The Ultimate Mexico City Itinerary – Best Things To Do In CDMX

Welcome to Mexico City – a vibrant metropolis where ancient history, cutting-edge culture, and world-class cuisine collide. Whether it’s your first time visiting CDMX or you’re coming back for more, this city has something magical waiting around every corner. From colorful markets and historic neighborhoods to rooftop mezcal bars and Frida Kahlo’s iconic blue house, this ultimate itinerary covers the very best things to do in Mexico City. Ready to explore one of the most dynamic cities in the world? Let’s dive in day by day and make your trip unforgettable.

DAY 1

Chapultepec Castle & exploring Condesa

Start your day at Hule, a dreamy coffee and vinyl shop tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. It’s the perfect spot to ease into your Mexico City adventure with an expertly brewed coffee and delicious breakfast surrounded by curated vinyls and creative energy. I love places that blend art and caffeine.

Next stop: Chapultepec Castle, hands down the most beautiful castle I’ve ever seen. Located inside the expansive Bosque de Chapultepec, this is the only true castle in North America where royalty actually lived. The architecture, the gardens, the stained glass windows, and the panoramic views of Mexico City are all exquisite. We spent about two hours exploring and soaking it all in—and honestly, I could’ve stayed longer. You can also do a guided tour of both Chapultepec Castle & the National Anthropology Museum in the same day by booking this tour.

After your royal morning, head over to Condesa for lunch. This neighborhood is known for its leafy boulevards, relaxed energy, and stylish crowd. One of my favorite plant-based spots is Veguisma—they have refreshing juices, botanical drinks, and colorful, nourishing dishes. Definitely a feel-good lunch stop.

If you’re craving something sweet, grab a seasonal, handmade gelato at Carmela nearby—it’s a must.

Condesa Cafes & Restaurants ☕

Condesa is café heaven—you could spend an entire day sipping your way through the neighborhood. Here are some of my faves:

• Another – minimal, chic, and great pastries
• Derba Matcha – matcha lovers, this one’s for you
• Pisca Café – cozy, cute, and perfect for a morning pause
• Mendl – stylish with quality coffee
• Rumor – modern and vibey
• Blend Station – spacious with great Wi-Fi and creative energy
• Hule – part record store, part coffee shop
• Cardamomo – earthy and relaxed with beautiful details
• Odette – charming French-style spot with strong coffee
• Barrio Café – stylish and homey with great food
• Ficelle – French bakery meets local flavor
• Superette – cute and curated, great for a light bite
• Canopia – a little urban jungle with lovely drinks and plants
• Zona 2 – cute coffee cafe with communal outdoor seating

Condesa bars & speakeasys:

• La Clandestina – Mezcal bar with a cozy, local vibe. Definitely Condesa.
• Departamento – A creative, artsy nightlife spot often listed in Condesa. Technically it borders Condesa and Roma, but it’s generally considered part of the Condesa nightlife scene.
• Salon Palomilla – Small, hidden speakeasy vibe, also in Condesa.

Boutique Shopping in Condesa ️

After your caffeine fix, stroll through the boutiques and concept shops that make this neighborhood a style lover’s dream. Some highlights:

• Marvilla – boho, minimal clothing and accessories
• Mooni – design-forward gifts, clothes, and home pieces
• Casa Salt – curated homewares and gifts
• Casa Mandarine – feminine, artsy, and full of color

Evening: Design & Cocktails at Soho House

To wrap up the day, we headed to Soho House Mexico City in Colonia Juárez. Despite mixed online reviews about the service, we honestly loved it. The architecture and interiors are 10/10, and the food and cocktails were perfection. Even if you’re not a full member, you can join as a Soho Friends member ($130/year), which gives you access to book rooms and enjoy a 15% discount. It’s an ideal spot to end a stylish first day in CDMX.

DAY 2

La Ciudadela Market & San Ángel Neighborhood

We kicked off the day with a public bike ride (CDMX’s bike share system is super easy and fun to use) and made our way to La Ciudadela Market—an absolute must if you’re into artisan goods and vibrant culture.

This is the most colorful artisan market in Mexico City—packed with handmade treasures, traditional textiles, pottery, embroidery, jewelry, and more. We found the best prices and variety here, and it felt good knowing our purchases supported local artists and makers. Whether you’re looking for unique souvenirs or a statement piece for your home, this is the place.

