A Weekend in Mexico City, Mexico

After spending a month in Mexico City for work, we created this guide with our favorite recommendations for how to spend a perfect weekend. There is truly so much to do all over the city from museums, parks, stores, entertainment venues, the zoo and tons of restaurants and bakeries. This guide is truly only the tip of the iceberg with everything the beautiful Mexico City can offer. From the many neighborhoods, each one has their own sense of culture. Explore all throughout the city to get a true Mexico City experience.
44 Places • 3 Saves • ago
Free

Welcome to Mexico City

Located at an altitude of 2,240 meters (over 7,000 feet), CDMX is the capital of Mexico and a conglomerate of people, ideas, architecture, history, and art. 

Arriving to CDMX & Transportation

Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez
@WeekendPostcards
The main airport for all travelers, it can take upwards of 45 minutes -1 hour to get across town from the airport. Traffic is thick so be sure to plan ahead when returning to depart, and for weekend scheduling.
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Details

Public transportation is extremely popular in Mexico City. Busses are packed full during the busy hours of the day. For the quickest transportation options, we would recommend taking a rideshare like Uber. You can also reserve a taxi by requesting this option at your front desk. Be sure it is a certified taxi. Be sure to have cash on hand (pesos) to pay for your taxi and make sure there is a way to confirm your rate/a meter that counts your trip. 

Things To Do

Chapultepec Castle
@WeekendPostcards
Historical museum and castle grounds that costs about $5 a person to enter. You can pay at a machine with a card or pay with pesos at the desk. From the ticket booth, there is a 0.5 mile uphill walk to the castle entry and grounds. The museum and historical items are located inside the museum. I would recommend spending a minimum of 45 minutes here but that is just skimming the surface of all it can offer. Beautiful views of the city since you're at the top of a hill.
Add to
Details
Auditorio Nacional
@WeekendPostcards
Perfect venue to see touring shows and concerts. Check out the schedule to see what is coming to town while you're visiting. There is always something for everyone to enjoy! Beautiful venue with comfortable seating too.
Add to
Details
Museo Nacional de Antropología
@WeekendPostcards
Historical museum with lots to see and learn about. They sometimes put on historical performances that highlight hispanic culture.
Add to
Details
Palacio de Bellas Artes
@WeekendPostcards
Located near the Historical center of Mexico City, a stunning building home to various art events.
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Details
Zoológico de Chapultepec
@WeekendPostcards
Large zoo with tons of animals to see. Admission is free and you can visit from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Located in a beautiful park as well with museums in walking distance
Add to
Details
Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú
@WeekendPostcards
Support the local baseball team and attend a game at the beautiful new venue. Fun to cheer on the team, see some baseball and eat good traditional stadium food.
Add to
Details
Frida Kahlo Museum
@WeekendPostcards
Located in the heart of the Coyoacán Neighborhood, the Frida Kahlo house is home to all things Frida. This entire region is well known for being the centre of all things related to arts and performance. One of the performance Universities is located here as well.
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Details
Templo Mayor Museum
@WeekendPostcards
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Details
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
@WeekendPostcards
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Details
National Palace
@WeekendPostcards
Home to historic murals created by Diego Rivera
Add to
Details
National Museum of Popular Culture
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
UNAM Botanical Garden
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details

I highly recommend heading to the Coyoacán neighborhood to experience a mixture of local art and culture. Coyoacán is also home to the University. 

National Autonomous University of Mexico
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details

Shopping and Vintage Stores

Add to
Details
Goodbye Folk Vintage Boutique
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Add to
Details

Places To Eat and Drink

Café Punta del Cielo Alta Extracción
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
El Moro
@WeekendPostcards
Originally created in 1935 El Moro has delicious Churro specialities including churro ice cream sandwiches.
Add to
Details
Caffé Biscottino
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Tierra Garat
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Boicot Café Polanco
@WeekendPostcards
SUPER delicious breakfast cafe spot. I personally had fresh waffles with fruit on top. They also have great omelets,
Add to
Details
El Grifo Gourmet
@WeekendPostcards
Small, local spot that does coffee in the morning and a full restaurant for lunch and dinner. We had dinner here and had great pizza! Kind staff members.
Add to
Details
Baia Café
@WeekendPostcards
My personal favorite cafe for smoothies and bakery items. I think I went almost 4 days a week. Delicious way to start your morning.
Add to
Details
Panadería Rosetta Puebla
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Karisma
@WeekendPostcards
Has indoor and outdoor seating options available. Decent food and variety of drink options including shots. Chips and salsa is delicious!
Add to
Details
Café Toscano Polanco
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Hello Kitty® Café
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Emilio
@WeekendPostcards
Head this direction if you're looking for a nicer spot to get dinner. Great for celebrating big life milestones or a date night.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Nonna
@WeekendPostcards
Quality Italian food - worth the stop
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Details
Le Pain Quotidien
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details

