Quick Travel Guide to Mexico City (CDMX)

Hello, adventurous travelers! Are you ready to dive into the vibrant and exciting city of Mexico City? Get ready for an adventure full of color, history, and delicious food. I will show you all the must-visit places in this metropolis full of contrasts and surprises in this Travel Guide of Mexico City!

Mexico City, or affectionately known as “CDMX,” is one of the most fascinating capitals in the world. Here, you will find a unique blend of ancient Mexica culture and the modernity of a cosmopolitan city.

Some people think twice in visiting Mexico City, their concern comes from what they hear in the news, a “chaotic, polluted and dangerous” city, but the truth is, in any big city you can’t let your guard down, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it from your list. 

And more if it’s about Mexico City, it’s not that I was born and raised there, but I really love this place.

Prepare to walk along cobblestone streets filled with history and magnificent colonial buildings, while marveling at contemporary architecture and the bustling life of a city that never sleeps. 

There’s so much to do, friendly people always willing to help out. It’s a modern, picturesque and HUGE city!

 What can you see in Mexico City? Practically everything! From the majestic pyramids of Teotihuacan, where you can climb to the sky itself, to the colorful canals of Xochimilco, where you can enjoy a boat ride in a traditional trajinera while listening to traditional music and savoring authentic Mexican food.

You can’t miss the famous Zocalo, the historical heart of the city, where you can admire the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace.

I also recommend exploring the bohemian and lively neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa, where you’ll find art galleries, boutiques, cafés, and a vibrant nightlife. And, of course, you cannot forget to try Mexican cuisine, famous worldwide for its flavor and variety. From street tacos to sophisticated haute cuisine restaurants, Mexico City offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience.

Don’t miss the opportunity to taste authentic tacos al pastor, huitlacoche quesadillas, or delicious churros with hot chocolate. In this travel blog, I will share all my tips and recommendations so that you can make the most of your visit to Mexico City.

From the best places to stay to the local secrets known only by the locals, you will be prepared to have an unforgettable adventure. So, pack your curiosity and enthusiasm because Mexico City awaits you with open arms. Let’s discover together everything this fascinating city has to offer!

Coyoacán and San Ángel

San Ángel Neighborhood

First things first. San Ángel is a charming place you should visit. This colonial neighborhood has a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere. Its main attraction is the Bazar del Sábado, held in San Jacinto Plaza.

In this art and crafts market, you can find all kinds of unique and creative items, from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and textiles. Additionally, you can wander through the tree-lined streets of San Ángel and admire the beautiful old houses and their colorful gardens.

This can be your starting point. I strongly recommend having breakfast early at the “San Angel Inn” Restaurant.

A former Hacienda that is considered one of the best restaurants in Mexico City. It’s not very cheap, but it’s so worth it!

It’s Mexican food is exquisite and the place beautiful.

 

Next Stop: Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo (Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo’s Studio House)

Right on the side of the San Angel Inn Restaurant, is the house shared by Diego Rivera and Frida in their last years together. It’s like a 3 minute walk literally from the restaurant.

As you can see there’s actually 2 homes, one was Frida’s and the other Diego’s, and they were connected by a bridge for times when they wanted to be together. There’s a lot of personal stuff from the artist.

Here’s the link of their website

 

Walking about 15 minutes away from Diego’s and Frida’s house is the Plaza San Jacinto. The streets are full of local vendors and cafes to hang out. It’s a very colorful market.

If It’s Saturday, you can’t miss the Bazaar, that is in the same spot but is a closed market which is full of very flirty shops and is perfect to buy more elaborated gifts and fine jewelry.

 

Now head to Coyoacán. This pace is known for its bohemian atmosphere and rich history. Strolling through its cobblestone streets will transport you to another era. Visit the famous Plaza Hidalgo, where the San Juan Bautista Church is located, and enjoy a delicious coffee at one of the traditional cafes in the area.