Just a short walk away is the Lagunilla Sunday Antiques Market, a vintage lover’s dream. Located in the Morelos neighborhood, Mercado de Antigüedades de La Lagunilla is a massive outdoor market that only happens on Sundays. Expect everything from mid-century furniture and retro clothing to rare books, vinyls, and unexpected treasures. If you’re into thrifting or design, it’s definitely worth the stroll.

Afternoon in San Ángel – Old-World Charm & Artful Moments

After the markets, we headed south to one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Mexico City: San Ángel. This charming area is filled with cobblestone streets, blooming bougainvillea, and a slower, more romantic pace. It’s the kind of place where every corner looks like a painting.

On Saturdays, local artists line the plazas from 10am to 7pm, selling everything from original paintings and photography to ceramics and sculpture. The vibe is creative, laid-back, and incredibly photogenic—perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Dinner at Saks – A Stylish End to the Day

We ended the day at Saks San Ángel, an upscale restaurant known for its elegant decor, beautiful courtyard setting, and live music that added the perfect touch to the evening. The service was impeccable, the food was beautifully plated and delicious, and the whole experience felt elevated and memorable—definitely a place to treat yourself.

DAY 3

Xochimilco, Coyoacán, Frida Kahlo Museum & more

If you do one guided tour while in Mexico City—let it be this one because they take you to all these stops.
Book the tour we did here – it’s worth every peso.

Our day started with a hotel pickup and a scenic drive to Xochimilco, one of the most iconic and colorful places in all of CDMX. Known for its vibrant boats, floating gardens, and historic canals, Xochimilco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true gem of Aztec innovation.

These canals are over 700 years old, originally created for agriculture by the Aztecs—and they’re still in use today. As you cruise along on a traditional trajinera boat, you’ll hear live mariachi music, float past floating gardens (called chinampas), and maybe even spot an axolotl—the adorable, endangered amphibians native to these waters. They look like real-life Pokémon and can regenerate limbs.

Next stop: Coyoacán – Where Art & Culture Collide

After soaking in the history and energy of Xochimilco, our guide took us to the bohemian neighborhood of Coyoacán—once home to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. The streets are lined with colorful colonial buildings, street vendors, and tree-shaded plazas that feel like a small town tucked inside the city.

We stopped at the Coyoacán Market, known for its authentic Mexican eats, fresh fruit juices, traditional snacks, and stalls filled with handcrafted goods and souvenirs. It’s a great place to grab lunch and pick up something special to take home.

Then we wandered through the leafy Jardín Centenario, the main plaza, which is perfect for a little people-watching and soaking in the local vibe.

Frida Kahlo Museum – Casa Azul

The final stop on the tour was the Frida Kahlo Museum, aka Casa Azul, her actual home. This was such a highlight—and the fact that the tour guide secured tickets for us (which usually sell out weeks in advance) was everything. Inside, you’ll walk through rooms filled with Frida’s artwork, clothing, and personal belongings. It’s powerful, emotional, and gives such an intimate look into her life and art.

Why I Recommend This Tour

• Hotel pickup & drop-off
• Boat ride with music + stories about Xochimilco
• Time to explore Coyoacán & the market
• Guaranteed entry to the Frida Kahlo Museum
• A local guide who brings history and culture to life

This tour ran from 10am to 3pm, and everything was thoughtfully curated and stress-free.
Click here to book it – you won’t regret it.

DAY 4

Tolantongo

Ready for a bucket list adventure?
Book this tour to Grutas de Tolantongo and get ready for one of the most surreal and relaxing experiences in all of Mexico.
Click here to book the day trip we did – it’s totally worth it.

This was a full-day trip—we left before 6am and didn’t get back to the city until around 8pm—but it was so worth the early wake-up call.

Grutas de Tolantongo is located in Hidalgo, about 3.5–4 hours from Mexico City, and it’s basically a natural hot spring paradise built into the mountains. Think: steaming turquoise pools carved into the cliffs, a warm river you can float in, waterfalls, and even a steamy cave with a natural sauna vibe. It’s like something out of a dream.

What To Expect:

• Epic mountain views and photo-worthy moments at every turn
• Thermal pools built into the side of the mountain
• ‍A steamy cave + waterfalls to explore
• ️ Natural hot spring river you can soak in
• ⛱️ Relaxation + adventure in one unforgettable day

This place is hard to get to on your own, which is why I highly recommend going with a tour—they handle the driving, entry fees, and everything else so you can just sit back and enjoy the magic.

