How to Spend 3 Days in Mexico City

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Advisor - Claudia Cox
Curated By

Claudia Cox

  • Mexico City

  • Arts & Culture

  • City Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Local Culture

  • Foodie

  • Nightlife

  • Sightseeing

The Palacio de Bellas Artes is a prominent cultural center in Mexico City.
Curator’s statement

This itinerary offers a mix of cultural exploration, culinary delights, and vibrant nightlife to make the most of your three days in Mexico City. As someone who lived in Mexico City, three days is just not enough, but this itinerary can help you cover a lot of ground! Adjustments can be made based on your personal preferences and the current status of attractions and restaurants. If you’re interested in working together, send me an email!

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Day 1: Explore Historic Sites and Cultural Attractions

Traditional meals & gourmet coffee served at Madre Cafe.

Morning

Breakfast at Madre Café: Start your day with a delicious Mexican breakfast at Madre, known for its diverse menu and cozy atmosphere.

Activity - Zócalo and Historic Center: Visit the heart of the city, Zócalo, to explore the historic center, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, and Templo Mayor.

Lunch

Pujol: Enjoy a sophisticated lunch at Pujol, a renowned restaurant offering modern Mexican cuisine.

Afternoon

Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul): Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum to learn about the life and art of the iconic Mexican artist.

Dinner

Ticuchi: Head to Ticuchi for dinner, a popular Mexican restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere. If you love a spicy margarita, this is the place to order one.

Nightlife

Handshake Speakeasy: Experience an upscale speakeasy-style bar. Handshake is on the list of the World’s 50 Best Bars, known for their mixology. Reservations are highly recommended.

Day 2: Art and Culinary Delights

View inside the Chapultepec Castle.

Morning

Breakfast at Panadería Rosetta: Enjoy freshly baked goods and coffee at Panadería Rosetta, a famous bakery. You MUST try their rol de guayaba. It’s the best pastry I’ve ever had.

Activity: Museo Soumaya and Polanco: Explore the impressive art collection at Museo Soumaya, then stroll through the stylish neighborhood of Polanco and do some shopping.

Lunch

Quintonil: Have lunch at Quintonil, a high-end restaurant known for its contemporary Mexican cuisine.

Afternoon: Chapultepec Park: Spend the afternoon in Chapultepec Park, visit the Chapultepec Castle, and take a boat ride on the lake. It’s one of my favorite places in Mexico City. When I lived across the street, I would stroll the park every morning.

Dinner

Maximo Bistrot: Experience dinner at Maximo Bistrot, a cozy bistro offering a farm-to-table dining experience. Maximo has to be on my list of top 10 meals I’ve ever had.

Nightlife

Xaman: Almost hidden, this spot is great for a cozy night out. They have great DJs, amazing cocktails, and a great atmosphere. This spot is loud, so you’ve been warned, but the vibe is unbeatable.

Day 3: Markets and Lively Districts

Alley in the neighborhood of Mexico City.

Morning

Breakfast at Café de Tacuba: Start your day with a traditional Mexican breakfast at Café de Tacuba. Try their churros!

Activity: Mercado de la Merced: Explore Mercado de la Merced, one of the largest and most vibrant markets in the city. Experience the local food, crafts, and energy.

Lunch

Cafe Nin: Enjoy lunch at Cafe Nin, located in a charming house, offering Mexican dishes with a contemporary twist.

Afternoon

La Roma and La Condesa: Explore the trendy neighborhoods of La Roma and La Condesa, known for their cafes, boutiques, and street art.

Dinner

Blanco Colima: End your trip with a memorable dinner at Blanco Colima. Every dish is absolutely delicious, but a few favorites are the octopus and birria tacos.

Nightlife

Ling Ling: Grab a drink at Ling Ling, located at the top floor of the Ritz Carlton. They have amazing views of the city and such a fabulous atmosphere.

Advisor - Claudia Cox

Travel Advisor

Claudia Cox

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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Meredith Lerner’s guide, How to Spend 5 Days in Mexico City.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Mexico City.