Parks to Explore

Parque Lincoln
@WeekendPostcards
A nice place to stroll for a morning walk. Perfect place to sit on a bench and watch the birds. Full of flowers and greenery. Has a huge children's playground too.
Add to
Details
Campo Marte
@WeekendPostcards
Located in a military area, enjoy this peaceful sculpture park. Everything is made from repurposed items and turned into unique sculptures. There is a water feature in the center as well. Please be respectful and mind your noise level as this is part of military property.
Add to
Details
Bosque de Chapultepec
@WeekendPostcards
Massive park with historical markers to learn from, benches to sit and enjoy the nature, a lake where you can rent a boat or just take a stroll around the entire park.
Add to
Details
Plaza Río de Janeiro
@WeekendPostcards
A small park in the Roma Norte neighborhood with a fountain.
Add to
Details
Frida Kahlo Park
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Parque Quetzalcoatl
@WeekendPostcards
Not quite open to the public yet, but will be opening soon. Private bookings and tours are available.
Add to
Details

Where to Stay

Hyatt Regency Mexico City
@WeekendPostcards
High end hotel with pool, tennis courts, basketball court, restaurants inside and great hotel service. In a nice central location to use as a base to explore more of Mexico City.
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Details

Day Trips From Mexico City

Xochimilco Embarcaderos
@WeekendPostcards
Bring peso coins to pay for items on the floating markets and for the bathrooms (approx. 10 pesos per person)! Would also recommend bringing your own toilet paper. You can buy Mexican street corn and other food items/drinks from floating vendors. We brought most of our own food and drink on board and bought more drinks as a supplement once we ran out.
Add to
Details
Pyramids of Teotihuacan
@WeekendPostcards
Neat to learn about the history of the region and the native people who lived there. Beautiful ruins to see. You cannot climb them as they are working to preserve them/avoid erosion damage. Bring a hat, water and sunscreen. There is little to no shade present. You can buy your ticket on site for 90 pesos a person. There are bathrooms but only nearby the entrance. There are vendor stands by the entrance to the pyramids and a few blanket vendors inside the pyramid area. I would recommend exploring the town of Teotihuacan after exploring the pyramids. It is cute and has tons to offer and great local restaurants.
Add to
Details
Grutas Tolantongo
@WeekendPostcards
Beautiful natural area with hot springs, a waterfall and more to explore. Truly a lovely relaxing day where you are surrounded by the blue waters and nice views. Tickets are reasonably priced especially for a whole day experience. From Mexico City, it's about a 3.5 hour drive here. Be prepared for the road to be bumpy if you get car sick. We would recommend bringing your own snacks, sunscreen, a hat and water.
Add to
Details

No matter what you do in Mexico City, there is so much to explore. Take time to be present in your surroundings and enjoy the local culture around you. 

Planning your next trip? Check out some of our other guides for great recommendations:

* * *
CURATED BY
Hi travelers! I am here to help you enjoy your weekend trips to the fullest to cities near, far, or even in your backyard. Currently:📍Michigan, U.S.A. Just Posted: Explore Berlin, Germany with a Local Upcoming Trips: European Summer ---------- Michigander at heart but currently traveling the world one week at a time for work. When not on the road and living out of my suitcase, I am down to spend the day exploring the local city scene or out hiking in nature. I am an adventurous spirit and try to maximize my free time exploring the hidden corners of whatever city I am in. I've been traveling all over the U.S. and Europe for nine years and crave authentic experiences at local hot spots (and sometimes the touristy faves). As a young and avid traveler (16 Countries, 45 U.S. States, 24 U.S. National Parks & numerous cities) my goal is to help you reach your travel goals - no matter the destination. On Thatch, I create super detailed guides and itineraries to destinations that I've personally visited. These destinations have a little bit of everything that I love about travel (adventure, city life, great eats, beach days and more). I can also create custom guides and itineraries to wherever you may be dreaming of traveling to. Top bucket list items: Ride in a hot air balloon & visit all 50 U.S. states. — Check out my free and paid thatch travel guides on my profile, or for a customized itinerary for any of the locations featured, shoot me a message so we can connect. Let's explore!
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A Weekend in Mexico City, Mexico

After spending a month in Mexico City for work, we created this guide with our favorite recommendations for how to spend a perfect weekend. There is truly so much to do all over the city from museums, parks, stores, entertainment venues, the zoo and tons of restaurants and bakeries. This guide is truly only the tip of the iceberg with everything the beautiful Mexico City can offer. From the many neighborhoods, each one has their own sense of culture. Explore all throughout the city to get a true Mexico City experience.
44 Places • 3 Saves • ago
Free

Welcome to Mexico City

Located at an altitude of 2,240 meters (over 7,000 feet), CDMX is the capital of Mexico and a conglomerate of people, ideas, architecture, history, and art. 

