The Mexico City Edit: 7 Perfect Days

If you’re looking for the backstory behind our month-long stay in Mexico City, start with Part One of our CDMX series. But if you’re here for a curated Mexico City travel guide—seven perfect, mix-and-match days in one of the world’s most dynamic cities—you’re in the right place.

We were lucky enough to spend a month exploring Mexico City as modern nomads, but we know not everyone has that luxury. So we’ve distilled our top experiences into one flexible week of food, culture, and adventure—designed to help you get the most out of your time here.

In no particular order, here is our guide to 7 perfect days in Mexico City.

colorful Condesa

Mexico City perfect day #1: Stroll trendy La Condesa

Most of our days began in La Condesa, in the charming streets around Hipódromo. 

Parque México might be the prettiest urban park we’ve ever seen—manicured shrubs, playgrounds, fountains full of baby chicks, and salsa dancing under the bougainvillea.

Hipódromo and Avenida Amsterdam

Formerly a horse racetrack, the park is bordered by Art Deco residences, chic boutiques, and plenty of cafés where you can sit and watch the world go by. We loved walking through the park after dinner, then making our way along Avenida Amsterdam, a shaded loop ideal for strolls, jogs, and dog-watching.

Wider Condesa is full of trendy shops, cool eateries, and digital nomads pecking away at laptops over flat whites.

Key stops in Condesa

Coffee:  % Arabica at Hotel Condesa DF – Sleek and reliable caffeine stop.

Odette

Breakfast: Odette – Their croissant gives Tartine (SF) a run for its money.

Lunch/Brunch: Lardo – A gorgeous spot for brunch or dinner. Always, always a 35-minute wait (which might actually be 10 or 90 minutes), according to the slightly icy hostess, Panya Sam – A casual Japanese café perfect for a toast and a break.

Tacos:  Tacos Hola El Güero – Our favorite simple taco stand. Just $1.50 a taco—how is that even possible?

Félix, when we finally got a table

Drinks: Café Toscano (on Parque México) – A fun, lively spot for margaritas and people-watching, Félix – Great vibe, but we could never quite figure out the hours or how to order.

Baldío’s sweet outdoor bar

Dinner:  Baldío – Our favorite meal. It’s a zero-waste restaurant—so serious about it that when we left behind a water bottle, they chased us down because they don’t have a garbage can. Impressive. (reservation recommended), Merotoro – Creative cuisine, pretty terrace, La Capital – Upscale (indoor) dinner spot. The sea bass tostada was incredible, and the cocktails were top-tier.

Dessert:  Mygyo – Frozen Greek yogurt, a refreshing break from churros, El Moro – Iconic for a reason. Crispy, cinnamon-dusted perfection.

Shop:  Proyecto Rufina – Charlotte’s favorite. Something purchased almost daily. Nothing over $40, she swears, Condesa DF gift shop – Upscale and well-curated.

See:  Parque Mexico – Full of wonders:  Salas, bougainvillea, fountains, perfectly manicured hedges, art, dogs, Avienda Amsterdam – A pretty loop with shops and restaurants

Stay:  Hotel Condesa DF – We didn’t stay here, but would for a shorter visit. It’s perfectly located. We often ended up on the rooftop for drinks or downstairs for coffee—Doug’s unofficial second office.

Contramar

Mexico City perfect day #2: Wander funky Roma Norte

Roma Norte wraps around Condesa like an edgier cousin – grittier, cooler, and full of character with vintage shops, historic architecture, taco stands, and wine bars tucked along leafy boulevards.

Key stops in Roma Norte

Coffee:  Funky Cafe – The best coffee we had in CDMX. Blue Bottle beans, Oatly, kind proprietors.

Breakfast/Lunch:  Panderia Rosetta – Amazing pastries and breakfast

Cariñito

Tacos:  Cariñito – Asian-inspired taco stand.  Famous on the food tour circuit. 

yummy cocktails at Handshake Speakeasy

Drinks:  Handshake Speakeasy (just north of Roma Norte) – Worth the trek for a wildly inventive cocktail menu. After weeks in Switzerland, where ordering a martini might get you a warm shot of vodka ceremonially poured over ice, we were thrilled to be back in a place that understands cocktails. (reservation recommended)

Mi Compa Chava – how could you not order this?

