made its mark for consistently delivering excellent
service, using only locally-sourced ingredients, and for cooking up delectable
traditional food.

Nicos’ owners have kept the restaurant in business for over 60 years.

They were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for their contribution to
Mexican cuisine at Latin America’s Best Restaurants awards in 1998. They also
made the list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2020 too (and were
rated #58 in 2022).


MERCADO ROMA

For coffee, brunch or tapas, head on over to the Mercado Roma in the happening
Roma Norte district.

This modernist three-story gourmet food hall has tons of food stalls selling
sushi, quiche, salads, tacos, macarons, churros (like doughnuts) and more from
top local restaurants – along with comfortable community seating areas.

The upper floor is a breezy rooftop beer garden. � 


QUINTONIL

Located in the upper-class Polanco district, Quintonil has been rated one of The
World’s 50 Best Restaurants for several years now.

Go for the 10-course tasting menu showcasing Mexican cooking with a creative
twist.

Think dishes such as charred avocado tartare with ant larvae, roast chicken with
macadamia nut mole and burnt corn ice-cream.

Get a table in the garden-like room at the back if you can, and make
reservations in advance.


FOOD TOURS IN MEXICO CITY

You might have gathered by now that Mexico City has an amazing food scene. And
one of the best ways to get a taste of its cuisine is to join a walking food
tour!

Foodies love this 5-hour downtown food tour, offered by Sabores Mexico Food
Tours.

You drink at special cantinas, taste street food, dine at traditional
restaurants and explore the interesting Mexican fruits, meat, high-end caviar
and seafood at the San Juan Market (Mercado de San Juan).




WHERE TO STAY IN MEXICO CITY

We stayed at both of the following hotels in Mexico City and can highly
recommend them:


FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MEXICO

In the 5-star category, the Four Seasons Hotel Mexico, D.F. has been completely
renovated and boasts a small outdoor pool.

It’s conveniently located a ten-minute walk from the National Museum of
Anthropology.

Read our hotel review:� There are many things to love about the Four Seasons
Mexico City!


THE RED TREE HOUSE

The Red Tree House is a lovely, top-rated B&B in the old-world Condesa
neighborhood.

It’s one of the most reasonably-priced boutique hotels in Mexico City too.

Its free evening wine hour is a hit with the international mix of guests (as are
its rates, which are very reasonable).

Read our hotel review:� The Red Tree House is the best B&B in Mexico City.


BEST TIME TO VISIT MEXICO CITY



Because of its high elevation (some 7,400 feet above sea level), the climate in
Mexico City tends to be pleasant year-round.

But in winter, it can get chilly, and in summer it rains.

So if you want to visit Mexico City when the weather is the most comfortable,
the ideal months are March to May.

With average temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees F, you’ll enjoy Mexico’s
glorious warmth without intense heat or rain.

Bonus: In February and March, the Jacaranda trees and lavender flowers bloom, so
parks are a palette of purple.



Keep in mind that with great weather comes a bigger tourist crowd.

You won’t have any of the top sites to yourself, but you won’t have to worry
about extreme weather putting a damper on your itinerary.

Another good time to go to Mexico City is between October and December, when the
weather is also mild and dry.

To avoid frequent rain, don’t plan your trip to Mexico City during the months of
July and August.


OTHER MEXICO CITY TRAVEL TIPS



Here are some other things to know before visiting Mexico City for the first
time.


DRINK LOTS OF WATER

We’ve mentioned that Mexico City sits at a high elevation.

While it’s not high enough to cause altitude sickness for most people, you could
still feel some mild symptoms – slight dizziness, headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Dehydration makes things worse, so drink lots of water.

Also stop and rest on a park bench or in a café if you feel tired. And try to
avoid strenuous activity.


IS MEXICO CITY SAFE?

We’ve already mentioned that, yes, Mexico City is safe – as safe as most major
U.S. or Canadian cities.

But just as you would in most places when traveling, you should be mindful of
pickpockets and be aware of your surroundings.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to check the U.S. government travel advisory
website for Mexico before going. Here’s the Canadian government website too.


IS THERE UBER IN MEXICO CITY?

Public transportation options for getting around Mexico City include taxis, bus,
metro and Uber.

We either walked or took taxis. We were conscious of only taking “official”
taxis from designated stands and we agreed on the price before hopping in the
cab.

Next time, we’d probably try Uber. We understand Uber works well in Mexico City.
Uber is about the same price as taxis, but it has the advantage that you don’t
need to have cash on hand.