I made a full video with all the details—what to pack, where to go, and how to get the best shots.
Watch the full Tolantongo video here!

Read my in depth blog post on Tolantongo here.

And book the exact tour we did right here.

DAY 5

Nido de Quetzalcóatl, Roma Norte, & More

We kicked off the day with a must-try Mexico City breakfast: Panadería Rosetta in Roma Norte.
Trust me—get the guava roll pastry. It’s famous for a reason. Pair it with a matcha or latte and enjoy the chic neighborhood vibes before diving into a day full of art, nature, and style.

Nido de Quetzalcóatl – A Surreal Hidden Wonderland

Next, we took a short trip out of the city to visit Parque Quetzalcóatl, home to the famous Nido de Quetzalcóatl—an architectural masterpiece that looks like something out of a dream.

We did the 1–3pm private guided tour (you have to email ahead to book it) and it was such a peaceful, awe-inspiring experience. This place is located inside a private gated community, so I highly recommend coordinating a car service for the return through them—Uber is tricky in this area.

This is one of those places that photos don’t even do justice. It’s a blend of sculpture, nature, and architecture you have to feel to really get. I made a detailed video about this which you can watch here.

Roma Norte

Once back in Roma Norte, we spent the afternoon vintage shopping and exploring some of my favorite boutiques and concept stores. If you love unique fashion, home goods, and design-forward pieces—this is your neighborhood.

Here are a few can’t-miss shops in Roma:

️ Roma Norte Stores

• Back to Life – curated vintage finds
• The Erre Vintage – designer and edgy pieces
• Xinú – luxury fragrances and objects
• PERLA VALTIERRA – artisan ceramics
• Utilitario Mexicano – homewares and design
• Tana Karei – elevated local fashion
• El Parián – multiple vendors in one cool space
• Pingüino México – playful design and gifts

Need a little cooldown? Walk over to La Pantera Fresca for the most delicious paletas. I got coconut and they had vegan options (!!) which is always a win.

Dinner in Roma Norte + Churro Dreams

For dinner, we went to Santo Hand Roll Bar and wow… 10/10. The sushi was fresh, flavorful, and creative—highly recommend.

Roma Norte restaurants in the area worth checking out:

• Roma Norte Restaurants
• Cuina – cozy, locally inspired dishes
• Gracias Madre – plant-based Mexican food
• Boicot Café – great for brunch or a casual bite
• Pan Comido – all vegetarian
• Mano Santa – traditional with a twist
• Ojo de Agua – smoothies + healthy eats
• Jenni’s Quesadillas – casual and authentic
• Meroma – upscale, beautifully plated meals
• Expendio de Maíz Sin Nombre – no menu, always a surprise
• Supra Rooftop – dinner with a view
• Café Nin – chic European-style café known for pastries

Bars & speakeasys in Roma Norte:

• Handshake Speakeasy – Roma Norte, inside the NH Collection hotel.
• Supra – Rooftop bar and restaurant with a great view in Roma.
• Prunes House – A hidden, appointment-only speakeasy in Roma.
• Licorería Limantour – Technically in Roma Norte, but again, it’s walkable from Condesa and often grouped with it.

And finally—churros at Churrería El Moro.
Fun fact: I assumed churros were Mexican (they’re actually Spanish), but whatever—these are vegan, crispy, warm, and dipped in chocolate. 10/10 for taste + the nostalgic vibe.

Day 6

Teotihuacan Pyramids Tour & Museo Nacional de Antropología

Today started early—we were picked up at 6:20am for a Teotihuacan pyramids tour (we were back by 1pm, which gave us plenty of time for the rest of the day). 
Click here to book the exact tour we did.

Teotihuacan is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in Mexico, known for the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, built by an ancient Mesoamerican civilization long before the Aztecs. That said, I’ll be honest—this was my least favorite experience in the city. While the history is undeniably fascinating, the energy of the place felt heavy to me personally. It didn’t have the vibrant, welcoming vibe we felt in other areas of Mexico City. It’s still worth seeing if you’re curious about ancient ruins—but it wasn’t the highlight of our trip.

You can also book a hot air balloon ride over the Teotihuacan pyramids if you don’t mind waking up at 4 a.m. for sunrise. This highly rated tour sells out fast, so be sure to book in advance.

