You have taken the first and most important step-- you are coming to the amazing city of Mexico City! Now, the nest step is to decide what to do, where to stay, and the best places to eat? We have created an amazing three day itinerary for your upcoming trip to Mexico City.
Where to stay?
We suggest staying in Centro Historico, the historic downtown area of the city. This place has it all from great food options, rich culture, and the PERFECT location! We would recommend staying in an Airbnb in that area. Here is a link where you can sign up for Airbnb!
Day 1
Breakfast: Pasteleria Madrid
Pasteleria Madrid has an extensive selection of sweet breads, as well as prepared meals. This place is nice because there is a nice seating area in the back. Don't miss the coffees from the section in the front--you get to choose four small cookies when you buy a coffee there! And the donuts are absolutely incredible. Address: 5 de Febrero 25, Centro Histórico, Centro, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX
What to do: Check out Moneda Street
After leaving Pasteleria Madrid you will be a few blocks away from Moneda Street. Right outside the church, you will witness traditional Aztec ceremonies complete with full attire, music, and dancing. A bit down the street you will see the very first university in America which was founded in 1551! Also on this street is America's very first printing press. Vendors often crowd this street and you can buy anything and everything you could think of. Address: Moneda 2, Centro Histórico, Centro, 06060 Ciudad de México, CDMX
What to do: Visit the Museo de Templo Mayor
This museum is located directly behind the big church in the Zocalo. The museum showcases Aztec artifacts that were found in the immediate area. They have uncovered ruins that you can actually walk through as well. Some of the pieces were found as they were completing construction on the church not too long ago. This place is incredible and really gives you a sense of what Aztec life was like. Address: Seminario 8, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc, 06060 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Lunch: Cafe La Blanca
Cafe La Blanca has been around since 1915 and has the BEST cafe con leche! They have huge breakfast and lunch portions and the concha is also delicious! The setting and atmosphere really takes you back in time as they do a great job of maintaining the original atmosphere. Address: Avenida 5 de Mayo No. 40, Centro, 06010 Cuauhtémoc, CDMX
What to do: Wander around Alameda Central Park
Alameda Central is a large park located right in the heart of downtown Mexico City. From the Zocalo area, head down Madero Street. This pedestrian only street offers tons of shopping and is often super crowded--I think more so than Times Square in NYC! The park itself has plenty of spaces to relax in the shade. If you are up for more of an adventure, make your way through the geometric walkways and check out all of the cool fountains. Address: Av. Hidalgo s/n, Centro, 06010 Cuauhtémoc, CDMX
What to do: Check out the Palacio de Bellas Artes and Correo Building
For $70 pesos or free on Sundays, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is absolutely worth visiting. The building is incredible on both the outside and the inside. Check out the museum which changes themes. Don't miss the incredible murals surrounding the top floor of the building either! Located just across the street from the Palacio de Bellas Artes is the Palacio de Correos, which is an incredible building that was built in 1907. The building design is described as eclectic, as it brings together several architectural styles. Just wander inside and check out the beautiful golden staircases! Bellas Artes Address: Av. Juárez, Centro Histórico, Centro, 06050 Ciudad de México, CDMX; Correo Building Address: C. Tacuba 1, Cuauhtémoc, Centro, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Dinner: El Cardenal
This is a well known place for many people visiting Mexico City and for a great reason! The chile relleno at this place is massive and incredible. The stained glass windows and the service in this restaurant truly make it unforgettable! Bonus: the bread before the meal is insanely good--I'm not sure what they put in there! Address: Calle de la Palma 23, Centro Histórico, Centro, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Day 2
Breakfast: Fishers
Fishers is a staple across Mexico and has such an interesting story! This place has an awesome breakfast selection. There are tons of seafood options but don't worry, there are tons of non-seafood options if you are like me! Their chilaquiles rojos sin mariscos are wonderful! For a sweet tooth, try the french toast. Ah-maz-ing! Address: 5 de Febrero 24, Centro Histórico, Centro, 06060 Ciudad de México, CDMX
What to do: Frida Kahlo Museum