Dinner:  Mi Compa Chava – A casual seafood hotspot. Great food, great vibe, Sapo – Sweet little bar with amazing gyoza and tiny corn, Contramar – if you can get a reservation (if not, try Entremar in Polanco), Rosetta – A fine dining staple with a Michelin star to prove it. Beautiful space, top-tier food. (reservation recommended)

Workout:  Siclo – Our favorite CDMX workout – Cycle, barre, boxing, cross-fit. 

Pedicure:  Pintauñas Roma – Shoutout to the best pedicure on the tour so far.

strolling Polanco

Mexico City perfect day #3:  Retail therapy in fancy Polanco

Polanco is CDMX’s answer to Beverly Hills—wide boulevards, high-end boutiques, and polish. 

Festival de Flores flowers

We wandered Avenida Presidente Masaryk during Festival de Flores, which transforms the street into a riot of blooms and insta ops. Even if designer shopping isn’t your thing, Polanco is still worth a visit for its excellent restaurants, modern architecture, and people-watching.

Safety first, Rolex second

We felt incredibly safe throughout CDMX, but in Polanco, a lovely local gave us this bit of wisdom: don’t wear a Rolex unless you’re prepared to donate it to a passing motorcyclist. (It wasn’t ours—we swear.)

Key stops in Polanco

Brunch:  Café Toscano – A pretty brunch spot with an enormous pancake stack and local favorites. We stumbled upon this cousin to our Parque Mexico location and it delivered.

Tacos:  El Farolito – Excellent casual spot with classics like tacos al pastor and bistek con queso. Don’t skip the corn salad thingy.

sauce at Entremar

Dinner:  Entremar – The tuna tostada and the red-and-green fish are legendary. A great alternative if you can’t get into Contramar-same food, same chef. (reservation recommended)

Shop:  Ikal – Sleek concept store featuring Mexican designers and artisan goods, Pasaje Polanco – An elegant courtyard with boutiques and a lovely artisan pop-up (in the old Melting Pot space, LOL).

Chapultepec Park

Mexico City perfect day #4:  Get your culture in Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world, packed with paddleboats, palaces, and world-class museums.

Aztec Sun Stone – Museo Nacional de Antropología

If you only have time for one museum, make it the Museo Nacional de Antropología. The architecture is striking, and the collection is among the most important in Latin America. 

Pro tip: Hire a guide—navigating a large museum solo is like watching a foreign film with no subtitles. Pretty pictures, but no real idea what’s going on. Our guide brought the whole story to life—and was still visibly upset about the Spanish conquest (circa 1521).

While we were there, a Sebastião Salgado photo exhibit, Amazônia, was on —haunting and breathtaking.

Castles, houses, and more museums

From there, you can walk uphill to the Castillo de Chapultepec, the city’s former imperial palace turned history museum, with panoramic views.

If the line for the castle is insanely long (and it often is—especially since the online ticket system seems to never work), pivot to the Museo de Arte Moderno, a smaller and more manageable museum with no crowds and a tranquil sculpture garden.

Casa Luis Barragán

Not in the mood for a museum? Rent an EcoBici and cruise the park’s shaded paths.
Just south of the park, make time for Casa Luis Barragán—a pilgrimage site for architecture fans. This UNESCO-recognized home is a masterclass in color, space, and light. The guided tour is absolutely worth it (reservation recommended).

La Plaza de la Constitución

Mexico City perfect day #5: Centro Historico

Built on the ruins of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, Mexico City’s Centro Histórico is a dizzying blend of ancient and colonial, grand and gritty. You’ll find crumbling temples next to government palaces, cathedrals beside taquerías, and more history per square meter than just about anywhere else in the Americas. It’s loud, vibrant, and unforgettable.

Brunch:  Balcón del Zócalo – Rooftop views and classic chilaquiles.

Lunch:  Any taco stand

Azul Histórico

Dinner:  Azul Histórico – Gorgeous courtyard dining at the DOWNTOWN Hotel. Ignore the grumpy hostess; the food is worth it.

Centro Historico – Gran Hotel Ciudad de México, Tenochtitlán Ruins, Mercado de San Juan

See:  Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) – The main city plaza, Tenochtitlán Ruins – scattered remnants of the Ancient Aztec city ruins hiding in plain sight in the Plaza, El Palacio Nacional de México – Home to Diego Rivera’s murals, Gran Hotel Ciudad de México – Go for the Art Nouveau ceiling, stay for a rooftop drink (or coffee), Palacio Bellas Artes – Gorgeous building, inside and out, Mercado de San Juan – All the crazy foods like scorpions and grasshoppersShop:  DOWNTOWN Hotel & Shops – Cool artisan boutiques, away from the crowds.  Pop into the little mezcal shop for a tasting with Javier.

sunrise, and a touch of smog, over Teotihuacan

Mexico City perfect day #6: Teotihuacan

This ancient city, once home to over 100,000 people who mysteriously vanished, is just a short ride from CDMX and absolutely worth the trip.