Arriving to CDMX & Transportation

Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez
@WeekendPostcards
The main airport for all travelers, it can take upwards of 45 minutes -1 hour to get across town from the airport. Traffic is thick so be sure to plan ahead when returning to depart, and for weekend scheduling.
Add to
Details

Public transportation is extremely popular in Mexico City. Busses are packed full during the busy hours of the day. For the quickest transportation options, we would recommend taking a rideshare like Uber. You can also reserve a taxi by requesting this option at your front desk. Be sure it is a certified taxi. Be sure to have cash on hand (pesos) to pay for your taxi and make sure there is a way to confirm your rate/a meter that counts your trip. 

Things To Do

Chapultepec Castle
@WeekendPostcards
Historical museum and castle grounds that costs about $5 a person to enter. You can pay at a machine with a card or pay with pesos at the desk. From the ticket booth, there is a 0.5 mile uphill walk to the castle entry and grounds. The museum and historical items are located inside the museum. I would recommend spending a minimum of 45 minutes here but that is just skimming the surface of all it can offer. Beautiful views of the city since you're at the top of a hill.
Add to
Details
Auditorio Nacional
@WeekendPostcards
Perfect venue to see touring shows and concerts. Check out the schedule to see what is coming to town while you're visiting. There is always something for everyone to enjoy! Beautiful venue with comfortable seating too.
Add to
Details
Museo Nacional de Antropología
@WeekendPostcards
Historical museum with lots to see and learn about. They sometimes put on historical performances that highlight hispanic culture.
Add to
Details
Palacio de Bellas Artes
@WeekendPostcards
Located near the Historical center of Mexico City, a stunning building home to various art events.
Add to
Details
Zoológico de Chapultepec
@WeekendPostcards
Large zoo with tons of animals to see. Admission is free and you can visit from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Located in a beautiful park as well with museums in walking distance
Add to
Details
Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú
@WeekendPostcards
Support the local baseball team and attend a game at the beautiful new venue. Fun to cheer on the team, see some baseball and eat good traditional stadium food.
Add to
Details
Frida Kahlo Museum
@WeekendPostcards
Located in the heart of the Coyoacán Neighborhood, the Frida Kahlo house is home to all things Frida. This entire region is well known for being the centre of all things related to arts and performance. One of the performance Universities is located here as well.
Add to
Details
Templo Mayor Museum
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
National Palace
@WeekendPostcards
Home to historic murals created by Diego Rivera
Add to
Details
National Museum of Popular Culture
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
UNAM Botanical Garden
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details

I highly recommend heading to the Coyoacán neighborhood to experience a mixture of local art and culture. Coyoacán is also home to the University. 

National Autonomous University of Mexico
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details

Shopping and Vintage Stores

Add to
Details
Goodbye Folk Vintage Boutique
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Add to
Details

Places To Eat and Drink

Café Punta del Cielo Alta Extracción
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
El Moro
@WeekendPostcards
Originally created in 1935 El Moro has delicious Churro specialities including churro ice cream sandwiches.
Add to
Details
Caffé Biscottino
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Tierra Garat
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Boicot Café Polanco
@WeekendPostcards
SUPER delicious breakfast cafe spot. I personally had fresh waffles with fruit on top. They also have great omelets,
Add to
Details
El Grifo Gourmet
@WeekendPostcards
Small, local spot that does coffee in the morning and a full restaurant for lunch and dinner. We had dinner here and had great pizza! Kind staff members.
Add to
Details
Baia Café
@WeekendPostcards
My personal favorite cafe for smoothies and bakery items. I think I went almost 4 days a week. Delicious way to start your morning.
Add to
Details
Panadería Rosetta Puebla
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Karisma
@WeekendPostcards
Has indoor and outdoor seating options available. Decent food and variety of drink options including shots. Chips and salsa is delicious!
Add to
Details
Café Toscano Polanco
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Hello Kitty® Café
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Emilio
@WeekendPostcards
Head this direction if you're looking for a nicer spot to get dinner. Great for celebrating big life milestones or a date night.
Add to
Details
Add to
Details
Nonna
@WeekendPostcards
Quality Italian food - worth the stop
Add to
Details
Le Pain Quotidien
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details