Afternoon at the Anthropology Museum

After resting a bit, we headed to the Museo Nacional de Antropología—and this was incredible. If you’re even remotely interested in Mexican history, art, or culture, this is an absolute must.

The building itself is stunning, and the exhibitions walk you through Mexico’s rich and complex history—from ancient civilizations to colonial times and beyond. You’ll see original Aztec and Mayan artifacts, sculptures, jewelry, and even recreations of temples.

Plan to spend at least 1.5–2 hours here, or more if you’re a museum person. It’s a beautiful way to ground your experience in the deeper stories of the land.

Day 7

Biblioteca Vasconcelos, the Zócalo & exploring Polanco

Biblioteca Vasconcelos

We started the day at Biblioteca Vasconcelos, and wow—this place is jaw-dropping.
It’s not just a library, it’s a massive architectural work of art. Floating bookshelves, lush greenery, and futuristic design make this one of the most Instagrammable libraries I’ve ever seen. Worth the stop even if you’re not a bookworm.

The Zócalo

Then head toward the historic center of the city to explore the iconic Zócalo (Main Square).

What to see:

Palacio de Bellas Artes. The Art Deco and Art Nouveau architecture is breathtaking. If you can catch a show here, do it! But even just walking around the outside and inside is worth it.

Metropolitan Cathedral – stunning architecture and history
Templo Mayor – actual Aztec ruins right in the middle of the city

Shopping & Dinner in Polanco – the Beverly Hills of Mexico City

Then we headed to Polanco, which is basically the Beverly Hills of CDMX. Think luxury boutiques, tree-lined streets, and elevated everything.

Polanco Shops to Check Out:

Xinú – upscale fragrance and concept store
Onora – beautiful home goods and artisan pieces
️Bomboti – statement accessories and fashion-forward finds

You can also pop into Soumaya Museum—the architecture alone is stunning. You can explore a mix of European + Mexican art inside, and bonus: admission is free.

Ending the day with sushi at Ryoshi was the perfect cherry on top of an incredible week—delicious food, beautiful setting, and unforgettable moments.

Best hotels to stay in CDMX

✨ Design-Lovers & Boutique Vibes

• Casa Decu (Condesa) – Art Deco boutique hotel with rooftop terrace, cozy studios, and tons of charm. Walkable to parks, cafes, and boutiques.
• Hotel Brick (Roma Norte) – Luxury meets industrial chic. Excellent food and in the heart of Roma’s trendiest area.
• Octavia Casa (Condesa) – Minimal, moody, fashion-forward hotel by Mexican designer Octavia.
• Volga Hotel (Cuauhtémoc) a bold, art‑driven boutique hotel showcasing striking brutalist architecture, live‑music programming, a rooftop pool and Mediterranean‑inspired dining.
• Four Seasons CDMX (Colonia Juárez) luxurious, hacienda‑style urban oasis centered around a lush courtyard with fine‑dining, a rooftop pool, spa, and acclaimed Fifty Mils bar—situated on Paseo de la Reforma, just steps from Chapultepec Park and near Condesa and Polanco.
• W MEXICO CITY (Polanco) is a vibrant, design‑forward urban retreat featuring bold, art‑inspired interiors, a lively lobby‑bar (complete with a tequila speakeasy in the bathroom!), a full spa with temazcal, and pet‑friendly service.
• Sofitel Mexico City (Reforma) is a sleek, 42‑story luxury hotel blending French elegance with Mexican flair, featuring a rooftop bar & spa, indoor pool and five dining venues—all perched on Paseo de la Reforma in the Cuauhtémoc district, steps from the Angel of Independence and Chapultepec Park.
• Condesa DF (Condesa) a chic, design-forward boutique hotel housed in a beautifully restored 1928 French‑neoclassical building, with airy, monastic‑inspired rooms, lush courtyard dining, a rooftop sushi terrace, hip bar and spa—all nestled on tree‑lined Avenida Veracruz, overlooking Parque España.

Mexico City truly has it all—rich history, vibrant culture, incredible food, and inspiring design. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, vintage shopping in Roma Norte, cruising through Xochimilco, or savoring world-class cuisine, every day offers something unforgettable. I hope this itinerary helps you plan an epic trip and discover just how magical CDMX really is. If you end up visiting any of these spots or booking the tours I linked, let me know—I’d love to hear about your experience!

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