We’re not usually early risers, but we rallied and left at 4:15 AM—nearly colliding with club-goers still on their way home. Even more impressive: the fully Instagram-ready women, flawless makeup and all, clearly up since 3.

Volaire balloons

We organized our trip with Volaire.  After a quick 45-minute drive, we lifted off in a hot air balloon—a surreal, slightly nerve-wracking experience. You have to accept that the “pilot” has zero control over where you’re going. (First question on arrival: “Who’s your emergency contact?”)

We soared over the pyramids, taking in stunning views of the ancient city below and the colorful balloons drifting all around us.

After landing, Volaire shuttles you back to their base for a decent breakfast. From there, you can either head out to explore the pyramids on foot, or take the shuttle straight home.

Frida’s house

Mexico City perfect day #7: A Saturday with Frida & the San Ángel Market

Start your Saturday in the leafy, artsy neighborhood of Coyoacán with a visit to Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul. The famous cobalt-blue house offers an intimate glimpse into her beautiful and tragic life. Book ahead—this spot fills up fast.

Los Danzantes’ polpo

For lunch, grab a sunny table on the terrace at Los Danzantes in Coyoacán—or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the San Ángel Inn (we heard mixed reviews and opted out, but it’s a classic).

Then head a few neighborhoods west to San Ángel, where the Sábado Market takes over a charming colonial plaza. Local artists sell original paintings, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry—it’s the best artisan market in the city, hands down. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth a wander.

Mexico City: An incomplete travel guide – What we missed

As much as we tried to see it all, there were a few things that slipped through the cracks.

First: Pujol. This legendary spot was closed for renovations during our visit.  Very sad to miss their famed taco omakase. 

Another casualty was the fabulous Biblioteca Vasconcelos, which we were dying to see, but was closed due to a strike.

Guess we’ll just have to come back.

That’s a wrap, CDMX!

Seven days in Mexico City is just enough to scratch the surface—and fall completely in love. From fiery salsas that test your spice tolerance (and reward the bold) to street corners that surprise you with world-class art, design, and history, CDMX delivers at every turn.

The neighborhoods are as diverse as the city itself—each with its own rhythm, flavor, and charm—so give yourself time to wander, taste, and take it all in. Whether you’re devouring tacos in a late-night taquería, sipping cocktails in a hidden speakeasy, or people-watching in a leafy plaza, Mexico City invites you to slow down and stay curious. 

We hope this travel guide helps you dive in—and start planning your own perfect week.
Next stop: Madrid.

Mexico City Travel Guide – The List:

🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮 ¡Imperdibles! (Don’t-Miss)

Condesa / Hipódromo

• Avienda Amsterdam (Walk) – Scenic, tree-lined loop perfect for strolling.
• Baldío (Dinner) – Probs our fave nice spot. Zero waste, veggie-forward. Beautiful space.
• Cafe Toscano (Drink) – Lively café at Parque México. Good pizza.
• Condessa DF Hotel (Drink/Stay)– Chic hotel with rooftop bar.
• La Capital (Dinner) – Upscale dinner; sea bass tostada & cocktails.
• El Moro (Churro) – Iconic for a reason. 
• El Pez Azul (Tacos) – Seafood taco spot
• Farmacia Internacional (Coffee/Drink) – Sit outside. Not always open at night.
• Felix (Drink) – Cool vibes. Confusing opening hours and process.
• Lardo (Brunch/Dinner) – Lovely setting for any meal.
• Merotoro (Dinner) – Inventive cuisine, nice patio.
• Mygyo (FroYo) – Frozen Greek yogurt
• Odette (Bakery) – Croissants that rival Tartine.
• Orquidea (Brunch) – Casual, yummy brunch with gluten-free baked goods.
• Parque México (Walk) – Charming city park with lush greenery.
• Rufina (Shop) – Favorite boutique; design-forward, affordable shopping.
• Shop at Condesa DF (Shop) – Curated design and artisan goods.
• Tacos Hola El Güero (Tacos) – Taco stand; tiny stools, reliable and tasty.
• Viejo Amor (Shop) – Nice boutique.