You can’t miss the Casa Azul, the former home of the renowned painter Frida Kahlo, which now serves as a museum showcasing her works and personal belongings. You can also explore the Coyoacán Market, where you’ll find handicrafts, typical food, and a wide variety of products.

La Casa Azul (Frida Kahlo’s Museum)

From San Ángel, grab a cab or Metrobus and go to the Museum of Frida Kahlo in Coyoacan, better known as “La Casa Azul” (The Blue House).

This is the place where she lived with her family on her last years of life. The line of the entrance on weekends are usually very long, so I recommend that you pay an extra for making the reservation on the Internet and speed up a little more your access.

 

 

• Corazón de Maguey
• Los Danzantes
• Mercado del Carmen Coyoacán (market with different restaurants to choose from and for lower budgets). There’s a very chic bar at night as well.

 

You can take a free walking tour or just explore by yourself. These are the highlights you cant’s miss: 

• The Artisan Market
• Fonoteca Nacional (National Sound Archive)
• Parroquia San Juan Bautista (Church)
• Coyoacán Food Market

You can’t miss walk around with a coffee and donut from Café El Jarocho, there’s tons of them all over the neighborhood

 

 

 

Night-out!

If you have time and energy for the night, you can go to see Las Luchas (wrestling fights). Check out this blog Las Luchas to find out all about this event.

If you feel like going for a beer and having a good time, Coyoacan has several bars that are worth trying.

• La Guadalupana
• Centenario 107
• La Bipo Cantina
• La Celestina, my favorite. 
  • Right behind the church
  • Try the mezcal from the house, some oranges, salt and “chile de gusano” Cheers!

 

Both neighborhoods also offer a wide range of gastronomic options. You’ll find restaurants offering everything from traditional Mexican cuisine to international dishes.

Moreover, there are plenty of bars and cafés where you can relax and have a good time. In summary, visiting Coyoacán and San Ángel will allow you to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and distinctive atmosphere of Mexico City.

So, don’t hesitate to explore these places and discover everything they have to offer.

Chapultepec and Paseo de la Reforma

Visiting Reforma Avenue and Chapultepec Forest is a must-do experience if you’re in Mexico City. These iconic places offer a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Before starting your day, wake up early and have breakfast at the Rosetta Bakery.

This place is open from 7:00 am and has fresh bread, sandwiches and delicious coffee. You will need it because today includes a little hiking.

Reforma Avenue

 

Reforma Avenue is one of the city’s most important avenues, filled with rich history and impressive architecture. Here, you’ll find some of the most iconic buildings, such as the Angel of Independence, a monument that commemorates Mexico’s independence.

You can walk along Reforma and enjoy its wide sidewalks, admiring the skyscrapers, monuments, and beautiful green spaces that surround it. Moreover, Reforma is home to numerous museums, art galleries, shops, and restaurants, so there’s always something interesting to discover.

Chapultepec Forest, on the other hand, is one of the largest urban parks in the world and a true oasis in the midst of the city. Here, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. You can take a leisurely stroll along the tree-lined paths, visit the lakes and botanical gardens, or even have a picnic in one of the designated areas.

Additionally, the forest houses some of the city’s major museums, such as the National Museum of Anthropology and the Museum of Modern Art, which are definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in culture and art.

If you feel like going to a museum, you can’t miss the Museum of Anthropology. One of the most important museums in Mexico, it is huge, so take into account that it will take you at least a couple of hours to visit it.

If you go with little time I suggest to visit at least Chamber #1, Chamber #6:Aztec and Mexica Culture and Chamber #9:The Mayas. You can have a tourist guide worthwhile that only last an hour.

The entrance fee $70 pesos and Sunday is free. The schedule is Tuesday-Sunday from 9am to 7pm.

If you are not into museums you can go directly to the Castle of Chapultepec, which is right in the other side of the avenue. 

Walk or bike?

