Mexico City may be huge, but its vibrant center is full of history, the streets of its hip neighborhoods are lined with cafés and bars, and its culinary scene is reason enough to pay the city multiple visits.
Add to this some of the best museums in the world and incredible nature in the heart of the city and you’ll see why it’s impossible to ever get bored in Mexico City (aka CDMX). Plan a long weekend here and read on for a guide to spending an unforgettable three days in the sprawling Mexican capital.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Meet the Icons
Get ready to spend the morning wandering the streets. If this is your first visit, the Centro Histórico should be at the top of your list. Get a ride-share to your brunch destination, Café de Tacuba. Originally a 17th-century convent, this grand café with massive oil paintings adorning the walls is known for its brunch menu — opt for the chicken tamales and café con leche.
From here, head to the stately Palacio de Bellas Artes and snap a few pics of this monumental white marble building that serves as Mexico City’s opera house. Walk down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero and make sure you get a good look at the historic buildings on both sides of the street on your way to the Zócalo — the town square.
Once there, you’ll be able to admire the slowly sinking Metropolitan Cathedral, the Diego Rivera murals at the Palacio Nacional, and the Templo Mayor ruins, a glimpse into Mexico’s multilayered past.
After exploring the Zócalo, head straight to Azul Histórico for a delicious meal of fried buñelos with roast-duck filling in mole, paired with a frozen lime margarita. More in the mood for small plates? Limosneros offers a tasting menu of six courses — including a taco course and an excellent dessert. (Book in advance at either of these places.)
To wrap up the night, make your way to the trendy Roma neighborhood for live jazz and delicious cocktails at Casa Franca. Electronic music more your scene? Decked out like a retro apartment, Departamento is a local favorite that also features a rooftop bar.
Saturday: Immerse Yourself in the City’s Parks and Arts
Located on the border of the buzzy Roma and Condesa neighborhoods, Lardo is a good place to start your day. The menu at this rustic-chic hot spot comprises elegantly crafted sandwiches and breakfast dishes, from a croque-monsieur to fried eggs with Mexican herbs like hoja santa. Indulge and wash it down with a mimosa.
From Lardo, you could choose to walk west toward the vast Bosque de Chapultepec park to visit the world-renowned Museo Nacional de Antropología for anthropological exhibits, the Museo de Arte Moderno for modern art, and the Chapultepec Castle housing the Museo Nacional de Historia for a look into the nation’s history.
When you’re done, explore the sprawling green Bosque de Chapultepec on foot, or paddle around the park’s main lake, El Lago de Chapultepec, on a rowboat.
Come dinnertime, Pujol is an absolute must. Located in the upscale Polanco neighborhood, chef Enrique Olvera’s restaurant offers diners a multicourse tasting menu featuring his own take on Mexican staples like mole. Alternatively, stroll down Presidente Masaryk Avenue — Mexico City’s equivalent of the Champs-Élysées — to the stylish Guzina Oaxaca for a taste of regional Oaxacan food, one of the most famed cuisines in the country.
Sunday: Take in the City’s Trends and Tastes
To start your day, you can’t go wrong with brunch at Diana Restaurant located in The St. Regis Mexico City.
From seafood and pasta stations to a variety of Mexican snacks and multitiered tables full of desserts, this is where foodies in the know spend their Sundays. Enhance the experience with bottomless mimosas.
Next, head south through Colonia Roma. Walk toward the beautiful Fuente de Cibeles fountain and then to Plaza Río de Janeiro, which is actually a park, while you take in the vibe and the architecture of the beloved neighborhood.
Nearby, MODO Museo del Objeto is a must-visit, and — as its name suggests — a museum of objects. Through its frequently changing exhibitions, MODO offers a peek into everyday Mexican life and the trends that have shaped Mexican pop culture.
To enjoy the city with a laid-back energy come sunset, get great views of the city, drinks, and a bite — and satiate your need for a party — at Supra Roma.
Complete your perfect Roma day with dinner at Contramar, the city’s most iconic seafood-forward Mexican spot, with excellent tuna tostadas. Or for the city’s best classic tacos, especially the al pastor, take a table at the unforgettable Taqueria Orinoco. Toast to a weekend of excitement in CDMX.
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