3 perfect days in Mexico City

A sprawling metropolis of more than 20 million people, Mexico City can seem intimidating because of its sheer size. While, yes, it can take a while to explore this fascinating capital to the fullest, a three-day immersion is enough to get a glimpse of the city’s rich historic and cultural landscape. Dive into our three-day, walk-friendly, and postcard-worthy itinerary below.

Fuel up for a day of exploring with breakfast at El Cardenal. With two locations in the heart of the city, this beloved spot serves unbeatable hot chocolate and classics like enchiladas and scrambled eggs made in a clay pot. After, stroll in  Alameda Central, the oldest public park in the Americas. Built in 1592, it has plenty of shaded areas (plus spectacular people-watching). On the park’s western edge, you’ll find Barrio Alameda, a shopping mall in a 1920s Art Deco building that sells everything from locally made clothes to beauty products.

Walk over to the eastern end of Alameda to the stunning Palacio de Bellas Artes—an architectural blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco. If you catch a live ballet or opera performance here, be sure to admire the crystal curtain that graces the stage, made by Tiffany & Co. Although most performances take place in the evening, there are occasional daytime shows, especially on weekends. And if you don’t manage to score tickets, you can still take a free guided tour of the Palace (Tuesday through Friday)—register online a few days in advance.

Step into the hip  Círculo Mexicano hotel and take your time browsing its charming boutiques, including gorgeous jewelry at Daniel Espinosa and sleek dresses at Simple by Trista. At the center of the courtyard, you’ll find your lunch destination: Caracol de Mar, where you can pair shrimp aguachile and tuna tostadas with one of the house cocktails.

Steps away from the hotel is the striking Zócalo . This massive square is surrounded by  the Palacio Nacional, home to the Federal Government; Catedral Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México, built over the course of 300 years; and  Templo Mayor, the pre-Columbian heart of the city.

Wrap the day at  Terraza Cha Cha Cha, a modern cantina inspired by Acapulco’s golden age. It’s a quick cab from the heart of downtown, and it's best to visit at sunset, which you can enjoy on the terrace while snacking on tacos and tostadas, cocktail in hand. As the day turns into night, you’ll see the Monumento a la Revolución light up in front of you.

CENTRO HISTÓRICO TOUR OPTIONS

At Panadería Rosetta, chef Elena Reygadas’ trendy bakery in Colonia Roma, it's hard to choose among the many baked delights, but you can’t go wrong with a guava roll and a latte. Just a few steps away, MODO (Museo del Objeto del Objeto) is a quirky design museum focused on the value of ordinary objects. In the past, exhibitions here have focused on everything from soccer to heartbreak.

Once you’re ready for some food, cross the lively Plaza Río de Janeiro, which is centered around an impressive fountain with a replica of Michelangelo's David. Claim one of Marmota’s lovely outdoor tables and sip on a glass of natural wine while you peruse the menu of wood-fired specialties.

After lunch, make your way to the neighboring Condesa area. Make a pit stop at La Increíble, a bookstore-meets-gallery where you can get an excellent taste of Mexico’s vibrant creative scene. If you’re looking for another spot to grab a glass of wine, pay a visit to Vinos Chidos.

The day's final stretch takes you to another iconic park: Parque México, a 22-acre green space that’s home to the Foro Lindbergh, an Art Deco plaza designed by sculptor José María Fernández Urbina. The beautiful Amsterdam Avenue circles the park—a reminder of the neighborhood’s past as a racetrack.  

When you need a break from walking, grab a seat at the bar at Baltra, a hip neighborhood spot on The World’s 50 Best Bars list. The small, intimate space is inspired by Darwin’s travels—as is the always-inspiring cocktail menu. (Martini lovers will not want to miss out on the excellent variations.)

ROMA AND CONDESA TOUR OPTIONS

The quiet, tree-lined streets of San Miguel Chapultepec are home to one of the city’s most unique eateries: Mari Gold. Fusing their Mexican and Indian heritage, chefs (and husband-and-wife team) Norma Listman and Saqib Keval serve up some of the best pancakes in town.

A couple of blocks away is the sprawling Chapultepec Park, which spans more than 1,600 acres. Known to many as “the city’s lungs,” the park has an amazing selection of museums, a zoo, and a botanical garden. Modern-art lovers should check out the Museo Tamayo or Museo de Arte Moderno; history buffs will love the opportunity to take in the pre-Hispanic artifacts at Museo Nacional de Antropología.

Hop in an Uber to Polanco and get your taco fix at Taqueria Selene, where you'll find some of the city’s best tacos al pastor. The tortas here are also noteworthy, as is their homemade flan.

If you're looking for another museum after lunch, try Museo Jumex, a 10- or 15-minute Uber away, which focuses on contemporary art. Past exhibitions have focused on artists like Urs Fischer and Minerva Cuevas. If you’d rather do some shopping, Avenida Presidente Masaryk, a 10-minute drive from Taqueria Selene, is lined with designer boutiques like Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and Montblanc.

Crown your visit to Mexico City with dinner at one of the most renowned restaurants in the world. Led by chef Enrique Olvera, Pujol elevates traditional Mexican cuisine to a spectacular, highly creative new level. Choose between the classic tasting menu—which includes Olvera’s iconic dishes like baby corn in chicatana-ant mayo and mole madre—or the taco omakase. Just remember to book your table as soon as you can; spots fill up months in advance.

If you can’t get a reservation at Pujol, don’t worry: chefs Jorge Vallejo and Alejandra Flores serve a stunning seasonal menu based on Mexican ingredients at Quintonil (also in Polanco). The wine pairings here are also world famous.

CHAPULTEPEC TOUR OPTIONS