If you have a Mexican credit card you sign up for the Ecobici Bikes and rent a one-day membership for just $99 pesos. With the membership you can use any of the bikes in the bike-share program, and travel up to 45 minutes for free.

You can take as many 45-minute rides as you want, but if you go over, you will be charged a little fee.

Some hotels offer free bikes or rent too. But you can walk if you prefer.

Chapultepec Castle.

Once you get inside the Chapultepec Park, head towards Chapultepec Castle, a must see in the city.

The entrance costs $51 Mexican pesos. Sunday is free. If you are a student, remember to show your current credential for discount.

 

 

The tour takes about an hour approximately between the ascent to the Castle, the visit and the return, but you will have one of the best and most beautiful views of the Paseo de la Reforma (Reforma Avenue) the most beautiful street of Mexico City.

 

 

Both Reforma Avenue and Chapultepec Forest also offer a wide range of gastronomic options. You’ll find everything from street food stalls to high-end restaurants, where you can indulge in delicious Mexican cuisine and other international flavors.

Visiting Reforma Avenue and Chapultepec Forest allows you to immerse yourself in history, enjoy natural beauty, and experience the vibrant cultural life of Mexico City. So, be sure to include these places in your itinerary and make the most of your visit.

Roma/Condesa (Nightout)

In the evening you can visit either the Roma/Condesa or other bar area to get out.. There’s a thousand options to choose from, I leave you some of my favorites.

 

• Toledo Rooftop: A terrace with a lot of style and great design, an amazing view and very good cocktails.
  • Address: Toledo 39, Juarez
  • Schedule: Thursday from 18:00 to 01:30, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 to 01:30 and Sunday from 12:00 to 22:00
  • Cost: $400 – $600
• Wallace: A whiskey bar that apart has good food and music.
  • Where: Tamaulipas 45, Condesa Racecourse
  • Schedule: Sunday to Wednesday from 17:00 to 02:00 and Thursday to Saturday from 17:00 to 03:00
  • Cost: $300 – $500
• Café Paraíso: An “After” with a very relaxed atmosphere and music that will make you dance all night.
  • Where: Plaza Villa de Madrid 17, Roma Norte (La Cibeles)
  • Timetable: Thursday to Saturday from 11:00 to 05:00
  • Cost: $200 – $400

• Panic Botanic Mazaryk: The moment’s den, fashion music and one of the most fancy spots in the CDMX
  • Where: Av. Presidente Masaryk 353, Polanco
  • Schedule: Wednesday to Saturday from 19:00 to 02:00
  • Cost: $500 – $700

“Zócalo” Historic Center (Downtown)

The Center of Mexico City is a place that has so much culture, pre hispanic ruins, buildings of the colonial period, houses of the post-independence, skyscrapers, museums, etc.

So I recommend once again that you get up early to be able to visit as much as you can on this day.

Bellas Artes

Your meeting point can begin in front of the Palace of Fine Arts, a “must see” of the CDMX.

Pink Tip: If you want a coffee to wake up and an extraordinary view, enter the building that is in front, is a Sears shopping center. On the 8th floor there’s a small cafeteria with a terrace and the most beautiful view of Bellas Artes.

It’s open at 8:00 am on Mon-Fri and 10:00 am on weekends.

 

Post Office Building

To the left of Bellas Artes, crossing the street, is the “Oficina de Correos” Post Office, a beautiful building with an amazing architecture. You can send a postcard to your family and friends as a gift from your trip.

 

A block away you can find the Latin American Tower. One of the most famous skyscrapers in the world

Since its construction until the year 1972 it was the tallest skyscraper in the world outside of the United States.

Today it has 44 floors with several showrooms and museums worth visiting.

Know a bit about the history of the city, its earthquakes, office rooms and accessories of the “Porfiriato” and the best panoramic view of the whole city.

