Mexico City (or CDMX) is a vibrant city filled with rich culture and history, unique experiences, and incredible food. While I think even a week is not enough to scratch the surface of the largest city in North America, I have put together the perfect 5-day itinerary that allows you to see a number of sites, experience local tours, explore the city’s parks, and indulge in all the restaurants, cafes, and bars the city has to offer. This itinerary is assuming you stay in Roma or La Condesa.
WHERE TO STAY
I recommend staying in Roma, La Condesa, Juarez, or Polanco. These are the most traveler-friendly neighborhoods with close proximity to a number of sights. I recommend hotels or airbnb, whichever is preferable.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Uber is relatively affordable in Mexico City. I never paid more than $10USD for a ride anywhere. I did take the metro a couple times, which I would recommend using for a longer trip.
Mexico City’s bike-share ‘Eco-Bici’ is quite extensive and accessible. Ride safe!
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
- Learning a few key Spanish phrases will go a long way here!
- Credit card is accepted at most places, though you will want cash (pesos) to buy street food and crafts.
- There are dogs EVERYWHERE!
day one
You’re going to want to take it easy on your first day. Mexico City sits at an altitude of 2,240m so for a large number of travelers, it will take some adjustment.
Start your trip right with quesadillas from Jenni’s Quesadillas on the corner of Colima and Merida in Roma Norte. Street food is an absolute must when visiting Mexico City. You can choose your own filling, but I recommend trying the mole verde and the huitlacoche (a corn fungus).
Walk over to Plaza Rio de Janeiro and get yourself acquainted with your surroundings.
For dinner, head over to Paramo for some seafood heavy dinner. A quick stop at Helado Bonito to try the Jamaica sorbet (hibiscus/sorrel). Head back to your accommodation or if you’re still feeling lively, check out Casa Franca for cocktails.
DAY TWO
Today is an early day because you’re going on a food tour. I highly recommend Eat Like a Local MX. This is a woman owned and led tour company that offers various tours but I think the food and market tour is the best to get situated in the city. You’ll try a lot of street food and wander through La Merced market!
The food tour involves quite a bit of walking and tons of social interaction, so I suggest leaving the evening free. You can head back to your accommodation and rest or visit Parque Mexico or Parque España. For dinner, I recommend keeping it light after the tour. Wabi Sushi is a good vibe for sushi and cocktails.
DAY THREE
It’s hard to find a Mexico City travel guide without seeing the famed Panadería Rosetta featured — for good reason! You can start your day there and order a guava pastry (or a cardamom roll which is my favorite!). Usually, there is quite a long line, but on weekdays it shouldn’t be too bad. I recommend grabbing your pastries and coffee to go and sitting in nearby Plaza Rio de Janeiro.
If you’re not feeling up for the line, I highly recommend visit Buna for some incredibly strong and delicious coffee. This is my favorite coffee shop in Mexico City.
Later in the morning, head over to the Anthropology Museum. Give yourself about 2-3 hours here to explore the museum and take in all of the history. The entrance fee is $90MXN for adults. Don’t miss the Aztec calendar!
The Anthropology museum is located in Chapultepec Park, which is given the name “Central Park of Mexico City”, yet it is double the size of New York City’s famous park. I recommend exploring the park for an hour or so.
For lunch, Esquina Común is where you want to go. This is a hidden restaurant, with reservations only accessible through Instagram direct message. The menu is ever evolving, and the ingredients are seasonal, local, and fresh
For dinner, head over to Mi Compa Chava if you’re feeling for seafood, or if you’re looking for a fancier dinner, check out Contramar. Make sure to snag a reservation early! I suggest emailing or calling for the best chance.
End your night at Rayo cocktail bar for an engaging drink tasting experience.
DAY FOUR
We’re leaving Roma Norte and La Condesa today! After grabbing coffee at Café Trucha, make your way to the Zócalo. This is Mexico City’s iconic plaza in the heart of the historic center (Centro Histórico). Take in the grandeur of the buildings and the bustle of the passersby before heading to the Palacio de Bellas Artes. This is a must-see in Mexico City, even if you don’t enter to see the exhibits. After this, visit the Museo de Arte Popular ($60mxn). This was the best museum I visited in Mexico, yet severely underrated. Please check it out!
For lunch, walk over to Torteria La Texcocana and order a torta (the aguacate is amazing!) and sit here to recharge.
If you’re feeling up to it, head to the Polanco neighborhood and visit El Pendulo, an airy, light-filled bookstore and cafe. There is also Churros El Moro closeby.
For dinner, head back to Roma / La Condesa for tacos at La Güera. Cafe de Nadie is a great little spot for some after-dinner drinks!
If it’s a Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday, consider heading to a Lucha Libre experience. This comes with a guide and dinner included. I’m not the biggest sports fan and totally enjoyed it!
DAY FIVE
For your last day in Mexico City, you have a few options. You can do a day-trip to Teotihuacan and visit the ancient ruins or ride in a hot air balloon over the pyramids. If you choose to this, I strongly recommend booking it through this experience. It includes breakfast, round-trip transportation, and the company is incredibly safe!
If you don’t feel like making the day-trip, head to the neighborhood of Coyoácan. You can rent an eco-bici for the day to get around this quieter neighborhood. Visit Caza Azul/Frida Kahlo Museum, before heading to the various artisanal markets. The Leon Trotsky Museum is also nearby, if you’re into communist history.
*A note on bikes: If you’re in Mexico City on a Sunday, you should participate in the Cicliovia! Many major streets are closed to cars and opened up to cyclists and pedestrians. It was such a great experience!
Head to Marlindo for a seafood-focused dinner, or Plantasia for Asian-inspired plant-based dishes. Or try some street food!
And that’s your Mexico City experience!
Love this guide. Mexico City has been on my list for forever. Definitely saving!