72 Hours of Dining, Imbibing & More in Mexico City

You're likely to arrive in Mexico City in the early afternoon. After dropping your luggage at the hotel, head to Enrique Olvera's wonderful Ticuchi in Polanco for lunch or a snack. Ticuchi is best known as a fabulous cocktail bar, but by day, lunch is served al fresco at casual tables, or to several window bar stools that look right into the kitchen. Try one (or two) of their agave-based cocktails paired with a tamal, tlayuda and/or taco.

After a refuel, walk or uber over to the Museo Nacional de Antropología in the nearby Bosque de Chapultepec (Mexico's answer to NYC's Central Park.) This fascinating museum captures the history of Mexico, with artifacts from as far back as the ancient Mayan civilization. If time allows, a short stroll away is the Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo, showcasing contemporary art from Mexican artists. Return to the hotel to freshen up and rest your feet.

Make it an early evening with dinner at Hugo, a natural wine bar with light bites in the hip Roma Norte neighborhood or the nearby Maximo Bistrot, known for its farm-to-table menu. Up for a nightcap? Head to the intimate and chic Salon Rosetta on the third floor of a turn of the century mansion in Roma.

Begin the day at Tamales Madre, a jewel box of a spot founded by friends and cousins who source the best heritage corn varieties in Mexico. Think: free from genetic modification, chemicals and pesticides. Each tamale is unique and presented like a work of art. After breakfast, head downtown to visit the Centro Historico, Palacio Nacional & Diego Rivera murals and Palacio Bellas Artes. Make a quick stop at Casa de los Azulejos for that perfect Mexico City photo opp before finishing the downtown tour at The Mercado de Artesanías La Ciudadela, a lovely spot to shop for souvenirs and small gifts.

With tired feet, head to Masala y Maiz in the Juarez neighborhood. This lunch-only gem of a restaurant expertly blends Indian, African and Mexican cuisine. After lunch, head around the corner to the historic Cafe Nin for an espresso and pastry. Walk around the leafy streets of Juarez and then over to Roma, popping into one of the many concept stores and boutiques. After a rest, it may be time for an espresso martini at Café Ocampo before heading over to El Paramo, a hip 2nd floor taco spot with great drinks, food and music. After dinner, you've signed up for drinks at La Clandestina, a cozy mezcaleria in Condesa.

Jarilla, a small cafe and shop, kickstarts the day. Try their cold brew and plato con todo while sitting at their al-fresco bar. Now it's time to head to the charming neighborhood of Coyoacan to tour the Frida Kahlo Museum followed by Leon Trotsky’s home. After a brief cab ride to another charming area of San Angel, the trifecta is complete with a tour of the Museo Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo— the dual home of the artists. Thankfully, the San Angel Inn is right across the street. It is a beloved Mexican dining destination located in a former monastery.

After a long lunch, revive with a walk over to the El Bazaar Sabado, a wonderful artisan market only open on Saturdays. Peruse jewelry, crafts, pottery and art, while listening to live street performers and enjoying the scene. After a long day of walking, learning and shopping, the day ends at Loup Bar, a win- focused bar and restaurant with a warm atmosphere and lovely staff. Before or after dinner, head upstairs to Maison Artemesia, a progressive cocktail bar, known for their mezcal and absinthe cocktails, including the creative Artemisia Sour.

Before departing Mexico City, stop by Boicot for a coffee or matcha and then head for a late breakfast to Lalo! Order the fantastic chilaquiles, which are served in a bowl, smothered with green sauce, avocado, queso fresco, crema and cilantro. Grab one or two of their pan dulces for a plane pick-me-up. Take one last stroll around the leafy Roma neighborhood.