Parks to Explore

Parque Lincoln
@WeekendPostcards
A nice place to stroll for a morning walk. Perfect place to sit on a bench and watch the birds. Full of flowers and greenery. Has a huge children's playground too.
Add to
Details
Campo Marte
@WeekendPostcards
Located in a military area, enjoy this peaceful sculpture park. Everything is made from repurposed items and turned into unique sculptures. There is a water feature in the center as well. Please be respectful and mind your noise level as this is part of military property.
Add to
Details
Bosque de Chapultepec
@WeekendPostcards
Massive park with historical markers to learn from, benches to sit and enjoy the nature, a lake where you can rent a boat or just take a stroll around the entire park.
Add to
Details
Plaza Río de Janeiro
@WeekendPostcards
A small park in the Roma Norte neighborhood with a fountain.
Add to
Details
Frida Kahlo Park
@WeekendPostcards
Add to
Details
Parque Quetzalcoatl
@WeekendPostcards
Not quite open to the public yet, but will be opening soon. Private bookings and tours are available.
Add to
Details

Where to Stay

Hyatt Regency Mexico City
@WeekendPostcards
High end hotel with pool, tennis courts, basketball court, restaurants inside and great hotel service. In a nice central location to use as a base to explore more of Mexico City.
Add to
Details

Day Trips From Mexico City

Xochimilco Embarcaderos
@WeekendPostcards
Bring peso coins to pay for items on the floating markets and for the bathrooms (approx. 10 pesos per person)! Would also recommend bringing your own toilet paper. You can buy Mexican street corn and other food items/drinks from floating vendors. We brought most of our own food and drink on board and bought more drinks as a supplement once we ran out.
Add to
Details
Pyramids of Teotihuacan
@WeekendPostcards
Neat to learn about the history of the region and the native people who lived there. Beautiful ruins to see. You cannot climb them as they are working to preserve them/avoid erosion damage. Bring a hat, water and sunscreen. There is little to no shade present. You can buy your ticket on site for 90 pesos a person. There are bathrooms but only nearby the entrance. There are vendor stands by the entrance to the pyramids and a few blanket vendors inside the pyramid area. I would recommend exploring the town of Teotihuacan after exploring the pyramids. It is cute and has tons to offer and great local restaurants.
Add to
Details
Grutas Tolantongo
@WeekendPostcards
Beautiful natural area with hot springs, a waterfall and more to explore. Truly a lovely relaxing day where you are surrounded by the blue waters and nice views. Tickets are reasonably priced especially for a whole day experience. From Mexico City, it's about a 3.5 hour drive here. Be prepared for the road to be bumpy if you get car sick. We would recommend bringing your own snacks, sunscreen, a hat and water.
Add to
Details

No matter what you do in Mexico City, there is so much to explore. Take time to be present in your surroundings and enjoy the local culture around you. 

Planning your next trip? Check out some of our other guides for great recommendations:

* * *
CURATED BY
Hi travelers! I am here to help you enjoy your weekend trips to the fullest to cities near, far, or even in your backyard. Currently:📍Michigan, U.S.A. Just Posted: Explore Berlin, Germany with a Local Upcoming Trips: European Summer ---------- Michigander at heart but currently traveling the world one week at a time for work. When not on the road and living out of my suitcase, I am down to spend the day exploring the local city scene or out hiking in nature. I am an adventurous spirit and try to maximize my free time exploring the hidden corners of whatever city I am in. I've been traveling all over the U.S. and Europe for nine years and crave authentic experiences at local hot spots (and sometimes the touristy faves). As a young and avid traveler (16 Countries, 45 U.S. States, 24 U.S. National Parks & numerous cities) my goal is to help you reach your travel goals - no matter the destination. On Thatch, I create super detailed guides and itineraries to destinations that I've personally visited. These destinations have a little bit of everything that I love about travel (adventure, city life, great eats, beach days and more). I can also create custom guides and itineraries to wherever you may be dreaming of traveling to. Top bucket list items: Ride in a hot air balloon & visit all 50 U.S. states. — Check out my free and paid thatch travel guides on my profile, or for a customized itinerary for any of the locations featured, shoot me a message so we can connect. Let's explore!
Send A Tip
Support Nikki | Weekend Postcards’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Nikki | Weekend Postcards Privacy Terms