 

I recommend having brunch in two places:

Sanborns (The House of Tiles)

Also known as the Palace of the Counts of the Valley of Orizaba, is a building that was built in the colonial era that is covered with tiles of Talavera from Puebla. The place is nowadays one the most popular restaurants in Mexico that has typical Mexican food and at a very good price. It’s worth going because the place itself is beautiful and well preserved, a part of it has a mural by Jose Clemente Orozco that’s worth seeing.

Café de Tacuba

On Tacuba Street. 28, parallel to the Cinco de Mayo Street is this house of the 17TH century, a restaurant full of history and tradition, which also offers a very Mexican and delicious menu.

From there begin to walk towards the historic center. You can go to Dulcería de Celaya, an old confectionery founded in 1875.

Then you can go get a delicious sugar Churro to El Moro (as you can see you are gonna get a few pounds, but don’t worry it’s worth it, and you’ll be walking a lot!) 

EL Zócalo 

 

Already in the Zocalo I recommend that you enter the Cathedral, take photos and enjoy the whole esplanade.

If you have more time to spend here don’t miss the National Palace (President’s Office), and the Ruins of the Templo Mayor.

 

The bus is nothing fancy, but it’s a good option and it’s cheap.

It leaves you at the main entrance of the enclosure where you buy tickets from the entrance ($75 pesos) at the first door, as many tourists get confused and enter without buying the ticket, and in the second inning they ask for your ticket, if you did not buy it, you have to walk back to the first inning all ove again.

 

Pink tip: Wear a comfortable and light backpack. Put Sunscreen ALL over your body. Wears comfortable and preferably closed shoes. Light clothes. (shorts, jeans, cap, etc., no short dresses or skirts!) And a waterproof poncho in case it rains. Takes water and snacks for the trip.

Pink Tip

What to see

Visit the Pyramid of the Sun and the Moon, give yourself a tour of the museum, the garden and the temples.

It Is a belief that in the tip of the pyramids you get charged of energy so wear white clothes and be filled with positive vibes.

Outside the pyramids you can find several restaurants to eat.

If you want something special I recommend the Restaurant La Gruta that is by the museum and the Pyramid of the Sun. It is one hell of a place. 

 

 

If you have time and you like history, Teotihuacán is a MUST. Not only will you have a wonderful time but you will know one of the most important cultures of the prehispanic period of Mexico.

Teotihuacán is about 50 km from Mexico City, and it is not so complicated to arrive on your own.

How to get there

Take the metro/subway and get on the line 5, get down in the “Autobuses del norte” , arriving at the North Central Terminal, go to the left and head towards Gate 8 where you will find a ticket window for buses tickets to Teotihuacán.

Come early so you can take advantage of the day, with you up there at 9:00 am is a good time. 

You’ll Spend less than $120 pesos per round trip.

 

The bus is nothing fancy, but it’s a good option and it’s cheap.

It leaves you at the main entrance of the enclosure where you buy tickets from the entrance ($75 pesos) at the first door, as many tourists get confused and enter without buying the ticket, and in the second inning they ask for your ticket, if you did not buy it, you have to walk back to the first inning all ove again.

 

Pink tip: Wear a comfortable and light backpack. Put Sunscreen ALL over your body. Wears comfortable and preferably closed shoes. Light clothes. (shorts, jeans, cap, etc., no short dresses or skirts!) And a waterproof poncho in case it rains. Takes water and snacks for the trip.

Pink Tip

What to see

Visit the Pyramid of the Sun and the Moon, give yourself a tour of the museum, the garden and the temples.

It Is a belief that in the tip of the pyramids you get charged of energy so wear white clothes and be filled with positive vibes.

Outside the pyramids you can find several restaurants to eat.

If you want something special I recommend the Restaurant La Gruta that is by the museum and the Pyramid of the Sun. It is one hell of a place. 

 

 

Night Life in the Zócalo 

To finish your day, how about good dinner, a glass of wine or a beer and some good music? 

Do not hesitate to visit one of these bars.

