Where to stay
Roma Norte and Condesa are the two best base neighborhoods. Walking distance to dozens of restaurants, easy Uber to everywhere, safe at night.
Day 1: Centro Histórico
Start at the Zócalo. Walk to Templo Mayor (the Aztec ruins beneath the cathedral). Tour Palacio Nacional for the Diego Rivera murals. Lunch at El Cardenal. Walk to Bellas Artes and ride the elevator up the Torre Latinoamericana for sunset.
Day 2: Chapultepec & Roma
Anthropology Museum opens at 9am — go early. Allow 4 hours. Lunch in Polanco or back in Roma. Spend the afternoon wandering Roma Norte's design shops and ending at a mezcalería.
Day 3: Coyoacán & Teotihuacán
Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul opens at 10am — book tickets online days ahead. Lunch in Coyoacán. Or swap morning for an early Teotihuacán day trip and Coyoacán in the afternoon.
Buy a Day of the Dead-style sugar skull from the Coyoacán artisan market — best souvenirs in the city.
Tips
- Use Uber, not street taxis
- Drink bottled water — even brushing your teeth
- The metro is safe, fast, and 5 pesos per ride
- Mexico City is at altitude — drink water and skip alcohol on day 1