FINAL THOUGHTS ON SPENDING 3 PERFECT DAYS IN MEXICO CITY

If you’re like us, you’ll be a bit sad leaving CDMX.

Yes, a three-day Mexico City itinerary will let you see and experience many of
the vibrant city’s highlights.

But don’t be surprised if it just leaves you wanting more. Every day there, you
realize you’re still only barely scratching the surface.

Like, what about having time to explore more of the hip area of Roma? And,
wouldn’t it be amazing to visit Mexico City during the Day of the Dead?



And we wish we’d had more time to visit the art museums in Polanco.

So, we leave you on this positive parting note – there’s always next time!

And we hope this itinerary for Mexico City has helped!


EXPERIENCE MORE OF MEXICO!

Cabo San Lucas: From whale watching to hiking up the Pedregal, check out these
epic things to do in Los Cabos .

Zihuatanejo: Want a great beach vacay? See the best beaches in Zihuatanejo and
Ixtapa .

Puerto Vallarta: Where to stay? You’ll love these beautiful boutique hotels in
Puerto Vallarta .


OUR TOP TRAVEL TIPS AND RESOURCES

Here are our favorite travel resources:

Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent
one. (We especially like their flexible cancellation policy!)

Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by
Owner).

Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours plus
skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out GetYourGuide and Viator.

Car rental: Renting a car is often one of the best ways to explore off the
beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best
rates.

Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term
adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked
luggage, trip interruption and more.

Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other
travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach
and kicking about.)

Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide
for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other
crazy useful trip planning info.

Pssst! If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small
commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pin this so you can save this post for later!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Photo credits:� 6, 11, 14, 16 to 19, 22 to 24, 27, 34 to 37 © Janice and George
Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | 48 Il Becco | 49 Restaurant Nicos | 50 Quintonil

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award
winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase.
Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.

Find destination guides, global food-and-wine stories, luxury hotel reviews,
articles on cultural explorations and soft adventure trips, cruise reviews,
insanely useful travel tips and more!

Tags

Tags

favorite citiesMexicoMexico Citymuseums


POST NAVIGATION

Discover 15 Utterly Charming Coastal Towns on this Northern California Road Trip

43 Fun Things to Do in Kauai + Beaching (2023)

Click here to cancel reply.


Leigh

Thursday 6th of October 2016

I'm just back from the DF myself - loved it, including the Red Tree House!

Janice and George

Thursday 6th of October 2016

Happy to hear you loved Mexico City too! And the Red Tree House -- it's a
special place to stay :-).

Daniel

Monday 1st of August 2016

That sunstone is spectacular. Didn't realize how big it was till thius pic.
...also like the rednosed clowns. :)

Lily

Thursday 28th of July 2016

What a comprehensive post about Mexico City. This caught my eye as I just met my
Mexican friend this morning for coffee and we were talking about the climate and
also some interesting places to visit in that country. :) Makes me want to
visit.

Janice and George

Thursday 28th of July 2016

You should! Perhaps combine a visit to Mexico City with a beach resort?

Suze

Wednesday 13th of July 2016

Nice to see how everyone is so sporty! I'm impressed at how many museums you
crammed in, think I would definitely have to visit Frida Kahlo's house, you must
have been sad to miss that

Janice and George

Thursday 14th of July 2016

Yes, the Frida Kahlo Museum (or "Blue House" - where Frida grew up) is in a
different district, the pretty suburb of Coyoacán. Nearby in the district of San
Angel is the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo - the house where
Frida and Diego Rivera lived. People typically visit these museums on a separate
day. Next time!

Frank

Tuesday 12th of July 2016

Fantastic! We by chance both posted on Mexico City today and I see we've done
some overlapping - loved the Museum of Anthropology (Fantastic!) as well as the
Postal Museum. And you're so right, so many park filled neighborhoods in Mexico
City with cyclists, dogs, and some wonderful cafes and restaurants. I've been
here several times now (my mom lives in Mexico) and love the place. Nice post!
Frank (bbqboy)

Janice and George

Tuesday 12th of July 2016

Thanks so much! We're going to head right on over and check out your post now...

Hi, we’re Janice and George!

Award-winning travel writers, we share our expert travel advice and tips here on
our top-ranking luxury travel blog – welcoming 3.6 million readers annually.
Join the journey! More.

Search for:

 * 
 * 
 * 
 * 



Best Travel Blog

See awards from TMAC, SATW (Can. chapter) and NATJA

This site has affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying
purchases.

Contact us
Work with us
Disclosure + Privacy Policy
Google web stories

Copyright ©� 2023 Sand In My Suitcase