 

• Zinco Jazz Club: If You like jazz and bossa nova, you’ll love this place. The food is delicious and it is a super cozy basement. Check the website to see who will be playing and make your reservation. Depending on who’s presenting is the price of the cover. (Calle Motolinia 20, Col. Centro)
• Pata Negra (Centro Histórico): A chill place, with good music and variety of drinks. Ideal to talk and end your day more relaxed. The best thing about it is that it opens from Monday to Sunday. Av. May 5 49, Col. Centro
• Terrace Catedral: If you want to meet people from other countries and have fun, I recommend this bar, which is located in the Hostel of Young World, but is open to all audiences. Its prices are not expensive, and has basic drinks and snacks, apart from having an amazing view of the Metropolitan Cathedral.  (Republic of Guatemala 4, Col. Centro)

 

Have more time?

If you have more time to explore Mexico City, you can’t miss these next places. 

Xochimilco

 

To the south of Mexico city is Xochimilco “Place of Flowers” a picturesque, unique place that represents much what is Mexico.

If you organize, take into account that it will take you more or less half a day between arrival, travel and departure. If you can organize with several people, better! The more the merrier, it is more fun, just be sure to get a big “góndola” (boats).

How to get there

By Taxi or Uber

You can arrive by taxi or Uber I think it is the fastest option, since Xochimilco is a little far away fro most central places. Just ask your driver to get you to the “NATIVITAS” port.

 

 

 

By subway

But You also have the option to take the Metro to the station “Tasqueña” (the end of the blue Line) and then take the light train to the last stop.  

It will take you about an hour or so, but it is worth it if you go with a tight budget, you won’t spend more than 10 pesos in transport, and arriving in Xochimilco just take a taxi to the pier.

 

Arriving to Nativitas and prices.

Once there you will have to “negotiate” your ride, but the thing is that there is an established price, so do not be fooled.

Each “Trajinera” or boat costs $350 per Trajinera and hour. The price may vary only if the size of the Trajinera changes, but most are the same.

 

During the tour you will see Trajineras with food and snacks, but before going up to the Trajinera and be a local,  buy your own drinks and food in any store before or in the stores outside.

Do not forget to bring speakers to put some music, but also you will find Trajineras of mariachis that are worth a serenade from Trajinera to Trajinera. You’re going to love it!

 

Teotihuacán Pyramids

 

If you have time and you like history, Teotihuacán is a MUST. Not only will you have a wonderful time but you will know one of the most important cultures of the prehispanic period of Mexico.

Teotihuacán is about 50 km from Mexico City, and it is not so complicated to arrive on your own.

How to get there

Take the metro/subway and get on the line 5, get down in the “Autobuses del norte” , arriving at the North Central Terminal, go to the left and head towards Gate 8 where you will find a ticket window for buses tickets to Teotihuacán.

Come early so you can take advantage of the day, with you up there at 9:00 am is a good time. 

You’ll Spend less than $120 pesos per round trip.

 

The bus is nothing fancy, but it’s a good option and it’s cheap.

It leaves you at the main entrance of the enclosure where you buy tickets from the entrance ($75 pesos) at the first door, as many tourists get confused and enter without buying the ticket, and in the second inning they ask for your ticket, if you did not buy it, you have to walk back to the first inning all ove again.

 

Pink tip: Wear a comfortable and light backpack. Put Sunscreen ALL over your body. Wears comfortable and preferably closed shoes. Light clothes. (shorts, jeans, cap, etc., no short dresses or skirts!) And a waterproof poncho in case it rains. Takes water and snacks for the trip.

Pink Tip

What to see

Visit the Pyramid of the Sun and the Moon, give yourself a tour of the museum, the garden and the temples.

It Is a belief that in the tip of the pyramids you get charged of energy so wear white clothes and be filled with positive vibes.

Outside the pyramids you can find several restaurants to eat.

If you want something special I recommend the Restaurant La Gruta that is by the museum and the Pyramid of the Sun. It is one hell of a place.