One Week in Mexico City: The Perfect Guide For Your First Visit
Mexico City is a vibrant and dynamic destination that offers something for every kind of traveler from its rich history and world-class museums to its bustling streets, delicious cuisine, and colorful neighborhoods, there’s no shortage of things to explore. This guide will help you make the most of your one week adventure and experience the best the city has to offer.
Where to Stay
On your first visit to Mexico City, I highly recommend staying in the neighborhoods of Condesa or Roma Norte. These two neighbors are close to Chapultepec Park, and home to many popular cafes, bars, and restaurants. Picturesque, beautiful, and and filled with tree-lined streets, these neighborhoods have a historical charm and laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing trip to Mexico City. Here you’ll find find a mix of boutique hotels, guest houses, and charming Airbnbs that that blend seamlessly into the local culture.
If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, check out Polanco which is a neighborhood known for it’s high-end hotels and luxury shopping. Here you can find many popular international hotel chains, and fine-dining restaurants such as Pujol.
Safety and Getting Around
From our experience, the best way to get around the city is to walk or take an Uber. The neighborhoods of Condesa and Roma Norte in particular, are very walkable and perfect for exploring on foot. I felt fairly safe in the neighborhoods that we visited including Centro, Juárez, Condesa, Roma, Coyoacán, and Polanco. Of course, like in any major city, I would recommend taking regular precautions, especially if using public transportation or in crowded areas. But overall, I found Mexico City to be very welcoming and easy to navigate.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mexico City, is in the spring from March to May. We visited in April, and the weather was warm and sunny everyday which made it ideal for outdoor exploring. In the spring, you can also see the jacarandas blooming around the city, adding an extra layer of magic to the city. Summer (June-August) is hot and rainy, but a good time to visit if you’d like to avoid crowds and find discounted rates for hotels. The weather starts cooling down in September, but the fall season offers the opportunity to experience some of the city’s most popular events and holidays, like Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Winter is the coldest time to visit, but the weather is still mild compared to other places in North America and another good time to find good deals on accommodation.
Things to Do
Parque México
If you’re staying in the Condesa or Roma neighborhoods, Parque México is a perfect spot to soak in the local vibe—whether you’re people-watching, enjoying the lively atmosphere, or just relaxing under the shade of the park’s beautiful trees. You’ll see see locals walking their dogs, riding bikes, and hanging out with their families. The park is a hub for community activities such as dance classes and outdoor performances. There are also often vendors selling unique crafts and handmade goods, making it a great place to pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir. With its tranquil fountains and picturesque walking-paths, Parque México offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, all while being nestled right in the heart of one of Mexico City’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Xochimilco
Xochimilco is located in the southern part of Mexico City and is a unique glimpse into the past, with its canals serving as the remnants of an ancient Aztec water transport system. In pre-Columbian times, the Aztecs used man-made floating gardens to cultivate crops in the water, creating a sustainable way of farming in the lake that surrounded their city of Tenochtitlan. Now you can ride colorful trajineras (traditional wooden boats) and cruise through the canals while food vendors, mariachi bands, and craft sellers float by, adding to the lively atmosphere. For those looking to explore more than just the boat ride, Xochimilco offers other attractions such as La Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls), a strange and slightly eerie island full of creepy, doll-laden trees. Beyond the canals, Xochimilco is also known for its lush greenery and flower markets. It’s a great way to spend a relaxing morning, or celebrate a special occasion with a more festive vibe on weekends.
Frida Kahlo Museum and Coyoacán
The neighborhood of Coyoacán is a must see on your trip to Mexico City. Once a quaint village, Coyoacán is now famous as the home of Frida Kahlo and is the location of the iconic Casa Azul or Frida Kahlo museum, where the artist was born, lived, and created some of her most celebrated works. The Frida Kahlo Museum, located in this vibrant blue colonial home, offers a personal glimpse into the life of one of Mexico’s most influential artists. If you’re interested in visiting, make sure to purchase tickets for the museum in advance as they often sell-out. Beyond the museum, Coyoacán itself offers a quiet escape from hustle and bustle of the rest of Mexico City and with charming cobblestone streets, colonial-era architecture, and vibrant colorful houses.
Tip: You can combine your visit to Xochimilco and the Frida Kahlo Museum, through a full-day tour.
Chapultepec Park
Chapultepec Park is one of the largest parks in Mexico, and one of the oldest urban parks in the world. Spanning over 2,000 acres, It’s double the size of Central Park in New York. The park’s many attractions include museums, such as the Anthropology Museum and the stunning Chapultepec Castle. Visitors can also enjoy leisurely boat rides on the park’s lakes, explore lush green spaces, and beautiful walking trails. It’s not just a tourist spot—it’s lively and loved by locals, too. You’ll see families, joggers, and friends gathering for picnics, as well as street performers and vendors adding to the park’s vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or just looking for a relaxing place to spend the day, Chapultepec Park has something for everyone.