Roma Norte

• Cariñito (Tacos) – Asian-fusion taco stand, super creative flavors.
• Funky (Coffee) – Our #1 coffee spot. Blue Bottle! Oatly!
• Handshake Bar (Drink) – World-class speakeasy near Norte; reservations recommended.
• Metate + Nearby (Shop) – Charming boutiques and concept stores.
• Mi compa Chava (Dinner) – Fun, tasty, happening spot – busy at peak times
• Panya Sam (Lunch) – Japanese cafe known for its lunch toast.
• Pintaunas (Pedicure) – Fantastic pedicure; stylish nail salon.
• Rosetta (Dinner)– Michelin star dinner, must-reserve. Bakery amazing too.
• Sapo Botanero Asiático (Dinner) – Dumplings & tiny corn. Skip the octopus.
• Siclo (Workout) – Really good spin, barre, boxing, etc

Polanco

• Avenida Presidente Masaryk (Walk) – Upscale avenue.
• Cafe Toscano (Brunch) – Pancakes; vibrant atmosphere.
• El Farolito (Tacos) – Classic tacos al pastor & bistek con queso.
• Entremar/Contramar (Dinner) – Tuna tostadas & red/green fish. Amazing.
• Ikal (Shop) – Pop-up artisan market with local designers.
• Pasaje Polanco (Shop) – Cute outdoor mall, go to the artisan pop-up

Chapultepec Park and Area

• Anthropology Museum (Museum) – Must-see for history and architecture. Hire a guide.
• Casa Luis Barragán (House Tour) – Architectural masterpiece. Do the guided tour.
• Castillo de Chapultepec (Museum) – Historic castle with amazing views.
• Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum) – Modern art museum in a leafy setting.

Centro Histórico

• Azul Histórico (Dinner) – Great food, gorgeous space, grumpy hostess.
• Balcón del Zócalo (Brunch/View) – Rooftop brunch with views of Zócalo.
• Palacio Bellas Artes – See it
• DOWNTOWN Hotel & Shops (Shop) – Boutique craft shopping out of the fray.
• El Palacio Nacional de México (Museum) – Diego Rivera collection.
• Gran Hotel (Drinks) – Elegant Art Nouveau space; Rooftop drink overlooking Zócalo.
• Mercado de San Juan – All the crazy foods like scorpions and grasshoppers
• Tenochtitlan Ruins (See) – Scattered ruins of the ancient Aztec pyramids; very cool.
• Zócalo Plaza de la Constitución (See) – The main square in the city’s historic center.

San Ángel / Coyoacán

• Frida Kahlo House (Museum) – Iconic artist’s home; book early.
• Los Danzantes (Lunch) – Lovely patio and quality regional dishes.
• Sabado Mercado – San Ángel (Shop) – Saturday market with excellent artisan crafts.

Other Areas

• Mercado el 100 – Roma Sur – Sunday farmer’s market; small but charming.
• Volaire Tours – Teotihuacan – Balloon tour over the pyramids
• EcoBici – The Citi bikes of CDMX

🌮🌮🌮🌮 Muy Bien (Very Good Finds)

Condesa / Hipódromo

• Blend Station (Coffee) – Cozy cowork café
• El Pescadito – Condesa – Good fish tacos; casual spot.
• Emmer Panadería (Lunch) – Nice avo toast and lemonade.
• La Cocina del Bizco (Dinner) – Hopping spot with great vibe.  Encourages overordering. 
• Nonna (Dinner) – Solid Italian with nice patio on Amsterdam.
• Plonk – Modern, spicy small plates. Bit fussy.
• Temporal (Dinner) – Inventive tacos; very good margaritas.

Roma Norte

• Chiquitita – Roma Norte – Decent coffee, oat milk was sweet.
• Comedor de los Milagros – Roma Norte – Lively food court and bar.
• Felix – Roma Norte – Great vibes, confusing ordering.
• Plonk – Roma Norte – Creative dishes, a bit fussy.

Polanco

• Rosa Negra – Polanco – Trendy, flashy; not a favorite.

Centro Histórico

• Mercado de San Juan – (Shop) – Exotic food market—grasshoppers and more.

🌮🌮🌮 Más o Menos (So-So Stops)

Condesa / Hipódromo

• La Cervecería de Barrio (Tacos) – Casual, unmemorable tacos.
• Patagonia (Dinner) – Terrible service.
• Señor Tacos (Tacos) – Standard tacos; nothing remarkable.

Polanco

• Rosa Negra (Dinner) – Flashy, over-the-top; not a favorite.

Roma Norte

• La Riviera del Sur (Dinner) – Meh—forgettable experience.