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 beginning glimpse into a true Mexico City experience.
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.
It rains, ALOT if you visit in the summer months. Be prepared to have clothes and shoes you don't mind getting wet. Would recommend a quality rain jacket and an umbrella.
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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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.
Be Aware: Possible Altitude Sickness
Mexico City is located at 7,349 feet above sea level, so visitors need to be cautious of possible altitude sickness. Here is an article of how to best combat altitude sickness. How to stay safe and enjoy your trip to the high elevation cities.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
There are so many little cafes tucked around the city full of fresh bread and other pastry treats. Most serve brunch, appetizers and other small plates as well making them the perfect spot to send an afternoon. Finish off the evening with a late night bite, dessert or a cocktail.
One of my first stops in Mexico City. I added it on my list to visit after driving past it in a taxi. Really great fresh pastry items. Highly recommended.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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:
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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, and someday be on the Amazing Race with my sister.
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