Chapultepec Castle
Chapultepec Castle is located on a hill in Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park and one of the only palaces in North America which housed royalty. From the castle, you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of downtown Mexico City and the sprawling Chapultepec Park below. As you explore the beautiful castle and gardens, you can learn about Mexican history during 18th and 19th centuries, including Mexico’s fight for independence. Whether you’re a history buff, or just looking for incredible views, Chapultepec Castle is a must-see stop on your Mexico City itinerary.
Teotihuacán
Teotihuacán is an ancient Mesoamerican city located about 1 hour northeast of Mexico City. It was built between the 1st and 7th centuries A.D, and was one of the largest cities in the world during its time. Not much is known about who built the city, including its original name. The Aztecs discovered the city hundreds of years after it was abandoned and named it Teōtīhuacān, roughly translated as the “birthplace of the gods.” The most prominent structures you can see are the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. The Avenue of the Dead, lined with ancient temples and smaller pyramids, stretches between the two offering a dramatic pathway through the archeological site.
One of the best ways to visit Teotihuacán is to take a guided tour from Mexico City, to enjoy hassle free transport from your hotel or AirBnb and to delve into the history of the site with a knowledgeable guide. If you prefer to travel there on your own, you can easily take public transportation via bus or hire a taxi. For a unique experience, you can also take a hot air balloon ride over the site at sunrise.
Centro Histórico
Centro Histórico is one of the busiest and most vibrant areas in the city. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the city, including the Zócalo (Main Plaza), Palacio de Bellas Artes, and Palacio de Correos (Postal Palace), a historical post office with breathtaking gold architecture and intricate detailing. In this area you can also find the Instagram-famous, House of Tiles with its striking blue-and-white facade.
If you’re looking for a beautiful view of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, head over to Finca Don Porfirio Café, located across the street inside Sears. It offers the perfect spot to snap a picture, but be prepared for a long wait as tourists flock here for that iconic shot.
Cooking Class
One of my favorite things we did in Mexico City, was taking a cooking class on AirBnb experiences where we learned to make variety of salsas and fresh tortillas from scratch. The instructor was a local chef who not only taught us cooking techniques but taught us about the different ingredients and flavors of Mexican cuisine. After we finished cooking, we got to relax and enjoy our meal on his apartment rooftop, which was the perfect way to unwind after the class. It honestly, ended up being some of the best food we had during our Mexico City trip.
You can find the link to the class we took here.
Museums
Mexico City is home to more museums than any other city in the Western Hemisphere. With over 140 museums to choose from, you can find exhibits and galleries that span a variety of interests including art, history, and anthropology.
Some of the city’s most famous museums include:
- Frida Kahlo Museum
- Anthropology Museum
- Palacio de Bellas Artes
- Casa Luis Barragan
- Casa Giraldi
- Museo de Arte Popular
It’s worth noting that some popular museums, like the Anthropology Museum are closed on Mondays so plan your itinerary accordingly. We also found Sundays to be very crowded in areas like Centro and Chapultepec Park due it being a day off for most Mexicans. As many people work 6 days a week, Sunday is a popular time to go out and some museums will also have free entry for citizens.
Grutas Tolontongo
If you have time, I highly recommend a daytrip to the nearby hot springs called Grutas Tolontongo. This was by far, one of the highlights of our trip. This hidden gem offers a surreal experience with its picturesque pools, cascading waterfalls, and stunning natural surroundings.
Although the hot springs are located three to four hours from Mexico City, it’s definitely worth the journey if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience. The site can get busy, especially on weekends, so try to arrive early to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the crowds arrive. We took a guided tour from Mexico City, but it’s possible to rent a car and drive as long as you are comfortable navigating the local roads. Although the cascading pools are most popular on Instagram, the site also includes a natural cave where you can see the source of the hot spring and explore secret underwater tunnels, and a thermal river. Each spot offers its own unique charm, from soaking in the warm waters of the pools to exploring the cave and river in a tranquil setting.
Where to Eat
Mexico City is a culinary paradise, with a mix of world-class restaurants, casual eateries, and a vibrant street food scene. From traditional Mexican dishes to modern fusion, there’s something to satisfy every palate. However, some of the city’s top spots, like Pujol, can get fully booked, so it’s a good idea to make reservations ahead of time, especially for popular places. We tried to visit Masala y Maíz, a Mexican-Indian fusion restaurant that comes highly recommended, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get a table without a reservation—so plan ahead if there’s a spot you really want to try! We found that most restaurants take credit card, but I would recommend always carrying cash for street food and tips. Here are a few popular cocktail bars, dessert shops, and restaurants, including vegan and vegetarian-friendly options:
- Pujol
- Masala Y Maiz
- Panaderia Rosetta
- Cabuya Rooftop
- Mercado Roma
- Por Siempre Vegana
- La Pitahaya Vegana
- Gin Gin
- Never Roxy
- Churreria El Moro
- Handshake Bar
For even more photos, tips, and travel inspiration, don’t forget to find me on social media. I love sharing my adventures and helping others plan their perfect getaway!
You can also find detailed recommendations and itineraries on other travel destinations on my blog here.