Hop in an Uber or jump on the metro and head to the Frida Kahlo Museum in Coyoacan. Buy your ticket beforehand and avoid the line at the museum. This place is truly incredible--it includes things from Frida's life and is really a neat place to experience. Address: Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX
What to do: Wander through the Coyoacan market
This neighborhood is known for its incredible food and the market boasts some of the best! The artisanal market near the plaza is also a great spot to shop for souvenirs. Grab a stuffed churro on the street and enjoy in one of the two awesome parts in the center of the neighborhood.Address: Ignacio Allende, s/n, Coyoácan, Del Carmen, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX
What to do: Explore Condesa
Take an Uber or the metro to Parque Mexico. This is one of our very favorite parks in Mexico City. It is clean, huge, and extremely well manicured and maintained. This will also allow you to check out the neighborhood of Condesa. This neighborhood is known for its upscale shopping and restaurants as well as trendy cafes. Address: Avenida México s/n, Cuauhtémoc, Colonia Hipódromo, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Late Lunch/Dinner: Maque
This great spot is located just right next to Parque Mexico and is SO cute. (Guys, don't worry, it is cute for you too!) They have incredible pan dulce as well as a great menu! Address: Calle Ozuluama 4, Hipódromo, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX
What to do: Walk to La Roma
Walk from Parque Mexico through Parque España to the roundabout in La Roma. This is a nice walk that will show a bit more of these two neighborhoods. There is a roundabout here in the center with tables and chairs set up to relax. Bonus: There is usually someone selling paletas or ice cream on one of the corners which is great on a hot (or cold) day! Address: Plaza Villa de Madrid, Roma Nte., 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Day 3
Breakfast: Sanborns in Casa de los Azulejos
If you have spent any time in most parts of Mexico, you have probably heard of Sanborns restaurant. If not, this is a massive chain restaurant across Mexico that actually has pretty delicious food! Surprisingly, the food in this place isn't the best part (I know, huge shocker!) The building that this particular Sanborns is in is incredible. Casa de los Azulejos is an incredible building. The service is great and the food is....just like every other Sanborns. But the building cannot be missed! Address: Av Francisco I. Madero 4, Centro, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX
What to do: Chapultepec Park
Get and Uber or hop on the metro and head to Chapultepec Park. This a HUGE park (1,695 acres!) in Mexico City that is actually larger than Central Park in New York City, which is about 843 acres. There is a lot to do in Chapultepec--there is souvenir shopping, an entire zoo, peddle boats, and of course the beautiful Castillo de Chapultepec ($70 pesos, free on Sunday). Address: Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, 11100 Mexico City, CDMX
Lunch: Torta at Chapultepec
Located near the peddle boats, there are several outdoor restaurants there inside the park that offer traditional food. The torta at these places is insanely good. Seriously--we have only had it once and I still think about it. There are also vendors selling water, snacks, and candy all throughout the park. Don't worry, you won't go hungry in this place. Address: Just near Bosque de Chapultepec Primera Seccion S/N, San Miguel Chapultepec I Secc, 11850 Ciudad de México, CDMX
What to do: Torre Latinoamericana
Grab an Uber or the metro to the Latinoamericana building. This is located on Madero pedestrian street right new the Palacio de Belles Artes and Alameda Park. For $110 pesos, you can actually go to the top of this building and the views of the entire city are breathtaking. Hint--head up around sunset! There are three floors to explore and the top one is actually outside! Address: Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 2, Centro Histórico, Centro, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Dinner: Cafe de Tacuba
Founded in 1912, this place truly has such a rich history in its walls. The waitstaff is set back and time, and a huge mariachi band fills the beautiful rooms with some awesome music to accompany dinner. We have been here several times and I always order the same thing: the chicken tacos. There is something about these simple tacos that are just incredible! Address: Calle de Tacuba 28, Centro Histórico, Centro, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Conclusion
You are about to embark on a trip of a lifetime! There is so much more to do and see in Mexico City, but we hope that, with the help of this itinerary, you can make the most of your three day trip in the big city!
How do we spend our days in Mexico?! Check out our Youtube channel to find out!
Until next time, Have Less. Do More. Be More.
